CMDB GUI Drag-and-Drop Filtering Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuration management database (CMDB) platforms face challenges in allowing users to efficiently filter and analyze vast amounts of data without requiring expertise in query languages or the underlying database structure, leading to delays in identifying and addressing issues.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) that enables users to intuitively select, drag, and drop table columns or field values into a filter section to construct filters visually, with graphical representations for numerical data and the option to generate widgets for easy data access and trend visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional query language filtering is used, then filtering capability is achieved, but user expertise requirement increases and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary between the user and the complex query language system. The GUI provides visual elements like drag-and-drop filters, checkboxes, and form fields that translate user-friendly selections into structured query language commands behind the scenes, eliminating the need for users to learn query languages while maintaining precise filtering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of typing and parsing query language syntax with a graphical interaction system. Users interact with visual UI elements (dragging columns, checking boxes, filling forms) instead of manually constructing query strings, which automatically generate the underlying query language commands, thus substituting complex textual manipulation with intuitive graphical operations
2Measurement precision
If traditional query language filtering is used, then filtering capability is achieved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining filter templates and commonly used filter configurations that can be applied with a single click. The system also pre-processes data to enable rapid filtering operations, and provides auto-suggestion features that anticipate user needs, significantly reducing the time required to construct and execute filters while maintaining precise filtering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements skipping mechanisms by allowing users to rapidly apply pre-configured filter templates without going through the entire filter construction process. The system also provides keyboard shortcuts and batch operation capabilities that enable users to skip manual steps and rush through the filtering process efficiently, maintaining precision while reducing operation time
3Quantity of substance
If comprehensive CMDB data is stored, then data completeness is improved, but data complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive CMDB data into organized hierarchical structures with clear groupings and categories. The graphical interface divides data into manageable sections that can be independently filtered and analyzed, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining complete data storage. Data is presented in structured formats that break down complex relationships into understandable components
4Ease of operation
If visual filter construction is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying mechanisms where the visual interface elements (drag-and-drop components, filter templates, form structures) are pre-designed copies of the underlying query language syntax. When users interact with these visual copies, the system automatically translates them into the actual query commands, allowing complex system functionality to be accessed through simplified visual representations without increasing the core system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with a configuration management database (CMDB) includes: presenting a data set from the CMDB on a table of the GUI, wherein the table includes a column for each field of the data set and a row for each record of the data set; receiving a selection input of a particular field of a particular row or a particular column heading of a particular column from the table of the GUI; receiving a drag interaction input and a drop interaction input indicative of the particular field or the particular column heading being dragged and dropped to a filter section of the GUI; filtering, in response to the drop interaction input, the data set to generate a filtered data set based on a value of the particular field or the particular column heading; and presenting the filtered data set on the table.