International Business Machines Corporation

Antonius G P Steijvers

Ramon L H Pisters

Franciscus J J Van Ham

Jelle A G Van Den Elsen

Ruben P Philippen

Robin Neil Grosset

Peter R Broadbent

A system and method for rendering data points contained in a set of generic data into a graphics object of a particular visualization type. The generic data is fetched by the system from a data store using data retrieval logic. Additional data bearing connection information about how to structure the generic data during rendering is fetched by one or more data retrieval plugins. The data retrieval plugins are selected from among a plurality of data retrieval plugins available to the system. The generic and additional data are rendered into a graphics object either jointly or sequentially. Through provision of these data retrieval plugins, it is thus possible to add visualization types that require additional data in a structured manner, or to add logic on how to connect fetched data points, without having to modify the system's own inbuilt data retrieval logic.

Visualization of connected data

A processor-implemented method retrieves information from a database system. A data query, which includes a specification of information to be retrieved from the database system, is generated. A first parameter specifying a condition to be met by the retrieved information is defined. A second parameter specifying one or more data reduction operations to be executed if the condition defined by the first parameter is not met is defined. The generated data query and the first and second parameters are then transmitted to the database system.

Information retrieval from a database system

A declarative specification for visualization may be improved. The declarative specification for the visualization may be identified and checked for appropriateness. This appropriateness check can be done by ensuring that the declarative specification meets a number of rules. The rules may be predefined and include rules that define best practices for visualizations. If a portion of the declarative specification violates one of the rules, it can be highlighted. In this way, the user can see how the declarative specification can be improved for visualization.

Growing community of inventors

Ell, Netherlands

Antonius G P Steijvers