Graphical Diagramming Multi-Parent DAG Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagramming applications struggle to accurately represent nodes with multiple parent nodes in graphical diagrams, often resulting in complex and inaccurate visualizations, such as duplicating nodes or failing to show the correct relationship to parent containers.
Innovation Solution
Converting a directed acyclic graph (DAG) with multiple parent nodes into a tree structure where each node has no more than one parent node, allowing child nodes to be positioned in intersection areas of container graphical objects representing the parent nodes, thereby clearly conveying the relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nodes with multiple parent nodes are represented in a traditional tree structure, then the hierarchical relationship becomes clear, but the ability to represent multiple parent-child relationships is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-dimension tree structure to a multi-dimensional representation where nodes can exist in intersection areas of multiple parent containers. This dimensional change allows child nodes to simultaneously belong to multiple parent hierarchies, resolving the contradiction between maintaining clear hierarchical relationships and representing multiple parent nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested container structure where child nodes are positioned within intersection areas formed by overlapping parent containers. Each parent container acts as a nested layer, and the intersection of these layers represents nodes that belong to multiple parents, enabling both hierarchical clarity and multi-parent representation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a DAG structure is used to represent multiple parent nodes, then the ability to represent complex relationships is improved, but the difficulty of graphical representation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex DAG structure into manageable components by introducing container graphical objects that group parent nodes. Each container represents a parent hierarchy, and the intersection of containers visually segments the representation of multi-parent relationships, making the complex structure easier to understand and render graphically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces container graphical objects as intermediaries between the abstract DAG structure and the visual representation. These containers act as mediators that translate the complex multi-parent relationships into a visually manageable format using intersection areas, reducing the perceived complexity of the graphical representation.
3Loss of information
If child nodes are positioned in intersection areas of parent containers, then the visualization of multiple parent relationships becomes clear, but the layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-dimensional layout where parent containers are represented as overlapping regions and child nodes are positioned in the intersection areas. This dimensional approach naturally handles the placement of multi-parent nodes by allowing them to occupy the overlapping space of multiple parent containers, making the relationships visually intuitive without requiring complex hierarchical nesting.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method to display a graphical diagram includes receiving source data that includes multiple nodes arranged in a directed acyclic graph (DAG) in which each child node of a set of child nodes has multiple DAG parent nodes. The nodes include the DAG parent nodes. The method includes converting the DAG to a tree in which each of the nodes has no more than one tree parent node. The method includes displaying, based on the tree, a graphical diagram in which child graphical objects that represent child nodes that each has multiple DAG parent nodes are positioned in intersection areas of container graphical objects that represent the DAG parent nodes.