Local Distortion for Dense Line Graph Context Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for viewing dense line graphs, such as pan-and-zoom and overview plus detail interfaces, fail to maintain global context and are inefficient in displaying large datasets like oscilloscope traces, leading to data occlusion and difficulty in discerning details on modest screen sizes.
Innovation Solution
A system that locally distorts a portion of the dense graph by expanding it along one dimension while compressing adjacent portions, maintaining the scale in the orthogonal dimension, allowing for detailed inspection without losing global context, and includes features like motif matching and track marks for identifying similar waveforms and calculating measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pan-and-zoom technique is used to view dense line graphs, then detail of region of interest can be viewed, but global context of the entire data set is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple regions: a first region showing a magnified view of a selected portion of the graph, and a second region showing a compressed view of the entire graph. This segmentation allows simultaneous viewing of both detailed local information and global context without losing either.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by dividing the display into multiple regions (first region and second region). Instead of sequentially zooming in and out, the system creates a multi-dimensional display layout where both magnified and compressed views coexist in different spatial areas, allowing users to see detail and context simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If overview plus detail interface is used, then global context is maintained, but additional screen real estate is required and cognitive load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the overview and detail views into a single integrated display by showing both the magnified portion and the compressed entire graph simultaneously on the same screen. This eliminates the need for separate displays while maintaining both global context and local detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses spatial arrangement on the display screen to accommodate both detailed and overview views. By organizing content across different regions of the same display area, it maximizes the use of available screen real estate without requiring additional displays or excessive screen space.
3Area of stationary object
If data is displayed densely to fit large datasets on modest screens, then screen space is utilized, but details become impossible to discern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by magnifying only the selected portion of the graph that requires detailed inspection, while keeping the rest of the graph in a compressed overview state. This selective magnification ensures that detail discernibility is improved where needed without sacrificing overall screen space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer readable storage media for displaying a dense graph and details of a portion of the dense graph on a display are provided. A processor coupled to memory, an input device and a display are provided to perform operations including: locally distorting a portion of the dense graph identified by interaction through the input device, wherein the local distortion includes expanding the portion of the dense graph along a first dimension axis of the graph, compressing at least one adjacent portion of the dense graph adjacent the expanded portion, and maintaining a scale of all of the dense graph in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension. The dense graph and expanded and compressed portions are displayed on the display, wherein all of the graph represented by the display signal on the display prior to performing the local distortion operation is displayed after performing the local distortion operation. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises an oscilloscope.