Dynamic Analytics Expression Visualization Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in understanding and using analytics expression syntax, leading to usability issues and potential syntax/semantic errors when modifying dynamic analytics expressions directly.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for visualizing expressions in dynamic analytics, which generates graphical user interface controls for expression variables, allowing users to adjust values without exposing expression syntax, and re-evaluates the expressions with the adjusted values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users are allowed to directly modify expressions, then dynamic analytics flexibility is improved, but syntax and semantic errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the expression syntax. Instead of allowing direct modification of expressions, the system provides a visual interface with draggable components that automatically generate valid expression code. This intermediary mechanism maintains flexibility while preventing syntax and semantic errors by constraining user interactions to predefined, validated operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expression syntax is exposed to users, then customization capability is improved, but ease of use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of text-based syntax editing with a visual drag-and-drop interface. Users interact with graphical components and connections rather than typing code, which maintains full customization capability while dramatically improving ease of use. The visual metaphor makes complex expression construction accessible to non-programmers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual copies or representations of expression components instead of the actual syntax. Each draggable element is a visual copy that represents a logical operation or data source, allowing users to work with intuitive graphical symbols rather than abstract syntax, thereby improving usability without reducing customization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct expression editing is enabled, then analytical flexibility is improved, but learning curve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex mechanical system of learning syntax rules with an intuitive visual system based on familiar drag-and-drop interactions. The learning curve is reduced because users leverage existing mental models from other software applications, while analytical flexibility is maintained through the expressive power of the visual component library.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a computer-implemented method for visualizing expressions for dynamic analytics. A graphical user interface control is generated for each of one or more variables of an expression. Each of the one or more variables is bound to the corresponding graphical interface control generated previously. Then, the generated graphical user interface control for each of the one or more variables of the expression is graphically output using a display device. A user may input an adjusted value of each of the one or more variables of the expression using the corresponding graphical user interface control.