Entity Node Editor for Bi-Directional Relationship Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building management systems struggle to effectively visualize and manage complex relationships between numerous entities, often limiting security operators' ability to focus on relevant information due to their one-dimensional relationship support.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) node editor is introduced, allowing users to construct and manage entity datablocks with bi-directional relationships, displaying entities and connections as nodes and lines, enabling detailed visualization and management of complex connections within a building management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a hierarchical tree structure is used to abstract relationships between entities, then the complexity of displaying numerous entities is reduced, but the system can only support one dimension of complexity and cannot effectively visualize bi-directional relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional hierarchical tree structure to a two-dimensional canvas-based node editor. Entities are represented as nodes that can be freely positioned and connected with lines in multiple directions, enabling the visualization of bi-directional and complex relationships that cannot be represented in a traditional single-dimension hierarchy. This dimensional expansion allows operators to view and manage entities from multiple perspectives simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional GUI displays are used to show numerous entities, then all entities can be displayed, but the display becomes difficult for users to understand and navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments entities into discrete nodes that can be individually manipulated, selected, and organized on the canvas. Each node represents a specific entity with its properties and relationships clearly delineated. This segmentation allows users to focus on individual entities or groups of interest without being overwhelmed by the entire system, improving navigability and comprehension while maintaining the ability to display and access all entities.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving from a flat, linear GUI display to a two-dimensional canvas with free-form node placement, the system provides spatial organization and visual hierarchy that enhances user understanding. Users can arrange nodes to reflect logical groupings, relationships, and operational priorities, making navigation and comprehension significantly easier while displaying all entities.
3Measurement precision
If bi-directional relationships are implemented between entities, then the accuracy of relationship representation is improved, but the complexity of managing and visualizing these relationships increases
Solution Approach 1:
The canvas-based node editor provides a universal interface for managing all types of relationships between entities. The same visual mechanisms (nodes, lines, connectors) handle both one-dimensional hierarchical relationships and bi-directional complex relationships uniformly. This multi-functional approach allows accurate representation of diverse relationship types without requiring separate management systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for visualizing and managing entities and connections between entities based on a graphical user interface (GUI) node editor includes constructing an entity datablock, wherein the entity datablock is a data structure describing an entity and comprises entity descriptive information, an entity category, an entity name, entity relationships, and an entity identifier. The method includes establishing the entity relationships as bi-directional relationships, wherein the bi-directional relationships link two disparate entities. The method further includes representing the entity datablock as a node and the bi-directional relationships as lines connecting two nodes, wherein the node comprises at least one of the entity descriptive information, the entity category, or the entity name.