Generic Chart Interface Decoupling Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems face challenges in effectively interpreting and visualizing complex, multi-dimensional data sets due to insufficiently flexible chart-generating functions, which often require data to be processed within the same application, leading to inefficiencies and incompatibilities between data processing and charting applications.
Innovation Solution
A generic protocol and interface system that allows a client to provide data and parameters to arbitrary chart producers, returning a resource identifier for retrieving charts in a common format, decoupling data processing from chart preparation and enabling 'mix-and-match' selection of features, independent of the client and producer systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data processing and charting are performed in the same application, then chart generation is possible, but the system lacks flexibility and requires extensive knowledge of internal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the charting functionality into separate, independent components: data processing applications and charting applications are decoupled and can operate independently. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, maintained, and updated separately, reducing the need for extensive knowledge of internal structures while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal charting interface that can work with multiple data processing applications through standardized protocols. This universal interface allows the same charting application to serve multiple purposes and integrate with different data sources without requiring application-specific knowledge, thereby improving adaptability while reducing complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If powerful charting functions are used, then effective charts can be produced, but data must be processed within the same application requiring extra work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charting functionality from the data processing application into a separate, standalone charting application. This extraction eliminates the need to move data between systems or configure the data processing application with charting capabilities, as the charting application independently retrieves and processes data through standardized interfaces, saving time while maintaining high chart quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (standardized protocol and interface) between data processing and charting applications. This intermediary enables seamless communication and data exchange without requiring direct integration or data movement between applications, thereby reducing configuration time and effort while preserving powerful charting capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If existing OLE approaches are used for interaction, then some interaction is possible, but entities are tightly coupled requiring extensive knowledge of partner's internal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interaction model by decoupling data processing and charting applications through standardized interfaces. This segmentation replaces tight coupling with loose coupling, where applications interact through well-defined protocols rather than direct internal structure access, improving ease of operation while reducing the complexity of understanding partner systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the interaction parameters from direct object references and internal structure access to standardized protocol-based communication. This parameter change transforms the interaction model into one that relies on explicit interface definitions and protocol specifications, making interactions easier to implement and maintain while reducing the need for extensive knowledge of internal structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and software to produce a chart from data and parameters supplied by a client through a generic interface. Created charts are accessible via a Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”) returned to the client through the generic interface. Multiple chart producers with different interfaces are supported.