PRESENTATION OF A SINGLE VIEW OF MULTIPLE QUERIES IN A DATA VISUALIZATION APPLICATION

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, a system, and a computer program product for presenting a single view of multiple queries. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for presenting a single view of multiple queries consists of directing a query against a database based on a selected dimension of multiple different elements. In response, a primary result set is received. The result set is then organized into a tabular view of cells according to the selected dimension and the values ​​of the selected dimension. Subsequently, a set of nested queries can be directed for each element of the selected dimension against the result set using a different dimension. In response to each directed set of nested queries, a corresponding result set is thus received.Finally, each corresponding set of results is inserted into a cell associated with a common element among the elements. Figure accompanying the summary: Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: SINGLE VIEW PRESENTATION OF MULTIPLE QUERIES IN A DATA VISUALIZATION APPLICATION Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of data visualization and more particularly the visualization of complex queries of nested databases. Prior art

[0002] Data visualization refers to the graphical expression of one or more relationships between data in a data collection. A most typical form of data collection is a database in which the data is stored and, in many cases, managed by a separate application such as a database management system. The conventional database management system provides a programmed user interface through which database queries can be received from other local or remote computer processes, and from which results of these queries can be provided to the querying computer processes.

[0003] A common form of a query selects a set of records in a database for examination, a dimension, e.g., a primary area of ​​interest in the set of records in the database, and a measure, e.g., a value for a corresponding secondary area of ​​interest in a result set of records. Filtering and limiting criteria may also be specified in addition to a sorting directive on how to sort a presentation of the result set of records, and aggregation functions operating on the measures returned from the set of records returned in response to the query. Notably, different visualizations of the measure versus dimension may be provided, including the respectable pie chart, line graph, and bar chart visualizations.

[0004] As in the natural world, in most cases a single query is not sufficient to answer a real-world question corresponding to the query. Rather, multiple queries are required. In many cases, each successive query among the multiple queries depends on a result set of a prior query, hence the notion of a nested query in which a successive query or even successive queries depend on a result set of a prior query. Visualizing a single query in a user interface is generally inconsequential, but to visualize multiple queries, the opposite is true.

[0005] Indeed, visualizing multiple queries in a single UI view requires significant optimization of the UI so that not only is each visualization for each query given adequate screen space in the UI, but also the dependency relationship of each visualization is apparent. Much of this has proven ineffective so far. Thus, the end user is left in a state of confusion, unable to correlate the visualization of a query with one or more of its present counterparts. This results in an inability to holistically interpret the result sets of the different queries. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention address the shortcomings of the prior art with respect to database query result set visualization of multiple database queries and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system, and computer program product for multiple query single view presentation. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for multiple query single view presentation includes directing a query against a database according to a selected dimension of multiple different elements. In response, a primary result set is received. The result set is then organized into a tabular view of cells according to the selected dimension and the values ​​of the selected dimension.Subsequently, a set of nested queries can be directed for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using a different dimension. In response to each directed set of nested queries, a corresponding result set is thus received. Finally, each corresponding result set is inserted into a cell associated with a common element among the elements.

[0007] In one aspect of the embodiment, a graph may be generated for each corresponding result set. Subsequently, the graph for each corresponding result set may be inserted into a cell associated with a common element among the elements.

[0008] In another aspect of the embodiment, a different set of nested queries may be directed for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using an additional dimension. In response to each different directed set of nested queries, a different corresponding result set is then received and a different graph is generated for each different corresponding result set. Finally, the different graph generated for each different matching result set can be inserted into a cell associated with a common element among the elements.

[0009] Other aspects of the embodiment include limiting each corresponding result set to a maximum number of values.

