Dynamic Node Set Interface for Continuous Hierarchy Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces are inefficient for navigating tree structures, requiring users to navigate and scroll through many nodes, often leading to frustration and wasted time, as they struggle to locate specific nodes in hierarchical structures.
Innovation Solution
A method for continuous navigation in a user interface that displays a node set with a central node and child nodes, where the pointer's movement progressively enlarges grandchild nodes and adjusts the area of the target node, allowing seamless transition through the hierarchy without discrete jumps, and includes an exit node for reversing navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discrete controls are used to jump between levels of hierarchical structure, then navigation control is simplified, but navigation efficiency deteriorates as users must scroll through many nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static discrete controls to dynamic continuous controls. The node set rotates continuously in response to pointer movement, allowing users to navigate through hierarchical levels by sweeping the pointer across the display rather than stopping at discrete positions. This continuous rotation enables efficient navigation while maintaining simple control mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through continuous rotation of the node set. As the user moves the pointer across the display, the node set rotates continuously to bring different nodes into the central viewing position. This eliminates the need for discrete stopping and starting, allowing smooth, uninterrupted navigation through the hierarchical structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users navigate through many nodes to locate target, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-arranging nodes in a circular pattern around the central position before the user initiates navigation. The node set is configured so that nodes are already positioned around the periphery, and as the user sweeps the pointer, nodes are automatically brought to the center in the order they are needed. This eliminates the need for users to manually scroll through all nodes to find the target.
3Measurement precision
If pointer movement is tracked continuously, then navigation precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the node set automatically rotate based on pointer movement without requiring additional complex tracking mechanisms. The system simply tracks the pointer's angular position and uses that information to rotate the node set accordingly. This self-service approach maintains high precision while avoiding the complexity of sophisticated tracking systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of navigating a tree structure in a user interface is provided. A node set is displayed on the user interface, and includes a central node representing a parent node and child nodes arranged around it. Movement and/or position of a pointer is tracked. As the pointer is moved towards a child node, grandchild nodes are rendered and enlarged within the target child node until they fill the area of the target child node. At the same time, the area of the target child node around the central node relative to the other child nodes is enlarged. Once the pointer has crossed a first selection threshold at a threshold point, the grandchild nodes have completely filled the area of the target child node, and the central node is surrounded by the grandchild nodes so as to represent the target child node. In this manner, a tree structure may be continuously navigated through movement of the pointer.