Linear Graph Pipeline Interface Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipeline systems appear cluttered due to numerous nodes and connections, making it difficult for users to interact effectively with the data pipeline and its underlying functions.

Innovation Solution

A computing system is configured to provide both a linear pipeline path interface for creating and interacting with linear pipeline paths and a graph pipeline interface for modifying the data pipeline, allowing users to switch between interfaces and dynamically determine alternate paths to handle breaks in the pipeline.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a graph pipeline interface with multiple inputs per node is used, then the system can represent complex data relationships, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to represent complex data relationshipsVSAvoiddifficulty to navigate the interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pipeline interface into two distinct modes: graph mode for creating and viewing complex multi-input pipelines, and linear mode for analyzing simplified single-input paths. This segmentation allows users to switch between comprehensive view and simplified view depending on their current task, resolving the contradiction between representing complexity and maintaining navigability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between graph and linear interface modes based on user needs. The interface is not static but adapts its structure - in graph mode it displays complex multi-node relationships, while in linear mode it presents simplified sequential paths. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by providing different interface configurations for different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a linear pipeline path interface with single input per node is used, then the interface is easier to navigate, but the system cannot represent complex data relationships

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease to navigate the interfaceVSAvoidability to represent complex data relationships
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pipeline interface into two distinct modes: graph mode for creating and viewing complex multi-input pipelines, and linear mode for analyzing simplified single-input paths. This segmentation allows users to switch between comprehensive view and simplified view depending on their current task, resolving the contradiction between representing complexity and maintaining navigability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between graph and linear interface modes based on user needs. The interface is not static but adapts its structure - in graph mode it displays complex multi-node relationships, while in linear mode it presents simplified sequential paths. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by providing different interface configurations for different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If the entire data pipeline is displayed, then complete information is available, but users cannot focus on specific relevant portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of informationVSAvoidability to focus on relevant portions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts specific linear pipeline paths from the larger graph pipeline structure. When users need to analyze a particular data flow, the system extracts that specific linear path and presents it in the linear interface mode, separating it from the rest of the complex graph. This extraction allows users to focus on relevant portions while the complete graph remains available in graph mode for context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dimensional transition between graph mode (showing the complete multi-dimensional pipeline structure) and linear mode (showing a one-dimensional extracted path). This dimensional change allows users to move from viewing the entire complex structure to focusing on a specific simplified path, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and focus ability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If pipeline breaks are not automatically detected, then the system is simpler, but pipeline integrity cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of the systemVSAvoidpipeline integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that automatically detect pipeline breaks by monitoring data flow between nodes. When a break is detected, the system provides feedback to users and can suggest repairs by identifying alternate paths. This automated feedback system maintains pipeline integrity without significantly increasing system complexity, as the break detection leverages existing graph traversal capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting pipeline breaks and suggesting repairs without requiring manual intervention. The graph structure enables automatic traversal and break detection, and the system can autonomously identify alternate paths to restore connectivity. This self-service approach maintains reliability while keeping the interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10795839B1Systems and methods for creating pipeline paths
Publication Date: 2020.10.06 PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US10795839B1 patent drawing
  • US10795839B1 patent drawing
  • US10795839B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A data pipeline including a plurality of graph pipeline paths is obtained. Each of the graph pipeline paths may include pipeline nodes, at least one of the pipeline node may have at least two inputs. Each of the inputs may comprise outputs of two or more other pipeline nodes. A linear pipeline path interface is provided for creating and presenting a linear pipeline path of the data pipeline. The linear pipeline path may include pipeline nodes, each being limited to a single input and a single output. The linear pipeline path interface may be limited to interacting with linear pipeline paths. A graph pipeline interface is provided for presenting and modifying the data pipeline. The linear pipeline path interface may be switched to the graph pipeline interface in response to a first user input.