Routing Diagram Navigation for Tracing Wires Across Screens

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of wiring diagrams, particularly on computing device displays, makes it difficult to trace wires efficiently, as they may be subdivided across multiple diagrams, increasing the time required for repairs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for displaying routing diagrams that allow seamless navigation between interconnected diagrams by using user-selectable controls and hotspots to continue the display of routable components across multiple diagrams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a complete wiring diagram is displayed on a computing device, then all wire and component information is available, but the display size is insufficient to show the complete diagram at a decipherable zoom level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring diagram content visibilityVSAvoiddisplay screen area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a complete wiring diagram into multiple sub-diagrams that can be displayed separately on the computing device screen. Each sub-diagram contains a portion of the complete wiring information, allowing the entire diagram to be viewed across multiple displayed sections without requiring an impractically large screen or sacrificing zoom level readability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a wiring diagram is divided into multiple sub-diagrams, then the diagram fits on the display, but navigating between sub-diagrams to trace continuous wires becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay screen areaVSAvoidnavigation between diagrams

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs graphical indicators (such as icons or markers) placed at wire endpoints in each sub-diagram to serve as visual intermediaries. These indicators show where wires continue into other sub-diagrams, acting as a mediator that guides the user's navigation without requiring complex menu systems or losing track of the wire being traced

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying indicators that show the relationship between sub-diagrams and the continuation of wires. When a user views one sub-diagram, the feedback mechanism highlights or marks where wires exit the current view and enter other sub-diagrams, guiding the user's next navigation action and confirming the continuity of the wire being traced

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12613618B2Method and system for displaying multiple routing diagrams

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 MITCHELL REPAIR INFORMATION CO LLC

AI summary

A method and computing system operable for displaying a first routing diagram on a display. The first routing diagram is a member of a first set of routing diagrams that includes multiple different routing diagrams. Displaying the first routing diagram includes displaying a user-selectable control and a first portion of a particular routable component within the first routing diagram. The user-selectable control indicates that the particular routable component continues on a second routing diagram. An additional function include determining, by one or more processors, a selection of the user-selectable control occurs while the first routing diagram is displayed on the display. A further function includes displaying the second routing diagram on the display in response to determining the selection of the user-selectable control occurs while the first routing diagram is displayed on the display. Displaying the second routing diagram includes displaying a second portion of the particular routable component.