Query Authoring by Modifying Query Result Views
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Creating database queries is complex for many users due to the requirement of understanding Structured Query Language (SQL) and the database structure, even with graphical user interfaces like Query By Example (QBE), which are still abstract and difficult to navigate.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that allows users to author database queries by modifying the view of the data to be returned, enabling direct manipulation of query results without defining complex query statements, including adding, removing fields, sorting, filtering, grouping, and performing database joins, thus generating a query definition that returns the desired results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If users create database queries using traditional SQL statements or graphical interfaces like QBE, then the query creation process becomes more automated and accessible, but the complexity of understanding database structure and query syntax remains high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to define query parameters and syntax to obtain results, the patent inverts the process by allowing users to directly manipulate and visualize query results first, then automatically generating the query definition from those results. This reverses the traditional workflow from 'define query → get results' to 'get results → define query', eliminating the need for users to understand complex SQL syntax or database structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual interface that acts as a mediator between the user and the database query system. This intermediary allows users to work with visual representations of data and query logic without directly interacting with SQL statements or complex database schemas, thereby simplifying the operation while maintaining automation.
2Ease of operation
If users directly manipulate query results to author queries, then the ease of operation improves and SQL knowledge is not required, but the device complexity increases due to the need for visual result manipulation interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating visual representations (copies) of the actual database query results and query logic. Users interact with these visual copies rather than the raw data or complex query statements, which simplifies the user interface while maintaining the underlying complexity handling in the background system.
3Productivity
If traditional query interfaces are used, then the query definition process is standardized, but the time required to create and understand queries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to perform query result manipulation and visualization before final query execution. Users can explore, filter, and shape the query results in the visual interface first, and the system automatically generates the corresponding query definition, eliminating the time traditionally spent on writing and debugging SQL statements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback as users manipulate query parameters and conditions, showing them how changes affect the query results in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows users to quickly understand and adjust their queries without waiting for execution, significantly reducing the time needed to create and validate queries.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies and concepts are described herein for authoring a database query through the modification of a view of the data to be returned by the query. A user interface is provided for authoring a database query through the modification of a view of the data to be returned by the query that includes a view showing the results of a database query. A user interface is also provided for modifying the view to define the results of the query. As the view is modified, a query definition is generated which, when executed against the database, will return the results of the database query shown in the view. When the desired results are shown in the view, the query definition can be saved and run against the database to perform the database query.