Browser-Based Database Schema Editing via Drag-and-Drop

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current database editing processes require dedicated applications and are not easily accessible for real-time editing or collaborative work, limiting flexibility and teamwork in designing and modifying database layouts and schemas.

Innovation Solution

Implementing browser-based database manipulation systems that allow users to edit database layouts and schemas directly within a browser environment, using drag-and-drop functionality to modify data fields and layout components, enabling collaborative work and on-the-fly layout changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If dedicated database editing applications are used, then database manipulation functionality is comprehensive, but accessibility and ease of operation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a web browser as an intermediary between users and database editing functions. The browser-based interface acts as a mediator that provides comprehensive database manipulation capabilities through standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) rather than requiring dedicated complex applications. This intermediary approach makes the system more accessible while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal database editing interface that can be accessed through any standard web browser. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including schema editing, layout design, data browsing, and collaborative features all within a single browser-based platform. This universality eliminates the need for multiple dedicated applications and enhances ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If real-time browser-based editing is enabled, then collaborative work and flexibility are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic real-time editing capabilities where users can modify database schemas and layouts on-the-fly through the browser interface. The system provides dynamic responses to user actions, allowing immediate preview of changes and real-time collaboration. This dynamic approach enhances adaptability while the modular architecture keeps complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical database editing systems with web-based technologies. Instead of requiring complex client-side applications or dedicated software installations, the system uses standard web protocols and browser capabilities to achieve real-time editing and collaboration. This substitution reduces overall system complexity while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple users can work on the same layout simultaneously, then collaborative efficiency is improved, but data consistency and reliability challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms that notify users when changes are made to shared database structures. The system provides feedback loops that allow multiple users to coordinate their edits, see changes immediately, and maintain data consistency. This feedback approach enhances collaborative productivity while ensuring reliability through continuous synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary actions by locking mechanisms and change validation before users commit modifications. The system performs preliminary checks to ensure data consistency and prevent conflicting edits. This preliminary action approach maintains reliability during collaborative editing while allowing multiple users to work simultaneously on different aspects of the same layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9075854B2Browser based database manipulation
Publication Date: 2015.07.07 APPLE INC
  • US9075854B2 patent drawing
  • US9075854B2 patent drawing
  • US9075854B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, program products, and systems implementing browser-based database manipulation are described. A browser on a client device can receive a form definition that is generated based on a schema of a relational database and a layout. The schema in the form definition can specify properties of data fields. The browser can display the data fields and other components of the layout in a list. The browser can receive a drag-and-drop input, the drag-and-drop input selecting a data field or a layout component from the list and dropping the selected data field or layout component in a drop zone in a form area in the browser. The browser can determine the drop location, and use the drop location as a parameter to modify the form definition. The layout and the schema can be modified based on the modified form definition.