Invisible link visualization method and system in a hyperbolic space
US6897885B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F16/9577
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An visualization technique to unclutter the display and ease navigation in a large highly connected hyperbolic space. The visualization technique can be implemented by using an invisible link processor to execute an invisible link program. Initially, the invisible link processor only shows or displays the primary links (e.g., the parent-child path) of each node. All other non-primary links (e.g., secondary links or non-tree links) are invisible (i.e., not displayed for the user). Then, upon user selection the invisible link processor automatically maps the secondary child and sub-nodes associated therewith to the current selected node. The invisible link processor automatically restores (i.e., returns the previously moved secondary child and related sub-nodes to the original location in the hyperbolic space) upon receipt of a reset command. The visualization technique employs a link table, a link history log, and placeholders to check relationships among nodes including cyclic conditions. The visualization technique allows a user to freely focus on the hierarchy of interest without being disrupted by extra cross lines and intersections.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.