Graphical Diagram Node Grouping and Collapsing for Visual Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphical diagrams with a large number of nodes can be distracting, making it difficult for users to focus on high-level visualizations rather than detailed views.
Innovation Solution
A method to display graphical diagrams by grouping and collapsing multiple graphical objects into summary objects based on node properties, allowing users to toggle between detailed and summarized views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If graphical diagrams display all nodes in detail, then information completeness is improved, but visual clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the graphical diagram into multiple hierarchical levels (e.g., collapsed groups and expanded individual nodes). Users can view the diagram at different levels of detail by collapsing groups of nodes into summary representations or expanding them to see individual nodes, thus managing information density and visual clarity dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control over the level of detail displayed in the graphical diagram. Users can interactively collapse and expand node groups, allowing the diagram to transition between summarized and detailed views. This dynamic adjustment enables users to optimize the balance between information completeness and visual clarity based on their current needs.
2Quantity of substance
If graphical diagrams include many nodes, then data representation completeness is improved, but user focus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual nodes into a single summary graphical object when the collapse command is executed. This merging reduces the number of discrete elements users must process, improving focus by presenting consolidated information about groups of nodes without losing the ability to access individual node details when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the large set of nodes into manageable groups that can be independently collapsed or expanded. This segmentation allows users to focus on specific regions or types of nodes while collapsing others, effectively managing the quantity of visible elements and reducing cognitive load.
3Measurement precision
If graphical diagrams show detailed views, then information precision is improved, but overall visualization clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic switching between detailed and summarized views through user interaction. Users can collapse groups of nodes to improve overall visualization clarity, and expand individual nodes when detailed information precision is needed. This dynamic control allows optimization of the balance between these conflicting requirements based on current analytical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of detail to different regions of the graphical diagram simultaneously. While some node groups are collapsed to summary representations for clarity, other groups can remain expanded to show detailed information. This local differentiation allows users to maintain information precision where needed while improving overall visualization clarity in other areas.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method to display a graphical diagram includes displaying multiple graphical objects in a graphical drawing canvas. The graphical objects represent multiple nodes identified in structured source data. The method includes receiving first input effective to group first and second graphical objects of the multiple graphical objects based on a property of the nodes. The method includes replacing the first and second graphical objects with a summary graphical object in the graphical drawing canvas in response to receiving the first input.