Patent Publication Number: US-8972849-B2

Title: Method and system using heuristics in performing batch updates of records

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/823,785, filed Jun. 25, 2010. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Batch updating is a problem when a user needs to make the same or similar changes on multiple change requests (or bug records) by editing a single change request and then applying those changes to all requests in the batch. The problem is figuring out how the changes from the first change request should be applied to all subsequent requests the way the user intended. This is a problem often encountered in change request (bug tracking) systems where many change requests may need to be updated at once, for example as part of iteration planning. 
     Mistakes in batch update can be extremely costly in terms of time and lost data. It is not uncommon for hundreds of change requests to be misplaced or to be updated incorrectly. Batch update is often used when performing a triage on a backlog of requests, or moving several requests into the new iteration. Mistakes can cause these requests to get misplaced, lost, or overwritten. Requests often contain valuable information like customer data, detailed descriptions, logs, etc. Usually users and administrators are left going through change requests one by one, or restoring a database backup, when batch update is supposed to be a time saver. 
     A common solution is to simply copy the field values or the deltas from the first change request into subsequent requests, but this does not always match the user&#39;s intent. Data is lost and productivity is lost by having to go back and fix forms that were incorrectly changed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present invention addresses the foregoing problems and shortcomings of the art. In particular, the present invention employs heuristics in batch updating of a plurality of database records, e.g., change requests. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention heuristics are based upon form field type and context. The heuristics are used to figure out the appropriate operation to perform on subsequent change requests. Operations include replace, append, prepend, increment, etc. 
     The field operations can also be configurable such that operations can be changed or added. These operations can also be scriptable where a user or administrator prepares a special operation for specific fields. For example, a script may be written to bring changes into a listing such that the final list maintains alphabetical order. In another example, if examining a reference from one change request to another change request, the default heuristic may overwrite the value. In another example, if dealing with a list of references to other change requests, some heuristics may add or subtract these references. Or if examining a notes or discussion field, a heuristic may be to add new comments only to relevant discussions or to at least make sure when new comments are added that the notes remain properly formatted. 
     These operations are applied consistently across all requests in the batch, or determined for each change request in the batch individually. Additionally, a batch update preview is created and enables a user to quickly see what will change and to then adjust, commit, or back out their batch update. The advantages of this system are that the changes that are being made are smarter and more like those intended and wanted by the user. The user also has an opportunity to prevent mistakes and errors before they actually happen. 
     In one embodiment a computer method or system processing batch changes to a plurality of records, comprises: 
     a digital processor obtaining a plurality of records subject to a batch update, each record in the plurality having respective metadata information; 
     a computer configured to project application of changes forming the batch update in a first (i.e., any one) record of the plurality, said projecting including noting metadata information of the first (one) record impacting changes to each record in the plurality; and 
     using the noted metadata information, the computer projecting application of the batch update to remaining records in the plurality. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the batch update may be formed of one or more operations. The plurality of records may be a collection of change requests. In other embodiments, the plurality of records is a plurality of data base records. 
     In one embodiment, the method or system further comprises, for each record, displaying a preview of the projected application of the batch update changes. The previewer or preview displayer further enables user interaction with records and projected application of the batch update changes as displayed in the preview. The user interaction may include any one or more of: 
     de-selection of the projected application of one or more or the batch update changes, the de-selection and adjustment may be on a per record basis or an all records basis; 
     adjustment of the projected application of one or more of the batch update changes; and 
     rewriting of one or more of the batch update changes in line of a certain record. 
     The system and method further comprise committing one or more of the batch update changes in accordance with user command. Similarly, the system and method may comprise reverting one or more of the batch update changes in accordance with user command. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a preview screen in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of database records (e.g., change requests) in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a computer device implementing one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a network of computers of the  FIG. 3  embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Batch processing affects a collection of items, such as a plurality of database records. Generally a “batch update” applies a change or set of changes (such as add, delete, move or modify) similarly to each item in the collection. For non-limiting example, a database of change request records is discussed below although the present invention may apply to any domain that has a concept of updating more than one record or member of a collection (plurality) at a time. 
