Semantic Query Tool via Class Hierarchy Path Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Domain experts face challenges in constructing semantic database search queries without expertise in database design or ontology, often requiring consultation with database design experts.

Innovation Solution

A graphical user interface tool that allows users to select data classes, analyze class relationships, and interact with path displays to automatically generate search queries, optimizing search performance without requiring database design knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users construct semantic database search queries without database design expertise, then ease of operation is improved, but query accuracy and search performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of query constructionVSAvoidquery accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary between domain experts and the semantic database. This GUI tool automatically generates search queries by analyzing class relationships and paths in the ontology, eliminating the need for users to directly construct complex queries while maintaining high query accuracy through automated query generation based on selected data classes and constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service query construction by allowing users to select data classes from a hierarchy and automatically generating appropriate search queries. The tool analyzes the selected classes and their relationships to autonomously create queries that return relevant data, freeing users from needing database design expertise while ensuring query correctness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If users consult with database design experts to construct queries, then query accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequery accuracyVSAvoidtime for expert consultation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service query construction tool that eliminates the need for expert consultation. Users can independently select data classes from a displayed hierarchy and the system automatically generates accurate search queries by analyzing the selected classes and their relationships, significantly reducing time loss associated with consulting database design experts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of class relationships and paths before query generation. By pre-analyzing the ontology structure and preparing relationship information, the system enables rapid query construction without requiring users to spend time consulting experts or manually constructing complex queries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If users manually construct search queries without automated tools, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and search efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of query constructionVSAvoidsearch efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual query construction with an automated system. Instead of users manually writing and debugging queries, the system automatically generates search queries by analyzing selected data classes and their relationships in the ontology, significantly improving search efficiency while maintaining simple user interaction through graphical class selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The graphical user interface serves as an intermediary that simplifies the interaction between users and the database system. It provides a user-friendly interface for selecting data classes while automatically handling the complex query generation process, thereby improving productivity without increasing user-side complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10691713B2Method and tool for browsing semantic data and creating queries using a domain/range representation

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 GE DIGITAL HLDG LLC

AI summary

A method in a computer system includes displaying a user interface screen to aid in generating search queries for a semantic database. The user may select two or more data classes from a displayed class hierarchy. Analysis of the semantic database may lead to generating and displaying one or more paths via class relationships between selected data classes. The user may interact with a displayed path of class relationships to provide input to the system, and from that input the system may automatically generate a search query.