[0010] Other aspects of the embodiment include directing the nested query set for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using a different dimension in response to a selection of a sizing menu entry in a context menu for the tabular view. In this regard, the sizing menu entry upon selection may present a dialog box for selecting a sort order for each corresponding result set.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, a data visualization data processing system is configured for multiple query single view presentation. The system includes a host computer system with one or more computers, each with memory and at least one processor. The system also includes a database coupled to the host computer system and storing data therein. The system further includes a database visualization application executing in the memory of the host computer system and adapted to issue queries against the database and receive result sets in response to the queries. Finally, the system includes a single view sizing module coupled to the application.

[0012] The module includes computer program instructions that, when executed in memory of the host computer system, direct the database visualization application to query the database according to a selected dimension of multiple different elements and receive in response a primary result set, organize the result set into a tabular view of cells according to the selected dimension and the values ​​of the selected dimension, direct the database visualization application to perform a set of nested queries for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using a different dimension and receive in response to each directed set of nested queries a corresponding set of results.Finally, the program instructions insert each matching result set into a cell associated with a common element among the elements.

[0013] Other aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Aspects of the invention will be realized and achieved by means of the elements and combinations particularly indicated in the appended claims. It is understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are both given by way of example and explanation and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. Brief description of the drawings

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form an integral part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and serve, together with the description, to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instruments shown, in which:

[0015] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA], combined with [Fig.lB], is a pictorial illustration of a method of presenting a single view of multiple queries in a data visualization application;

[0016] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB], combined with [Fig.lA], is a pictorial illustration of a method of presenting a single view of multiple queries in a data visualization application;

[0017] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic illustration of a data visualization data processing computer system suitable for single view presentation of multiple queries; and,

[0018] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a flowchart illustrating a method of presenting a single view of a multiple query in a data visualization application. Description of Embodiments

[0019] Embodiments of the invention enable the single-view presentation of multiple queries in a data visualization application. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a database query is formulated according to a selected dimension of multiple different data elements in a database and sent to a database management system. In response, a primary result set for the query is received and organized into a tabular view of cells based on the selected dimension and the values ​​of the selected dimension present in the result set. Subsequently, a set of nested queries may be directed for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using a different dimension of the multiple data elements in the database.Therefore, a corresponding result set is received from the database management system for each of the directed sets of nested queries.

[0020] Each matching result set can then be inserted into a cell associated with a common element among the data elements in the database. and, preferably, a chart is generated for each matching result set and inserted into a cell associated with a common element among the elements instead of inserting the matching result set. In this way, a single tabular view of the multiple different result sets from multiple nested queries based on the result set of prior queries can be organized for viewing in a single location presenting a large amount of data without the need for separate graphical views for each of the queries and by visually associating each nested result with a source query from the result that was derived.

[0021] In another illustration, [Fig.lA] pictorially shows a method of presenting a single view of a multiple query in a data visualization application. As shown in [Fig.lA], an instance 100A of a database exploration user interface is presented in connection with visualizing data in a selected database. The instance 100A allows the user to interact with a visualization configuration portion 110 of the instance 100A through which a particular dimension and measure of a set of measures 120 can be specified as well as aggregation, sorting, and limiting functions in executing a formulation and direction of a query to the selected database. A result set for the executed query is then presented as a visualization 140 in a tabular view.The result set may be subjected to one or more filters 130 as indicated herein.

[0022] Upon selecting a sizing menu entry in the visualization configuration portion of instance 110, a set of nested subqueries for the result set may be specified, including the specification of an additional dimension as shown. In addition, one or more filters 150 may be further specified. In response to the sizing directive, a subquery consistent with the selected additional dimension is generated for each result set of the previously executed query presented as visualization 140 in the tabular view. The subresults may be subject to further aggregations such as a top-N result, sum, average, or other such aggregation. Subresults are received for each subquery and, optionally, a graphical representation of the subresults is generated.Then, each of the graphical representations is included in an expanded form of the visualization 140 in a new instance 100B of the database exploration user interface, and in correspondence with a sub-result to which a sub-query for the graphical representation was directed.

