Vector Graphic Data Mapping via Path Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data visualization tools lack flexibility in manipulating graphical depictions of data sets, as they often require users to rebuild entire graphics when adjusting visual properties and do not allow for precise control over data mappings to specific parts of graphical objects.

Innovation Solution

A graphics editing application that maps data properties to vector-based graphics, allowing users to modify visual properties of graphical objects with constraints based on data mappings, while enabling unconstrained modifications for unmapped objects, thereby increasing the granularity and flexibility of data-to-graphics mapping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If data values are mapped to entire graphical objects using shape-based mapping, then data visualization can be achieved, but the granularity and flexibility of data-to-graphics mapping is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemapping granularityVSAvoiddata-to-graphics mapping flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments graphical objects into multiple paths, allowing data values to be mapped to specific paths rather than entire graphical objects. This segmentation enables fine-grained control where different data values can be assigned to different paths within the same graphical object, achieving both high mapping granularity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different visual properties to be assigned to different paths within a graphical object based on local data values. Each path can have its own data mapping and visual properties, enabling localized customization while maintaining the overall graphical object structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If users modify visual properties of generated graphical depictions, then customization is possible, but the entire graphical depiction must be rebuilt from scratch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphical depiction manipulationVSAvoidtime to rebuild graphical depiction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the graphical depiction into multiple independent paths, allowing users to modify visual properties of individual paths without affecting the entire graphical object. Users can selectively edit specific paths while other paths maintain their data-driven visual properties, eliminating the need to rebuild the entire graphical depiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic properties where visual attributes of paths can be modified in real-time while maintaining the underlying data mappings. The system dynamically updates only the modified paths while preserving the integrity of data-driven visualizations, enabling flexible customization without complete reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If data mappings are applied to graphical objects, then data visualization is achieved, but unmapped graphical objects cannot be manipulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphical object manipulation freedomVSAvoiddata-to-graphics mapping precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments graphical objects into paths that can be individually mapped to data or left unmapped. This allows precise data-to-graphics mapping for specific paths while simultaneously enabling free manipulation of unmapped paths within the same graphical object, achieving both precision and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes paths multi-functional by allowing them to either be data-mapped for automated visualization or remain unmapped for manual manipulation. The same graphical object can contain both data-driven paths and manually controllable paths, providing universal applicability for different user needs within a single object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10096139B2Generating graphical depictions of data sets based on mapping paths of graphical objects to data properties

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 ADOBE INC

AI summary

Certain embodiments involve generating graphical depictions of data sets based on mapping paths of graphical objects to data properties. In one example, a graphics editing application displays a graphical interface for mapping a vector-based graphic to a data set. The vector-based graphic includes graphical objects defined by connected paths. The graphical interface receives input specifying modifications to visual properties of different graphical objects. For graphical objects mapped to data properties in the data set, the graphics editing application applies constraints to visual property modifications, where the constraints are based on mappings to the data properties in the data set. For graphical objects without mappings to data properties, the graphics editing application applies visual property modifications without these constraints. The graphics editing application updates the graphical interface to include modified versions of the vector-based graphic, with the graphical objects having mappings being modified in accordance with the applied constraints.