Automatic Tree Restriction for Hierarchical Data Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for displaying hierarchical organizational data in a graphical tree structure are inadequate as they cannot handle dynamic information and often exceed viewable display limits, especially in large organizations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automatic tree restriction methods that determine sizing parameters and dynamically restrict tree data based on user-defined criteria, such as summarizing nodes to fit within display limits, using a graphics engine that performs vertical and horizontal restrictions to optimize the tree layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the complete hierarchical tree data is displayed, then all organizational information is visible, but the display exceeds viewable screen limits and becomes unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hierarchical tree data into multiple levels or tiers, displaying only the necessary portions within the viewable area. The graphics engine divides the complete organizational structure into manageable segments that fit within screen constraints, allowing users to navigate through different levels to access complete information when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces navigation dimensions beyond the standard 2D display plane, enabling users to traverse the hierarchical tree through multiple viewing levels, zoom capabilities, and interactive navigation. This transforms the single-view constraint into a multi-dimensional exploration experience, effectively displaying complete information across multiple display states.
2Area of stationary object
If the tree structure is restricted to fit display parameters, then the display fits within screen limits, but information completeness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic restriction where the tree display automatically adjusts its level of detail based on available display space, user interactions, and navigation state. The graphics engine continuously recalculates the optimal view, transitioning between summarized and detailed representations as users navigate, ensuring information completeness is maintained across different display contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback mechanisms that allow users to detect when information has been restricted or summarized, offering navigation controls and indicators to access complete data. The graphics engine monitors user interactions and adjusts the display accordingly, providing feedback loops that ensure users can retrieve complete organizational information when needed.
3Device complexity
If static tree display is used, then the display is simple to implement, but it cannot handle constantly changing organizational data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static tree display into a dynamic system where the graphics engine automatically updates the hierarchical representation in response to data changes. The system monitors organizational data modifications and recalculates the tree layout, maintaining both implementation simplicity and adaptability to changing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphics engine implements self-service functionality by automatically detecting data changes, recalculating the optimal tree display configuration, and updating the visualization without requiring manual intervention. This maintains system simplicity while providing robust adaptability to evolving organizational structures.
4Loss of information
If detailed tree layout is generated, then complete information is available, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by generating detailed tree layouts only for the portions of the hierarchy currently visible or likely to be viewed, rather than pre-processing the entire organizational structure. The graphics engine calculates layout details dynamically based on the current view state, reducing unnecessary processing while maintaining information completeness for displayed content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations to determine which portions of the tree will be visible in the current view before generating detailed layouts for those specific sections. This pre-planning approach allows the graphics engine to optimize processing by focusing computational resources only on relevant data portions, reducing overall processing time while maintaining complete information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to provide automatic tree restriction are provided. In example embodiments, sizing parameters for a display location are determined. Data to be graphically displayed within the sizing parameters is accessed. A determination is then performed to determine if restriction of nodes associated with the data is needed based on the sizing parameters. If needed, restriction is performed based on the determination. The restriction is performed based on predetermined criteria established prior to the determining of the sizing parameters and the accessing of the data. A graphical display of the data within the sizing parameters may then be rendered.