Spreadsheet Interface for Automated Cloud Database Column Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in efficiently adding new columns to worksheets in cloud-based data warehouses due to the complexity of composing and issuing database queries, which often exceeds the capabilities of most users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a spreadsheet interface to receive requests for adding a new column, generates a database query based on user input, and retrieves the necessary data from a cloud-based data warehouse, allowing users to specify reference and data columns, and automatically generates the new column using a query manager that converts user inputs into SQL queries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users directly compose and issue database queries to manipulate data in cloud-based data warehouses, then data manipulation capabilities are improved, but the complexity of operations increases beyond the abilities of most users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spreadsheet interface as an intermediary layer between users and the database system. This interface translates user-friendly spreadsheet operations into complex database queries automatically, allowing users to manipulate data without needing to understand SQL or database query syntax. The spreadsheet acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of query composition while providing a simple interface to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating and executing database queries based on user actions in the spreadsheet interface. When users perform operations like adding columns or manipulating data in the spreadsheet, the system autonomously translates these actions into appropriate database queries and executes them without requiring user expertise in database management.
2Ease of operation
If a spreadsheet interface automatically generates database queries based on user input, then ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a spreadsheet interface layer for user interaction, a query generation layer that translates spreadsheet operations into database queries, and a database execution layer. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, managing overall system complexity through modular architecture while providing simple user operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Adding a column into a worksheet, including: receiving, via a spreadsheet interface comprising a first worksheet, a request to add a new column to the first worksheet, wherein the request includes a key that identifies a reference column in the first worksheet, a specification of a second worksheet that comprises a corresponding reference column related by the key, and a specification of a data column in the second worksheet, wherein each entry of the data column is associated with an entry of the corresponding reference column in the second worksheet, and entries to be included in the requested new column will be based on the entries of the data column; generating, based on the request, a database query; and receiving, from a database and in response to the database query, a query result comprising the new column to be added to the first worksheet.