# US 2023/0054518 A1 · Method and apparatus for a data funnel interface with adjustable paths > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2023/0054518 A1 - Document ID: US20230054518A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 17/300,567 - Filed: 2021-08-20 - Published: 2023-02-23 - Earliest claimed: 2021-08-20 - Assignees: H. Paul Zellweger - Inventors: H. Paul Zellweger - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20230054518A1 ## CPC - G06F 16/2455: Query execution - G06F 16/252: {between a Database Management System and a front-end application} - G06F 16/284: {Relational databases} - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) ## Abstract A data funnel interface with adjustable paths guides end-users to information in a relational table. The interface consists of one or more categories of user data derived from the set of user attributes in the database table. Each category of user data consists of human readable data in the table that conveys values relevant to the end-user. Selecting a data item from one category establishes a logical relationship with the next set of data in an unselected category. The end-user has random access to the categories of data and he or she is always free to choose a data item that either builds on an existing pathway or starts a new one. In the interface, alongside each category is a visual cue that indicates the status of an end-user’s data selection. Upon selecting a data item from each category in the interface, the system displays a Continue button to transfer the control to a window object that displays table information. The interface and its updated display of categories of data is generated automatically. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A computer system proving the means for generating a data funnel interface for retrieving individual records from a database table consisting of: a configuration system that provides the means for a developer to select a table in said database system, an end-user interface that provides an underlying structure and components of said data funnel interface, a data file consisting of a subset of data from an attribute in from said database table for said data funnel interface, a retrieval routine that reads said data file to fetch said nested set of data to update a data display in said user interface. a selection routine for said data funnel interface that marks a data item selected by an end-user and that transforms a visual progress cue on said data funnel interface to a new state. whereas, providing the means for generating said data file for said data funnel interface effectively enabling said data funnel interface to be constructed entirely by automation. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The computer software system of claim 1, wherein said assemblage of software program logic of said data funnel interface is implemented in at least one computer language. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The storage structure of claim 1, wherein said storage structure is compatible with at least one data model, one data structure, and one file structure. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The storage structure of claim 1, wherein said storage structure establishes a logical relationship between said end-user label and said structural element of said source of data. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The data source of claim 1, wherein said data source is an external system that is compatible with at least one data model, one data structure, and one data file format. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The administrators’ interface of claim 1, wherein said administrators' interface is implemented in a computer language that is compatible with at least one graphic user interface computer language. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The administrators’ interface of claim 1, wherein said administrators' interface provides the means for granting and denying access at the table and attribute levels when said data source is a database system. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The administrators’ interface of claim 1, wherein said administrators' interface provides the program logic means for implementing a rule-based translator that can locate a character string in a technically oriented label that refers to said structural element in said data source and that can replace said character string with an EUL character string to create said end-user label. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The administrators’ interface of claim 8, wherein said administrators' interface provides the program logic means for managing a collection of said rule-based translator. ### Claim 10 A computer software system proving the means for generating a data funnel interface for accessing individual records in a database system consisting: a configuration system that provides the means for a developer user to select a database table in said database system, a template user interface for said data funnel interface that provides a generic structure for said data funnel interface, a data file from said database table for said data funnel interface that provides an interface content for said template user interface. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The computer software system of claim 10, wherein said assemblage of software program logic of said data funnel interface is implemented in at least one computer language. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The storage structure of claim 10, wherein said storage structure is compatible with at least one data model, one data structure, and one file structure. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The storage structure of claim 10, wherein said storage structure establishes a logical relationship between said end-user label and said structural element of said external source of data. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The data source of claim 10, wherein said data source is compatible with at least one data model, one data structure, and one data file format. ### Claim 15 (depends on 10) The administrators’ interface of claim 10, wherein said administrators' interface is implemented in a computer language that is compatible with at least one graphic user interface computer language. ### Claim 16 (depends on 10) The administrators’ interface of claim 10, wherein said administrators' interface granting and denying access at the table and attribute levels when said data source is a database system. ### Claim 17 (depends on 10) The administrators’ interface of claim 10, wherein said administrators' interface implementing a rule-based translator that can locate a character string in a technically oriented label that refers to said structural element in said data source and that can replace said character string with an EUL character string to create said end-user label. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The administrators’ interface of claim 17, wherein said administrators' interface implementing said rule-based translator that includes providing the program logic for managing a collection of said rule-based translator.