Dynamic List Folding for Screen Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for displaying lists of items on computer screens face challenges such as limited viewable area, requiring scrollbars, and usability issues with hierarchical listings, where items are not efficiently grouped to maximize screen space.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic list folding technique that automatically groups list items based on shared attributes, reducing the display area required while providing visual cues for user identification, without persistent data associations, and can be tailored for the user's viewing experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hierarchical listing (tree view) is used to organize items, then items are grouped into sub-lists for better organization, but the display area is still insufficient and scrollbars are required when the number of items increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the list of items into multiple folds based on shared attributes. Each fold contains a subset of items that share common characteristics, allowing the display to be segmented into manageable sections that fit within the available screen space without requiring scrollbars.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by grouping items along attribute dimensions rather than traditional hierarchical structures. Items are folded based on shared attribute values, creating a multi-dimensional view that optimizes screen space utilization while maintaining ease of navigation.
2Loss of information
If traditional sorting is used to position desired items together, then items are aggregated for display, but there are still too many items to fit on the display without clipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the item list into multiple folds based on attribute groupings. This segmentation reduces the number of items displayed at any one time while ensuring all items remain visible through the fold structure, eliminating clipping issues associated with traditional sorting approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the organizational parameter from simple sorting to attribute-based folding. By grouping items according to shared attributes and creating fold structures, the system transforms how information is presented, allowing complete visibility of all items within the constrained display area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deep hierarchical listing with numerous sub-lists is created, then comprehensive organization is achieved, but navigation becomes difficult and usability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional hierarchical approach by organizing items from the attribute level upward rather than from a fixed root downward. This inversion allows users to navigate through attribute-based folds rather than deep hierarchical levels, significantly improving navigation ease while maintaining comprehensive organization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic folding based on attribute groupings rather than fixed hierarchical structures. The fold organization adapts to the data characteristics and can be easily expanded or collapsed, providing flexible navigation that maintains usability even with large numbers of items.
4Ease of operation
If organization headings are created for each group, then items are well-organized, but valuable screen display area is consumed by headings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the organization heading function into the fold structure itself. Rather than displaying separate headings for each group, the fold mechanism combines organizational information with the item display, eliminating redundant heading space while maintaining clear group organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the organizational function from traditional heading structures and integrates it into the fold mechanism. This extraction eliminates the need for separate organization headings, freeing up screen display area while preserving the organizational benefits through the fold structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A list folding process dynamically groups items of a list into logically related visual folds to reduce the number of items to be displayed in a window of a computer screen. The process determines attributes of the items to be displayed and dynamically groups items together into a special group called a visual fold based on the attributes. The rules for folding items based on attributes can be defined by a particular user so that each view of the items may be different among users. As the attributes of each item change, the display of the items and visual folds may be automatically adjusted to reflect the current proper grouping. The folding process therefore allows a user to view the maximum amount of information in available display area of a computer screen window.