2D Multi-Hierarchy Display Using Concentric Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tree structures are ineffective for visualizing multiple hierarchies in a single view, as they are designed to represent individual hierarchies separately rather than simultaneously displaying primary and secondary hierarchies effectively.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that visualize multiple hierarchies by configuring primary components as geometric objects with concentric zones, where the innermost zone represents the highest secondary level and outermost zones represent lower secondary levels, allowing for a 2-dimensional representation of primary and secondary hierarchies within a single view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If separate tree structures are used to visualize different hierarchies, then each hierarchy can be represented clearly, but multiple hierarchies cannot be visualized in a single view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of hierarchy visualizationVSAvoidnumber of separate views required

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges primary and secondary hierarchies into a single integrated view by representing primary components as geometric objects (circles) and embedding secondary hierarchy information within concentric zones of these objects. This allows multiple hierarchies to be visualized simultaneously in one dashboard view rather than requiring separate tree structures for each hierarchy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing secondary hierarchy components within concentric zones nested inside primary component geometric objects. The innermost zone represents the highest secondary level, with outer zones representing lower secondary levels, creating a nested structure that fits multiple hierarchy levels within the space of a single primary component representation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If conventional tree structures are used, then individual hierarchies are easy to understand, but multiple hierarchies create visual clutter and reduce clarity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclarity of hierarchy representationVSAvoidability to display multiple hierarchies simultaneously

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D tree structures to a multi-dimensional representation where primary components are shown as geometric objects in one dimension, and secondary hierarchy levels are represented through concentric zones adding another dimensional layer. This dimensional transformation allows multiple hierarchies to be displayed simultaneously without visual clutter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses circular/geometric object shapes to represent primary components instead of traditional linear tree nodes. The circular form with concentric zones provides a natural container for embedding secondary hierarchy information, creating a visually organized representation that accommodates multiple hierarchies without clutter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If primary components are represented as simple nodes, then the primary hierarchy is clear, but secondary hierarchy information cannot be effectively integrated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of primary hierarchy representationVSAvoidintegration of secondary hierarchy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the primary component representation multi-functional by using geometric objects that simultaneously serve as containers for primary hierarchy information and as structures for embedding secondary hierarchy data through concentric zones. This universal representation handles both hierarchy levels without requiring separate visual elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the geometric object representing a primary component into multiple concentric zones, where each zone can hold secondary hierarchy information. This segmentation allows the primary component representation to contain organized subdivisions for different secondary levels while maintaining the overall simplicity of the primary hierarchy view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9262488B22-dimensional multi-hierarchy display

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 SAP SE

AI summary

Described herein is a technology for facilitating visualization of multiple hierarchies. In some implementations, a primary hierarchy having primary components arranged in different primary hierarchical levels is provided. A second hierarchy for the primary components of the primary hierarchy is provided. The primary components are configured as geometric objects with concentric zones corresponding to different secondary hierarchical levels with secondary components.