[0023] As will be apparent, and as shown in [Fig.lB] with respect to an instance 100C of the database exploration user interface, other Nested subqueries may be initiated by selecting yet additional dimensions when conducting a sizing of the result set of the original query, or any subsequent subquery. Similarly, each subquery performed as part of a sizing may be filtered differently to produce different result sets that may be included in a different column of the table view of the instance 100B. In addition, the chart for each subquery performed as part of a sizing may be a result of a pivot form of a prior query, but presented on a single row as a chart of the prior query.In this way, multiple different query views for multiple different measures of one or even two dimensions can be visualized in a single view with the relationship between them evident from the placement of each visualization in association with each other's visualization relative to a common element in a result set of an initial query.

[0024] The method illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B may be implemented in a data visualization computer system. In another illustration, [Fig. 2] schematically shows a data visualization data processing computer system adapted for single view presentation of multiple queries. The system includes a host computer platform 210 of one or more computers, each with memory and at least one processor. The host computer platform 210 is coupled via the computer communication network 240 to a database 220 managed by a database management system executing in a separate computer 230.A data visualization application 250 executes in the memory of the host computing platform 210 and provides data visualization functionality to different client computers 260 over the computer communication network 240 by means of different data visualization clients 270 respectively.

[0025] Note that a single view module 300 is coupled to the data visualization application 250. The single view module 300 includes computer program instructions that, when executed in the memory of the host computing platform 210, can receive an initial query specifying a dimension and a measure for a specified table in the database 220, including by way of example, an aggregation function such as a sum, average, or other aggregation. Accordingly, the single view visualization module 300 is used to direct the data visualization application 250 to transmit the query to the database management system 230 and, in turn, receive an initial result set that can then be organized into a tabular view in which each row of the tabular view reflects a single record in the set initial result set, and in which the rows are sorted according to an order specified for the query, and where further the rows are limited to a specified number of records as specified in the query.

[0026] The program instructions are further enabled to respond to a selection of a sizing directive by identifying a different dimension in the directive and formulating a subquery based on that different dimension. In addition, the program instructions execute the subquery against each measure in the initial result set to produce a secondary result set for each measure, namely each record in the tabular view. Thereafter, a chart may be generated for each secondary result set for each measure in accordance with a chart type selection specified as part of the sizing directive.Finally, the program code allows to complete the tabular view with a new column and to insert in each row of the new column, one of the generated graphs which corresponds to one of the measures of the initial result set for which the secondary result set reflected by the generated graph was obtained as a result of the subquery.

[0027] To further illustrate the operation of the single view presentation module, [Fig. 3] is a flowchart illustrating a method of presenting a single view of a multiple query in a data visualization application. Beginning at block 310, an initial query is received specifying a table, a dimension, and a measure. In block 320, optionally, filter criteria, a record limit, and / or a sort criterion are determined in the initial query. In block 330, the initial query is then executed against a database specified in the initial query, such that a result set is returned. In block 340, the result set is visualized as a tabular view of a set of records associating each record of the specified dimension with a corresponding measured value.

[0028] In block 350, a sizing directive is received in a user interface of the data visualization application. In response, a dimension is determined for the directive and in block 370, a nested query is formed for each result in the initial result set. A secondary result set is then received in block 380 for each result in the initial result set. In block 390, a chart is generated for each secondary result set. Then, in block 400, each generated chart is inserted into a row of a cell in a new column of the tabular view corresponding to a result in the initial query result set common to the secondary result set of the secondary query.

[0029] The present invention may be incorporated into a system, method, computer program or any combination thereof. The computer program may include a computer-readable storage medium or a medium having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to execute aspects of the present invention. The computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction-executing device. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing, but not limited to.

[0030] The computer-readable program instructions described herein may be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium or onto an external computer or external storage device via a network, onto the respective computing / processing devices. The computer-readable instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. Certain aspects of the present invention are described herein with the aid of flowcharts and / or functional diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products based on embodiments of the invention.It is understood that each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, may be implemented by means of computer-readable program instructions.

