Multiplexed Graphical Sleeve for Network Topology Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management applications struggle to effectively display multiple types of information on network topology maps, as the number of integrated graphical indicators is limited, making it difficult for users to instantly recognize and visualize various properties and states of devices and links.
Innovation Solution
A method for specifying and displaying multiplexed graphical indicators on network topology maps, where secondary properties are represented using a multicolored sleeve around devices or links, allowing users to customize and visualize multiple properties without interfering with primary indicators, using a coloration designation specification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple icons are used to represent various types of information, then more information can be displayed, but it becomes more difficult for users to find and recognize the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a coloration designation specification that maps different properties to specific colors. When a graph item has multiple properties, each property is represented by a different color segment in the wrapper, allowing users to instantly recognize multiple properties through color without needing to search for multiple icons.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapper serves as a universal indicator that can represent multiple properties simultaneously. Instead of using separate icons for each property, the single wrapper element performs multiple functions by displaying multiple color segments, each corresponding to a different property of the graph item.
2Loss of information
If the color of link lines is used to represent link speed, then link speed information is displayed, but the ability to represent other information such as optical fiber lines is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wrapper into multiple color segments, where each segment represents a different property. This segmentation allows the same wrapper to simultaneously represent multiple properties such as link speed, optical fiber status, and other characteristics without interfering with each other, resolving the conflict between representing multiple types of information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using a single color dimension to using multiple color dimensions within the same wrapper. Instead of choosing one property to represent with color, the system uses multiple color segments within the wrapper to represent multiple properties simultaneously, effectively adding another dimension to the information representation.
3Ease of operation
If integrated indicators such as line colorations are used, then information is immediately noticeable, but the number of indicators that can be integrated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapper is segmented into multiple color segments, each representing a different property. This segmentation allows multiple properties to be displayed simultaneously within a single integrated indicator, maintaining immediate visibility while increasing the number of properties that can be represented compared to traditional single-color indicators.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for displaying a multiplexed property indicator on a network topology map. A coloration designation specification that specifies property-color designations is obtained. A network topology map that includes devices and links having properties that are specified in the coloration designation specification is displayed. A link or device in the map is wrapped with a multiplexed graphical sleeve that includes a color for each property in the coloration designation specification that the link or device has.