Dynamic Hierarchical Data Visualization for Drilldown Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing visual data comparison techniques, such as simple bar charts and pie charts, are inadequate for effectively analyzing large amounts of business data, as they fail to reveal data distribution, patterns, correlations, and detailed information.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a multi-level dynamic hierarchical structure that automatically computes graphical visual comparisons using drilldown sequences, allowing users to derive and display both aggregated and data distribution paradigms through graphical illustrations, such as multi-pixel bar charts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If simple graphical techniques (bar charts, pie charts) are used to display data, then ease of use is improved, but information completeness deteriorates as they show only highly aggregated data while omitting data distribution, patterns, correlations, and detailed information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidinformation completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides data visualization into multiple hierarchical levels, where each level segments different aspects of the data. The first level shows aggregated data through bar charts, while subsequent levels segment and display data distribution, patterns, and detailed information through additional graphical illustrations, allowing users to explore data at progressively finer granularities without losing overall context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where multiple graphical illustrations are layered within a unified visualization framework. Each graphical illustration is nested at a specific hierarchical level, with lower-level details embedded within the context of higher-level aggregations, enabling simultaneous display of both summary and detailed information in an organized manner

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of information

If multiple graphical illustrations are displayed simultaneously to show aggregated and data distribution paradigms, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic interactivity where users can drill down through hierarchical levels by selecting specific data elements. The system dynamically generates and displays appropriate graphical illustrations based on user actions, transitioning between aggregated and detailed views. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain simplicity at any given moment while providing access to comprehensive information through user-guided exploration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to data visualization, organizing multiple graphical illustrations across different levels rather than displaying them all simultaneously in a single plane. This dimensional organization allows the system to present comprehensive information while maintaining clarity, as users navigate through levels rather than being overwhelmed by simultaneous displays of all data aspects

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

3Measurement precision

If detailed information is displayed to reveal data distribution and patterns, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity in navigating and interpreting multiple graphical illustrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata analysis precisionVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary organization of data into hierarchical levels before display, pre-computing and structuring aggregated data, data distribution, and detailed information into distinct graphical illustrations. This preliminary preparation allows users to access detailed information through simple drill-down actions rather than requiring complex queries or interpretations, maintaining ease of use while providing precise data analysis capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7643029B2Method and system for automated visual comparison based on user drilldown sequences
Publication Date: 2010.01.05 MICRO FOCUS LLC
  • US7643029B2 patent drawing
  • US7643029B2 patent drawing
  • US7643029B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for presenting data comprises receiving the data; and deriving a multi-level dynamic hierarchical structure for the data based on drilldown sequences input from a user, wherein the drilldown sequences automatically compute a graphical visual comparison of the data and comprise: deriving a multi-pixel bar chart to display an aggregated data paradigm; and deriving a graphical illustration to display a data distribution paradigm.