Genealogy Visualization Panel with Dynamic Map Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of large-scale genealogy databases face challenges in navigating and identifying relatives due to the overwhelming volume and complex arrangement of data, leading to a frustrating user experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that displays a graphical user interface with a genealogy panel and a dynamically adjustable map panel, allowing users to scroll through genealogy information while the map panel automatically adjusts to visualize corresponding geographical information, thereby enhancing user navigation and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If users navigate through large-scale genealogy databases to identify relatives, then they can access comprehensive family history information, but the overwhelming volume and complex arrangement of data makes navigation difficult and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The genealogy data is segmented into discrete, manageable units represented as nodes in a visualization. Each node contains specific genealogical information (individuals, families, locations) rather than presenting the entire database at once. This segmentation allows users to navigate through portions of the data systematically, reducing the overwhelming effect of the total data volume while maintaining comprehensive access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms traditional linear or hierarchical genealogy navigation into a spatial, multi-dimensional visualization interface. By mapping genealogical relationships onto a visual canvas with spatial coordinates, users can navigate through data using intuitive spatial operations (zooming, panning, selecting regions) rather than navigating through complex data structures. This dimensional transformation makes the navigation of large-scale data more intuitive and less frustrating.
2Loss of information
If users compare large numbers of datasets to identify relatives, then they can make meaningful discoveries about ancestors, but the comparison becomes computationally infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and organizing genealogical data into structured nodes with defined relationships before user interaction. Data is pre-segmented, pre-located in virtual space, and pre-linked through relationships. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for computationally intensive real-time comparisons when users search for relatives, as the comparison work has already been partially done during data preparation and structure creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the large-scale database. Instead of directly comparing datasets, users interact with visual representations (nodes) that mediate the comparison process. The system uses the visual structure and spatial relationships as an intermediary mechanism to guide users to relevant comparisons, filtering out unnecessary dataset comparisons and reducing computational requirements while maintaining discovery completeness.
3Loss of information
If services display location-specific information about users and their ancestors, then users can learn about ethnic communities and heritage, but the complex arrangement of information makes it difficult to navigate and users often leave before receiving satisfying experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges genealogical information with geographical location information into a unified visualization. Ethnic community data, ancestral locations, and family tree information are combined into a single spatial interface where related information is co-located. This merging allows users to access comprehensive information about ethnic communities and heritage in one integrated view rather than navigating through separate, complex information arrangements, improving both completeness of information and ease of navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
A storytelling interface comprising a map panel and a genealogy panel, and methods for using the same, are described. The storytelling interface facilitates dynamic and automatic scaling and relocation of the map panel based on a user's location within the genealogy panel, which facilitates a continuous scrolling operation to navigate between different sections of the genealogy panel. The storytelling interface facilitates a user receiving, viewing, and interacting with DNA and ethnic communities results determined from DNA testing, and allows a user to navigate through pertinent communities in both time and/or space.