Patent ID: 7720887
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. One or more processor-accessible storage media comprising processor-executable instructions that include a database interface module, the database interface module configured to group database objects by object dependencies into multiple groups of database objects; wherein the database interface module is configured to display the multiple groups of database objects, each respective group of database objects corresponding to a respective data source object of the database and including at least one data consuming database object that indirectly depends from the respective data source object and excluding data consuming database objects that do not directly or indirectly depend from the respective data source object, wherein direct dependency and indirect dependency is traced via (i) upstream dependencies and (ii) downstream dependencies; wherein the database interface module is further configured to provide access to the displayed multiple groups of database objects as a navigational capability for the database; wherein the database interface module is further configured to provide access to a particular database object of a displayed particular group of database objects when the particular database object is selected by a user; and wherein the database objects of the displayed particular group of database objects, besides the data source object thereof, comprise dependent database objects that provide a view on or a view of data stored in the data source object of the displayed particular group of database objects; wherein the database interface module is further configured to display the multiple groups of database objects in a column inside at least a portion of a window, the column including each respective group of database objects having a table as each respective data source object and wherein each respective dependent database object comprises one or more of a query, a report, or a form; and wherein the database interface module is further configured to display an icon adjacent each table displayed in the displayed column, the icon being selectable by a user to: (i) collapse a group of database objects that includes the displayed one or more of a query, a report, or a form that depend from the respective displayed table; and (ii) expand the group of database objects that includes the displayed one or more of a query, a report, or a form that depend from the respective displayed table, wherein the database interface module is further configured to establish a selection hotzone around each database object entry and around a graphical icon adjacent to each database object, wherein the graphical icon indicates the database object type, and wherein placing a pointer icon in the hotzone identifies an associated database object as the current target of the pointer icon, and wherein selection of a hotzone by the pointer icon causes contents of a corresponding database object to be accessed and displayed via a pop-up window or a full window.