Value-chained queries in analytic applications

• US 7,720,842 B2
• Filed: 07/16/2001
• Issued: 05/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Informatica LLC (Informatica, Inc. (California))
• Original Assignee: Informatica Corporation
• Inventors: Lyle, David, Kanchwala, Firoz, Shringeri, Sanjatha
• Primary Examiner(s): Truong; Cam Y T
• Application Number:
  US09/906,862
• Publication Number:
  US 20030018634A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,228 Days
• Field of Search: 707 1- 10, 707/102, 707/104, 705/10, 709/206, 709/245, 715/500, 702/188
• US Class Current: 707/722
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2428 Query predicate definition using graphical user interfaces, including menus and forms G06F16/2423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/34 Browsing; Visualisation therefor

Abstract

A method for facilitating the navigation of data generated using an analytic application. In particular, a method of creating and using a query chain to access data is described. The user designates some data field as being of particular interest. A list of further query chains for the user to choose from is shown. The user can select one of these query chains to further navigate the database, modify one of the query chains listed, or can create a new query chain by further navigating the database. The selections made by the user while further navigating the database are recorded and linked into a query chain, which can be stored for later use. Accordingly, user access to a field of particular interest is facilitated, and information of particular interest can be accessed in a timely manner.

Claims

1. A method for navigating a database of metrics generated by an analytic application, the method comprising:

in response to user selection of a first query, the first query comprising a first set of metrics selected from the database of metrics and a first field;

(i) executing the first query by a computer system,

(ii) displaying to a user data corresponding to the first query, and

(iii) displaying

a list of queries comprising second sets of metrics selected from the database of metrics and

second fields related to the first set of metrics, the first field serving as a filter for subsequent queries;

in response to user selection of a second query as a subsequent query, the second query comprising a selected set of second metrics and a selected second field from the displayed list of queries comprising second sets of metrics selected from the database of metrics and second fields related to the first set of metrics;

(i) executing the second query,

(ii) displaying to the user data corresponding to the selected second set of metrics and selected second field, and

(iii) displaying another list of queries comprising third sets of metrics selected from the database of metrics and third fields related to the selected second set of metrics, the selected second field serving as a filter for subsequent queries;

linking the second query as the subsequent query to the first query; and

storing the linked queries.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the third sets of metrics are not directly associated with the first set of metrics.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of queries comprising second sets of metrics and second fields is pre-defined.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of queries comprising second sets of metrics and second fields is modifiable by the user to add new second metrics to the list of queries comprising second sets of metrics and second fields.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein linking the second, subsequent query to the first query provides the user direct navigation to the data corresponding to the selected second set of metrics and selected second field in a subsequent navigation.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of metrics comprises a single metric.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of metrics comprises multiple metrics.

8. A computer program product stored in a computer-readable storage medium for navigating a database of metrics generated by an analytic application, comprising:

computer program code encoded on the computer-readable storage medium configured for;

in response to user selection of a first query, the first query comprising a first set of metrics selected from the database of metrics and a first field;

(i) executing the first query,

(ii) displaying to a user data corresponding to the first query, and

(iii) displaying

a list of queries comprising second sets of metrics selected from the database of metrics and

second fields related to the first set of metrics, the first field serving as a filter for subsequent queries;

in response to user selection of a second query as a subsequent query, the second query comprising a selected set of second metrics and a selected second field from the displayed list of queries comprising second sets of metrics selected from the database of metrics and second fields related to the first set of metrics;

(i) executing the second query,

(ii) displaying to the user data corresponding to the selected second set of metrics and selected second field, and

(iii) displaying another list of queries comprising third sets of metrics selected from the database of metrics and third fields related to the selected second set of metrics, the selected second field serving as a filter for subsequent queries;

linking the second query as the subsequent query to the first query; and

storing the linked queries.

9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the third sets of metrics are not directly associated with the first set of metrics.

10. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the list of queries comprising second sets of metrics and second fields is pre-defined.

11. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the list of queries comprising second sets of metrics and second fields is modifiable by the user to add new second metrics to the list.

12. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein linking the second, subsequent query to the first query provides the user direct navigation to the data corresponding to the selected second set of metrics and selected second field in a subsequent navigation.

13. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the first set of metrics comprises a single metric.

14. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the first set of metrics comprises multiple metrics.