Graphical Tree Visualization for Hierarchical Project Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hierarchical structures used in project development, such as bill of materials (BOM) and specifications, are difficult to comprehend due to their text-based nature, making it challenging to visualize relationships between components and sub-components effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method to generate a graphical tree based on a hierarchical structure, where elements and relationships are converted into a tree format with shapes connected by branches, allowing for the display of identifying text and user-input associations between shapes in multiple graphical trees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a hierarchical structure is used to define BOM, functional requirements, and specifications, then the structure can effectively organize project information, but the text-based hierarchical structure is difficult to comprehend and visualize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the hierarchical structure by converting text-based elements into graphical nodes and relationships into visual connections. This graphical representation preserves the hierarchical information while making it more comprehensible through visual processing, allowing users to understand project structures more easily without changing the underlying data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional text-based hierarchical structure to a two-dimensional graphical representation. By mapping hierarchical levels to vertical positions and relationships to horizontal connections, the system adds a visual dimension that enhances comprehension while maintaining the original structured information integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hierarchical structures are used to organize project data, then information can be systematically structured, but relationships between components and sub-components are challenging to visualize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces graphical nodes and connections as intermediaries between the hierarchical data and the user's visual perception. These visual elements serve as mediators that translate abstract hierarchical relationships into concrete visual patterns, making it easier to detect and understand component relationships without altering the systematic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different visual characteristics including color coding for nodes and connections to represent different types of relationships and hierarchical levels. This visual differentiation enhances the detection of relationships between components, allowing users to quickly identify and understand connection types while maintaining systematic organization.
3Loss of information
If text-based hierarchical structures are used, then project information can be comprehensively documented, but the complexity of the structure becomes harder to perceive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy that preserves all hierarchical information while presenting it in a more manageable format. The graphical representation maintains complete project information documentation while reducing perceived complexity through visual organization, allowing users to comprehend complex structures more easily.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hierarchical structure into discrete visual nodes and connections, making the overall complexity more manageable. By breaking down the structure into individual visual elements that can be processed separately, the system reduces the cognitive load required to understand complex project hierarchies while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for generating a graphical tree based on a hierarchical structure includes receiving a request to convert a first hierarchical structure into a first graphical tree. Each of a plurality of elements of the first hierarchical structure, and the relationships among the plurality of elements are identified. A first graphical tree is generated based on each of the plurality of elements and the relationships among the elements. The first graphical tree is then displayed. Additional graphical trees can be displayed simultaneously and associations between nodes of the different graphical trees can be designated.