Graphical Tree Rendering Using Phantom Apex Node
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical tree generation algorithms struggle with correctly positioning interior nodes and addressing design requirements such as child nodes having multiple parents, and the relative rendering of affiliated hierarchical families.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving a plurality of hierarchical records, identifying records with no parent entry, adding a phantom apex record, inserting references to it, determining node positions, removing the phantom record, and rendering the graphical tree based on parent field entries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional node-positioning algorithms are used to generate graphical trees, then the algorithms can calculate positions for nodes, but they fail to correctly position interior nodes and handle complex hierarchical relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The algorithm performs preliminary actions by first identifying all nodes and their hierarchical relationships before calculating positions. It pre-processes the hierarchical data structure to establish parent-child relationships and determines the placement of each node based on these pre-established relationships, ensuring both accuracy and correctness in the final graphical representation.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of nodes in the graphical tree increases, then more hierarchical records can be represented, but the challenge of maintaining aesthetic appearance and space efficiency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The algorithm segments the graphical tree into hierarchical levels and groups nodes based on their parent-child relationships. By dividing the tree structure into manageable segments (levels and subtrees), it can systematically calculate positions for each segment while maintaining overall visual aesthetic and space efficiency, even as the total number of nodes increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The algorithm utilizes two-dimensional space (x and y coordinates) to represent hierarchical relationships. By mapping hierarchical levels to vertical positions (y-coordinate) and sibling relationships to horizontal positions (x-coordinate), it efficiently accommodates a large number of nodes while maintaining visual clarity and space efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional algorithms are used, then graphical trees can be generated, but they fail to address design requirements such as child nodes having multiple parent nodes and relative rendering of affiliated hierarchical families
Solution Approach 1:
The algorithm is designed with universal functionality to handle various hierarchical relationship types. It can process nodes with single or multiple parents, represent affiliated hierarchical families, and adapt to different tree structures. This multi-functionality is achieved through a flexible data structure that stores parent-child relationships without assuming a strict single-parent constraint, allowing precise rendering of diverse hierarchical scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments use a phantom apex node to graphically illustrate a plurality of hierarchical records. Each record includes a parent field, and an entry in the parent field identifies a parent record of a given record. The parent record is higher in hierarchy than the given record. Embodiments identify record(s) that have no entry in the parent field. A phantom apex record is added to the database. A reference to the phantom apex record is inserted for each record that did not have an entry in the parent field. An x-y coordinate position is determined for all hierarchical records based on the parent field in each record. Once the positions are determined, all references to the phantom apex record are removed from all of the parent fields, and the phantom apex record itself is removed from the database. The plurality of records are then graphically rendered on a target output medium.