3D Database Visualization for Intuitive Data Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing database retrieval methods require detailed knowledge of user interfaces and database structures, making it difficult for inexperienced users to efficiently access and find available data.

Innovation Solution

A method that visualizes database entries by mapping selected meta data types onto three axes in a three-dimensional space, allowing related entries to be grouped together and unrelated entries to be spaced apart, enabling intuitive searching and browsing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional database query interfaces are used, then data retrieval accuracy is improved, but user accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retrieval accuracyVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a 3D visualization interface as an intermediary between the user and the database. This visual mediator represents database entries as spatial objects, allowing users to navigate and search without needing to understand complex query languages or database structures, thus maintaining retrieval accuracy while improving accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the traditional flat, text-based database interface into a three-dimensional visual space. By mapping database entries onto 3D coordinates based on their properties, the system creates a new dimensional representation that makes data relationships intuitively visible and easier to navigate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If detailed database structure knowledge is required, then query precision is improved, but system complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates the 3D visual representation and handles the complex mapping of database entries to spatial coordinates based on their metadata. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually structure queries or understand database schemas, while the system maintains precise data retrieval through its intelligent spatial organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If traditional browsing methods are used, then data accuracy is improved, but information loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidinformation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple database entries that share similar metadata properties into clustered groups within the 3D space. This merging approach preserves the accuracy of individual entries while preventing information loss by maintaining visibility of related entries through their spatial proximity, allowing users to discover related data that might be missed in traditional linear browsing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7565374B2Database visualization and searching
Publication Date: 2009.07.21 SAP SE
  • US7565374B2 patent drawing
  • US7565374B2 patent drawing
  • US7565374B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In providing visualization of entries of a database for browsing meta data types may be provided, and meta data of each type may be associated with each database entry. The meta data types may describe different properties of the respective database entries. Three meta data types may be selected and mapped to a different one of three axes spanning a three dimensional space. Database entries may be displayed in the three dimensional space at coordinates given by the respective meta data of the three selected meta data types, thereby grouping related database entries generally in proximity to each other and unrelated database entries generally spaced apart.