Dynamic Data Object Insertion with Overlap Preview
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business intelligence data visualization tools face challenges in efficiently managing limited screen space, requiring users to manually adjust data objects, known as 'pixel pushing,' without providing a preview of changes before implementation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for inserting a new data object on a canvas with existing data objects, involving user input for position, determining overlap, generating a preview based on action type (moving, shrinking, or varying page width), and user approval for insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually adjust data objects on the canvas to accommodate new data, then data objects can be positioned on the canvas, but user productivity decreases and manual effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically calculating overlap pixel counts between the new data object and existing data objects before the user finalizes the insertion. The system determines action types (move, shrink, or vary page width) in advance and generates a preview of the canvas with the new data object inserted, allowing users to review changes before they take effect. This eliminates the need for users to manually perform pixel pushing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually push existing data objects to make space for new data objects, then data objects fit within screen limitations, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal action type (move, shrink, or vary page width) based on the calculated overlap pixel count. The system autonomously calculates how existing data objects should be adjusted to accommodate the new data object while maintaining screen space constraints, eliminating the need for users to manually perform complex pixel pushing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of existing data objects automatically based on the determined action type. This includes moving data objects to new positions, shrinking their dimensions, or varying the page width to accommodate the new data object. These parameter changes are calculated and applied automatically, reducing the complexity of the insertion process.
3Productivity
If users implement changes directly without preview, then data objects are inserted quickly, but users cannot verify the visual impact of changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates a preview of the canvas with the new data object inserted before the user approves the change. This preliminary action allows users to review the visual impact of the insertion, including the positions and dimensions of affected data objects, without committing the change. Users can then approve or reject the insertion based on the preview, ensuring informed decision-making while maintaining efficient workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and system for inserting a new data object in a data visualization with one or more other data objects already present on a canvas. The insertion of the new data object involves receiving a position of a new data object for the canvas from a user, determining a position of a first one of the one or more data objects and a second one of the one or more data objects on the canvas, determining an overlap pixel count, if the new data object is overlapping with the position of the first one of the one or more data objects, determining an action type on the first one of the one or more data objects based on the overlap pixel count, generating a preview of the canvas with the new data object and inserting the new data object on the canvas based on user approval.