Publication Relationship Visualization Using Graph Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional visualizations of research publications only display single generations of references, limiting the ability to discover related publications and providing insufficient contextual information, especially when searching through large databases.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating a graphical representation of publication genealogy, where connectors indicate relationships between publications, allowing users to visualize multiple generations of references and filter data sets based on subject matter, using a computer-readable storage medium and processor-based system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional textual lists are used to display references, then the implementation is simple, but the contextual information and relationship visualization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional one-dimensional textual list of references into a two-dimensional graphical display where publications are represented as visual elements arranged in spatial relationships. This dimensional change enables the simultaneous presentation of multiple generations of references (direct citations and indirect citations) with visual connectors showing relationship paths, thereby preserving comprehensive contextual information while maintaining system feasibility through standard display technologies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only single generation of references is displayed, then the display is clear and manageable, but the ability to discover related publications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference information into distinct visual layers: direct citations are shown with prominent connectors, while indirect citations (citations of citations) are displayed with different visual styling or opacity levels. This segmentation allows multiple generations of references to be simultaneously visible without creating a monolithic complex structure, enabling users to discover related publications across multiple generations while maintaining visual manageability through hierarchical organization.
3Loss of information
If graphical display with multiple generations is implemented, then the contextual information is comprehensive, but the processing and rendering become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by pre-identifying and categorizing citation relationships before graphical rendering. The system pre-processes the reference data to distinguish between direct and indirect citations, pre-calculates spatial arrangements, and pre-prepares visual elements. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during actual display generation, enabling comprehensive multi-generation visualization while maintaining processing efficiency through advance preparation of the citation network structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for illustrating relationships between a set of objects on a display device. An image is generated and displayed on the display device that includes a graphical representation for each of the objects. One of the objects in the set of objects is selected, and an application determines relationships between the selected object and a subset of the other objects. Connectors (i.e., a graphic overlay) are rendered over the image to show the relationship between one object and another object. Indirect relationships may be shown by drawing connectors between one object and a related object that connect one or more intervening objects. In one embodiment, the objects are publications stored in a digital repository and the relationships between publications are determined by examining references to other publications included in citations. Additional information, such as metadata, may also be rendered in the image.