Interactive Visualization Tool For Nested Query Building

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Complex queries with multiple layers of nested sub-queries can appear unintelligible, making it difficult for users to understand and modify them effectively in database systems.

Innovation Solution

An interactive query builder system that provides a visual representation of nested queries, allowing users to observe, analyze, and modify query characteristics and attributes through an intuitive user interface, including buttons, icons, and editable fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers of nested sub-queries are used to filter and retrieve data, then query functionality and data retrieval capability are improved, but query intelligibility and understandability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery functionalityVSAvoidquery intelligibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex query into multiple visual blocks representing different sub-queries and operations. Each block is separated and can be independently viewed, making the hierarchical structure of nested queries visible and understandable. The query is segmented into parent queries, child queries, and intermediate results, allowing users to grasp the overall functionality without being overwhelmed by the nested syntax.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear query syntax to a two-dimensional visual representation. Queries are displayed as blocks arranged in hierarchical levels, with parent queries positioned above child queries. This dimensional change allows users to perceive the nested structure spatially, improving intelligibility while maintaining full query functionality.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex nested relationships and multiple operations are included in queries, then data filtering and retrieval capability are improved, but ease of operation and modification deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata filtering capabilityVSAvoidease of modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the query into distinct visual blocks representing different operations and data sources. Users can modify individual blocks independently without affecting the entire query structure. Each block can be edited, added, or removed separately, making complex queries easier to operate and modify while maintaining sophisticated data filtering capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces visual intermediaries between query components, such as connection lines and hierarchical indicators. These intermediaries make the relationships between sub-queries explicit, allowing users to understand and modify query logic more easily. The visual intermediaries act as mediators that clarify the nested structure without requiring users to navigate complex syntax.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If nested sub-queries are used to perform multiple data retrieval operations, then query power and functionality are improved, but device complexity and structural complexity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery powerVSAvoidquery structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays the query structure in a two-dimensional visual hierarchy rather than linear text format. Parent queries are positioned at higher levels, child queries at lower levels, with visual connections indicating relationships. This dimensional representation makes the complex nested structure more manageable and less intimidating, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining full query power.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a nested visual structure where child query blocks are contained within or positioned beneath parent query blocks. This nesting visualization mirrors the actual query structure but presents it in an organized, hierarchical manner that reduces complexity. The nested doll principle makes the nested relationships intuitive and easier to comprehend.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250156410A1Visualization Tool For Building Nested Queries
Publication Date: 2025.05.15 ORACLE INT CORP
  • US20250156410A1 patent drawing
  • US20250156410A1 patent drawing
  • US20250156410A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for generating an interactive visualization tool for building nested queries are disclosed. The interactive nested query visualization tool allows a user to observe, analyze, and modify query characteristics and attributes of a set of nested queries. A system displays an interactive visual depiction of a set of nested queries. Visual representations of the nested queries are positioned relative to each other based on the relationships between the nested queries. The system displays, simultaneously with the set of nested queries, editable fields for a selected query. The system modifies a functionality of a user interface based on which of the nested queries is selected.