Connections #

In SemSpect, the connections between groups represent sets of relationships. This module covers how to interpret connection states, restrict graph flow, and inspect underlying edge data.

Visualizing Connectivity #

When a group is expanded, SemSpect immediately visualizes the connectivity state of the source items.

The Connectivity Indicator #

If the source group is in Instance View (individual dots), the system distinguishes between nodes that connect to the new group and those that do not.

• Dark / Colored: The node has at least one connection to the target group.
• Light Gray (Dimmed): The node has NO connection to the target group.

Visual Diff

This indicator acts as an instant “Visual Difference” set. For example, expanding Supplier → Product immediately dims all Suppliers who do not provide any of the products currently in the target group.

Backpropagation (Restrict to Left) #

By default, the exploration flow is unidirectional (Left → Right). The source group remains static, while the target group displays the result of the query.

Backpropagation reverses this logic, filtering the Source group to match the Target criteria.

Applying the Restriction #

To filter the source group based on the target:

1. Right-click the connection.
2. Select Restrict left group.
3. Visual Cue: A solid triangular arrow (◀) appears on the connection caption.

Dynamic Updates #

Once restricted, the connection becomes bidirectional. If you apply a filter to the Right group (e.g., filter Product to “Beverages”), the Left group (Supplier) automatically updates to show only the suppliers who provide beverages.

Connection Operations #

Right-click a connection to manage the exploration structure:

• Do not restrict left group: Disables backpropagation (reverts to standard flow).
• Repeat expansion: Recursively expands the hierarchy (available only for recursive relationships like hasChild or reportsTo).
• Remove: Deletes the target group and its entire connected subtree.

The Connection Table #

While the Group Table lists nodes, the Connection Table lists the individual links (edges) between two groups.

Accessing the Table #

1. Context Menu: Right-click the connection and select Show connection table.
2. Quick Action: Click the connection to select it, then click the Blue Button (“Show connection table…”) at the bottom of the canvas.

Table Anatomy #

The table displays one row per relationship instance.

• Left/Right Node: Displays the caption and IRI/ID of the source and target items.
• Linking Relationship Type: The predicate connecting them (e.g., includesProduct).
• Properties: Any data values stored on the relationship itself (e.g., quantity, discount).

Filtering & Interaction #

• Structural Columns: The Source/Target columns support Search and Sorting, but cannot be filtered to reduce the set.
• Relationship Columns: Relationship properties support full filtering (numeric ranges, text match) just like the Node Table.
• Highlighting: Hovering over a row highlights the specific connected nodes on the Canvas if the groups are in Instance View.

Bidirectional Expansions

If a bidirectional expansion is performed (e.g., reportsTo <->), the table lists relationships in both directions. The Linking Relationship Type column indicates the direction for each specific row.