Dynamic Input Expression Visibility in Computational Notebooks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computational software applications face challenges in presenting interactive documents in a decluttered format, where users want to focus on results without seeing the input expressions used to generate them, while still allowing the option to reveal these expressions for transparency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing graphical user interface (GUI) mechanisms within computational software systems, such as MATHEMATICA, to selectively hide and reveal input expressions in notebooks, allowing users to create interactive documents where input expressions can be concealed, thereby decluttering the workspace, and made visible upon user request.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If input expressions are displayed in computational software workspaces, then transparency and traceability are improved, but workspace clutter and readability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransparency of input expressionsVSAvoidreadability of workspace

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic visibility control for input expressions through GUI mechanisms that allow users to toggle between hidden and visible states. This dynamic adjustment enables the workspace to adapt its information display based on user needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining transparency and ensuring readability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts input expressions from the default visible state and places them into a selectively visible state through GUI controls. This extraction allows the main workspace to remain clean and readable while providing a mechanism to access the extracted input expressions when needed, thus resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If input expressions are hidden in computational software workspaces, then workspace clutter is reduced and readability is improved, but transparency and access to input expressions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadability of workspaceVSAvoidaccess to input expressions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces GUI mechanisms as intermediary elements between the user and the input expressions. These intermediaries (such as toggle buttons or context menus) provide a controlled pathway to access hidden input expressions, ensuring that transparency is maintained through easy access while the workspace remains readable by default.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares the input expressions for potential access by pre-configuring GUI mechanisms that can quickly reveal them when needed. This preliminary setup ensures that access to input expressions is immediate and convenient, resolving the contradiction between hiding expressions for readability and providing access for transparency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If GUI mechanisms are added to control input expression visibility, then user control and flexibility are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over input visibilityVSAvoidcomplexity of GUI mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal GUI mechanisms that can control the visibility of multiple input expressions through a single interface. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity by using standardized controls rather than creating separate mechanisms for each input expression, thus resolving the contradiction between user control and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the visibility control functionality into existing GUI structures and combines multiple control features into unified mechanisms. This merging approach maintains user adaptability while reducing the overall system complexity by avoiding redundant separate controls for each input expression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8407580B2Method and system for presenting input expressions and evaluations of the input expressions on a workspace of a computational system

Publication Date: 2013.03.26 WOLFRAM RESEARCH

AI summary

In a method for presenting information, an interactive document, for example, may be created that includes both an input expression and a result generated by evaluating the input expression, and where the input expression can be selectively hidden. This may permit “decluttering” of the document so that it may be easier to follow. At the same time, user interface mechanisms allow a viewer to reveal the input expression if the viewer desires to see the input expression. In this method, an input expression and a result corresponding to an evaluation of the input expression are presented on a workspace associated with a computational software application. Additionally, a first user interface mechanism associated with the input expression is presented on the workspace. In response to an activation of the first user interface mechanism, the input expression may be hidden on the workspace, while the result is presented on the workspace.