MES Data Visualization Using Virtual Reality Landscapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data visualization methods in manufacturing execution systems (MES) are overwhelming for users, making it difficult to quickly react to changes in key performance indicators (KPI) values due to the complexity of visualizing multiple dimensions of data, which limits decision-making time and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method that creates a virtual reality landscape by mapping data onto symbols from a symbol library, using metaphors and idioms to represent data dimensions, allowing users to interpret and interact with data intuitively, reducing the need for deep technical knowledge and enabling visualization of multiple dimensions without overwhelming the user's brain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple dimensions of data are visualized using traditional 2D graphs or complex 3D charts, then the quantity of information presented increases, but the complexity of the visualization increases and overwhelms the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D graphs and complex 3D charts to a virtual reality environment that utilizes immersive spatial dimensions. Data is represented through metaphorical landscapes (mountains, valleys, rivers) where height, depth, and position in the virtual space encode different data dimensions, allowing multiple parameters to be visualized simultaneously without overwhelming the user with complex chart overlays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metaphorical intermediaries (natural landscapes, weather phenomena, geographic features) that serve as mediators between raw data and user comprehension. These metaphors translate complex multi-dimensional data into intuitive visual forms that the human brain can process naturally, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining information density
2Measurement precision
If complex visualization techniques are used to show multiple data dimensions, then measurement precision of data relationships improves, but ease of operation deteriorates as users struggle to interpret the visualizations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of real-world geographic and natural features (mountains, rivers, weather patterns) that replicate the intuitive spatial reasoning humans use in the physical world. These metaphorical copies allow users to interpret complex data relationships through familiar spatial metaphors rather than learning to read complex chart symbols and overlays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes visual parameters of the metaphorical landscape (height of mountains, flow of rivers, weather conditions, color gradients) to represent different data dimensions and their relationships. This allows precise representation of multiple parameters while maintaining ease of interpretation through natural metaphors that users can intuitively understand
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the visualization of one or more dimensions of data. The data originate from controlling and/or monitoring an industrial production process, which is controlled by a manufacturing execution system. The visualization creates a virtual reality landscape by mapping the data onto symbols. The symbols are contained in a symbol library and they are selected in dependency of the value for the data.