Graphical Database Query Builder for Non-Technical Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users require extensive knowledge of database management systems (DBMS) and their specific syntax to construct queries, making it difficult for non-technical individuals to search databases effectively across different systems, as they need to understand the underlying structure and terminology of each DBMS.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses a graphical user interface to allow users to select logical objects and join them using predefined logic, which is then translated into a database query syntax compatible with any DBMS, utilizing a data dictionary to map logical objects to database tables and transform the query structure into a format that can be executed by various DBMS systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users directly interact with DBMS query syntax and database structure, then query execution capability is improved, but user accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical query builder interface as an intermediary between the user and the DBMS. This interface allows users to construct queries through visual operations on logical objects without directly writing SQL or understanding DBMS syntax. The system automatically translates the graphical query into executable DBMS queries, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining query execution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the query construction process into distinct layers: logical objects layer (user-facing), translation layer (system-internal), and physical database layer (DBMS-specific). This segmentation allows users to interact with abstract logical objects without needing to understand the underlying database structure or syntax, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users learn multiple DBMS-specific terminologies and syntaxes, then compatibility with different DBMS systems is improved, but learning time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal graphical query builder that works across multiple DBMS systems (Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, etc.) through a single unified interface. The system translates the universal graphical query into DBMS-specific syntax automatically, eliminating the need for users to learn multiple terminologies and syntaxes while maintaining compatibility with different DBMS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical query builder serves as an intermediary layer that abstracts away DBMS-specific details. Users interact with the universal interface, and the system handles the translation to various DBMS syntaxes, thereby achieving broad compatibility without requiring users to invest time in learning multiple systems.
3Measurement precision
If users understand database table structures and keys, then query precision and effectiveness are improved, but barrier to entry and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces logical objects as an intermediary abstraction between users and physical database tables. These logical objects represent database entities in a user-friendly manner, allowing users to construct precise queries without needing to understand underlying table structures, keys, or relationships. The translation layer automatically maps logical objects to the appropriate database structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the database structure in the form of logical objects. Instead of requiring users to work with the complex physical database structure, the system provides an abstracted copy that maintains the essential relationships and semantics while being much easier to work with, thereby achieving query effectiveness without operational difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
An intuitive interface that allows a non-technical person to search a computer database without having to understand the underlining database software or its structure by assembling a graphical database query.