Column Relationship Visualization with Statistical Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spreadsheet applications fail to effectively guide business users in identifying and analyzing column-to-column relationships, particularly in mixed numerical and categorical data sets, leading to difficulties in understanding relationships between categorical columns and requiring advanced statistical knowledge for data professionals.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for visualizing relationships between pairs of columns, including automatic identification of column pairs, classification based on data types, and application of statistical measures such as Chi-squared tests, Cramer's V, and correlation tests to generate association data, providing intuitive visual indicators and drill-down capabilities for business users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If spreadsheet tools provide single-column profiling information, then users can view column statistics, but users cannot identify relationships between columns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolumn relationship informationVSAvoidanalysis capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines single-column profiling capabilities with relationship detection algorithms to create a unified analysis system. The system merges column statistics with cross-column relationship metrics, allowing users to view both column-level and relationship-level information in an integrated interface without requiring separate tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces relationship indicators as intermediary visual elements that mediate between raw column data and relationship insights. These indicators act as visual mediators that translate complex statistical relationships into intuitive graphical representations, enabling users to perceive column relationships without understanding the underlying statistical methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If statistical tools are used to analyze relationships between columns, then relationship analysis is possible, but the tools are too complex and time-demanding for business users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelationship understandingVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs lightweight, automated relationship detection algorithms that function as disposable analysis tools. Instead of requiring users to engage with complex, persistent statistical software, the system provides immediate, automated relationship assessments that are computationally efficient and require no specialized knowledge, effectively replacing heavy statistical tools with lightweight automated analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service relationship analysis by automatically detecting and visualizing column relationships without user intervention. The algorithms autonomously analyze data patterns, compute relationship metrics, and generate visual indicators, eliminating the need for users to manually configure statistical parameters or interpret complex results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If the number of columns in a spreadsheet is significantly large, then data capacity is improved, but identifying relevant relationships becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata volumeVSAvoidrelationship identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes color-coded relationship indicators to encode different types and strengths of column relationships. By assigning distinct colors to different relationship categories (e.g., correlation strength, dependency types), the system enables users to quickly scan and identify relevant relationships among numerous columns through visual pattern recognition rather than text-based analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the analysis of large column sets by implementing progressive disclosure and hierarchical relationship visualization. Instead of presenting all possible column relationships simultaneously, the system divides relationships into manageable groups based on relevance, strength, or category, allowing users to navigate and analyze relationships in structured segments rather than overwhelming全景 views.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10977435B2Method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for visualizing relationships between pairs of columns
Publication Date: 2021.04.13 INFORMATICA CORP
  • US10977435B2 patent drawing
  • US10977435B2 patent drawing
  • US10977435B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus, computer-readable medium, and computer-implemented method for visualizing relationships between pairs of columns, comprising identifying a relationship classification corresponding to two columns in a plurality of columns based on a data type of each column in the two columns, applying one or more statistical measures to data in the two columns to generate association data quantifying a plurality of relationships between data values in a first column of the two columns and data values in a second column of the two columns, wherein the one or more statistical measures are determined based at least in part on the relationship classification, and transforming the association data into a visualization, wherein the visualization comprises one or more indicators corresponding to one or more relationships in the plurality of relationships and wherein a layout of the visualization is determined based on the relationship classification.