Document Identifier Zoning for Navigation Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating a large number of documents on a display screen can be challenging due to high density of document identifiers, making it difficult for users to find specific documents efficiently, especially when the number of documents is vast and their similarities are not easily distinguishable.
Innovation Solution
A method of dividing the document identifiers into zones based on numerical values associated with each document, where each zone contains a similar sum of values, allowing for equitable distribution and intuitive navigation, with the option to select a zone for further display of relevant documents, and incorporating user profiles for personalized interest-based zoning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of document identifiers are displayed in a list or menu, then the user can access many documents, but it becomes difficult to find specific documents efficiently due to high density and lack of visual distinction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display screen into multiple zones, each containing a subset of document identifiers. This segmentation allows users to navigate to specific zones based on visual cues rather than searching through a dense list, thereby maintaining access to a large number of documents while improving search efficiency through spatial organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional list display to a two-dimensional spatial distribution of document identifiers across multiple zones on the screen. This dimensional change enables users to locate documents more efficiently by navigating to specific spatial regions rather than scrolling through a linear list, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining access to large quantities of documents.
2Quantity of substance
If document identifiers are displayed in a dense list to show many documents, then the quantity of accessible documents increases, but the time required to search and locate a specific document increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the document set into multiple zones displayed simultaneously on screen, users can quickly navigate to the zone containing their target document rather than sequentially searching through a dense list. This reduces search time while maintaining access to a large total number of documents across all zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary spatial organization of document identifiers into zones based on metadata or user preferences before the user initiates a search. This pre-arranged spatial structure enables faster location of documents by allowing users to jump directly to relevant zones rather than performing sequential searches through all documents.
3Loss of information
If all document identifiers are displayed at once to provide comprehensive access, then the user can see all available options, but the density becomes too high to distinguish individual identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into multiple zones, each containing a manageable subset of document identifiers. This segmentation maintains visibility of all documents across zones while reducing the density within each zone to a level where individual identifiers can be easily distinguished and selected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses two-dimensional spatial distribution across multiple zones to display all document identifiers simultaneously. This approach prevents the overcrowding that occurs in one-dimensional lists by spreading identifiers across different spatial regions, thereby maintaining comprehensive visibility while improving distinguishability.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the display is zoomed in to reduce identifier density and improve distinguishability, then individual identifiers become easier to distinguish, but the user loses the overview of available documents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete document set into multiple zones that are all displayed simultaneously on the screen. Each zone contains identifiers at a reduced density that is easy to distinguish, while the collection of all zones together provides a comprehensive overview. Users can see both the detailed identifiers in each zone and the overall distribution across zones.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for navigating among documents represented by identifiers displayed on a navigation menu. Each document is associated with a plurality of numeric values characterizing said document according to a plurality of criteria. Each identifier of a document is placed in a position depending on a portion of the parameter values associated with said document. The set of documents is subdivided into a predetermined number of areas. The sums of the values associated with all the documents in an area and corresponding to a certain number of criteria are virtually equal for each area. The contour of the areas is displayed to as to allow the selection thereof. The selection of an area triggers the full-screen display of the set of identifiers of the selected area. The invention also relates to a display device suited to implementing the navigation method.