Expandable Component Tree for System Status Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interface systems face challenges in efficiently identifying problem areas and updating system graphics to reflect changes in large systems, leading to user overwhelm and time-consuming manual identification of component locations and functions.
Innovation Solution
An expandable component tree graphic with programmable icons that dynamically represent network devices and components, allowing for real-time visualization of component characteristics and status, and configurable sorting to prioritize important indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional system layout graphics are used to display all components, then complete system information is provided, but users are overwhelmed by visual input and cannot efficiently locate problem areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complete system information into hierarchical segments using parent-child icon relationships. Users can expand or collapse branches to view only relevant components, transforming the overwhelming flat display into an organized hierarchical structure that maintains completeness while improving usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the traditional flat system layout display. By organizing components into multiple levels of parent-child relationships, the system adds a dimensional structure that enables selective information disclosure, allowing users to navigate through levels rather than scanning a single overwhelming layer.
2Reliability
If system layout graphics are manually revised to reflect changes, then accurate component representation is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically updates its own graphics representation when component changes are detected. The automatic revision mechanism monitors system changes and independently updates the corresponding icons and relationships without requiring manual intervention, making the process both reliable and time-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where component status changes are detected and automatically reflected in the graphical representation. This closed-loop mechanism ensures that the graphics remain accurate and up-to-date by continuously monitoring system state and updating accordingly.
3Loss of information
If detailed component information is displayed simultaneously, then complete data is available, but users struggle to identify priority issues and status changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different visual qualities and properties to different levels and types of components. Priority issues and status changes are highlighted with distinctive visual characteristics, while routine components display standard representations. This differential encoding allows users to quickly identify what requires attention without losing overall system context.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for system status visualization. In one embodiment, an operating system may comprise an expandable component tree graphic, comprising a plurality of parent icons and a plurality of child icons. In some embodiments of the present techniques, a plurality of dynamic component graphics are associated with the plurality of parent icons and the plurality of child icons, whereby the dynamic component graphics are adapted to change based on changes relating to the status of a computer resource. Additionally, a configurable sorting system may be adapted to pass a dynamic component graphic feature up the expandable component tree graphic from one of the plurality of child icons to at least one of the plurality of parent icons based on a configuration of the sorting system.