Interactive Query Construction with Real-Time Data Subset Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing query languages and tools fall short in allowing users to explore a dataset interactively to determine enlightening subsets for analytics, requiring multiple iterations of query reformulation and submission to find the desired subset.
Innovation Solution
A user interface is provided for constructing queries interactively with feedback, featuring graphical elements that update in real-time to reflect the selection of attributes and values, allowing users to visualize the impact of their selections on the data subset, including adjustable input elements and connector elements to illustrate the proportion of records matching the query.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing query languages or front end query forms are used, then users can construct desired queries and submit them to the database, but users require multiple iterations of query reformulation and submission to explore the dataset and determine which subset would be enlightening for running analytics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing real-time visual updates to the GUI that show the effect of each attribute value selection on the data subset. As users select attribute values, the GUI dynamically updates to display the current state of the query and the resulting data subset characteristics, allowing users to see immediate consequences of their selections without submitting and reformulating queries multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying information about data subsets based on attribute values before the user finalizes the query. The system proactively shows users what subsets would be selected based on their current selections, enabling informed decision-making about which attribute values to choose without requiring iterative trial and error.
2Productivity
If structured query languages are used when the user already knows what subset they wish to analyze, then the query can be constructed efficiently, but the tool falls short in allowing a user to explore the data set for determining which subset would be enlightening
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism provides users with real-time information about the data subset characteristics as they select attribute values. This enables users to explore the dataset adaptively by seeing immediate feedback on what subsets their selections would produce, combining the efficiency of structured querying with the flexibility of exploratory data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The GUI serves as an intermediary between the user's exploration goals and the database query execution. It translates user selections into queries while providing intermediate visual feedback about the resulting data subsets, bridging the gap between exploratory intent and structured query execution.
3Loss of information
If the GUI is updated to display the effect of new selections on the data subset in real-time, then users receive immediate feedback during query construction, but the system requires processing and updating the interface dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of data subset characteristics based on user selections before final query submission. By pre-computing and displaying subset information in real-time, the system provides comprehensive feedback without requiring complex post-submission processing, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining informative updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein relate to a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium including one or more of the following: displaying a first attribute display representative of a first attribute of a data set, the first attribute display comprising a first input element for receiving an indication of a first attribute value; displaying a second attribute display representative of a second attribute of the data set, the second attribute display comprising a second input element for receiving an indication of a second attribute value; receiving an indication of a first attribute value for the first attribute of a data set; and after receiving the indication of the first attribute value, altering the second input element of the second attribute display to reflect a portion of the data set matching a query including the first attribute value.