Columnar Tree Map for Hierarchical Data Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visualization techniques, such as tree maps, often render data elements with awkwardly shaped and sized spaces, making them unsuitable for displaying relevant associated content effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating a columnar tree map, which represents hierarchical data as segments within a grid of evenly spaced columns, allowing for proportional visualization of data distribution and accommodating typographic content by flowing one-dimensional mappings along predetermined columns, and grouping categories with small values into a 'OTHER' category.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tree maps are used to visualize hierarchical data, then data patterns can be seen, but the spaces used to render data elements are awkwardly shaped and sized making them unsuitable for displaying associated content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visualization space into a grid of rectangular columns, where each column represents a data element. This segmentation transforms the traditional nested rectangle approach into discrete, uniformly shaped units that are better suited for displaying associated content while maintaining hierarchical relationships through spatial arrangement and labeling.
2Loss of information
If tree maps use nested rectangles to represent hierarchical data, then tree structure is visualized, but the irregular shapes make it difficult to accommodate labels and typographic content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each column a regular rectangle with uniform properties, specifically designed to accommodate labels and typographic content. This local optimization of shape regularity at each data element level enables effective content display while the overall spatial arrangement preserves hierarchical information.
3Measurement precision
If unevenly sized rectangles are used in tree maps, then proportional representation of data values is achieved, but smaller segments cannot effectively contain labels and content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from representing data proportionality solely through area variations in traditional tree maps to a new dimensional approach where regular rectangular columns are arranged in sequences. The proportional representation is achieved through the arrangement and grouping of these uniform columns rather than through varying column sizes, enabling both precise measurement representation and effective label accommodation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to generate a columnar tree map of a hierarchical structure is provided. An example system comprises a memory, at least one processor coupled to the memory, a data access module configured to access a hierarchical data structure, and a tree map generator to generate a tree map using at least one processor. The tree map generator generates and renders a tree map for a target data set based on the size and dimensions of a viewing area provided on a target display device, the values associated with categories in the data set, and a predetermined column width.