Spherical Temporal Data Visualization for Spatial Distribution Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual representation of temporal data with spatial attributes is challenging due to space inefficiency in existing methods, making it difficult to comprehend and compare multiple distribution charts simultaneously, especially in environments like wireless hotspot analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving computing cumulative distributions, dividing them into bins, mapping attributes to shapes, using a color scheme, and normalizing shape sizes for graphical representation in a GUI, allowing for scalable and interactive visualization of temporal data distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If distribution charts are overlaid on a map to show temporal data, then spatial topology and data distribution can be visualized, but the chart size becomes too large relative to the map and screen space, making it difficult to display multiple charts simultaneously for comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional 2D chart overlay approach into a 3D spherical projection system. Temporal data distributions are mapped onto a sphere where the sphere's surface area represents the temporal dimension, allowing multiple distribution charts to be displayed simultaneously in different spatial locations without overlapping or consuming excessive screen space. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient display area for multiple charts while maintaining compact integration within the map interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temporal data distribution into multiple independent spherical projections, each representing a specific location or time period. These segmented spherical charts can be displayed simultaneously at different positions on the map, allowing users to compare multiple distribution patterns without the charts occupying excessive collective space. The segmentation enables parallel visualization of multiple datasets while maintaining individual chart readability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple distribution charts are displayed side-by-side for comparison, then temporal data can be analyzed across locations, but the total screen space required increases, making it difficult to assess data distributions efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distribution charts into a unified spherical projection system that can display multiple temporal data distributions simultaneously. Instead of displaying separate charts that consume additive screen space, the spherical framework consolidates multiple datasets into a single integrated visualization space, enabling comparison of multiple locations and time periods without proportionally increasing the total display area required.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from flat 2D chart overlays to 3D spherical projections, the patent creates additional spatial dimensions for data visualization. The sphere's three-dimensional surface allows multiple distribution charts to be arranged in vertical and radial dimensions rather than only horizontal arrangement, significantly improving space utilization and enabling efficient multi-location data comparison within a compact interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for presentation of value distributions in a graphical user interface are provided. The method comprises computing a plurality of value distributions based on measurements performed for target values for one or more positions spread across a space, wherein a series of measurements are performed for at least a target point in the space; computing a cumulative distribution for the plurality of value distributions associated with the target point along predetermined time intervals; dividing the cumulative distribution into bins for one or more time periods corresponding to said predetermined time intervals; mapping attributes associated with the target point into shapes; and using a scaling function, assigning a color attribute from a color scheme to each bin.