Graphical Data Object Manipulation Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing large amounts of data using Structured Query Language (SQL) is time-consuming and laborious due to the need to learn complex syntax and manually type commands, making it difficult to efficiently manipulate data structures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving graphical manipulation of data objects on a video display, where users define enclosed shapes to associate properties with data objects, allowing properties to be automatically assigned or extracted through user input, such as drawing lines or moving graphical items, without requiring detailed SQL knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SQL commands are used to manage data, then data manipulation capability is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical typing and execution of SQL commands with a graphical user interface system. Users interact with visual elements on a display device, dragging and dropping data objects into containers or manipulating them through point-and-click operations. This substitution eliminates the need to learn SQL syntax while achieving the same data manipulation goals, directly resolving the contradiction between data manipulation capability and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the database system. Instead of directly interacting with SQL commands or raw data structures, users work with graphical representations of data objects and their relationships. This intermediary graphical interface translates user actions into appropriate database operations, making data management accessible without requiring knowledge of underlying SQL syntax or complex data structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SQL syntax and data structures are learned, then data management capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies or representations of database objects (tables, records, fields) as graphical elements on the display. These graphical representations mirror the structure and relationships of the underlying data but present them in an intuitive visual format. Users manipulate these graphical copies through natural interactions like dragging, dropping, and connecting, which automatically translate to appropriate SQL operations. This copying approach maintains full data management capability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual typing of SQL commands is required, then precise data control is achieved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the graphical interface automatically generates and executes the appropriate SQL commands based on user actions. When users drag data objects, create relationships, or modify graphical representations, the system automatically translates these actions into precise SQL statements and executes them. This self-service mechanism maintains precise data control while eliminating the manual typing and execution effort, directly addressing the contradiction between precision and operational effort.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a user input defining an enclosed, graphical shape on a video display is received. A number of graphical items are identified as being included within the enclosed, graphical shape. Here, each graphical item is displayed on the video display and represents a data object that has a number of properties. A property is extracted from the number of properties that the data objects have in common based on the identification. A number of other manipulation techniques are also described.