Hierarchical Navigation System Using Binarization for Non-Technical Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for visualizing hierarchical information are limited by their rigidity, requiring technical expertise and being unsuitable for non-technical users, especially when dealing with complex or multi-layered hierarchies, and lack dynamism, usability, navigability, and customizability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hierarchical editor and visualization engine that allows users to create and manage hierarchies in a top-down manner, using binarization steps to split and zoom through nested levels, enabling dynamic visualization and navigation, and supporting existing hierarchies with customizable visualization settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional tree-map algorithms are used to visualize hierarchical information, then space utilization is improved, but usability and accessibility for non-technical users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the hierarchy building process into simple binary choices (splitting nodes into two children) rather than requiring users to handle complex multi-way branching. This segmentation simplifies the cognitive load while the system internally manages the full hierarchical structure, making it accessible to non-technical users without sacrificing visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the complex tree-map algorithms. The user interacts with simple split/zoom operations, while the system's rendering engine handles the complex space-filling algorithms and hierarchy management, acting as a mediator that translates simple user actions into complex visualizations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid hierarchical structures are enforced by traditional tree-building tools, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility and adaptability for different information types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic hierarchy building where the structure adapts as users perform split and zoom operations. The hierarchy is not rigidly predefined but evolves dynamically based on user interactions, allowing the same system to adapt to different information types and organizational needs while maintaining structural integrity through consistent binary splitting rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal tree-building interface that can handle multiple types of hierarchical information (family trees, organizational structures, file systems, etc.) through the same simple split/zoom operations. The system is designed to be multi-functional, accommodating diverse information types without requiring specialized tools for each hierarchy type.
3Loss of information
If complete tree expansion is displayed to show all hierarchical levels, then information completeness is improved, but display space requirements and user comprehension deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements nested visualization where collapsed branches are represented as compact icons or summaries that contain the entire sub-hierarchy. Users can zoom into these nested representations to expand and examine details, allowing complete information to be stored and accessible while maintaining a compact display that fits within limited screen space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of zooming and collapsing operations that allow users to navigate between different levels of detail. Instead of displaying all information at once in a single dimension (flat expansion), the system uses multiple dimensions of interaction (zoom in/out, expand/collapse) to manage information density and display space requirements.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex multi-way splitting is required to represent real-world hierarchies, then representation accuracy is improved, but user difficulty in creating hierarchies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments complex multi-way branching into sequential binary splits. Instead of requiring users to simultaneously manage multiple children nodes, the system breaks down complex hierarchies into a series of simple binary decisions, maintaining representation accuracy while dramatically reducing user cognitive load and operational difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
A unique method and system is disclosed for organizing and visualizing hierarchical information. It comprises an editor and a visualization engine. The editor visually organizes information elements into hierarchy by iterating elementary (binarization) steps. The binarization step splits the information elements and a quadrangular space into two parts and associates them with each other. A user may refine each partition to unlimited depth by drilling down to new level. This way, a hierarchical structure is created which is visually grouped into levels by so-called covering sets. The visualization engine, which might work independently from the editor, renders the covering sets into quadrangular-shaped visualization spaces, visualizing compact space-partitions. Several techniques aid rendering and enhanced visualization, such as windowing, visualization rules, grids, equal and alternate splitting. Users navigate in the hierarchy by zooming or moving directions. There are countless usage areas including news, education, presentations, realtime visualization.