Concentric Hierarchical List Browser for Mobile Data Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Browsing hierarchically structured data on devices with limited display size, such as smartphones and PDAs, is cumbersome and time-consuming due to excessive vertical and horizontal scrolling motions, which are inefficient and repetitive.
Innovation Solution
A concentric hierarchical list browser is implemented, where user interface objects are displayed in circular formats, allowing for resizing and nested levels, enabling efficient data manipulation and presentation within limited display areas through natural gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tree-like structured lists are used for browsing hierarchical data, then data organization is clear, but excessive scrolling motions are required on devices with limited display size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional vertical tree-like structured list into a circular interface where hierarchical data is displayed radially around a central point. This dimensional change from linear vertical arrangement to radial circular arrangement allows multiple levels of hierarchy to be visible simultaneously without requiring vertical scrolling, thereby improving browsing efficiency and reducing time loss on devices with limited display size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested circular interfaces where each circular level represents a different hierarchy level. When a user selects an item, a new circular interface is nested within or around the current one, displaying the next level of hierarchy. This nesting approach allows deep hierarchical structures to be explored without excessive scrolling, as each nested circle provides immediate access to the next level of data.
2Area of stationary object
If the display area is limited, then portability is improved, but the viewable data range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging hierarchical data in a radial circular pattern around a central point, the patent maximizes the use of available display area in all directions rather than just vertically. This allows a broader range of data to be visible simultaneously within the same display dimensions, effectively increasing the viewable data range without requiring a larger physical display.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular interface is designed to be dynamic, allowing it to expand, contract, and rotate based on user interactions and the amount of data being displayed. This dynamic behavior enables the interface to adapt to different data volumes and user preferences, maintaining optimal visibility of hierarchical relationships while accommodating the limited display area of portable devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vertical and horizontal scrolling is used to navigate hierarchical data, then all data items can be accessed, but the operation becomes repetitive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to scroll through data sequentially as in traditional list views, the patent inverts the navigation approach by allowing users to directly select items from the circular hierarchy. The circular arrangement enables users to access any level of the hierarchy by simply tapping or clicking on the desired item, eliminating the need for repetitive scrolling motions while maintaining full data access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular interface pre-organizes hierarchical data in a visually accessible manner where parent-child relationships are immediately apparent through spatial arrangement. This preliminary organization of data in radial sectors allows users to quickly locate and access desired items without needing to navigate through multiple scrolling steps, thereby simplifying operations while preserving comprehensive data access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure involves computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for browsing hierarchically structured data using a concentric hierarchical list browser. A computer-implemented method includes displaying, using at least one hardware processor, a first-level circular user interface object with at least one first-level user interface object representing a first-level data object. Responsive to receiving an indication of a selection of the at least one first-level user interface object, decreasing the diameter of the first-level circular interface component, and displaying in a second-level circular user interface object at least one second-level user interface object representing a second-level data object associated with the first-level data object, wherein the second-level circular user interface object has an inner circular edge and an outer circular edge, and wherein the inner circular edge of the second-level circular user interface object is attached to the outer circular edge of the first-level circular user interface object.