[0031] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which are executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions / actions specified in the block(s) of the flowcharts and / or functional diagrams.These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to operate in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium in which instructions are stored includes an article of manufacture comprising instructions that perform aspects of the functions / actions specified in the block(s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0032] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-executed process, such that the instructions that execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / actions indicated in the block(s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0033] The flowchart and block diagrams shown in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products based on the various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block of the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur in the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, based on the functionality involved.It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks of the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by special hardware systems that perform the specified functions or acts or execute combinations of special hardware and computer instructions.

[0034] Finally, the terminology used herein is intended only to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. In this document, the singular forms "a / an", and "the" also include the plural, 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 indicated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0035] The structures, materials, acts and corresponding equivalents of all means or elements of the step and function 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 the purpose of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention as disclosed. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment has been selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications adapted to the particular use contemplated.

[0036] Having thus described the invention of the present application in detail and with reference to its embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims as follows:

Claims

Claims

1. A data visualization data processing system configured for single view presentation of multiple queries, the system comprising: a host computer system comprising one or more computers, each with memory and at least one processor; a database coupled to the host computer system and storing data therein; a database visualization application executing in the memory of the host computer system and adapted to issue queries against the database and receive result sets in response to the queries;and, a single view sizing module coupled to the application and comprising computer program instructions that, when executed in the memory of the host computer system, perform the steps of: directing the database visualization application to query according to a selected dimension multiple different elements and receiving in response, a primary result set; organizing the result set into a tabular view of cells according to the selected dimension and the values ​​of the selected dimension; directing the database visualization application to execute a set of nested queries for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using a different dimension and receiving in response to each directed set of nested queries, a corresponding result set;and, insert each matching result set into a cell associated with a common element among the elements.;

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the program instructions further execute to: generate a graph for each corresponding set of results; and, insert the graph for each corresponding set of results into a cell associated with a common one of the elements.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the instructions of program further execute to: direct the database visualization application to execute a different set of nested queries for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using an additional dimension and receive in response to each directed different set of nested queries, a different corresponding result set; generate a different chart for each corresponding different result set; and, insert the different chart generated for each corresponding different result set into a cell associated with a common element among the elements.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the program instructions further execute to limit each corresponding result set to a maximum number of values.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the program instructions further execute to direct the database viewer application to execute the set of nested queries for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using a different dimension in response to a selection of a dimensioning menu entry in a context menu for the tabular view.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the sizing menu entry upon selection presents a dialog box providing a selection of a sort order for each matching result set.

7. A computer program product for presenting a single view of a multiple query, the computer program product comprising program instructions recorded on a computer-readable storage medium, the program instructions being executable by a device to cause the device to perform the steps of: directing a query against a database according to a selected dimension of multiple different elements and receiving in response a primary result set; organizing the result set into a tabular view of cells according to the selected dimension and the values ​​of the selected dimension; directing a set of nested queries for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using a different dimension and receiving in response to each directed set of nested queries, a corresponding result set; and, inserting each corresponding result set into a cell associated with a common element among the elements.

8. The computer program product of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: generating a graph for each corresponding set of results; and, inserting the graph for each corresponding set of results into a cell associated with a common one of the elements.

9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: directing a different set of nested queries for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the result set using an additional dimension and receiving in response to each directed different set of nested queries, a different corresponding result set; generating a different graph for each corresponding different result set; and, inserting the generated different graph for each corresponding different result set into a cell associated with a common one of the elements.

10. The computer program product of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises a step of limiting each set of results corresponding to a maximum number of values.

11. The computer program product of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises directing the set of nested queries for each of the elements of the selected dimension against the set of results using a different dimension in response to a selection of a dimensioning menu entry in a context menu for the tabular view.

12. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the sizing menu entry upon selection presents a dialog box providing a selection of an order of sort for each matching result set.

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