Graphical Interface for Hierarchical Data Construction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current database systems lack an efficient user interface for constructing and visualizing hierarchical data, which hinders effective data analysis and representation.

Innovation Solution

A graphic user interface is developed to receive inputs for constructing hierarchical measures, allowing users to add, remove, and expand measures, with features like waterfall charts to visually represent cumulative effects, enabling users to interactively build and analyze hierarchical data structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional database interface is used to access hierarchical data, then data can be stored and queried using standard SQL operations, but the user interface lacks efficiency and intuitiveness for constructing and visualizing hierarchical data structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of constructing hierarchical dataVSAvoidefficiency of data analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical text-based SQL query input with a graphical user interface that uses visual drag-and-drop operations, icons, and graphical elements to construct hierarchical data structures. This substitution makes the interface more intuitive and easier to operate while maintaining data processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary graphical interface layer between the user and the database system. This intermediary translates user-friendly graphical operations into underlying database operations, enabling efficient data analysis without requiring users to directly write complex SQL queries while still leveraging the power of the database management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If hierarchical data is stored in a database using standard database objects, then data can be organized into tables and queried using SQL, but the system lacks automated visualization capabilities for hierarchical measures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclarity of data relationshipsVSAvoidcomplexity of visualization system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service visualization capabilities where the system automatically generates visual representations of hierarchical data structures based on the data itself. The graphical interface automatically creates tree structures, organizes measures and dimensions, and displays hierarchical relationships without requiring manual configuration or complex setup by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the visualization system into distinct functional components including measure construction elements, dimension elements, hierarchical structure generators, and visualization output modules. This segmentation allows the complex visualization task to be broken down into manageable, independently functioning components that work together to present clear hierarchical data relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If users manually construct hierarchical data structures using SQL queries, then precise data retrieval is possible, but the process lacks interactivity and user engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteractivity of data constructionVSAvoidprecision of hierarchical structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the graphical interface provides real-time visual feedback as users construct hierarchical data structures. The system responds to user actions by dynamically updating the displayed hierarchy, showing the effects of adding or removing measures and dimensions, and providing validation feedback to ensure structural precision without requiring complex manual SQL debugging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic graphical interface where hierarchical data structures can be interactively built, modified, and reconfigured in real-time. Users can dynamically add measures, drag and drop elements to restructure hierarchies, and immediately see updates to the visual representation, combining the precision of structured data definition with the interactivity of graphical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10810263B2User interface for accessing hierarchical data

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 SAP SE

AI summary

A method for providing a visual representation of data stored in a database may include generating a graphic user interface configured to receive inputs for constructing a hierarchical measure based on the data stored in the database. An indication to add, to the hierarchical measure, a first measure and a second measure may be received via the graphic user interface. In response to the indication, the hierarchical measure may be constructed to include, based on the first measure being added prior to the second measure, the first measure as a parent measure and the second measure as a child measure. A first value of the first measure may correspond to an aggregate of at least a second value of the second measure. The graphic user interface may be updated to provide a visual representation of the hierarchical measure. Related systems and articles of manufacture are also provided.