Flowchart Numbering via Geometric Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human-computer interaction is hindered by the mismatch between the logical operations of computers and human thought processes, leading to user frustration due to poor interface design, where computers produce outputs that do not align with user expectations.
Innovation Solution
A system that adapts the human-computer interface by predicting a sequential ordering of flowchart elements based on their spatial positioning, allowing for intuitive interaction and minimizing the need for additional user input, using a geometric ranker to rank chart nodes and branches relative to their parents, and a sequencer to generate node numbers for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flowchart elements are numbered using traditional manual methods, then users can precisely control the numbering sequence, but the interface complexity increases and user efficiency decreases due to additional configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically numbers flowchart elements by detecting their spatial positions and determining sequences based on geometric relationships, eliminating the need for manual user configuration. The interface serves itself by autonomously generating numbering schemes without requiring user intervention or complex settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of numbering sequence from being manually configured to being automatically determined based on spatial position parameters. By detecting the geometric positions of flowchart elements and calculating sequences from these parameters, the system transforms the numbering process into an automatic function of spatial arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If the system automatically numbers flowchart elements based on spatial position, then user efficiency improves by reducing configuration steps, but measurement precision may decrease due to automatic detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical numbering operations with automated geometric detection and calculation. Instead of users manually assigning numbers based on visual inspection, the system uses geometric algorithms to detect spatial relationships and compute numbering sequences, substituting human cognitive processes with computational geometry methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces geometric detection as an intermediary between the flowchart layout and the numbering sequence. Rather than directly mapping user intent to numbering, the geometric detection intermediary analyzes spatial relationships and translates them into numbering sequences, ensuring accuracy while maintaining automation.
3Loss of time
If traditional flowchart interfaces require explicit user input for ordering, then numbering precision can be maintained, but loss of time increases due to additional user input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary geometric detection and sequence determination automatically before the user needs to review or confirm the numbering. By pre-calculating the numbering sequence based on spatial positions, the system eliminates the need for users to spend time manually configuring order information, while the preliminary geometric analysis ensures accuracy is maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
A process for numbering flowchart elements populates a graphical display with a collection of flowchart elements and ranks the flowchart elements based on the flowchart elements' geometric location. The process separates the elements into ranked branches and trees, and numbers each element according to the chart element's position within the branches and trees, relative to the other chart elements.