Multi-Axis Chart Visualization With Selective Scale Hiding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charting technologies face difficulties in intuitively visualizing multiple datasets with different scales and data types within a single chart, leading to clutter and difficulty in identifying correlations between disparate data sets.

Innovation Solution

The system generates interactive charts that allow multiple datasets to be visualized with customizable scales, where each dataset has its own scale, and enables selective hiding and revealing of scales based on user input, improving readability and clarity by tailoring the visualization to fit within a common frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple datasets with different scales are presented simultaneously in a single chart, then the capability to visualize multiple data types is improved, but the chart becomes cluttered and difficult to interpret

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to visualize multiple data typesVSAvoidchart interpretation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the chart into multiple independent visualization regions, each dedicated to a specific dataset with its own scale. This segmentation allows each dataset to be displayed with appropriate scaling while preventing the overall chart from becoming cluttered, as each region is self-contained and clearly demarcated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional single-axis chart to a multi-region visualization where datasets are arranged in spatial dimensions. By organizing datasets across different regions with clear visual separators, the chart adds a dimensional organization that helps users distinguish between different scales and datasets without confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple scales are presented simultaneously in a single chart, then the representation of different datasets is improved, but the difficulty of identifying which datasets correspond to which scales increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepresentation of different datasetsVSAvoiddataset-scale correspondence identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving each visualization region its own dedicated scale and visual characteristics. Each region is locally optimized for its specific dataset type, with scales and formatting tailored to that data, making it easy to identify which scale applies to which dataset without cross-contamination or confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color coding and visual differentiation to associate specific datasets with their corresponding scales. By applying distinct visual properties to different regions and their associated scales, users can quickly identify correspondences between datasets and scales through visual cues rather than having to trace complex relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If users manually manipulate charted visualizations to achieve intuitive format, then the readability is improved, but the time and computing resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechart readabilityVSAvoidtime for manual manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by automatically organizing datasets into appropriate visual regions with correct scales and formatting before the user views the chart. The system pre-processes the multiple datasets, determines optimal scaling for each, and arranges them in an intuitive layout, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate the visualizations to achieve readability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The chart visualization system performs self-service by automatically adapting its structure and scaling based on the input datasets. The system independently determines the optimal presentation format for multiple datasets with different scales, removing the need for user intervention to achieve an intuitive and readable visualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10311608B2Custom multi axis chart visualization
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US10311608B2 patent drawing
  • US10311608B2 patent drawing
  • US10311608B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for generating interactive chart visualizations that incorporate multiple datasets. The charts include different scales that correspond to the different datasets. At least one of the scales can also be selectively hidden. The hidden scale(s) will be rendered in response to user input selecting data/objects corresponding to the hidden scale(s).