Stratigraph Visual Query Builder for Non-Programmers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Data mining tools require users to understand complex query syntax and interfaces, making it difficult for non-programmers to construct queries and visualize results interactively.

Innovation Solution

A data mining tool called 'stratigraph' allows non-programmers to visually assemble queries through direct manipulation, using a layer-based system where each predicate can be filtered and expanded, forming query 'spires' for interactive exploration, without needing to know underlying query languages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional data mining tools are used, then query functionality is provided, but users must understand complex query syntax and interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of query constructionVSAvoidquery syntax complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The query construction interface is segmented into multiple visual layers, each representing a specific query component or predicate. Users interact with individual layers independently, breaking down the complex query syntax into manageable visual segments that can be assembled through direct manipulation rather than memorizing complex syntax rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A visual intermediary layer is introduced between the user and the underlying query syntax. This visual interface acts as a mediator that translates user-friendly visual selections into the appropriate query language automatically, eliminating the need for users to directly handle complex syntax while maintaining full query functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If visual layer assembly is implemented, then non-programmers can construct queries easily, but the system must handle dynamic layer expansion and reordering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitive query assemblyVSAvoiddynamic layer reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The visual layers are designed to be dynamic rather than static. Each layer can expand to reveal additional options, collapse to save space, and be repositioned by the user. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to adapt to user needs during query construction while maintaining intuitive visual assembly through drag-and-drop operations and automatic layout adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12153593B1Method and system for data mining layers

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 OKAMOTO RUSSELL

AI summary

Data mining tools often require users to learn arcane query syntax and complex user interfaces in order to compose data mining queries. A “stratigraph” is a data mining tool that enables non-programmers to explore data by visually assembling queries through direct manipulation and rendering query results in “layers”. Each layer—one for each predicate of a query—can be subsequently filtered by selecting a value from the current layer. Selecting a value in a layer expands the layer to produce a higher layer based on the selected value, all previous layer predicates, and the next user-specified predicate. As exploration continues upward, layers build on top of each other, forming query “spires” that become visual query landmarks. This interactive exploration process is evocative of how geologists decode the story of rock formations by analyzing how strata evolve. Hence the name “stratigraph” is an homage to this science of stratigraphy.