Query-Based Table Visualization for Search Result Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current search engine results pages often present tables with complex numbers that are difficult for users to understand, lacking effective visualization tools to interpret data trends and associations.

Innovation Solution

A method for query-based table visualization that extracts tables from search results and generates charts based on user queries, incorporating table understanding operations to normalize data and determine field types, and using chart creating sequences to present data in a visually appealing and relevant manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If charts are generated for all tables in search results, then data visualization completeness is improved, but computing resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata visualization completenessVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by generating charts only for tables that are relevant to the user's query rather than all tables. The system determines relevance between tables and queries, then selectively generates visualizations only for relevant tables, avoiding unnecessary computing resource consumption while still providing complete visualization for needed data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms by analyzing the relationship between user queries and table content to determine relevance. This feedback loop allows the system to intelligently decide which tables warrant chart generation based on query intent, optimizing resource usage while maintaining visualization quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If complex table data is presented without visualization, then computing resources are saved, but user understanding of data trends becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing resource consumptionVSAvoiduser understanding ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual representation principles by transforming tabular data into chart formats that use visual elements like colors, shapes, and spatial arrangements. This transformation makes data trends and associations immediately apparent to users, dramatically improving ease of understanding compared to raw text tables

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions data from a two-dimensional tabular format to visual representations that add spatial and graphical dimensions. Charts provide visual encoding of data relationships that cannot be easily perceived in traditional tables, enhancing user comprehension through dimensional transformation

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

3Loss of information

If charts are generated for all tables, then data visualization completeness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata visualization completenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial action by selectively generating charts only for tables relevant to the user's query. This approach maintains visualization completeness for needed data while avoiding the complexity overhead of processing and generating charts for all tables, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240152531A1Query-based table visualization
Publication Date: 2024.05.09 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US20240152531A1 patent drawing
  • US20240152531A1 patent drawing
  • US20240152531A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure proposes method and apparatus for query-based table visualization. A query may be obtained. At least one search result for the query may be obtained. A table may be extracted from the at least one search result. At least one chart corresponding to the table may be generated based on the query and the table.