Graphical User Interface for Non-Hierarchical Object Relationship Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interfaces, particularly those using tree structures, fail to effectively display and navigate non-hierarchical relationships between objects, limiting the ability to identify and visualize objects sharing such relationships.
Innovation Solution
A user interface featuring an object relationship map that displays a central object with related objects connected by lines, accompanied by a sidebar for specifying relationship types and levels of separation, allowing users to explore and visualize non-hierarchical relationships between enterprise objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tree structure is used to display hierarchical relationships, then hierarchical relationships between objects can be displayed, but non-hierarchical relationships between objects cannot be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional hierarchical tree structure to a two-dimensional network graph structure. This dimensional change enables the simultaneous display of both hierarchical relationships (through nested grouping in the graph) and non-hierarchical relationships (through direct connection lines between nodes), resolving the limitation of the tree structure which could only display hierarchical relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The network graph interface serves multiple functions: it displays hierarchical relationships through nested node grouping, displays non-hierarchical relationships through connection lines, and allows navigation between different relationship types. This multi-functional design replaces the single-function tree structure, enabling comprehensive relationship visualization in a unified interface.
2Ease of operation
If a tree structure is used to display objects, then browsing hierarchical objects is enabled, but identification of objects sharing non-hierarchical relationships is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
By moving from a hierarchical tree view to a network graph view, the system adds the dimension of direct connection visualization. This allows users to see non-hierarchical relationships as explicit connection lines between nodes, preventing information loss about relationships while maintaining browsing capabilities through graph traversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual encoding including color coding and line styles to differentiate between hierarchical and non-hierarchical relationships. This visual differentiation makes relationship information visible and distinguishable, addressing the information loss problem where relationship types were not distinguishable in traditional tree structures.
3Ease of operation
If a tree structure is used, then hierarchical navigation is possible, but graphical display of objects with non-hierarchical relationships is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The transition to a network graph provides a two-dimensional canvas that accommodates both hierarchical navigation (through nested node groups that can be expanded/collapsed) and non-hierarchical relationship display (through connection lines). This dimensional flexibility enables the graph to adapt to different relationship types while maintaining intuitive navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network graph interface is dynamic, allowing users to filter and highlight specific relationship types, expand/collapse node groups to reveal hierarchical structures, and navigate through relationships interactively. This dynamic behavior provides both hierarchical navigation and non-hierarchical relationship display adaptability within a single flexible interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a user interface for displaying and navigating relationships between objects. The user interface includes an object relationship map to display a first object at center of the object relationship map and a second object related to the first object adjacent to the first object with a line connecting the second object and the first object. If the second object includes a plurality of objects, the object relationship map displays each of the plurality of objects around the first object. The user interface includes a side bar to display a nature of relationship between the first object and the second object. A relationship-type control in the side bar specifies the object relationship map to display the second object related to the first object with a nature of relationship selected from the relationship-type control. A degree of separation control in the side bar specifies a number of levels of relationship to be displayed in the object relationship map. The object relationship map displays a related-objects value on the second object denoting a number of objects related to the second object.