Guided Keyword Data Exploration via Query Templates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-technical users face challenges in data analysis due to the complexity of databases and the need for extensive knowledge of data structures, leading to difficulties in formulating meaningful queries, especially with feature-rich user interfaces that overwhelm users with complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method for guided keyword-based exploration of data in databases, providing valid query templates with static and dynamic parts, allowing users to select and generate queries without delving into the underlying data model, using interactive recommendations and ranking metrics to present the most significant queries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If keyword-based search is used to simplify user interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to explore structured databases effectively deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction simplicityVSAvoiddata exploration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces query templates as an intermediary layer between user keywords and database queries. The system matches keywords to templates, fills template parameters automatically, and generates executable queries. This mediator approach simplifies user interaction while maintaining effective data exploration capability through structured template-based query generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If feature-rich user interfaces are provided to meet diverse access interests, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess interest coverageVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the user interface functionality into discrete query templates, each targeting specific data access patterns. Instead of presenting a monolithic complex interface, the system divides functionality into template-based query types that users can select and customize, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the interface complexity based on user needs. Query templates are generated and presented dynamically based on keyword input, allowing the interface to show only relevant options rather than all possible features simultaneously. This dynamic presentation reduces complexity while maintaining adaptability to diverse access interests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If users are exposed to full interface complexity while using only a small fraction of functionality, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality coverageVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial action by presenting only the subset of query templates that are relevant to the user's specific keyword input. Rather than showing all possible query types, the system filters and presents only those templates that can be generated from the given keywords, reducing the operational burden while maintaining access to full functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10360212B2Guided keyword-based exploration of data

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method for guided keyword-based exploration of data stored in a database includes providing, with a processing device, valid query templates for the data, wherein the provided valid query templates include static parts and dynamic parts; selecting those of the provided valid query templates that match a user-provided keyword; generating valid queries from the selected valid query templates using the data; and querying the data using a user-selected valid query selected from the generated valid queries.