Dynamic Object Property Visibility in Unified GUI Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of objects with differing properties in a unified graphical user interface (GUI) is visually cumbersome due to numerous columns in tables, leading to excessive scrolling and potential errors, especially when most object properties are empty, making data interaction and comparison inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that dynamically controls the visibility of object properties by correlating a configurable controlling property with multiple sets of object properties, allowing users to select and update the properties associated with a configurable object, thereby optimizing the display and interaction within the GUI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unified GUI displays all configurable objects with all possible properties in a single table, then all object types can be viewed in one interface, but the table becomes sparsely populated with excessive columns requiring excessive scrolling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the property display into dynamic groups based on object type. Instead of showing all properties in a fixed table, the system divides properties into relevant groups for each object type and displays them in expandable sections. This allows the unified interface to adapt to different object types while avoiding the excessive scrolling problem by only showing relevant properties at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic property visibility where the GUI automatically adjusts which properties are displayed based on the selected object type. Properties are dynamically added or removed from the view based on relevance to the current object, transforming the static table into an adaptive interface that maintains unity while improving operability through dynamic reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the table includes columns for all unique property types across all object types, then all properties can be accessed in one view, but most columns remain empty creating a sparsely populated table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the property display for each object type. Each object type receives a tailored view showing only its relevant properties, rather than a uniform table showing all properties to all object types. This local customization reduces the number of visible columns for each user while maintaining comprehensive coverage across all object types when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If properties for a given object type are scattered across multiple column clusters in the table, then all properties can be displayed together, but horizontal scrolling to different sections wastes time locating fields of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments properties into logical groups based on their functional relevance to each object type. Instead of scattering properties across random column clusters, the system organizes them into coherent sections (e.g., identification properties, configuration properties, display properties) that are collectively displayed in an expandable container. This segmentation reduces the time to locate fields by presenting them in organized groups rather than scattered locations.
4Ease of operation
If a tab-based interface selectively shows columns, then data can be organized by object type, but it becomes difficult to see all objects at once and sort across all object types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal container that can display any object type while maintaining a consistent structure. The same expandable container format works for all object types, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate tab interfaces for each type. This universal approach allows users to see all objects in one view while still organizing them by type through the expandable sections, reducing interface complexity compared to multiple tabs.
Data Source
AI summary
An object configuration graphical user interface including a set of configurable objects in a content region. A first configurable object in the set of configurable objects having a first set of object properties, a first property in the first set of object properties is a first configurable controlling property, the first configurable controlling property is correlated with a plurality of sets of object properties whose availability are dynamically controlled by the first configurable controlling property; receiving, at an input device coupled to the display device, a first user input configuring the first configurable controlling property; setting, responsive to receiving the first user input, the first configurable controlling property to a first configurable value, the first configurable value is correlated with a particular set from the plurality of sets of object properties of the first configurable object; and updating, responsive to the first user input, the object configuration graphical user interface displayed on the display device to depict the second set of object properties in a position that visually associates the second set of object properties with the first configurable object.