     A non-limiting example database  94  of records (e.g., change requests)  15  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Each change request is represented in database  94  by a respective record  15 . For each record  15 , there are a number of fields  19 ,  21 ,  23 . Each field  19 ,  21 ,  23  holds a respective value indicative of the change request  15 . In addition to field value, there are metadata per field that further defines or specifies attributes of the respective record and change request  15 . The metadata may include field data type (e.g., Boolean, character string/text, numeric, list, reference, etc.), field length (e.g., 1 bit, multi-bit, etc.) and data format (e.g., alphanumeric, n-point precision, bit switch, linked list, pointer, etc.). 
     Given a database  94  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of change requests/records  15   a ,  15   b , a user identifies certain ones to be treated in batch. That is, the plurality of identified records (change requests  15  in  FIG. 1 ) forms a batch. The user defines or otherwise specifies the set of changes (batch operations)  13  for this plurality, i.e., the batch update. 
     After the user has selected a batch of change requests  15  and has specified the desired changes (batch operations)  13 , the invention system  100  uses the desired changes (operations)  13  and the existing data in the request records  15  as inputs into preconfigured or user defined heuristics. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heuristics are based upon field type and context, and help determine the appropriate operation to perform on subsequent change requests  15 . Operations include replace, append, prepend, increment, etc. The field operations are configurable so that operations can be changed or added. These operations can also be scriptable where a user or administrator prepares a special operation for specific fields  19 ,  21 ,  23 . 
     A non-limiting illustrative example set of heuristics is as follows. If the record field  19 ,  21 ,  23  is a list holding data in alphabetical order, then after application of the changes (batch operations)  13 , make necessary changes to the final list to maintain alphabetical order. If examining a reference from one change request (record)  15  to another change request (record)  15 , the default heuristic may overwrite the value. If dealing with a list of references to other change requests (records)  15 , then some heuristics may add or subtract these references. Or if examining a notes or discussion field  19 ,  21 ,  23 , then a heuristic may add new comments only to relevant discussions or to at least make sure when new comments are added that the notes remain properly formatted. 
     These operations (including heuristics) are applied consistently across all change requests/records  15  in the batch, or determined for each change request  15  in the batch individually. The system  100  attempts to best match the changes (batch operations)  13  the user specifies to make against the data that already exists in the record  15 . After this time, the user is allowed an opportunity to manually intervene. 
     System  100  allows the user to directly adjust the final output values or to change the heuristics that are applied to be more in line with his intent. At each step, the system  100  displays to the user a preview  17  ( FIG. 1 ) of the final outcome of the batch operation  13  and heuristic changes/refinements. But the user is still able to back out (not commit the change/batch operation  13 ) at any time. Once the user chooses to complete the batch update operation  13 , the changes (including user selected heuristic changes/refinements) are then committed to the database  94 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the present invention is shown for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Shown at  13   b  is one of the batch updates, the “multiple text changes” operation, desired and specified by the user. The other listed batch updates  13   a, c  in  FIG. 1  are the “Change State to Closed” operation and the “Add Attachment c:\test.log” operation. The change request records  15  to be affected by each listed batch update/operation  13  are indicated in outline or hierarchical tree fashion underneath the operation name. For example, change requests “SAMPL 0000001”  15   a  and “SAMPL 0000002”  15   b  are indicated as respective nodes (leaves) under each listed batch update (operation)  13  entry or branch. 
     In the illustrated example, the user has selected change request record  15   a  “SAMPL 0000001” listed to be changed by “Multiple Text Changes” batch update  13   b . In particular, the Description field of that record  15   a  is being modified with insertion or new text and with new text appended. In response to user selection of the text insertion change, the system  100  displays a preview at  17  in  FIG. 1 . In the preview  17 , the system  100  displays the original field value/contents from the source record  15  (i.e., original text of the Description field) and in a pane or window next to that displays the result of the proposed text insertion change (subject batch operation)  13   b . The example results illustrate the new text inserted between original lines of text of the Description field. 
     Known or common preview display techniques are used. 
     In another example, the user selects several change requests/records  15  that are not assigned to any iteration, but need to be assigned to the next iteration. In the first request/record  15   a , the user adjusts the iteration value and then chooses batch updates/operations  13  that add a keyword to a keywords field  19   a , and remove the last customer name from a customers field  21  associated with the change request  15   a.    
