Graph Layout Adjustment Using Precomputed Translation Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing design tools face challenges in efficiently adjusting the layout of graphs when objects are resized, added, or removed, leading to suboptimal use of space and inconsistent layouts, as manual rearrangement is time-consuming and often results in loss of user-defined arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically repositions objects in a graph to accommodate changes in object size or state, preserving relative positions and optimizing space use without user intervention, using algorithms that compute translation vectors based on circle or ellipse calculations to move objects and maintain the graph's geometric arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic relayout function is provided to adjust graph layout when objects are modified, then layout adjustment efficiency is improved, but computing time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores translation vectors that define how objects should be repositioned when a target object changes size. When modification occurs, the system simply applies the pre-computed translation vector rather than performing complex layout optimization from scratch, dramatically reducing computing time while maintaining efficient space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex computational geometry optimization algorithms with a simpler vector-based translation mechanism. Instead of solving optimization problems to find optimal layouts, the system uses predetermined translation vectors to directly compute new object positions, substituting complex computational mechanics with simpler arithmetic operations.
2Productivity
If automatic relayout function is provided to adjust graph layout when objects are modified, then layout adjustment efficiency is improved, but the existing user-defined arrangement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different behavior to different objects based on their role in the graph. When a target object is modified, only the translation vectors associated with objects that have relationships with the target object are applied. Objects without such relationships maintain their original positions, preserving user-defined arrangements where appropriate while automatically adjusting only the necessary local areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates translation vectors that preserve relative positions and user-defined arrangements by storing the geometric relationships between objects before modification. When modification occurs, these pre-computed vectors ensure that objects are repositioned in a way that maintains the original layout structure and user intentions, rather than creating entirely new arrangements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If manual rearrangement is performed by users to optimize space usage, then layout consistency is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic self-adjustment functionality where the graph layout automatically repositions objects when a target object changes size. The system computes and applies translation vectors to maintain optimal spacing and layout consistency without requiring user intervention, making the graph self-servicing regarding its own layout maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-computes translation vectors that encode the optimal repositioning strategies for maintaining layout consistency. When object modification occurs, these pre-prepared vectors are applied to automatically achieve the same layout consistency that would otherwise require manual user rearrangement, eliminating the time-consuming manual process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If objects are frequently expanded and collapsed in graphs with multiple states, then adaptability is improved, but manual rearrangement effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables objects to automatically adjust their own positions and the positions of related objects when expanded or collapsed. The translation vectors are computed based on the change in object state, and the system automatically applies these translations to maintain consistent layout, eliminating the need for users to manually rearrange objects during frequent expansion/collapse operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates translation vectors for common object state changes (expansion and collapse) and stores them for rapid application. When objects transition between states, the system retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-computed translation vectors, enabling rapid adaptation without requiring manual rearrangement effort for each state change.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, apparatus and computer program product for adjusting a graph. A modification to a first object in the graph is determined in which the first object has a position relative to a second object in the graph. The second object in the graph is repositioned, without user intervention, to accommodate the modification to the first object. The repositioning includes preserving the relative position of the first object to the second object.