Industrial Knowledge Graph Hexagonal Layout for Clear Node Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knowledge graph display methods face challenges in efficiently allocating nodes and edges on a 2D panel, leading to node overlapping and suboptimal visual presentation.

Innovation Solution

Employing a hexagonal-grid layout where nodes are placed at the centers of hexagonal grids, connected by straight or broken lines, optimizing node placement and connection lines to ensure a clear and balanced layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If nodes are placed on a 2D panel using conventional layout methods, then the knowledge graph can be displayed, but node overlapping occurs and visual presentation becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode placement precisionVSAvoidvisual clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional 2D Cartesian grid layout to a hexagonal grid layout, which introduces a different geometric dimensionality. This hexagonal tiling provides six equidistant directions for node placement, effectively resolving the node overlapping problem by distributing nodes more evenly across the panel while maintaining clear visual hierarchy and connection paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If nodes are densely packed to maximize panel utilization, then more nodes can be displayed, but node overlapping and visual clarity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of nodes displayedVSAvoidnode positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 2D panel into discrete hexagonal grid cells, with each cell capable of holding one node. This segmentation prevents node overlapping by ensuring one node per cell, while the hexagonal geometry maximizes space utilization compared to traditional grid layouts. The segmentation creates natural spacing and organized structure that maintains visual clarity even when displaying large numbers of nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If connection lines are drawn directly between nodes, then connections are established, but line overlap and visual clutter increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment efficiencyVSAvoidvisual clutter from line overlap
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the hexagonal grid cells as intermediary elements between nodes. Connection lines traverse through the hexagonal grid structure rather than cutting directly across the panel, which naturally routes lines along the hexagonal edges and reduces overlap. This intermediary grid structure organizes connection paths and minimizes visual clutter while maintaining clear node relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4715631A1Method and apparatus for constructing industrial knowledge graph, and computer device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4715631A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4715631A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP4715631A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for constructing an industrial knowledge graph. The method comprises: determining a hexagonal-grid layout of an industrial knowledge graph, wherein in the hexagonal-grid layout, each non-edge grid cell is surrounded by six grid cells, and side lines of the six grid cells form a regular hexagon; in the respective centers of a plurality of grid cells in the hexagonal-grid layout, respectively placing a plurality of nodes in the industrial knowledge graph; and on the basis of a connection relationship among the plurality of nodes, using a straight line or a broken line to display the connection among the plurality of nodes. In the present application, a hexagonal-grid layout is used to assist in the display of an industrial knowledge graph, such that content of the industrial knowledge graph can be presented in a complete and clear manner, thereby greatly improving the experience of a user when browsing a knowledge graph..