Search Result Visualization via Timeline and Map Graphs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current search engines lack effective visualization methods for presenting search results related to dates and geographic locations, often displaying them as simple lists rather than interactive timelines or maps, which limits user navigation and query refinement.
Innovation Solution
A system that retrieves and displays search results on a timeline or map, allowing users to navigate and refine queries by selecting date ranges or geographic locations, with features like zooming, panning, and pop-up bubbles for detailed information, enabling a more interactive and informative presentation of search results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If search results are displayed as simple lists, then the system complexity is low, but the user interaction and information retrieval effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional list view of search results into two-dimensional visual representations including timelines (time dimension) and maps (geographic dimension). This dimensional transformation enables users to perceive relationships between search results more effectively while maintaining system implementation feasibility through standardized visualization components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multiple visualization modes (timeline view, map view, list view) that can be selected based on the nature of search results and user preferences. Each visualization type serves different information retrieval needs, making the system versatile while managing complexity through modular design of visualization components.
2Loss of information
If search results are displayed with detailed information, then the information completeness is improved, but the visualization clarity and ease of navigation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information presentation into hierarchical levels: overview visualizations (timelines and maps) provide contextual information at a glance, while detailed information is available through interactive elements like pop-up bubbles, tooltips, and expandable details. This segmentation allows users to access complete information without being overwhelmed, maintaining both information completeness and navigation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization system dynamically adjusts the level of detail displayed based on user interaction. Initially, simplified visual representations provide clear overview with easy navigation. When users interact with specific elements (clicking, hovering, selecting time periods), the system dynamically reveals more detailed information, balancing information completeness with navigation simplicity at different interaction stages.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments retrieve a set of search results that have been previously identified as having at least one associated date or location. A timeline or map is displayed that visually represents the distribution of the dates or locations within the results. The timeline is displayed with a histogram graph corresponding to the number of dates in the search results at points along the timeline. The map is displayed with markers at the locations corresponding to the locations in the search results. The user can navigate the result set using the displayed timeline or map.