Tree Data Structure Search via Single Command Interface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for searching tree data structures are time-consuming and lack intuitive user interaction, requiring specific program code for each search type, making it difficult to access and navigate hierarchical data structures efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that allows accessing tree data structures using a single command, which can reference nodes, subtrees, or subsets of nodes, enabling efficient retrieval of data through commands like 'select', 'move', 'list', 'subtree', and 'fullsubtree', along with logical operators, to simplify data access and navigation within a computing environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specific program code is written for each search type, then the search can be performed accurately, but the time consumption and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch accuracyVSAvoidcode writing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a single integrated search system that can perform multiple types of tree structure searches (depth-first, breadth-first, subtree, node-based) through one unified interface. Instead of requiring separate code implementations for each search type, the system provides a universal search command that adapts to different search requirements, thereby reducing code writing time while maintaining search accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary search system that acts as a mediator between the user and the tree data structure. This intermediary layer translates high-level search commands into appropriate traversal operations, eliminating the need for users to write specific traversal code. The intermediary handles the complexity of different search types internally while presenting a simple unified interface to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If specific program code is written for each search type, then the search functionality is complete, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch functionalityVSAvoidcode complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single search system that incorporates multiple search capabilities (depth-first traversal, breadth-first traversal, subtree search, node-based search) within one unified framework. This eliminates the need for multiple separate code implementations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining complete search functionality across different tree structures and search types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple search algorithms and traversal methods into a single integrated search system. By combining depth-first search, breadth-first search, subtree search, and node-based search capabilities into one unified interface, the system reduces overall complexity while preserving the adaptability and versatility needed for different search scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If traditional traversal methods are used, then the search can be performed, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch efficiencyVSAvoiduser interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary search system that simplifies user interaction with tree data structures. Instead of requiring users to implement complex traversal algorithms, the intermediary accepts simple search commands and automatically performs the appropriate traversal operations. This maintains search efficiency while dramatically improving ease of operation by presenting a user-friendly interface that abstracts away the underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the search system to automatically determine and execute the appropriate traversal method based on the user's search requirements. The system serves itself by internally selecting and performing the correct search algorithm without requiring user intervention or code writing, thereby improving both productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8392467B1Directing searches on tree data structures
Publication Date: 2013.03.05 MATHWORKS INC
  • US8392467B1 patent drawing
  • US8392467B1 patent drawing
  • US8392467B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method to access a data structure including a tree data structure in a computing environment. The method includes generating the data structure in the computing environment. The tree data structure includes a plurality of nodes, a node in the plurality of nodes embodying a plurality of fields, and at least one child link and at least one next link, the at least one child link and the at least one next link being used to link two or more nodes in the plurality of nodes. The method further includes accessing contents of the data structure with an access command in the computing environment. The access command includes a reference to at least one node of the tree data structure and a user-defined argument.