OData Query Composer GUI for Error-Free Syntax Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Software developers face challenges in creating complex OData queries due to the need for high working knowledge of query structure and syntax, leading to mistakes such as case sensitivity issues and spelling errors, which are difficult to avoid.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for creating OData custom queries using a software development tool that retrieves properties for a data object, displays a graphical user interface for selecting properties and options, generates partial queries, and combines them to form a complete OData query, ensuring correctness and intuitive user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If developers manually create OData queries without assistance tools, then they can have complete control over query structure, but they require high working knowledge of OData query structure and syntax leading to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of query creationVSAvoidquery correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a query composer tool as an intermediary between the developer and the OData service. This tool provides a graphical user interface that automatically generates compliant OData queries based on user selections, eliminating the need for developers to manually construct complex query syntax while ensuring correctness through automated validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual query string construction with an automated system. The query composer tool substitutes the developer's manual typing and assembly of query components with an automated query generation mechanism that builds valid OData queries through programmed logic and validation rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If developers manually construct complex OData queries, then they can customize query parameters, but they are prone to mistakes such as case sensitivity issues and spelling errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery customization capabilityVSAvoidquery syntax accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The query composer tool incorporates feedback mechanisms that validate each query component as it is constructed. The system provides real-time feedback to ensure correctness of property names, operation types, and syntax elements, preventing errors like case sensitivity mistakes and spelling errors before the query is executed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tool performs preliminary validation of query components before final query generation. By checking syntax correctness, property existence, and parameter validity in advance, the system prevents errors from reaching the execution stage, ensuring high precision in the final query while maintaining full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If developers use automated query generation tools, then query creation becomes easier and more accurate, but the tool complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery correctnessVSAvoidtool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The query composer tool is segmented into distinct functional modules, each handling a specific aspect of query creation. The graphical user interface is divided into separate sections for selecting entities, properties, operations, and parameters, making the complex tool manageable and easier to understand while maintaining high reliability through specialized validation in each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10176218B2OData custom query composer
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 SAP SE
  • US10176218B2 patent drawing
  • US10176218B2 patent drawing
  • US10176218B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and a method for creating an OData custom query involve retrieving properties for a data object defined in a software application, and then displaying a graphical user interface by which the retrieved properties are selected together with additional options. A plurality of partial queries are created based on the selected properties and the additional options. The partial queries are combined to form a complete OData query for the software application.