3D Graphical Visualization of Portfolio Diversification

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Solution Overview

Problem

It is challenging to quantitatively determine the diversification level of investment portfolios, and existing methods often present this information in complex formats that are difficult for users to understand, making it hard for investors to assess and manage their portfolios effectively.

Innovation Solution

The use of 2D and 3D graphical visualizations that depict diversification by comparing the weight of each holding to its market capitalization weight in the broad market, allowing investors to visualize diversification levels clearly through area fill, volume fill, color, and opacity, down to individual holdings or aggregate levels, and secondary dimensions like value/growth and sector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If quantitative methods are used to determine diversification level, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediversification level measurementVSAvoidvisualization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms complex quantitative diversification data into intuitive visual representations by adding spatial dimensions. It uses 2D treemaps where area size represents holding weight, and 3D visualizations where volume and height encode diversification metrics. This dimensional transformation allows users to grasp diversification levels at a glance without complex calculations, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates visual copies of portfolio data in the form of graphical representations. Instead of presenting raw numerical data about holding weights and market capitalizations, it generates visual copies through colored rectangles, 3D bars, and spatial arrangements that mirror the underlying data structure. These visual copies make diversification information immediately comprehensible while maintaining quantitative accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If detailed holding information is presented, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding weight accuracyVSAvoiduser comprehension
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments portfolio information into hierarchical levels: individual holdings are represented as separate visual elements (rectangles or bars), which are then grouped into sectors, industries, and market capitalization categories. Users can focus on aggregate diversification patterns or drill down to individual holding details as needed. This segmentation allows detailed information to be presented without overwhelming users, as they can consume information at their preferred level of detail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color encoding to convey multiple dimensions of holding information simultaneously. Different colors represent different sectors, industries, or market cap categories, while color intensity or saturation may indicate holding weight or diversification contribution. This visual encoding allows users to quickly comprehend complex holding relationships without reading numerical data, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of information

If multiple dimensions of diversification are visualized, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediversification information completenessVSAvoidvisualization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple diversification dimensions into unified visual representations. Individual holdings are simultaneously encoded with information about their weight, sector, industry, and market capitalization category within single visual elements. The treemap and 3D visualizations integrate these dimensions without requiring separate charts or tables, presenting comprehensive diversification information in a cohesive structure that manages complexity through integration rather than multiplication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10043216B23-D graphical visualization of diversification of portfolio holdings
Publication Date: 2018.08.07 THE VANGUARD GRP INC
  • US10043216B2 patent drawing
  • US10043216B2 patent drawing
  • US10043216B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Data visualization processes are provided for expressing diversification of an investment based on each underlying holding weight in the investment relative to each holding's market capitalization weight in the investment and each holding's market capitalization weight in the broad market or by its absolute holding percentage. Visualizations can be depicted in both 2-D and 3-D formats, with area fill, volume fill, color, and/or opacity depicting percentage of coverage. Visualization can show diversification down to the individual holding level and in aggregate levels, such as mega-cap, mid-cap and small-cap.