Graph Placemarkers for Software View Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visualization tools for complex software systems divide applications into tree-like structures, making it difficult to view related software entities simultaneously and requiring time-consuming context switches, which complicates the management and visualization of large and complex software applications.
Innovation Solution
The system employs placemarkers to navigate between views of a graph, allowing fast transitions between high-level and drill-down views of software systems, enabling users to save frequently used views and maintain a history of past views, facilitating efficient navigation and management of complex software systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If tree-like structure is used to divide software system, then structure organization is achieved, but navigation efficiency and view transition speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the graph view into multiple selectable regions or focus areas, allowing users to segment their attention and navigation targets within the visualization, making it easier to quickly locate and transition between different software system components without traversing the entire tree structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate navigation elements such as breadcrumbs, quick-access panels, or focus-region indicators that serve as mediators between the user and the complex graph structure, enabling faster navigation by providing direct access points rather than requiring sequential traversal through tree levels
2Device complexity
If tree-like structure is used to divide software system, then hierarchical organization is achieved, but ability to view related entities simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional hierarchical tree view to a two-dimensional graph visualization where nodes and edges can be positioned spatially to show relationships between software entities from multiple perspectives simultaneously, allowing users to view related entities across different hierarchical levels in the same visual space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal graph view that can display multiple types of software entities (classes, methods, variables, etc.) and their various relationships (inheritance, composition, usage) in a single unified visualization, replacing the need for separate tree views for different entity types and relationships
3Device complexity
If tree-like structure is used, then systematic division is achieved, but context switching between elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple context views into a single graph visualization where different software elements and their contexts are displayed together in one coherent view, eliminating the need to switch between separate tree views for different contexts while maintaining systematic organization through visual grouping and spatial arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes transmitting an interface to a display device, where the interface represents a view of at least a portion of a graph. The graph is based on a model of a system and includes a plurality of nodes connected by a plurality of links, where at least one node of the graph includes another node. The method includes receiving a command to store a placemarker corresponding to the view and storing the placemarker. The placemarker is selectable to restore the view at the interface.