Executable Dataflow Graph Difference Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developers face challenges in understanding and tracking changes made to computer programs, particularly in identifying differences between versions of dataflow graphs, which can impact functionality and require manual effort to reconcile or debug.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for comparing and displaying differences between executable dataflow graphs, including identifying added, removed, or modified nodes and links, using graphical indicators and interactive visualizations to facilitate understanding and management of changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual methods are used to track and identify changes between dataflow graph versions, then developers can understand modifications, but the process requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded graphical indicators to represent different types of changes (additions, deletions, modifications) in the dataflow graph. Nodes and links are displayed with distinct colors or color intensities corresponding to change types and magnitudes, enabling developers to quickly visually identify and categorize modifications without manually analyzing each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional textual or tabular representation of changes into a two-dimensional graphical visualization. By mapping change information onto the spatial layout of the dataflow graph itself, the system adds a visual dimension that makes differences immediately apparent and spatially contextualized, reducing the time required to comprehend modifications.
2Measurement precision
If detailed comparisons are performed between dataflow graph versions, then comprehensive change information is obtained, but the complexity of analyzing and presenting the data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the change information into distinct categories (node additions, node deletions, node modifications, link additions, link deletions) and represents each category with specific graphical indicators. This segmentation allows comprehensive change detection while organizing the information into manageable, visually distinct groups that reduce analytical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual properties (colors, icons, shading) to different parts of the dataflow graph based on their change status. Rather than uniformly presenting all changes with the same visual treatment, the system tailors the visual representation to the specific type and location of each change, making the visualization more intuitive and easier to interpret.
3Productivity
If graphical visualizations are used to display changes, then developers can quickly overview modifications, but the system requires sophisticated comparison and rendering capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies or representations of the dataflow graph nodes and links that incorporate change information. Rather than fundamentally transforming the data structure, the system generates graphical replicas with added visual attributes (colors, icons) that encode change data, leveraging existing graph rendering capabilities while enhancing them with change-specific visual cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the graphical indicator system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: indicating change type, change magnitude, and spatial location within a single visual element. Each colored node or link serves as both the original graph element and a change indicator, eliminating the need for separate annotation layers and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying differences between a first executable dataflow graph and a second executable dataflow graph includes comparing a specification of the first executable dataflow graph and a specification of the second executable dataflow graph, including at least one of identifying a particular node or link of the first dataflow graph that does not correspond to any node or link of the second dataflow graph; and identifying a first node or link of the first dataflow graph that corresponds to a second node or link of the second dataflow graph, and identifying a difference between the first node or link and the second node or link. The method includes formulating and displaying a graphical representation of at least some of the nodes or links of the first dataflow graph or the second dataflow graph, the graphical representation including a graphical indicator of at least one of the identified particular node or link the identified difference between the first node or link and the second node or link.