Logical Zooming of Directed Graphs for Contextual Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Displaying large relational diagrams is challenging when connected objects are outside the visible viewing area, making it difficult to identify and navigate connectors, especially without labels, in conventional display methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect user actions on elements within relational diagrams, determining relevant elements associated with the action, and modifying the view to display these elements and connectors within the visible area, allowing for intuitive navigation without scrolling or resizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the entire large relational diagram is displayed at once, then the complete structure can be viewed, but connected objects outside the visible area cannot be identified or navigated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large relational diagram into multiple views or regions, allowing the display to be divided into a main viewing area and additional contextual areas that show connected objects. This segmentation enables users to see both the overall structure and specific connected elements without losing information about objects outside the initial visible area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional spatial dimension by displaying connected objects in a separate contextual area or panel adjacent to the main diagram. This dimensional extension allows connected elements to be visible simultaneously with the main diagram, resolving the contradiction between viewing the complete structure and identifying connected objects.
2Measurement precision
If the diagram is zoomed in to show detail, then connected objects become visible, but the overall structure becomes difficult to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into a main diagram area showing the overall structure and a separate contextual area showing detailed connected objects. This allows simultaneous visualization of both the big picture and detailed connections without compromising either view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple views (overall diagram and detailed connected objects) into a single integrated display interface. Users can see both the complete structure and specific connected elements simultaneously, combining the benefits of zoomed-out and zoomed-in views without the drawbacks of each.
3Device complexity
If conventional display methods are used, then the display system remains simple, but navigation and identification of connectors become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary contextual display area that acts as a mediator between the main diagram and detailed connected objects. This intermediary interface simplifies navigation by automatically showing relevant connected elements without requiring users to manually scroll or search, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple display system architecture.
4Area of stationary object
If the visible viewing area is expanded to show more of the diagram, then more objects become visible, but the resolution and clarity of individual elements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into a main diagram region and a separate contextual region for connected objects. This segmentation allows the main diagram to maintain its overall visibility while connected elements are displayed in the contextual area with sufficient resolution and clarity, preventing the degradation of element visibility that would occur if the entire diagram were expanded to fit more content in a single area.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying a relational diagram on a screen where at least one view of the relational diagram is larger than an available viewing area provided by the screen. The method comprises steps of detecting a predetermined action performed on a first element of the relational diagram, determining one or more relevant elements associated with the first element, and modifying a view of the relational diagram to display the first element and the one or more relevant elements on the screen.