Graph Node Display Direction Control for Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In covariance structure analysis and other graph-based analyses, changing the position of nodes and switching them between displayed and non-displayed states can lead to visibility issues, such as overlapping or proximity to other nodes or edges, which deteriorate the graph's clarity.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that include a direction determination process to determine the optimal display direction for a second node relative to a first node when the second node is switched from a non-displayed to a displayed state in a graph, and a display control process to ensure the second node is displayed in the determined direction, thereby preventing visibility deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If nodes are switched from non-displayed state to displayed state in a graph, then the graph provides more complete information, but visibility deteriorates due to overlapping or proximity to other nodes or edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by switching nodes between displayed and non-displayed states (effectively using a third dimension of visibility). When a node is switched to displayed state, the system determines an appropriate display direction (up, down, left, or right) relative to a reference node, allowing the node to be positioned in an optimal spatial location that avoids overlap and maintains visibility while preserving complete information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position of each node in the graph is changed to improve layout, then the graph structure becomes more flexible, but visibility deteriorates due to potential overlap or proximity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making node positions adaptive rather than fixed. When nodes are switched to displayed state, their positions are dynamically determined based on the display direction (up, down, left, or right) relative to reference nodes. This dynamic positioning ensures that nodes are placed in optimal locations that maintain layout flexibility while preventing overlap and proximity issues that would deteriorate visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to prevent deterioration in visibility in a case where a node is switched to a displayed state, an information processing apparatus includes a direction determination section that, in a case where a second node related to a first node is switched to a displayed state in a graph in which a relation between a plurality of elements is represented by nodes and an edge, determines a direction in which the second node is to be displayed relative to the first node; and a display control section that causes the second node to be displayed in the direction that has been determined. This information processing apparatus makes it possible to smoothly make a decision based on the graph.