Dynamic Graph for Time Series Data Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data visualization tools, such as line charts, often fail to effectively represent time series data due to clutter and inefficiencies in query handling, making it difficult to interpret large datasets and identify relationships between data segments.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic graph representation system that uses nodes and edges to visually convey relationships between time series data segments, allowing for interactive and dynamically updated graph elements based on query results, with automatic query generation and customizable graph properties to highlight important data segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If line charts are used to display time series data, then the data can be visualized, but the charts become unclear and cluttered when handling large volumes of data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata clarityVSAvoidchart clutter
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments time series data into hierarchical groups and subgroups, allowing data to be organized in a structured manner. This segmentation enables the visualization system to handle large volumes of data by breaking them down into manageable units that can be explored at different levels of detail, preventing chart clutter while maintaining data completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces hierarchical grouping as an additional dimension for organizing time series data, moving beyond traditional single-dimension line charts. By adding this dimensional structure, the system can represent complex data relationships without increasing visual clutter, as data points are logically organized into groups and subgroups that can be selectively expanded or collapsed.

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

2Productivity

If conventional visualization tools are used, then simple data display is achieved, but query handling becomes inefficient and tedious when drilling down into large datasets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery handling efficiencyVSAvoidtime for repeated queries
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary organization of time series data into hierarchical groups and subgroups before visualization and analysis. This pre-structuring enables efficient drilling down into data without requiring repeated queries, as the hierarchical framework is already established and can be navigated directly through the visualization interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where groups contain subgroups, which in turn contain individual data points. This nesting allows users to drill down through multiple levels of data organization without requiring separate queries at each level, significantly improving query handling efficiency by leveraging the pre-established hierarchical relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of information

If all data segments are displayed in detail, then complete information is provided, but the visualization becomes cluttered and difficult to interpret

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoiddata interpretability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic visualization where hierarchical groups and subgroups can be selectively expanded or collapsed based on user interaction and data importance. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain data completeness while improving interpretability by displaying only relevant portions of the data at any given time, with the ability to drill down into specific areas of interest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different portions of the hierarchical data structure to be displayed at different levels of detail. Important or frequently accessed data segments can be expanded to show full detail, while less critical areas can be collapsed or summarized, optimizing both data completeness and interpretability according to local data characteristics and user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11093548B1Dynamic graph for time series data
Publication Date: 2021.08.17 VMWARE INC
  • US11093548B1 patent drawing
  • US11093548B1 patent drawing
  • US11093548B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for generating a dynamic graph representation includes receiving time series data, receiving a specification of a relationship between nodes connected by one or more edges in a graph representation to be generated for at least a portion of the time series data, and receiving an identification of a query of the time series data included in a specification of an element of the graph representation. The method further includes executing the query of the times series data, and updating a property of the graph representation using a result of the execution of the query.