Dropdown List Box with Hierarchical Tree and Filter Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dropdown list boxes (DDLBs) are limited in functionality, requiring users to switch screens or use modal pop-up windows for complex searches, interrupting the user's workflow and lacking advanced filtering and information display capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Associating DDLBs with history records, filter boxes, unique identifiers, and hierarchical structures, allowing users to filter and navigate through multiple columns, and displaying additional information within the DDLB itself, such as a tree or table, to enhance search functionality and reduce workflow interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DDLBs use simple single-column structure for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but functionality and search capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a hierarchical tree structure and additional information columns within the DDLB interface. The DDLB contains nested elements including tree nodes with expandable sub-nodes, multiple data columns, and integrated search functionality, allowing complex data structures to be presented within the simple DDLB framework without requiring modal pop-ups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-column DDLB to a multi-dimensional structure by adding hierarchical tree levels (parent-child relationships), multiple data columns (key/value pairs), and integrated search dimensions. This allows complex information to be displayed in a structured grid format within the DDLB without interrupting the user workflow.
2Loss of information
If DDLBs display complex hierarchical structures, then information completeness is improved, but user workflow is interrupted due to modal pop-ups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hierarchical tree structure, multiple data columns, search functionality, and value selection into a single integrated DDLB interface. Previously separate elements (tree navigation, search filters, and value selection) are combined into one unified component that operates within the main application window without requiring modal pop-ups or screen switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The DDLB is transformed into a multi-functional control that simultaneously provides hierarchical navigation, multi-column data display, integrated search capabilities, and value selection. This universal interface replaces multiple separate controls and modal windows, allowing users to perform complex information searches and selections within a single unified component.
3Ease of operation
If DDLBs allow only simple value searches, then ease of operation is maintained, but search capability and filtering options deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search and display functionality into distinct but integrated components within the DDLB: hierarchical tree navigation for category selection, multiple data columns for detailed information display, and integrated search filters for precise value location. Each segment maintains simple interaction while collectively providing advanced search capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for displaying a drop down list box. The method and system may include associating a history record with a drop down list box. The method and system may also include associating a filter box with the drop down list box. the method and system may also include associating a unique identifier with each choice in the drop down list box. The method and system may also include associating a hierarchical structure containing more detailed information about choices in the drop down list box with the drop down list box. Finally, the method and system may include displaying the choices in the drop down list box to a user as a function of at least one of the associated history record, filter box, unique identifier, or hierarchical structure.