Report Generation Interface with Graphical Field Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current report generator software is cumbersome and requires operators to have knowledge of database structures, limiting the ability of non-experts to generate reports efficiently, as they need to understand field, table, or column names, which are often different from the application's terminology.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that display fields in a graphical user interface with graphical indicators, allowing operators to select fields for report generation without leaving the transaction application, using a mash-up engine to correlate database structures and create reports based on user input, reducing the need for database knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional report generator software is used, then reports can be generated from database information, but operators require knowledge of database structures, field names, and table relationships which increases complexity and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a report generator that acts as an intermediary between the database and the user. This mediator automatically retrieves data from the database using pre-configured queries and presents it in a user-friendly format, eliminating the need for users to understand database structures, field names, or table relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified copies or representations of the database information that are easier to work with. Instead of exposing the complex underlying database structure, the report generator presents a simplified view with formatted fields and pre-defined data relationships, making report creation accessible to non-technical users.
2Reliability
If operators need to understand database field, table, and column names, then accurate reports can be generated, but this requirement limits the number of operators who can generate reports and increases training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The report generator enables operators to perform report generation independently without requiring specialized knowledge of database structures. The system provides self-service capabilities through automated data retrieval, pre-configured query templates, and user-friendly interfaces that guide operators through the report creation process without needing to understand underlying database complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The report generator is designed to serve multiple types of users with varying levels of technical expertise. It provides a universal interface that works for both technical and non-technical operators, accommodating different reporting needs through configurable parameters and adaptable query generation while maintaining accurate data retrieval from the database.
3Measurement precision
If report generator software requires knowledge of how information is stored, then precise data retrieval can be achieved, but this increases the time and difficulty for operators who do not generate reports frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring query templates, data retrieval logic, and field mappings before the user needs to generate a report. The report generator automatically establishes the correct data retrieval paths and relationships based on pre-programmed knowledge of the database structure, eliminating the need for users to spend time understanding or configuring these technical details during report creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The report generator allows users to specify high-level parameters such as report type, date ranges, and filtering criteria without requiring them to understand the underlying data structure parameters. The system automatically translates these user-friendly parameters into the appropriate database queries and data retrieval operations, maintaining precision while simplifying the user interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for generating reports. A computer system displays an application with fields in a graphical user interface on a display system. The application is used to perform transactions for an organization. The computer system identifies a group of the fields displayed in the graphical user interface that is selectable for use in a group of the reports. The computer system displays a group of graphical indicators in association with the group of the fields in the graphical user interface. The computer system receives a selection of a portion of the group of the fields displayed in the graphical user interface in user input. The computer system creates the group of the reports using the portion of the group of the fields. The computer system sends the group of the reports to an output device, enabling performing an operation for the organization using the group of the reports.