Node Arrangement Apparatus Resolving Line Crossings in 3D Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for generating images of connected nodes are inefficient in arranging multiple nodes in a way that maintains a clear view of their connection relationships, especially as the number of nodes increases or their connections become complex, leading to crossed lines and obscured relationships.
Innovation Solution
A node arranging apparatus that uses a virtual three-dimensional space to position nodes based on their connection relationships, employing parameters to determine movement amounts and directions, ensuring nodes are arranged near a predesignated plane while maintaining proper inter-node distances and connection visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If nodes are arranged using conventional two-item relationship data extraction methods, then the basic connection relationships can be established, but the nodes become distributed in a wide range and lines cross each other when the number of nodes increases or connections become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional node arrangement to three-dimensional spatial arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension (height direction) in addition to horizontal positioning, nodes can be distributed in a three-dimensional space that prevents line crossings and maintains clear connection relationships even as the number of nodes increases. The node arrangement unit positions nodes in a virtual three-dimensional space based on their connection relationships, with controlling units positioned higher than subordinate units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments nodes into hierarchical levels based on their connection relationships. The node arrangement unit divides nodes into controlling units and subordinate units, positioning them at different vertical levels. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex connection relationships by organizing nodes into distinct hierarchical layers, preventing line crossings and improving overall visibility.
2Ease of operation
If nodes are arranged to maintain clear connection relationships, then visibility improves, but the arrangement becomes complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The node arrangement unit automatically determines node positions based on the inter-node information stored in the storage unit. The system self-organizes nodes according to their connection relationships without requiring manual intervention. The controlling unit positions itself at a higher vertical level than subordinate units, and the arrangement is computed automatically based on the hierarchical structure extracted from the relationship data.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit pre-stores inter-node information that describes connection relationships between nodes before the arrangement process begins. This preliminary organization of data allows the node arrangement unit to quickly compute optimal positions without performing complex calculations during the actual arrangement process, simplifying the overall implementation.
3Area of stationary object
If nodes are positioned close to each other to reduce space usage, then area efficiency improves, but connection lines may cross and relationships become obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to separate nodes that would otherwise be too close in a two-dimensional arrangement. By positioning controlling units at higher vertical levels than subordinate units, the system maintains compact horizontal spacing while preventing line crossings through three-dimensional separation. This allows efficient use of display area without compromising connection visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A node arranging apparatus includes: a node arranging unit that arranges, in a virtual three-dimensional space, nodes indicated by inter-node information stored in an inter-node information storage unit; a node moving unit that moves each node using a movement amount and a movement direction of that node determined by arrangement relationship of that node with a first plane, arrangement relationship with another node arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, and arrangement relationship with at least one other node associated therewith by the inter-node information and arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space; a display information generating unit that generates display information of a node connection image where nodes are projected and connected; and an output unit that outputs the display information. The node moving unit repeatedly performs at least once the node moving process until a predesignated condition is satisfied.