US Patent 7486292 Graph data visualization and graphics preparation

The present invention provides methods, apparatus and systems to improve the quality of the arrangement of nodes in a graphics display, for which a graphics image consisting of nodes and arcs is generated, and to increase the processing speed. Nodes are sequentially added and arranged in a display space, and each time a new node is added, a predetermined dynamic model is employed to correct the locations of the new node and of nodes that were previously arranged in the display space. The nodes are arranged beginning with a node having numerous adjacent arcs, so that the nodes that are arranged early in the process are located nearer the center of the display space. In the graphics image thus formed in the display space, arcs located within a predetermined distance of a specific node are curved so they detour around the node.