Visual Data Flow Mapping for Query and Transform Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Database management systems require intuitive data flow designs to simplify the understanding and control of complex data management processes, which often involve multiple steps and sources, making it difficult for users to trace data origins and efficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an intuitive data flow (IDF) within the database management system that visually represents data management processes, using line widths and colors to indicate data quantities and durations, allowing users to understand and reconfigure data flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a database management system implements detailed multi-step data management processes, then data processing capability is improved, but user understanding and control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex data management process into distinct visual components including data sources, data queries, data transforms, and consumption points. Each segment is represented as a separate node in the visual data flow diagram, allowing users to understand and control individual process stages while maintaining the overall complex processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear or hierarchical process representation to a two-dimensional visual data flow diagram. This dimensional change allows simultaneous display of multiple data flow paths, transformations, and relationships in space, making complex multi-step processes intuitive to understand and control.
2Loss of information
If the database management system displays all data management steps, then completeness of information is improved, but complexity of display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing detailed information at specific nodes (data sources, queries, transforms) while maintaining an overall simplified visual structure. Each node can display detailed properties and metrics locally, allowing complete information availability without overwhelming the entire display with complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the data flow process that mirrors the actual data movement without requiring users to interact with the complex underlying system directly. The visual data flow diagram serves as an intuitive copy that preserves all necessary information while simplifying the interface.
3Measurement precision
If the system provides detailed metrics for data queries and transforms, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detection and measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color coding to represent different quality metrics and performance characteristics of data queries and transforms. Visual indicators such as color-coded nodes, lines, or icons provide immediate qualitative assessment of data flow health, making it easy for users to detect and measure quality without complex analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual dynamics such as animated indicators, pulsing effects, or movement patterns to draw attention to quality metrics and performance issues. These visual vibrations or movements help users quickly detect important measurements without requiring them to actively search through static detailed data.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are described for a database management system comprising a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The at least one processor is configured to receive a request to display a first data management process and identify a data query quality and a data transform quality for display. The first data management process comprises a first data source, a first data query, and a first data transform. The at least one processor is further configured to determine a first value of the data query quality for the first data query and a second value of the data transform quality for the first data transform and display the first data management process based on the first value and the second value.