Columnar Grid Layout for Hierarchical Data Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hierarchical data structures often present challenges in rendering displays due to non-linearity, leading to inefficient interface controls and obscured data, especially when updated in real-time, and are difficult to present effectively across varying screen sizes.
Innovation Solution
A system transforms hierarchical data structures into a columnar format, utilizing multiple columns with uniform row heights and dynamic patching to efficiently use display space while maintaining logical groupings, allowing for seamless rendering across different screen sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If hierarchical data structures are rendered using traditional nested displays, then hierarchical relationships are preserved, but display space efficiency deteriorates and user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms hierarchical data from a traditional vertical nested structure into a two-dimensional columnar grid layout. Data elements are arranged in columns representing hierarchical levels, with rows representing individual records. This dimensional transformation allows the entire hierarchical dataset to be displayed simultaneously in a compact grid format, eliminating the need for deep nested structures while preserving all hierarchical relationships through columnar organization.
2Loss of information
If hierarchical data is displayed with detailed nesting, then data relationships are clear, but interface control efficiency deteriorates and data obscuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments hierarchical data into discrete columns, where each column represents a specific hierarchical level or category. Data elements are divided into rows and columns in a grid structure, allowing users to view all data simultaneously without nested scrolling or expanding/collapsing operations. This segmentation eliminates complex interface controls while maintaining complete data visibility through the flat grid layout.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional table formats are used for hierarchical data, then data presentation is simple, but adaptability to varying screen sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic columnar grid system where the number and arrangement of columns can adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions. The system automatically adjusts the grid layout based on available display space, allowing the same hierarchical data structure to be effectively presented across mobile devices, tablets, and desktop screens without requiring manual reconfiguration or losing data completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to user interfaces that reconcile non-linear data and a table format to display the non-linear data across various screen sizes without loss of information. A system may access non-linear data such as a hierarchical data structure. The system may access a plurality of data elements that represent the non-linear data for rendering in a display container, which has a display height that varies depending on the screen size of a given display device. The system may obtain the available display height and determine a number of columns to render based on the display height and the plurality of data elements. The system may fill the columns with the plurality of data elements using a columnar format that maintains contiguity of groups of data elements that span more than one column. The system may configure a patch to visually indicate the contiguity.