Graphical Diagram Node Filtering and Dynamic Update

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diagram applications require users to regenerate diagrams from scratch when underlying structured data is updated, which is time-consuming and cumbersome, especially for diagrams with many nodes.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows users to display and update graphical diagrams based on structured data by analyzing pre-existing relationships, filtering nodes, and visually indicating outdated diagrams, using a server and client device architecture to synchronize data and generate diagrams dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users regenerate diagrams from scratch when structured data is updated, then the diagram reflects the latest data, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata synchronizationVSAvoiddiagram regeneration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting data changes in the structured data source before the user needs to update the diagram. The change detection mechanism monitors the structured data and identifies modifications proactively, preparing the system for automatic diagram updates without requiring user intervention or manual regeneration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously comparing the current structured data with the data used to generate the existing diagram. When changes are detected, the system provides feedback to automatically trigger diagram regeneration, creating a closed-loop system that maintains diagram accuracy without manual intervention and reduces the time users spend on updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If users manually update diagrams with many nodes, then data accuracy is maintained, but the operation becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoiddiagram update ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting changes in structured data and regenerating diagrams without user intervention. The automated change detection and diagram regeneration mechanisms handle the entire update process independently, eliminating manual operations and reducing the complexity and error-proneness associated with manually updating diagrams containing many nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical manual process of diagram updating with an automated computational system. Instead of users manually modifying diagram elements, the system uses automated change detection algorithms and programmatic diagram regeneration to maintain data accuracy, significantly improving ease of operation while eliminating human error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If the diagram includes all nodes and relationships, then complete information is provided, but the diagram becomes difficult to navigate and understand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddiagram navigability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies segmentation by dividing the complete set of nodes and relationships into meaningful groups or subsets. The interface allows users to segment the diagram view based on selected nodes, displaying only relevant portions while maintaining access to the complete underlying data structure. This preserves information completeness while improving navigability by presenting manageable visual segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a two-dimensional visual display challenge to a multi-dimensional solution space by combining visual filtering with hierarchical navigation and search capabilities. Users can navigate the complete diagram structure through multiple dimensions including node selection, filtering criteria, and hierarchical views, maintaining information completeness while improving ease of navigation through alternative access paths.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10929004B2Diagrams for structured data
Publication Date: 2021.02.23 LUCID SOFTWARE INC
  • US10929004B2 patent drawing
  • US10929004B2 patent drawing
  • US10929004B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may have computer-executable instructions stored thereon that are executable by a processor device to perform or control performance of various operations. The operations may include displaying a graphical diagram of multiple nodes and their relationships based on structured data about the nodes and their relationships. The operations may also include receiving input effective to specify a filter parameter. The operations may also include analyzing the nodes displayed in the graphical diagram to identify a first subset of the nodes that satisfy the filter parameter and a second subset of the nodes that fail to satisfy the filter parameter. The operations may also include altering the graphical diagram in accordance with the filter parameter.