Graphic Object Spacing Mechanism for Data Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for creating data visualizations, such as using templates, manual drawing, or coding, are limited in flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency, as they often restrict creative expression, are time-consuming, and require programming expertise.
Innovation Solution
Defining and applying a fixed, spaced relationship between graphic objects, where one object automatically moves to maintain a set distance with another when moved, allowing for data-driven design updates and flexible visual property binding without requiring manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If template tools are used to create data visualizations, then the creation process is simplified and standardized, but the flexibility for creative expression is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the relationship between template constraints and user freedom. Users can start with a template and progressively customize it, with the system automatically maintaining spatial relationships between elements. This allows the visualization to evolve from a rigid template to a customized design without manual repositioning, resolving the contradiction between ease of creation and creative flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual drawing is used to create data visualizations, then flexibility and creativity are enhanced, but the process becomes slow and sometimes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically maintaining spatial relationships between graphic elements. When users manually position elements, the system detects the spatial relationship and automatically adjusts other elements to maintain consistent spacing, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and significantly speeding up the creation process while preserving creative freedom.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coding is used to build data visualizations, then unique and customized visualizations can be created, but programming expertise is required and the process becomes difficult for non-programmers
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex spatial relationship management. Instead of requiring users to write code to manage element positions and spacing, the system provides a visual interface where users can directly manipulate elements, and the system automatically handles the complex spatial calculations and adjustments, making customization accessible to non-programmers.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed spatial relationships are defined between graphic objects, then design consistency is maintained, but the system complexity increases due to automatic movement rules
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages the complexity of maintaining spatial relationships through self-service mechanisms. Once users define the initial spatial relationship between elements, the system automatically detects and maintains these relationships during subsequent edits, eliminating the need for users to manually manage the complexity of spatial constraints while preserving design consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-readable media, methods, and systems are provided for defining and applying a fixed, spaced relationship between graphic objects. A first anchor of a first graphic object and a second anchor of a second graphic object are selected, and a spaced relationship is defined with the distance between the first and second anchors at the time they are selected. In accordance with the fixed spaced relationship, when the second anchor is moved, the first graphic object is automatically moved to maintain the same distance between the first and second anchors. But when the first anchor is moved and that movement is not triggered by movement of the second anchor, the distance between the two anchors changes because the second graphic object is not automatically moved with the first graphic object. The new distance between the two anchors sets the new distance for the fixed spaced relationship.