Multiway Graph Visualization Radial Layout Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Complex multiway graphs with numerous interrelationships between nodes are difficult to visually display in a way that clearly illustrates relationships and allows easy navigation, often leading to users missing crucial connections or becoming disoriented.
Innovation Solution
A computer system is configured to display a multiway graph with a first node at the center, child nodes positioned radially symmetrically around it, and grandchild nodes displayed in a circular area, allowing users to select nodes to update the visual interface and navigate through the graph hierarchy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all nodes and edges of a complex graph are displayed simultaneously, then complete information is provided, but the visual display becomes unreadable and users cannot understand relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The graph is segmented into multiple levels of detail. The visual display shows a current level with fewer nodes and edges, while additional levels contain more detailed relationships. Users can navigate between levels to explore relationships at appropriate detail, preventing information overload while maintaining access to complete graph data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the display by showing different graph levels at different times. Instead of displaying all relationships simultaneously in one static view, the system transitions between multiple views over time, each showing a different subset of relationships at an appropriate level of detail.
2Device complexity
If only a subset of nodes and edges is displayed, then the visual display becomes readable, but users may miss crucial relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The visual display is made dynamic, allowing users to interact with the current level and request additional levels of detail. The system transitions between different levels of graph detail based on user interaction, enabling users to explore relationships at multiple scales without being overwhelmed by all relationships simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (multiple levels of detail with navigation controls) between the user and the complete graph. This intermediary allows users to access the full graph data while presenting information in manageable, readable portions, preventing both information overload and information loss.
3Loss of information
If detailed information about all relationships is provided, then complete understanding is possible, but users become disoriented and cannot navigate easily
Solution Approach 1:
Navigation is segmented into discrete level transitions. Users navigate from one level of graph detail to another in controlled steps, rather than attempting to navigate a single overwhelming view containing all relationships. This segmentation makes navigation manageable and prevents user disorientation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each level of the graph displays relationships with appropriate local detail suited to that level. The current level shows relationships at a detail appropriate for understanding at that scale, while other levels contain additional detail for deeper exploration. This local optimization of information density improves both understanding and navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a visual illustration of data organized in a multiway graph is provided. In an embodiment, a computer system maintains a plurality of nodes and edges within a multiway graph and displays a visual user interface with a first node positioned at the center of the visual user interface and child nodes positioned at radially symmetric positions surrounding the first node. The computer system receives a first input that specifies a selection of a first child node. In response to receiving the first input, the computer system updates the visual user interface to display: the first node, positioned at the center; the child nodes, positioned at radially symmetric positions surrounding the first node; the first child node positioned below the first node; and grandchild nodes of the first child node, displayed as polygons positioned at radially symmetric positions around a circular area surrounding the child nodes.