Graph Semantics Preservation via Nested Grouping Algorithms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer-aided design techniques struggle to simplify complex graphs representing information relationships in models while preserving semantics, especially when simplification results in nested groups, leading to loss of semantics as nesting levels increase.

Innovation Solution

The use of data structures to represent both primitive and group elements, along with recursive grouping and ungrouping algorithms, allows for simplification of graphs while maintaining and restoring graph semantics, enabling users to access and edit simplified forms without losing semantic information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If graph simplification is applied to reduce the number of elements displayed, then user comprehension is improved, but graph semantics are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comprehensionVSAvoidgraph semantics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nested groups where group elements can contain other group elements, creating a hierarchical structure that allows progressive simplification. Users can view graphs at different levels of abstraction by expanding or collapsing nested groups, maintaining semantics at each level while enabling simplified views when groups are collapsed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the graph into multiple hierarchical levels using nested groups. Each group represents a segment of the graph that can be independently managed, expanded, or collapsed. This segmentation allows users to focus on specific portions of the graph while preserving the ability to access complete semantics by expanding the relevant groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If nested groups are used to simplify graph representation, then element grouping is improved, but semantics are lost as nesting levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement groupingVSAvoidsemantics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements bidirectional linking between group elements and their constituent elements. When a group is collapsed, the system maintains references to all nested elements, allowing users to expand any group level and retrieve complete semantic information. This feedback mechanism ensures that simplification does not result in permanent loss of semantics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary organization of graph elements into nested groups with preserved semantic relationships. By pre-structuring the graph hierarchy and maintaining references to all constituent elements at each level, the system prepares the data structure to support both simplified views and complete semantic retrieval without requiring complex processing during user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8935129B1System and method for simplifying a graph'S topology and persevering the graph'S semantics
Publication Date: 2015.01.13 BENTLEY SYSTEMS INC
  • US8935129B1 patent drawing
  • US8935129B1 patent drawing
  • US8935129B1 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, a technique is provided for maintaining semantics of a graph that corresponds to a model of a physical entity. Node data structures are defined, instantiations of which are used to represent primitive nodes and group nodes of the graph. Link data structures are defined, instantiations of which are used to represent primitive links and group links of the graph. A technique for grouping nodes of the graph is provided, which may be used to remove elements from the graph to create a simplified representation. A technique for ungrouping nodes of the graph is provided, which may be used to restore elements to the graph to return to an unsimplified representation.