Query Field Abstraction Layer for Database Usability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As databases grow in size and complexity, the number of fields presented to users in graphical user interfaces for building queries becomes unwieldy, leading to usability issues due to the inclusion of rarely used fields, which complicates the query building process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data repository abstraction layer that monitors and limits the number of fields presented to users based on usage characteristics, hiding or removing infrequently used fields to simplify the query building process and reduce processing overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all fields from the data model are presented to the user in the GUI, then complete data access capability is provided, but the GUI becomes too complex and difficult for users to understand and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes rarely used fields from the GUI field list based on usage monitoring data. The system automatically identifies fields that are not frequently accessed and excludes them from the user interface, thereby simplifying the GUI while preserving access to complete data functionality through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic field filtering mechanism that adapts the GUI field list based on monitored usage characteristics. The system continuously monitors which fields are actually used in queries and dynamically adjusts which fields are presented to users, making the interface adaptable to actual usage patterns rather than static.
2Loss of information
If all fields are presented to the user, then no data is lost, but the number of fields becomes unwieldy and processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the system monitors usage of fields in building queries and uses this information to automatically adjust which fields are presented in the GUI. This closed-loop system continuously optimizes the field list based on actual usage patterns, reducing complexity while maintaining data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of field visibility in the GUI based on usage characteristics. By monitoring usage frequency and adjusting the visibility parameter of each field accordingly, the system transforms the static field list into a dynamically optimized set that reduces complexity without losing essential data access capabilities.
3Reliability
If rarely used fields are included in the GUI, then complete data model coverage is achieved, but user understanding and query building becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes rarely used fields from the GUI based on monitored usage patterns. By identifying fields that contribute minimally to actual query building activities and excluding them from the interface, the system reduces the cognitive load on users while maintaining comprehensive data model coverage through other access mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally provides methods, articles of manufacture and systems for simplifying a query building process by limiting the number of fields presented to a user for building queries. The number of fields presented to the user may be limited by hiding one or more logical fields from the user based on usage characteristics. For example, a logical field that is rarely used or has not been used within a predetermined period of time may be hidden from the user. For some embodiments, a fallout manager may monitor the use of logical fields in building queries, update usage characteristics, and mark logical fields as hidden based on the usage characteristics. A graphical user interface may not present to a user logical fields that have been marked as hidden.