     The system  100  determines that the iteration value was changed, so then chooses to change the iteration value for all subsequent records  15   b, n . The system  100  knows from field definitions metadata that the keywords field  19   a  is a list, and determines that since a new keyword was added to this list it should add this keyword to the keywords field (list)  19   a  of subsequent change requests/records  15  if it does not already exist. The system  100  then determines from record metadata that the customers field  21  is a list and has had a customer name removed, and so choose to remove that customer name from respective customers fields  21  in subsequent change request records  15 . Perhaps the current iteration has a process rule that requires all change requests/records  15  to have a reviewer. A custom operation could be predefined and applied to the “Reviewer” field  23  such that an appropriate reviewer is selected for each change request  15  rather than reusing the reviewer name from the first request record  15   a.    
     The system&#39;s  100  heuristics compute field dependencies and attempts to resolve them. But the system  100  also provides to the user an opportunity to review the suggested refined changes and satisfactorily resolve any errors prior to committing the batch update  13 . For example, change request records  15  for the new iteration may require the work estimate field  19   b  to be filled in, but some of the records being changed may not have that field filled in. In response, the system  100  projects an iteration value, but then presents a preview dialog  17  to allow the user to see the projected value and accept it or change it. 
     This preview dialog  17  allows a user to get a view of the changes, with annotations about how those changes were made or determined, and supports allowing the user to make further adjustments to those changes as necessary. This can be similar to Eclipse&#39;s refactoring preview dialog where the user can adjust what file changes he wants to actually have happen, and are provided an opportunity to back out before the changes are actually written (electronically effected and stored). This preview dialog  17  may display all the change requests (records)  15  being changed and the individual field  19 ,  21 ,  23  changes in a hierarchical format. In one embodiment, the user deselects changes (batch operations)  13  he does not want to make, adjusts how the changes  13  are applied, or rewrites them inline for individual requests (records)  15  or all change requests (records)  15 . For example, instead of incrementing an integer value, this dialog  17  allows the user to overwrite the integer value for all change requests  15  with the value from the first change request  15   a  or to always remove the Nth customer from the customer field  21  rather than matching on a customer&#39;s name. 
     Once satisfied, the user using the preview dialog  17  may instantly revert or commit the batch update changes  13  with a touch of a button (or similar user command). Common techniques in the art are employed to accomplish this. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a computer network or similar digital processing environment in which the present invention may be implemented. 
     Client computer(s)/devices  50  and server computer(s)  60  provide processing, storage, and input/output devices executing application programs and the like. Client computer(s)/devices  50  can also be linked through communications network  70  to other computing devices, including other client devices/processes  50  and server computer(s)  60 . Communications network  70  can be part of a remote access network, a global network (e.g., the Internet), a worldwide collection of computers, Local area or Wide area networks, and gateways that currently use respective protocols (TCP/IP, Bluetooth, etc.) to communicate with one another. Other electronic device/computer network architectures are suitable. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of the internal structure of a computer (e.g., client processor/device  50  or server computers  60 ) in the computer system of  FIG. 4 . Each computer  50 ,  60  contains system bus  79 , where a bus is a set of hardware lines used for data transfer among the components of a computer or processing system. Bus  79  is essentially a shared conduit that connects different elements of a computer system (e.g., processor, disk storage, memory, input/output ports, network ports, etc.) that enables the transfer of information between the elements. Attached to system bus  79  is I/O device interface  82  for connecting various input and output devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, displays, printers, speakers, etc.) to the computer  50 ,  60 . Network interface  86  allows the computer to connect to various other devices attached to a network (e.g., network  70  of  FIG. 4 ). Memory  90  provides volatile storage for computer software instructions  92  and data  94  used to implement an embodiment of the present invention (e.g., batch update system  100  using heuristics, preview displayer  17  and supporting code detailed above and below). Disk storage  95  provides non-volatile storage for computer software instructions  92  and data  94  used to implement an embodiment of the present invention. Central processor unit  84  is also attached to system bus  79  and provides for the execution of computer instructions. 
