Typed data graph visualization system in three dimensions

Abstract

A visualization system presents inter-connected three-dimensional models representing components of a data graph to a user on a display. A visualization graph is created from the association of a user-specified data graph, which may not include graphical information, to three-dimensional models through a type graph. Arrangement of three-dimensional models into discrete units is determined from local relations between components of the data graph.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 686,331, filed Jan. 12, 2010, by Rana Ian, entitled, “TYPED DATA GRAPH VISUALIZATION SYSTEM IN THREE DIMENSIONS,” which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING[0003]Not applicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]This application pertains to visualizing data on a computer wherein an artificial workspace is created and presented to a user in such a way that it appears as a volumetric spatial region on a computer display. The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, points mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]This application pertains to a computer device implemented visualization system presenting a three-dimensional view of a data graph to a user on a display. The visualization system (1) improves the comprehension of complex data graphs; (2) enables large data graphs to be displayed in a compact form; (3) enables any data graph designed from a type graph to be visualized in three dimensions; and (4) enables a data graph which doesn't contain graphical information to be visualized in three dimensions. The three-dimensional visualization includes at least three-dimensional models geometrically arranged into discrete units. Each three-dimensional model presented is associated to a component of the data graph. Discrete units of three-dimensional model arrangement are determined by the local relations components of the data graph have with one another. In one embodiment, a visualization graph is created by combining a user-specified data graph with three-dimensional models and three-dimensional arrangements associated to a type graph.

Problems solved by technology

The volume and complexity of data graphs produced world-wide has rapidly increased over the past twenty years.

As the number of relations grows into the hundreds or thousands, and as the number of data nodes grows into the hundreds or thousands, it becomes increasingly difficult to clearly track each node and each relation in two dimensions.

But at a certain point computer displays run out of space.

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