Galaxy Search Display Spatial Ranking Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current web search result displays are limited by their linear, textual format, which fails to effectively convey the relative importance of search results, link attributes, and trending information, making it difficult for users to discern the significance of results beyond the top few listings and masking the disparity in importance among results.
Innovation Solution
The use of graphical representations, such as planets or spheres, on a 'result map' to display search results, where size, position, color, and movement convey ranking and link attributes, allowing users to interactively explore and understand the relative importance of results through touch screen interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If linear textual lists are used to display search results, then the display format is simple and easy to implement, but the relative importance of search results cannot be effectively conveyed and matters of degree are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear text lists to two-dimensional spatial visualizations where search results are positioned on a map-like interface. Results are displayed as graphical elements (circles, icons) with spatial relationships that encode ranking information - higher-ranked results appear in prominent positions while lower-ranked results are positioned further away or smaller in size, thereby preserving matters of degree through spatial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color variations to differentiate search results by importance, recency, and other attributes. Graphical elements representing search results can change color or intensity based on their ranking position, link attributes, or temporal characteristics, allowing users to quickly perceive relative importance through visual color cues rather than textual ordinal positions.
2Loss of information
If ordinal ranking is used to display search results, then the display is straightforward, but the disparity in importance among results is masked and low ranking results become virtually invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual properties to different search results based on their local characteristics - size, position, color, and graphical style are customized for each result according to its ranking position and attributes. High-ranking results receive prominent visual treatment (larger size, central position) while lower-ranking results have subdued visual properties, allowing the disparity in importance to be visually represented without requiring users to interpret uniform ordinal lists.
Solution Approach 2:
By mapping search results to a two-dimensional spatial interface with varying distances from a reference point, the patent creates a visual gradient where positional distance encodes ranking information. This spatial dimension allows users to intuitively grasp the disparity in importance through relative positioning rather than counting through sequential text lines.
3Loss of information
If traditional text-based result listings are used, then the interface is simple, but link attributes and trending information cannot be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional graphical interface where visual elements serve multiple purposes simultaneously - the size and position of graphical elements convey ranking information, color variations indicate link attributes and recency, and interactive elements provide access to detailed information. This universal visual language replaces multiple separate text-based displays with a single integrated visualization that conveys diverse information types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color as a visual variable to encode link attributes and other characteristics of search results. Different colors or color intensities represent different types of links, recency indicators, or quality metrics, allowing users to perceive link attributes and trending information at a glance without requiring separate text fields or additional interface elements.
4Loss of information
If sequential ordering is used for search results, then all results can be listed, but users are unlikely to see results beyond the first few pages despite equal importance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorganizes search results from a sequential one-dimensional list into a two-dimensional spatial distribution where all results can be simultaneously visible. By mapping results to different positions and sizes on a visual interface, the system allows users to perceive the relative importance of all results at once rather than navigating through multiple pages, thereby improving visibility without sacrificing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented system and method presents search results in various forms upon a physical display. The spacing and movement of presented search results may be subjected to system defined gravitational forces wherein presented search results are shown as spheres or other icons of various sizes positioned at various distances from the center of the display. Displayed search results with greater ranking are displayed as relatively larger spheres or icons nearer the center of a display as compared to lower ranking results, which are smaller and displayed further afield. Ranking is shown as a matter of degree, rather than just as an ordinal list as in the related art. Attributes, such as link age, quantity, and other characteristics, of represented websites and various interconnections among represented websites are depicted by user controlled toggles.