Node-Strand Graph for Complex Genealogical Relationship Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional genealogical tools, such as pedigree charts and databases, are cumbersome, inflexible, and inefficient in representing complex relationships between individuals due to their reliance on tree-like paradigms and group records, leading to data fragmentation, duplication, and limited ability to differentiate various types of connections.
Innovation Solution
A system that represents connectedness using nodes and strands, where each strand connects two nodes to depict specific types of relationships, forming link triangles that can be combined into networks, allowing for flexible and robust visualization and storage of multiple connection types without relying on group records or event-based structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pedigree charts use tree-like structure to represent genealogical relationships, then relationships between families and ancestors can be visually represented, but the charts become cumbersome and difficult to manipulate when representing multiple generations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the genealogical data representation by separating individuals into distinct nodes and relationships into separate strands. Each strand represents a specific relationship type between two nodes, allowing the system to break down complex multi-generational charts into manageable individual relationship units that can be independently manipulated and displayed.
2Loss of information
If conventional pedigree charts use common connection lines to link multiple nodes, then parent-child relationships can be depicted, but different types of connections between individuals cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different visual characteristics to different strands based on the type of relationship they represent. Each strand can have distinct properties (such as line style, color, or pattern) that locally encode specific relationship types, allowing viewers to immediately distinguish between different connection types without adding overall system complexity.
3Loss of information
If genealogical data is organized using group records and event information, then comprehensive information can be stored, but data fragmentation and duplication occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the relationship information from traditional group records and event-based structures, placing it directly into the strand connections between nodes. This extraction eliminates the need for separate group records to store relationship data, reducing duplication while maintaining the flexibility to represent various relationship types through the strand structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a system for representing connectedness of individuals includes nodes representative of individuals and strands connecting the nodes. The nodes include a first node representative of a first individual and a second node representative of a second individual. The strands connect the first node and the second node. Each of the strands represents a type of relationship between the first individual and the second individual. In some embodiments, each of the strands is in the form of a distinct data object.