Dynamic Page Size Adjustment for Data List Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inefficiency when viewing large data lists in graphical user interfaces, as current systems often result in sparse last pages with few items, leading to a low effort-reward ratio and potential missed information due to the undesirable 'widow' effect, where the last line of a paragraph is carried over to the next page.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to set data list parameters, including the number of items per page and page size tolerance, to aggregate extra items from the last page to previous full pages, ensuring a minimum number of items on the last page and adjusting page size accordingly, thereby preventing the 'widow' effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed page size is used to display data lists, then the display format is simple and consistent, but the last page may contain very few items (widow effect) reducing user efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic page size adjustment by introducing a tolerance parameter that allows the page size to vary within a range. When the number of remaining items falls below the tolerance threshold, the system automatically adjusts the page size to accommodate these items, transforming the static display into a dynamic one that adapts to content requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the page size parameter dynamically based on the tolerance setting. Instead of using a fixed page size, the actual page size becomes a variable that can adjust within bounds defined by the tolerance parameter, allowing the last page to meet minimum item requirements while maintaining overall display consistency.
2Productivity
If the page size is increased to avoid widow effect, then more items are displayed per page improving efficiency, but the page size becomes inconsistent and may exceed user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts page size only when necessary (on the last page) while keeping earlier pages consistent with the user-defined size. This selective dynamic adjustment maintains display consistency for the majority of content while improving efficiency where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance parameter defines a bounded range for page size variation. The actual page size changes within this bounded range rather than arbitrarily, maintaining parameter consistency while allowing necessary adjustments to avoid the widow effect.
3Productivity
If a tolerance parameter is introduced to ensure minimum items on last page, then viewing efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance parameter is pre-configured by the user before data display begins. This preliminary setting establishes the rules for automatic adjustment, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations or user interventions during data viewing, thus improving efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically applies the tolerance parameter to adjust page size on the last page without requiring user intervention. The algorithm self-manages the distribution of remaining items based on the pre-set tolerance, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms while achieving the desired effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for setting data list parameters for displaying a data list in pages. An application program receives a first and second user input, wherein the first user input defines a number of items displayed within a page, and wherein the second user input defines a page size tolerance. In response to receiving the first and second user input, the application program sets the number of items displayed within the page and the page size tolerance. Then the application program displays the data list in a graphical user interface according to the set number of items displayed within the page and the set page size tolerance.