Composite Graph Visualization with Container Expansion Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
User interfaces for image compositing require extensive navigation to find specific image processing nodes, leading to inefficiencies due to the need to view only a portion of the composite graph at a time, making it difficult for users to understand their context within the graph.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for visually representing composite graphs that allows users to select expansion modes for containers, enabling the display of contents either adjacent or within the visual representation, while maintaining the order of image functions, and allowing for multiple views into the hierarchy by tearing off and relocating containers, facilitating quick navigation and modification of the graph.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the composite graph is displayed in a traditional navigation interface, then the display device can show only a portion of the graph at a time, but users spend excessive time navigating to find specific image processing nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat display to a three-dimensional virtual environment where the composite graph is represented as a navigable space. Users can move through the graph in multiple directions and perspectives, effectively increasing the visible area without being constrained by the flat screen real estate. This dimensional transformation allows simultaneous viewing of multiple graph sections that would otherwise require extensive navigation.
2Loss of information
If the composite graph is displayed in a traditional navigation interface, then only a portion of the graph is visible at a time, but users lose context about their location within the overall graph structure
Solution Approach 1:
By representing the composite graph as a three-dimensional virtual environment, the system maintains spatial relationships and contextual information that would be lost in traditional 2D navigation. Users can orient themselves within the graph structure by perceiving depth, distance, and relative positioning of nodes in 3D space, preserving context awareness while expanding the visible area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or representation of the composite graph within the 3D environment, allowing users to interact with this virtual model while maintaining awareness of the overall structure. This virtual representation preserves the graph's hierarchical and spatial relationships, enabling context-aware navigation without being limited by the original 2D layout constraints.
3Ease of operation
If traditional graph navigation interfaces are used, then users can view the graph structure, but extensive navigation is required leading to lost time
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional virtual environment enables more direct and intuitive navigation paths through the composite graph. Users can move freely in 3D space to reach target nodes, rather than being constrained to sequential scrolling or zooming operations in 2D. This reduces navigation effort and time while maintaining ease of operation through natural spatial interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Visually representing a composite graph of image functions includes providing a visual representation of a composite graph for an image, the visual representation including first items corresponding to respective image functions, and second items corresponding to containers for image functions, the image to be rendered by performing the image functions in an order defined by the composite graph. The user selects an expansion mode for presenting contents of a first container, each of the containers having a first expansion mode wherein the contents are displayed generally adjacent the visual representation, and a second expansion mode where the contents are displayed generally within the visual representation. A modified visual representation of the composite graph is provided in response to the input, wherein the modified visual representation maintains the order of the image functions defined by the composite graph and has the first container expanded according to the selected expansion mode.