Variable Sankey Charting for Dynamic Data Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Sankey charts are limited in their ability to show the movement and change in data amounts over time, making them ineffective for tracking dynamic data such as stock investments and sales team performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of variable Sankey charting, where bars have adjustable heights to represent changes in data amounts, allowing for the visualization of data flow and amount changes over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional Sankey charts use constant bar heights to represent data flow, then the chart structure remains simple and easy to understand, but the ability to show changes in data amounts over time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bar heights in the Sankey chart variable rather than constant. Each bar's height dynamically adjusts to represent the actual data amount at different time points, allowing the chart to show growth or reduction of data over time while maintaining visual clarity through consistent connection lines between bars.
2Measurement precision
If variable bar heights are used to show data changes, then the visualization of data amount changes is improved, but the complexity of determining and maintaining bar positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the chart into discrete time-point bars, where each bar represents a specific moment in time with its height corresponding to the data amount at that time. This segmentation allows independent calculation of each bar's position and height based on its specific time point data, simplifying the overall positioning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the vertical positions of bars based on their time points before rendering the chart. The system determines the y-coordinate for each bar in advance, ensuring that bars are properly positioned to show temporal progression, which simplifies the rendering process and maintains measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If constant bar heights are used, then the chart is easier to manufacture and implement, but it cannot effectively track dynamic data such as stock investments and sales performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the height parameter of bars to vary based on the data being visualized. Instead of fixed heights, each bar's height is determined by the actual data amount at its corresponding time point, enabling the chart to adapt to various dynamic data scenarios including stock investments, sales performance, and other time-series data while maintaining a consistent visual structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for implementing variable Sankey charting. The system receives a dataset for charting and various charting parameters. Using the information provided, the system identifies starting and ending categories that will be illustrated in the chart. For each of these categories, the system then calculates a starting and ending height, and corresponding positions in the chart. The heights may be based on a percentage of the total value of data that is included within a particular category. The system then calculates positions of the various bars on the chart based on information provided by the user, or automatically based on the analysis of the data corresponding to the different categories. One or more curves are then calculated for each of the different categories to illustrate the transition of the data from a starting point to an ending point on the chart.