Data Visualization Transition Morphing Drawing Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data visualization systems lack a seamless transition mechanism between different visual representations, such as switching from a bar chart to a pie chart, which can disrupt the user experience and fail to clearly illustrate data correlations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for transitioning between data visualizations by determining general paths for each shape, modifying pairs of drawing commands to ensure consistency, and outputting a transition animation that morphs one shape into another, allowing for a smooth and informative visual transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional data visualization switching is used (ceasing first visualization and displaying second), then the system is simple to implement, but the user experience is disrupted and data correlations are not clearly illustrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transition process into discrete drawing commands that can be individually paired and interpolated. By breaking down the visualization transition into command-level operations (moveTo, lineTo, curveTo, etc.), the system can systematically transform one visualization into another while maintaining visual continuity and data correlation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the visualization transition by interpolating between drawing commands over time. Instead of abrupt switching, the system creates an intermediate animation dimension where shapes morph continuously, allowing users to perceive data correlations throughout the transformation process.
2Loss of information
If smooth transition animation is implemented, then data correlations are clearly illustrated and user experience is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that pairs drawing commands from the first and second visualizations and generates intermediate frames. This intermediary system matches corresponding drawing operations (e.g., pairing a moveTo command with its counterpart) and interpolates between them to create smooth transitions that preserve data relationships without requiring complex direct manipulation of the visualizations themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of drawing commands during the transition by interpolating between the start and end command parameters. For example, line coordinates, curve control points, and shape dimensions are gradually adjusted from their initial values to final values through intermediate steps, creating smooth morphing effects that maintain data integrity throughout the transformation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If drawing commands are paired and modified for consistency, then smooth morphing is achieved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary pairing and normalization of drawing commands before the actual transition animation. By pre-processing the command sequences to ensure they have matching structures and types, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during animation playback, thereby smoothing the transition while managing processing complexity through advance preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for transitioning between data visualizations are presented. A first and second general path may be determined that define a first and second shape, respectively. A plurality of pairs of drawing commands may be created such that each pair of the plurality of pairs of drawing commands includes a first drawing command from the first general path and a second drawing command from the second general path. The plurality of pairs of drawing commands may be modified such that each pair of the plurality of pairs of drawing commands includes a single type of drawing command. A visual transition may be output for presentation between the first shape and the second shape using the modified plurality of pairs of drawing commands.