Radial Representation User Interface for Data Center Hierarchy Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern data centers are complex systems with intricate hierarchical relationships and a large number of entities, making it difficult for IT administrators to comprehend and manage them effectively using traditional graphical user interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radial representation user interface that presents hierarchical relationships between computing entities in a concentric band format, allowing for a single view that depicts all entities, their states, and state changes over time, using visually discernible graphical representations and animations to facilitate navigation and understanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional graphical user interfaces are used to represent data center entities, then the interface structure is simple and easy to implement, but the complexity of representing hierarchical relationships and large numbers of entities makes it difficult for users to comprehend the system structure and dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The interface segments the data center hierarchy into multiple concentric rings, with each ring representing a specific hierarchical level (e.g., data centers, clusters, nodes, virtual machines). This segmentation allows users to comprehend the complex hierarchy by breaking it down into manageable visual segments that can be understood individually while maintaining context of the whole system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional flat or tree-based hierarchical representation into a radial/dimensional representation where hierarchical levels are arranged concentrically around a central point. This dimensional change from linear or nested structures to radial arrangement provides a new visual perspective that makes complex relationships more comprehensible at a glance.
2Loss of information
If a single view depicting all entities is implemented, then user comprehension is improved, but the interface complexity and computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface merges multiple hierarchical levels and numerous entities into a single radial view where all data center entities are represented simultaneously in their appropriate hierarchical contexts. This consolidation provides complete system visibility in one view without requiring users to navigate through multiple separate screens or diagrams.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial interface implements a nested structure where concentric rings represent nested hierarchical levels, with inner rings containing higher-level abstractions and outer rings containing more detailed entity instances. This nesting approach allows complete representation of the hierarchical system while organizing information in a visually manageable manner.
Data Source
AI summary
A first graphical depiction transitions into a second graphical depiction. Initially, a hierarchy of entities is presented as graphical elements that are distributed across concentric circular areas such that at least two of the graphical elements that correspond to sibling entities at a higher level of the hierarchy are presented in an inner circular area and such that at least one additional graphical element that corresponds to a lower level of the hierarchy is presented in an outer circular area. Responsive to an indication, the graphical elements of the inner circular area are rotated such that a selected one of the sibling entities at a higher level of the hierarchy is repositioned within the inner circular area and such that any unselected sibling entities of the higher level remain visible and selectable after being rotated.