Line Graph Overlap Display with Gradual Transparency for Trend Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trend graph display systems fail to facilitate easy comparison between current and past measured values, as they do not allow for the recognition of changes in measured values before the most recent 24 hours.
Innovation Solution
A graph generation apparatus that stores past and new graph point data, selects overlapping data, and generates graph image data with a gradual display style along the time axis for the overlapping portion of past and new line graphs, enabling easier comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a blank space is provided between the current graph point and the graph point of 24 hours ago, then the current position line and blank space facilitate easier recognition of a change in the measured value of the most recent 24 hours, but a change in a measured value before the most recent 24 hours is unable to be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The graph is divided into two distinct segments: the current line graph displaying measured values for the most recent 24 hours, and the past line graph displaying measured values before that period. This segmentation allows each segment to serve its specific purpose - the current graph provides easy recognition of recent changes through the blank space design, while the past graph preserves historical data for comparison, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of recognition and information preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by displaying both current and past line graphs on the same display apparatus. The past line graph is positioned to overlap with the current line graph in the time axis, creating a two-dimensional temporal structure. This dimensional change enables users to simultaneously view recent changes (with easy recognition features) and historical trends (for comparison), eliminating the information loss problem while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the current position line and blank space are used to facilitate easier recognition of change, then recognition of recent measured value changes is improved, but comparison between new line graph and past line graph becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current line graph and past line graph into a single integrated display structure. The past line graph is overlaid on the current line graph along the time axis, combining both graphs in one visual field. This merging allows users to easily compare new and past measured values while maintaining the blank space feature that facilitates recognition of recent changes, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different display characteristics to different temporal regions: the current line graph uses prominent features (blank spaces, position lines) for easy recognition of recent changes, while the past line graph uses a gradual display style for smooth comparison. This local quality differentiation allows each temporal region to optimize its display properties for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between ease of recognition and comparability.
3Loss of information
If past graph point data is stored and displayed, then historical data preservation is improved, but the display style becomes complex and comparison becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the display parameters for different temporal regions: the past line graph uses a gradual display style with changing parameters (such as transparency, color intensity, or line weight) that evolve along the time axis. This parameter change creates a smooth, easy-to-compare visual representation of historical data while preserving the data integrity. The gradual style reduces visual complexity compared to abrupt changes, resolving the contradiction between data preservation and display simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vector data selection unit selects, from a vector file of a past line graph, each vector data of a time period where a new line graph overlaps. An attribute value setting unit sets, of the vector data selected, a high transparency degree value to oldest vector data, sets a low transparency degree value to newest vector data, and sets an intermediate transparency degree value to intermediate vector data. A graph display unit displays a portion of a time period of the past line graph where the new line graph overlaps, with a gradation.