Graph-Based Data Model Visualization for Large-Scale Exploration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data modeling tools are inadequate for handling large data models, making it difficult and costly to explore and manipulate them due to inadequate user interfaces, despite advancements in computing power.
Innovation Solution
A system that represents data models and data-model instances using graphs, allowing users to visually explore relationships between entities and instances by displaying vertices and edges, and enabling features like path expressions, search functions, and concurrent display of model and instance graphs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional data modeling tools are used, then existing functionality is maintained, but user interface effectiveness deteriorates when handling large data models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data model into two separate visual representations: a model graph showing entity relationships and an instance graph showing data instances. This segmentation allows each graph to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the model graph handling structural relationships and the instance graph handling data exploration, thereby improving ease of operation for large data models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces path expressions as an intermediary mechanism that connects the model graph and instance graph. Path expressions serve as mediators that allow users to navigate between entities in the model graph and their corresponding instances in the instance graph, enabling effective exploration of large data models through a structured intermediate representation.
2Ease of operation
If graph representation is introduced, then visual exploration capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified graph-based system where both the model graph and instance graph use the same fundamental graph data structure and visualization mechanisms. This universality allows the system to handle both model relationships and data instances with the same technical framework, reducing the actual complexity increase despite the dual-graph approach.
3Productivity
If concurrent display of model and instance graphs is implemented, then productivity is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the model graph and instance graph into a single integrated interface where both graphs can be displayed concurrently and interacted with simultaneously. The graphs share common visualization elements, selection mechanisms, and navigation controls, allowing users to explore both model relationships and data instances in parallel without requiring separate interfaces, thereby improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and techniques for displaying data models and data-model instances. During operation, the system can use a model graph to represent the data model and an instance graph to represent the data-model instance. In the graph representation, a vertex can represent an entity or an entity instance, and an edge can represent a relationship or a relationship instance. The system can display the model graph and the instance graph, either separately or concurrently, thereby enabling the user to visually explore the data model and the data-model instance by exploring the associated graphs. The system can display paths in the graphs to the user, thereby enabling the user to visually explore how entities and entity instances are related to one another. The system can also enable a user to search for entities and relationships using various criteria.