Intelligent Axis Labels for Overlap-Free Chart Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for displaying axis labels on diagrams, graphs, or charts often result in overlapping or cluttered labels due to insufficient space, making it difficult for efficient and speedy data analysis, and can complicate the display by requiring additional space or altering label orientation.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines whether labels can be displayed without overlapping by using an alternate sequence, such as omitting every other label or using specific arithmetic sequences, to ensure all labels fit within the available space without cluttering the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all axis labels are displayed in the available space, then complete information is provided, but labels overlap and clutter the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic label display that automatically adjusts between displaying all labels and displaying a subset based on available space and overlap detection. The system dynamically determines whether to show complete label information or use a simplified view, allowing the display behavior to adapt to different spatial conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system detects label overlaps and automatically responds by adjusting the label display strategy. The overlap detection provides feedback that triggers the system to either reposition labels, reduce their quantity, or alter their presentation, creating a closed-loop system that maintains display quality.
2Quantity of substance
If label size is reduced to fit more labels, then more labels can be displayed, but readability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of label quantity displayed by selectively showing only non-overlapping labels or a subset of labels based on spatial analysis. Instead of uniformly reducing label size, the system adjusts the number of labels presented, maintaining full size and readability for each displayed label while fitting more information into the available space through intelligent selection.
3Area of stationary object
If labels are truncated to fit space, then labels fit within available space, but complete information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and displays only the necessary subset of labels that do not overlap, removing redundant or overlapping labels from the display rather than truncating them. This extraction approach maintains the integrity and completeness of each displayed label while fitting the essential information within the available space.
4Quantity of substance
If labels are displayed vertically or diagonally to save space, then more labels fit, but reading difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetric label positioning strategies where labels are strategically placed in positions that avoid overlap without requiring uniform rotation or vertical orientation. By asymmetrically distributing labels based on their individual spatial relationships, the system maintains optimal reading orientation for each label while maximizing the number of labels displayed.
Data Source
AI summary
Labels to be displayed along an axis may be obtained as a sequence of labels. If it is determined that the labels in an original sequence of labels overlap, then an alternate sequence of labels that avoids the overlap of the labels may be determined. If it is determined that the labels in the original sequence of labels do not overlap, than the original sequence of labels may be displayed along the axis. If it is determined that the labels in the original sequence of labels overlap, then the alternate sequence of labels may be displayed.