Object Model Relationship Validation Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data visualization applications face challenges in clearly defining and validating relationships between data tables in complex data sources, making it difficult for users to create interpretable and usable object models for data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A user interface is provided that allows users to construct and validate relationships between object classes in an object model by displaying connections, object model visualization, and data fields, with features to detect and manage many-to-many relationships, and display diagnostic information for referential integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually define relationships between data tables in complex data sources, then the object model can be customized to specific needs, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting and pre-defining relationships between data tables before user interaction. The relationship detection module analyzes table schemas, data types, and potential foreign key relationships in advance, preparing a draft object model that users can then review and refine rather than create from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the object model construction to serve itself through automated relationship detection. The relationship detection module independently analyzes data sources, identifies potential relationships based on schema patterns and data characteristics, and generates relationship definitions without requiring manual user input for each relationship.
2Manufacturing precision
If users manually define relationships between data tables, then relationship accuracy can be controlled, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relationship detection module serves as an intermediary between the user and the object model construction process. It automatically analyzes data sources, detects potential relationships using multiple strategies (schema-based, data-type-based, foreign-key-based), and presents validated relationship suggestions to users, simplifying the complex task of relationship definition while maintaining accuracy through automated validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing users with detected relationship information including relationship type, linking fields, and confidence metrics. Users can review these detected relationships, accept them, modify them, or reject them, creating a feedback loop that ensures accuracy while reducing the complexity of manual relationship definition.
3Reliability
If the system provides detailed validation information for relationships, then users can verify relationship correctness, but the user interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into distinct functional regions: a connections region for data sources, an object model visualization region for relationship display, and a data field region for relationship details. This segmentation allows detailed validation information to be presented in an organized, manageable way without overwhelming the user, as each region serves a specific purpose and can be independently interacted with.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer validates relationships between object classes in object models. The computer detects user input to join a first object class and a second object class corresponding to user-selected object icons. The computer also detects user selection of a first linking field from a plurality of data fields for the first object class and user selection of a second linking field from a plurality of data fields for the second object class. In response, the computer generates a relationship that connects the first object class and the second object class according to shared data values of the first linking field and the second linking field and displays a relationship summary, including information regarding cardinality of the relationship and information regarding referential integrity of the relationship. The computer also displays a visual connection between the user-selected object icons representing the first and second object classes.