Address Space Visualization with Synchronized Multi-Region Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visualization methods for large address spaces with meshed networks, such as the OPC UA information model or ABB Aspect Object Model, are limited by the simplicity of tree structures, which hinder detailed examination and navigation within complex node dependencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that divide the user interface into multiple configurable address space display regions, allowing different visualization modes for node networks in one region and detailed node presentations in another, with automatic synchronization of node structures and relationships during navigation, and independent visualization components that present all relationships when nodes are dragged between regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tree structure is used for visualizing address spaces, then simplicity and ease of implementation are improved, but the ability to handle large address spaces with meshed networks and show detailed node dependencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is divided into multiple independent display regions, each capable of showing different visualization modes (tree view, graph view, detail view) of the address space. This segmentation allows the system to present multiple perspectives simultaneously, handling complex meshed networks effectively while maintaining implementation simplicity through modular region design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display regions are introduced to show different visualization modes, then the ability to handle large address spaces with meshed networks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each display region is designed as a universal component capable of multiple visualization modes (tree, graph, detail views). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using identical reusable components rather than separate specialized displays for each view type, while still providing the versatility to handle complex address spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The display regions are dynamically configurable, allowing users to adjust their size, position, and visualization mode according to needs. This dynamic adaptability manages interface complexity by letting users customize the view to match their specific task requirements, rather than presenting a fixed complex layout.
3Productivity
If automatic synchronization is implemented across display regions, then user interaction efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Automatic synchronization implements a feedback mechanism where changes in one display region are detected and propagated to other regions. This feedback loop maintains consistency across all views, improving user interaction efficiency by eliminating manual synchronization tasks, while the automated nature of the feedback mechanism manages the complexity burden.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method and to corresponding systems for visualizing an address space and for organizing automation-related data, wherein according to a first method variant the user interface of a display device of a computer system is divided into a plurality of configurable address space display regions. Each address space display region is divided into a first partial region and into a second partial region, wherein the address space display regions all represent a same address space that can be chosen by a user. In the first partial regions, the node network of the address space is visualized in different display modes. In the second partial regions, details of a node chosen by the user are displayed. When the user navigates in one of the first partial regions and carries out a change to the node network, the structure of the node network and relations between the nodes in all first partial regions are automatically synchronized.