Method and apparatus for displaying graphical representations of graph layouts

摘要

The invention includes a method and apparatus for displaying a graphical representation of a graph including nodes and edges. A layout of the graph is determined. The layout of the graph is determined by determining respective positions of each of the nodes and edges within the layout. The position of each node is determined using a first model and, optionally, a second force model, wherein the first force model comprises a substantially linear repulsive force in a first region, a substantially exponential repulsive force in a second region, and an attractive force in a third region. In one embodiment, the position of each edge may be determined using the first force model. A graphical representation of the layout is generated. The graphical representation of the layout is displayed to one or more users.

主权项

1. A method for generating a graphical representation of a graph comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges, comprising:
using a processor to perform steps comprising:
determining, for each of the nodes of the graph, a position of the node within a layout of the graph;
wherein the positions of the nodes within the layout of the graph are determined using a force model comprising a substantially linear repulsive force in a first region, a substantially exponential repulsive force in a second region, and an attractive force in a third region;wherein, for each of a plurality of pairs of nodes of the graph for which the force model is used, the region of the force model that is used is determined using a distance between the nodes in the pair of nodes; andgenerating a graphical representation of the graph using the determined positions of the nodes within the layout of the graph.