Wireless Mesh Node Hierarchy Visualization via Segmented Map and Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless mesh network management systems face difficulties in clearly displaying relationships among a large number of wireless nodes, making it hard for users to visualize and manage network hierarchies effectively.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface is provided that includes a geographical map showing wireless nodes and their logical links, along with a filter that allows users to select which nodes to display, and a mouse-over functionality for detailed information, enabling users to view hierarchical configurations and attributes of wireless nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of wireless nodes are displayed in the geographical map, then the completeness of network information is improved, but the clarity of node relationships deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network information into two distinct segments: a geographical map view showing physical locations and a logical hierarchy view showing parent-child relationships. This segmentation allows users to view all nodes in the geographical map without clutter, while the separate logical hierarchy panel maintains clear relationship visibility by organizing nodes in a tree structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional geographical map to a multi-dimensional representation by adding a logical hierarchy dimension. The logical hierarchy panel provides an additional organizational layer that displays parent-child relationships vertically, while the geographical map maintains spatial relationships horizontally, effectively using multiple dimensions to resolve the contradiction.
2Loss of information
If all wireless nodes are displayed in the geographical map, then the visibility of network coverage is improved, but the manageability of complex hierarchies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into two functional areas: the geographical map for monitoring network coverage and the logical hierarchy panel for managing node relationships. This segmentation allows each area to optimize for its specific purpose without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The logical hierarchy panel acts as an intermediary between the geographical map and the underlying network data. It provides a structured view that mediates the complexity of parent-child relationships, allowing users to easily manage hierarchies while the geographical map continues to display comprehensive coverage information.
3Loss of information
If detailed information for each wireless node is displayed, then the completeness of node attributes is improved, but the complexity of the interface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Detailed node attributes are extracted from the geographical map and displayed in the logical hierarchy panel. This extraction allows the geographical map to remain simple and focused on spatial relationships, while the logical hierarchy panel provides comprehensive attribute information in a structured format.
Solution Approach 2:
Node attribute information is moved to a different dimensional space (the logical hierarchy panel) rather than cluttering the geographical map. This dimensional separation allows detailed information to be accessed without increasing the visual complexity of the map interface.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method Includes displaying a geographical map illustrating- locations of a plurality of wireless nodes of a mesh network; displaying a hierarchically- arranged filter that shows a hierarchical relation of the plurality of wireless nodes; receive a filter configuration; and displaying in the geographical map a subset of the plurality of wireless nodes based on the filter configuration.