Graphical Query Builder for Multi-Database Search
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote network management platforms face scalability issues in searching configuration items due to the large number of entries in configuration management databases, making it difficult for users to find specific information related to incidents or operational status, especially for non-technical users who struggle with forming complex Boolean, numerical, and algebraic queries across multiple databases and tables.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) is introduced that allows users to visually build search queries across multiple databases and tables, reducing the complexity of forming search expressions and minimizing the overhead on the remote network management platform by enabling users to create multi-database and multi-table searches through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users form complex Boolean, numerical, and algebraic query expressions to search across multiple databases and tables, then search capability and precision are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical query builder interface as an intermediary between the user and the complex query processing system. This interface provides visual elements representing databases, tables, and attributes, along with automatic query generation capabilities. Users interact with simple visual components rather than constructing complex Boolean, numerical, and algebraic expressions manually, thereby maintaining search precision while eliminating query complexity.
2Loss of information
If users manually review extensive query results to find specific configuration items, then search completeness is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary filtering and result refinement capabilities that automatically narrow down search results before presentation to the user. The system provides features such as hierarchical navigation, contextual filtering, and intelligent result ranking that pre-process extensive query results to highlight relevant configuration items. This maintains search completeness while eliminating the need for manual review of extensive results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the remote network management platform processes complex multi-database searches, then search capability is improved, but use of energy and productivity deteriorate due to overhead load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search processing into multiple components: a client-side graphical query builder that handles query construction, a server-side query optimizer that handles query planning, and a distributed execution engine that processes searches across multiple databases. This segmentation allows complex multi-database searches to be processed efficiently by distributing the workload and optimizing each component independently, thereby maintaining search capability while reducing overall platform overhead and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may involve persistent storage containing a configuration management database (CMDB) and a non-CMDB table, wherein the CMDB contains configuration items that represent software, devices, or services deployed within a network, and wherein the non-CMDB table contains entries related to operation of the network. The system may also involve one or more processors configured to provide a representation of a graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the GUI contains a first selectable tab that displays classes of the configuration items, a second selectable tab that displays the non-CMDB table, and a canvas for visually depicting query expressions, wherein the classes are selectable to place class GUI elements thereof onto the canvas, wherein the non-CMDB table is selectable to place a table GUI element thereof onto the canvas, and wherein the table GUI element and a particular class GUI element are connectable by a link on the canvas.