Interactive Dimension Controls for Multi-Dimensional Data Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Spreadsheets are inadequate for handling multi-dimensional datasets, as they lack intuitive means to display and analyze data beyond two dimensions, requiring complex programming skills for OLAP databases and pivot tables are difficult for users to navigate.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for processing multi-dimensional datasets using a user interface with interactive dimension controls that allow users to manipulate and visualize data intuitively, including generating a data object with dimension controls that can be swapped, filtered, and collapsed to change the dataset configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spreadsheets are used to display multi-dimensional data, then the interface remains simple and familiar, but the system cannot effectively display or analyze data with more than two dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms multi-dimensional data analysis from traditional 2D spreadsheet views into a 3D visual space where data cubes can be rotated, sliced, and explored from multiple angles. This dimensional transformation allows users to intuitively navigate complex multi-dimensional datasets by manipulating visual objects in 3D space rather than navigating flat 2D tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual data cubes and graphical interfaces as intermediaries between the user and the underlying multi-dimensional data. These visual representations serve as mediators that translate complex multi-dimensional relationships into intuitive visual forms that users can easily manipulate and understand without needing to comprehend the underlying data structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If OLAP databases are used to handle multi-dimensional data, then the system gains powerful analytical capabilities, but the interface becomes complex and requires programming knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies or representations of multi-dimensional data in the form of 3D data cubes and graphical objects. These visual copies allow users to interact with and analyze data intuitively without needing to access or understand the complex underlying OLAP database structure or programming interfaces. The visual representation serves as a simplified interface that masks the complexity of the analytical engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interaction methods (spreadsheets, pivot tables, programming commands) with a visual graphical interface where users can manipulate 3D data objects through intuitive drag-and-drop operations, rotations, and visual selections. This substitution eliminates the need for programming knowledge while maintaining powerful analytical capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pivot tables are used to summarize multi-dimensional data, then data can be viewed along any two dimensions, but the interface becomes difficult to use and master
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the traditional 2D pivot table concept into 3D visual space, allowing users to explore data along multiple dimensions simultaneously through visual rotation and manipulation of data cubes. This transforms the limited 2D viewing capability into intuitive multi-angle 3D exploration, making it easier to understand complex relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spherical or 3D geometric representations of data instead of flat 2D tables. By representing data in spherical or cubic forms that can be rotated and viewed from any angle, users can naturally explore all dimensions of the data without being constrained to fixed row-column orientations, significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and data processing tools for processing a multi-dimensional dataset are disclosed. The method includes generating a data object linked to the multi-dimensional dataset. The data object includes a plurality of dimension controls, where each dimension control corresponds to a dimension of the multi-dimensional dataset, and each dimension control is an interactive axis extending radially from a central point. The method further includes displaying the data object in a first configuration, receiving user input manipulating at least one dimension control to change the configuration of the data object from the first configuration to a second configuration, and processing the input to determine an operation associated with the user input. Moreover, the method includes processing the linked multi-dimensional dataset in accordance with the determined operation to generate a display object depicting a dataset corresponding to the second configuration of the data object, and displaying the display object.