Visual Programming Interface for Data Analysis Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for accessing and analyzing large data sets are complex and require sophisticated knowledge, making it expensive and difficult for businesses to turn data analysis ideas into functional applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for generating database applications using a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to define data models, workflows, and processing logic, enabling the creation of data access applications and advanced analytics through a visual programming language, which translates user inputs into executable commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional data access tools are used, then data analysis capability is achieved, but system complexity and knowledge requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata analysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a visual programming interface as an intermediary layer between users and complex data processing systems. This interface translates simple drag-and-drop operations into sophisticated data analysis workflows, allowing users to access powerful data capabilities without needing to understand underlying system complexity. The visual interface acts as a mediator that converts user-friendly actions into complex backend operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sophisticated data analysis tools are implemented, then analytical power is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalytical powerVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual metaphors and graphical representations that copy familiar real-world concepts (such as drag-and-drop file operations) to represent complex data processing operations. By creating visual copies of intuitive actions, the system allows users to interact with sophisticated analytical tools through familiar, simple gestures rather than requiring knowledge of complex programming or data processing concepts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If visual programming interface is used, then ease of operation is improved, but development time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidapplication development time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating, optimizing, and compiling data processing workflows in the background before users need them. When users create visual programming elements through simple drag-and-drop operations, the system pre-processes these into efficient executable code, pre-configures data pipelines, and prepares analytical models in advance. This preliminary processing eliminates time-consuming manual configuration and optimization steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional application development processes are used, then customization is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidapplication development productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments complex data processing applications into discrete, reusable visual components that can be independently configured and assembled. Users can break down sophisticated analytical workflows into modular elements (data sources, transformations, analytics, visualizations) that can be independently customized and then recombined. This segmentation enables rapid prototyping and iteration without requiring complete application redesign, significantly improving development productivity while maintaining full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10275221B2Systems and methods for generating data visualization applications
Publication Date: 2019.04.30 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US10275221B2 patent drawing
  • US10275221B2 patent drawing
  • US10275221B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system provides a high-level visual programming language input through a GUI. User inputs specify a data source, a workflow, processing logic, and a data store. Multiple instances of these primitives may be combined to generate multi-dimensional domain applications. The workflow and processing logic may be specified in a graphical user interface wherein nodes representing workflow actions or processing functions are picked from a palette and placed on a diagram. Interconnections between nodes are received in the interface and represent data flows or dependencies between nodes. The high-level visual programming inputs are the translated into low-level database commands and executed within an execution framework.