Venn Graph Outlier Visualization via Dual Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Venn diagrams and graphs struggle to effectively depict outliers and the association of large numbers of sets, making it difficult to visualize data quality and interrelationships.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable storage medium with executable instructions to create a Venn graph that associates multiple data sets with vertices, includes a temporary graph conversion to a dual graph, removes the highest order intersection vertex, and inserts outlier vertices between original set and intersection vertices, facilitating the representation of overlapping data sets and outliers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional Venn diagrams are used to represent data sets, then the visualization is simple and easy to understand, but it becomes difficult to depict outliers and associations when the number of sets increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of visualizationVSAvoidability to depict outliers and large numbers of sets
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the visualization into distinct components: set vertices representing individual data sets, intersection vertices representing overlapping regions, and outlier vertices representing exceptional elements. This segmentation allows the graph to handle complex relationships while maintaining clarity, as each element type is visually distinct and can be independently analyzed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional Venn diagrams to a graph structure that adds a dimensional aspect through vertices and edges. This graph-based representation allows for the incorporation of outliers and multiple sets by creating a multi-dimensional visualization space where relationships can be depicted through connectivity patterns rather than purely spatial overlap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If Venn diagrams are used to show intersections of sets, then the logical mapping is clear, but showing outliers and associations for large numbers of sets becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogical mapping clarityVSAvoidcomplexity of depicting large numbers of sets
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intersection vertices as intermediary elements between set vertices and outlier vertices. These intersection vertices serve as mediators that capture the relationship between multiple sets, allowing the graph to maintain logical mapping clarity while systematically handling complex associations. The intermediary vertices act as connection points that preserve information about set relationships without requiring direct complex interactions between all elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional graph representations are used, then they can handle large numbers of sets, but they lack the clear logical mapping and simplicity of Venn diagrams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle large numbers of setsVSAvoidsimplicity and logical mapping
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving different visual and structural properties to different parts of the graph. Set vertices have specific attributes, intersection vertices have different attributes, and outlier vertices have yet another set of attributes. This local differentiation allows the overall graph to handle complexity while maintaining simplicity in local interpretations, as each vertex type can be understood and analyzed independently according to its specific characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7903114B2Apparatus and method for visualizing the relationship between a plurality of sets
Publication Date: 2011.03.08 SAP IRELAND LTD
  • US7903114B2 patent drawing
  • US7903114B2 patent drawing
  • US7903114B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to associate two or more data sets with two or more vertices in a Venn graph. An intersection of the two or more data sets is associated with a vertex in the Venn graph. A plurality of outliers is associated between the two or more data sets and the intersection of the two or more data sets with a plurality of vertices disposed between the two or more vertices and the vertex in the Venn graph.