3D Data Visualization via Field-Attribute Mappings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer systems are limited in conveying large amounts of data in a digestible and understandable manner for users, making it difficult to extract important information quickly as the volume of relevant data continues to increase.

Innovation Solution

A computer system that allows users to view and interact with three-dimensional representations of data from a first-person perspective, where data objects are dynamically updated in real time, with attributes like size and color reflecting data field values, enabling users to move through a virtual environment and visualize data changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional computer systems display data in conventional formats, then the system structure remains simple, but the user cannot quickly understand and digest large amounts of data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata comprehension speedVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms traditional two-dimensional data displays into three-dimensional visual representations. Data objects are positioned in 3D space with spatial relationships that reflect data associations, allowing users to perceive complex data structures more intuitively. This dimensional transition enables faster data comprehension by leveraging human spatial reasoning capabilities while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized 3D rendering pipelines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs color encoding to represent different data attributes and states. Data objects are assigned colors based on their field values, with color variations indicating different categories, statuses, or magnitudes. This visual encoding technique allows users to quickly distinguish and interpret data characteristics at a glance, significantly improving data digestion speed without adding substantial system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Quantity of substance

If more data is presented to users in traditional formats, then the information volume increases, but the user's ability to extract important information decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata volumeVSAvoidinformation extraction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different visual properties to different parts of data objects based on their local characteristics. Specific data fields are mapped to distinct visual attributes such as color, size, or position, allowing users to quickly identify important information by scanning visual cues rather than reading text. This localized visual encoding maintains information extraction efficiency even as data volume increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By representing data in three-dimensional space, the patent creates spatial hierarchies and groupings that naturally organize large volumes of data. Related data objects are positioned near each other, and hierarchical relationships are expressed through vertical or depth-based arrangements. This spatial organization helps users navigate and extract important information from large datasets without being overwhelmed by volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If static data displays are used, then the system is easy to operate, but users cannot visualize data changes in real time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidreal-time data visualization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic 3D data visualizations that automatically update when underlying data changes. Data objects in the 3D environment respond to data updates by changing position, size, color, or other visual properties in real time. This dynamic behavior provides accurate real-time data visualization while maintaining ease of operation, as the system handles updates automatically without requiring complex user interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of information

If detailed data attributes are displayed in traditional formats, then complete information is provided, but users cannot quickly identify anomalies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidanomaly detection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color encoding to highlight anomalies and deviations in data. Data objects with abnormal values are assigned distinctive colors or color intensities that draw immediate user attention. This visual anomaly detection mechanism maintains complete information display while enabling rapid identification of unusual patterns, as users can scan for color variations rather than analyzing numerical data systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies enhanced visual properties to specific data objects that contain anomalies or important characteristics. Affected data objects receive distinctive visual treatment such as increased size, contrasting colors, or positional emphasis, while maintaining their complete attribute information. This localized visual enhancement allows users to quickly locate anomalies within comprehensive data displays without sacrificing information completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11010970B1Conveying data to a user via field-attribute mappings in a three-dimensional model
Publication Date: 2021.05.18 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US11010970B1 patent drawing
  • US11010970B1 patent drawing
  • US11010970B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods according to various embodiments enable a user to view three-dimensional representations of data objects (“nodes”) within a 3D environment from a first person perspective. The system may be configured to allow the user to interact with the nodes by moving a virtual camera through the 3D environment. The nodes may have one or more attributes that may correspond, respectively, to particular static or dynamic values within the data object's data fields. The attributes may include physical aspects of the nodes, such as color, size, or shape. The system may group related data objects within the 3D environment into clusters that are demarked using one or more cluster designators, which may be in the form of a dome or similar feature that encompasses the related data objects. The system may enable multiple users to access the 3D environment simultaneously, or to record their interactions with the 3D environment.