Reversible Data Transforms for Visualization Without Source Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transformation methods for generating visualizations from structured source data often alter the original data format, making it incompatible with its source and limiting the ability to propagate edits from visualizations back to the source data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing reversible data transforms through a series of intermediate data structures and transforms like field renaming, list unrolling, and distinct value transforms, which allow data to be transformed into a format suitable for visualization without altering the original data and enable edits to be written back to the source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data transformation is applied to generate visualizations, then visualization capability is improved, but data format compatibility with source is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that sits between the source data and the visualization output. This intermediary structure can be transformed into different formats for various visualization types while maintaining a stable interface with the source data, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transformation process is segmented into multiple reversible transform operations rather than a single irreversible transformation. Each segment operates independently and can be reversed, allowing the system to adapt to different visualization requirements while preserving the original data structure through composability of transform segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data format is altered for visualization, then visualization flexibility is improved, but ability to propagate edits back to source is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where transformations are reversible. When edits are made to the visualization, the reverse transformation can be applied to propagate changes back to the source data structure, maintaining ease of operation while preserving visualization flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformation system is made dynamic and adjustable rather than static. The transform pipeline can be configured and reversed based on operational needs, allowing the system to adapt between read-only visualization mode and edit-propagation mode, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transformation steps are applied, then data format adaptability is improved, but transformation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal transform framework where a single transformation system can handle multiple data format conversions through composability. Rather than implementing separate transformation logic for each format pair, the system uses a unified approach that reduces overall complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method to generate a visualization of data from a data source based on a contract includes applying a first reversible transform to data of a data source to generate a first intermediate data structure without modifying the data of the data source. The method includes applying a second reversible transform to the first intermediate data structure to generate a second intermediate data structure without modifying the data of the data source. At least one of the first intermediate data structure or the second intermediate data structure is in a format suitable to satisfy a contract. The method includes displaying a visualization of the data of the data source based on the contract satisfied by one or both of the first intermediate data structure or the second intermediate data structure. The displayed visualization has a visualization type specified by the contract.