     In one embodiment, the processor routines  92  and data  94  are a computer program product (generally referenced  92 ), including a computer readable medium (e.g., a removable storage medium such as one or more DVD-ROM&#39;s, CD-ROM&#39;s, diskettes, tapes, etc.) that provides at least a portion of the software instructions for the invention system. Computer program product  92  can be installed by any suitable software installation procedure, as is well known in the art. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the software instructions may also be downloaded over a cable, communication and/or wireless connection. In other embodiments, the invention programs are a computer program propagated signal product  107  embodied on a propagated signal on a propagation medium (e.g., a radio wave, an infrared wave, a laser wave, a sound wave, or an electrical wave propagated over a global network such as the Internet, or other network(s)). Such carrier medium or signals provide at least a portion of the software instructions for the present invention routines/program  92 . 
     In alternate embodiments, the propagated signal is an analog carrier wave or digital signal carried on the propagated medium. For example, the propagated signal may be a digitized signal propagated over a global network (e.g., the Internet), a telecommunications network, or other network. In one embodiment, the propagated signal is a signal that is transmitted over the propagation medium over a period of time, such as the instructions for a software application sent in packets over a network over a period of milliseconds, seconds, minutes, or longer. In another embodiment, the computer readable medium of computer program product  92  is a propagation medium that the computer system  50  may receive and read, such as by receiving the propagation medium and identifying a propagated signal embodied in the propagation medium, as described above for computer program propagated signal product. 
     Generally speaking, the term “carrier medium” or transient carrier encompasses the foregoing transient signals, propagated signals, propagated medium, storage medium and the like. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. 
     Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc. or any suitable combination of the foregoing. 
     Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). 
     Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flow diagram of one embodiment  100  of the present invention is presented. System/process  100  begins with step  531  identifying a first record  15   a  of a plurality of records subject to batch updates/changes  13 . In response to the subject change (batch operation)  13 , step  533  determines the field  19 ,  21 ,  23  affected by the change. Using the record metadata for this field  19 ,  21 ,  23 , step  533  notes pertinent factors such as data type and context, for non-limiting example and refines the change as applied in an uncommitted state. Step  533  executes applicable heuristics (as described above) which may be implemented on a rules-basis or using other programming techniques in the art. Step  533  notes metadata particulars and context for each change (batch operation)  13  being applied to the record  15   a.    
     Process passes to the next record  15   b  in the plurality (batch) and step  535  considers any noted factors generated by step  533  in processing the preceding record  15   a . In particular, for the subject change/batch operation  13 , step  535  processes the respective field  19 ,  21 ,  23  in current record  15   b  that corresponds to the noted and about to be changed field(s) of the preceding record  15   a  using noted and learned factors (including context) to this point. Step  535  similarly executes and applies heuristics. 
     A given batch operation  13  may have multiple steps/parts. For each part of a batch operation  13 , steps  533  and  535  are repeated by loop (iteration decision)  537 . 
     After processing the first two records  15   a ,  15   b  in the plurality, the next record and succeeding records are iteratively processed at step  539 . Each succeeding record  15  is processed with respect to considerations and factors learned (noted) in the processing of the preceding records. System  100  executes and applies heuristics accordingly. 
     The foregoing processing is displayed in preview  17  ( FIG. 1 ). Step  541  generates and supports preview display  17 , including in response to user interaction calling functions or operations  543 . For non-limiting example, operations  543  enable user de-selection of a displayed change-to-be, user adjustment of a displayed change-to-be, user rewriting of a change inline, user script generation, and the like as discussed above. Known techniques for implementing operations  543  are utilized. At the end of process  100 , by user-command, the system may commit some or all changes/batch updates  13  and/or revert some or all batch updates/changes  13  using known techniques. 
     Accordingly, system  100  provides for the use of heuristics in performing batch updates  13  of change requests (a plurality of database records)  15 . The advantages of system  100  are that the batch changes that are being made are smarter and more like those intended and wanted by the user. The user also has an opportunity to prevent mistakes and errors before they occur. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. For example, records and fields of a record my have metadata defined by class or type of record. Then the class or type effectively provides a template of the metadata that may be utilized by embodiments of the present invention. Based on the template of metadata, pertinent changes (batch updates) can be projected according to the principles of the invention.