Graphical Timeline for Log File Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Log files are difficult to read and interpret due to their dense and flat format, making it challenging for humans to identify and troubleshoot system issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that presents log file messages on a graphical timeline, using filtering and aggregation rules to combine and highlight important events, allowing users to visualize status changes and trends across multiple components, with color coding and interactive tools for easy navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If log files are presented in a flat file format with dense data packing, then the storage efficiency and data density are improved, but the readability and ease of interpretation by humans deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the flat, one-dimensional log file presentation into a two-dimensional graphical timeline visualization. Log entries are displayed as positioned elements along a time axis, allowing users to simultaneously view multiple components and their status changes over time. This dimensional transformation maintains data density while dramatically improving readability and pattern recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dense log data into discrete, visually distinct entries positioned along the timeline. Each log entry is separated and highlighted individually, allowing users to easily distinguish between different events, errors, and status changes. This segmentation prevents the visual clutter that occurs in flat file formats while maintaining comprehensive data coverage.
2Loss of information
If log files contain comprehensive data from multiple components, then the information completeness is improved, but the difficulty of identifying trends and issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the visualization, arranging log entries from multiple components along a time axis. This allows users to see how different components behave over time and identify correlations or causal relationships that would be difficult to detect in a flat, component-by-component view. Trends and patterns emerge naturally from the temporal positioning of entries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual properties to different regions of the timeline based on local characteristics. Error messages are highlighted with distinct colors, critical events are emphasized, and normal operational logs are displayed with reduced visual prominence. This local differentiation allows users to quickly identify issues while maintaining context from surrounding entries.
3Reliability
If log entries are displayed with detailed information, then the diagnostic value is improved, but the visual clutter and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies differential visual styling to log entries based on their type and importance. Error messages, warnings, and informational logs are distinguished through color coding, iconography, and formatting. Critical diagnostic information is emphasized while routine operational logs are displayed more succinctly. This selective emphasis maintains high diagnostic value while reducing overall visual complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent displays only the most relevant portions of log entry information in the main timeline view, showing key identifiers, timestamps, and severity levels. Detailed message content can be accessed through expansion or hover features. This partial display approach prevents information overload while maintaining diagnostic capability, allowing users to scan the timeline efficiently and drill down into specific entries as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, computer program code, and means are provided for the rules-based presentation of log messages on a graphical timeline. Pursuant to some embodiments, a request to view log file information is received, and a plurality of log file messages are retrieved based on the request. The plurality of log file messages are aggregated based on timestamp information contained in each of the log file messages and the aggregated log file messages are displayed along a graphical timeline.