Ontology-Based Entity Network Visualization for Mobile Information Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to provide simple access to a large amount of information related to a reference entity on a mobile device with a limited screen area and limited user interaction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes ontologies to calculate networks of entities with semantic relationships, allowing users to access information through a display device like a mobile phone by selecting portions of the screen based on classes and user actions, such as voting, tagging, and commenting, which are then displayed dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional search methods are used to access information on a mobile device, then information can be retrieved, but the limited screen area and interaction capabilities make access complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The information network is segmented into multiple visual clusters representing different classes of entities related to the reference entity. Each cluster is spatially separated and visually distinct, allowing users to quickly scan and select relevant information categories without navigating through complex menus or filters on a limited screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional linear or hierarchical information navigation into a two-dimensional visual map displayed on the mobile screen. Entities are positioned spatially according to their semantic relationships, creating a visual landscape that users can explore by dragging the reference entity to different locations, thereby adding a spatial dimension to information access.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive information networks are displayed, then complete information is provided, but the limited screen area cannot accommodate all information simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The complete information network is divided into multiple visual clusters, each representing a specific class of entities (e.g., products, services, locations). These clusters are distributed across the available screen area, allowing comprehensive information to be organized into manageable visual groups that fit within the limited display space.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual information map is dynamically adjustable. Users can drag the reference entity to different positions on the screen, and the system dynamically repositions and scales the visual clusters to maintain optimal visibility and relationships. This dynamic behavior allows the complete information network to be explored progressively as users navigate through different regions of the display.
3Stability of the object's composition
If static ontology data is used, then structured information is provided, but dynamic user-generated content is not incorporated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges static ontology data with dynamic user-generated content into a unified visual information network. The ontology provides the structural framework and semantic relationships, while user actions (votes, tags, comments) are integrated as additional attributes and visual elements within the same network, creating a hybrid information system that maintains structure while incorporating dynamism.
Solution Approach 2:
User interactions with the visual information map generate feedback that dynamically updates the display. Votes, tags, and comments submitted by users are immediately reflected in the visual clusters, altering their appearance, position, or content. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt and evolve based on user behavior while maintaining the underlying ontological structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is described for accessing information related to a reference entity (oR) by means of a display device (55). The method includes the step of providing (5) an ontology (A) describing the reference entity and a first plurality of entities, the reference entity and the first plurality of entities being a plurality of classes of the ontology or being arranged into a plurality of classes, said plurality of classes having respective properties, includes the step of receiving (6) information for identifying said reference entity, includes the step of calculating (10) a first network of entities (02, O5, 09) out of the first plurality of entities, said entities of the first network having first relationships (r5, ?, ?) with the reference entity, according to said properties, includes the step of identifying (15) a plurality of portions (61, 62, 63, 64) available on an area (55) of the display device, according to the plurality of classes of the ontology, includes the step of assigning (20) the entities of the first network to at least one of the plurality of display area portions, includes the step of selecting (30) a display area portion (62) out of the plurality of display area portions, includes the step of displaying (35), over the display device, a plurality of images and/or text data (71, 72, 73) for indicating at least part of the entities of the first network assigned to the selected display area portion.