Tree Sub-Graph Distance Approximation in Large Graphs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for extracting information from large graphical models are computationally intensive, requiring significant time and effort to determine shortest distances between nodes, especially in graphs with thousands or millions of interconnected nodes.

Innovation Solution

The system constructs tree sub-graphs based on hyperbolic properties of the graph, selecting root nodes using various criteria such as distance and degree, and expanding levels in descending order of node degrees to estimate shortest distances efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods are used to extract information from large graphical models, then comprehensive information can be obtained, but computational time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance estimation accuracyVSAvoidcomputational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large graph into multiple tree sub-graphs, each rooted at a different node. By segmenting the graph into these hierarchical tree structures, the system can estimate distances more efficiently without examining the entire graph, thus reducing computational time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by constructing tree sub-graphs in advance and organizing nodes into hierarchical levels based on their distances from root nodes. This pre-computation allows for rapid distance estimation queries later, as the structural work has already been completed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the graph is fully explored to ensure accurate distance measurement, then precision is maintained, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshortest distance accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The graph is segmented into multiple tree sub-graphs, each providing a different perspective on the distance relationships. By combining results from multiple segmented views, the system achieves accurate distance measurement without the complexity of exploring the entire graph structure in detail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple tree sub-graphs (excessive action) to estimate distances, where each tree provides a partial view of the graph. By taking the minimum distance across multiple trees, the system achieves accurate results without requiring a complete and exhaustive analysis of all possible paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If more root nodes are selected to improve distance estimation accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but the number of tree sub-graphs and computational effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance estimation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a moderate number of root nodes (excessive but not excessive) to construct tree sub-graphs. This provides sufficient accuracy for distance estimation without overwhelming the system with too many trees. The patent balances the number of root nodes to achieve good accuracy while maintaining reasonable processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3053311B1Systems and methods for distance approximation in graphs
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP3053311B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3053311B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3053311B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for constructing a collection of one or more tree sub-graph representations of a graph including multiple interconnected nodes, where the one or more tree sub-graph representations of the graph are used to estimate the shortest distance between any two nodes of a graph. One of the features of the systems and methods disclosed herein is a methodology for the selection or designation of root nodes for constructing the collection of the one or more tree sub-graph representations. Another feature of the present disclosure is a methodology of expanding the parent nodes in a given level of the tree sub-graph representations into one or more child nodes in a successive level of the tree-graph representations based on a descending order of degree of the parent nodes.