Database Query Conversion Module for Simplified SQL Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current database querying methods, particularly using SQL, are complex and require experienced users to specify fields, tables, filters, and relationships, making it difficult for non-experts to access data simply.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that simplifies database querying by using an input module to specify a privileged table, fields, and filters, with a conversion module that automatically generates SQL queries, including implicit joins and relationships based on the data model, allowing for more readable and compact query formulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If SQL language is used to query database, then powerful data extraction capability is achieved, but user complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata extraction capabilityVSAvoidquery formulation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a query builder interface and conversion module that mediates between the user and the SQL database system. Users interact with a simplified graphical or structured interface instead of writing raw SQL, and the intermediary automatically generates and optimizes the SQL queries behind the scenes, thus preserving full database functionality while dramatically improving ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy or abstraction layer of the database schema that presents a more user-friendly view to end users. This copy includes pre-defined query templates, drag-and-drop table relationships, and automatic join logic that mirrors the underlying SQL structure without exposing its complexity, allowing users to work with a simplified representation while maintaining access to the full database power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If SQL queries include explicit joins and relationships, then query precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery precisionVSAvoidquery structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically analyzing the user's high-level query intent and pre-computing the necessary join paths, relationship mappings, and SQL syntax structure before the query is executed. The conversion module pre-processes the query requirements, determines optimal join sequences, and generates the complete SQL statement with all necessary relationships already resolved, thus maintaining precision without requiring the user to manually construct complex join structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automatic query conversion is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information may increase due to implicit relationships

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery formulation easeVSAvoidrelationship information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that allow users to review and verify the automatically generated SQL queries before execution. The conversion module provides transparency by displaying the generated SQL code, allowing users to check that all necessary relationships and joins are correctly represented. Users can also access detailed information about the relationships being used, ensuring that no critical information is lost in the automatic conversion process while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2188745B1Method of interrogating a database and interrogation device
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 ENABLON
  • EP2188745B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2188745B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The method of interrogating or modifying a database comprises: - several tables each with fields and - relationships between the fields of different tables, the method comprising the steps of: 1) filling in a single privileged table; 2) filling in at least one field in another table for which data are sought or to be modified; and, 2') filling in at least one filter pertaining to a field of another table allowing the selection of the data sought or to be modified, 3) identifying in the database, using the fields input and the fields appearing in the filters input, the tables containing these fields; 4) identifying in the database, using the fields input and the fields appearing in the filters input, the relationships between these fields of different tables; 5) reformulating a query of the database by mentioning completely: - the fields for which data are sought or to be modified, - the identified tables containing fields input and/or fields appearing in the filter, - ties representative of relationships between the fields of the various tables 6) applying the query to the base.