Resource Dependency Graphs for Column-Level Pipeline Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for retrieving and managing large quantities of data sets in data pipelines are inefficient, particularly in tracking data dependencies and transformations, as they often require complex navigation and specific search criteria, and are poorly suited for managing large data sets and data dependencies over time.
Innovation Solution
A resource dependency system with improved user interfaces that track data dependencies and transformations at a higher level of granularity, allowing for dynamic and interactive visualization of data sets and their dependencies, including column lineage, and enabling flexible node representation based on selectable criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hierarchical navigation is used to retrieve resources, then users can navigate through folders to locate resources, but the folder hierarchy becomes complex and time-consuming to navigate, making it difficult to locate or recall the path to a specific resource
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dependency graph as an intermediary representation between the actual folder hierarchy and the user's navigation needs. The dependency graph visually represents resource relationships and dependencies, allowing users to navigate through dependencies rather than through complex folder structures. This intermediary visualization enables users to quickly understand resource relationships and locate resources based on their dependencies rather than traversing nested folders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional folder hierarchy navigation to a multi-dimensional dependency graph visualization. Instead of navigating only through nested folders (one dimension), users can now navigate through dependency relationships (another dimension) to locate resources. The dependency graph provides multiple navigation paths and perspectives, allowing users to approach resource location from different angles based on dependency relationships rather than solely through hierarchical folders.
2Productivity
If query-based searching is used to retrieve resources, then users can search for resources by specifying properties, but users must come up with search terms or criteria beforehand, making it difficult to use when users lack the necessary information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-computing and visualizing dependency relationships between resources before the user needs to search. The dependency graph is built in advance, capturing all known relationships and dependencies. When a user needs to locate a resource, they can simply interact with the pre-built visualization rather than formulating search queries, as the dependency information is already organized and ready for exploration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through interactive dependency graph visualization. As users interact with the graph (selecting nodes, filtering by criteria, exploring relationships), the system provides immediate visual feedback about resource dependencies and relationships. This feedback loop allows users to refine their search by observing the graphical responses, gradually building the necessary search criteria through interaction rather than requiring pre-formed queries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data pipelines process large quantities of data through multiple stages, then data can be transformed and combined from multiple sources, but tracking and presenting data dependencies across resources becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex dependency tracking problem into manageable visual components. The dependency graph divides the entire data pipeline into discrete nodes (representing data sources, transformations, and sinks) and edges (representing dependencies). This segmentation allows users to navigate and understand individual components and their relationships without being overwhelmed by the entire complex pipeline. Users can focus on specific segments of the graph corresponding to particular data sources or transformation stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the complex data pipeline dependencies rather than working with the actual complex data structures directly. The dependency graph is a simplified visual model that captures essential dependency relationships while omitting unnecessary implementation details. This graphical copy makes the complex dependency structure manageable and presentable, allowing users to understand and communicate data pipeline relationships without dealing with the underlying complexity of multi-source data integration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If resources are stored in multiple folders to accommodate multiple relationships, then resources can be categorized into different folders, but storage space is inefficiently used and categorization becomes difficult when resources relate to multiple folders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dependency graph as an intermediary layer between resources and folder structures. Instead of storing multiple copies of resources in different folders to accommodate multiple relationships, the dependency graph serves as a virtual mediator that represents these relationships. The graph tracks and presents dependency connections without requiring physical duplication of resources in multiple locations, thereby maintaining storage efficiency while providing flexible categorization through the graphical representation.
Data Source
AI summary
A resource dependency system and its associated user interfaces, used for tracking data dependencies and data transformations between resources, may display visual node graphs with resources as nodes and the data dependencies and data transformations associated with the columns as edges between the nodes. The nodes representing the resources may be displayed differently based on relevant differences in the resources they represent, which can be set through various selectable criteria and schemes.