Dynamic Paging Control for Dataset Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paging control systems are inadequate for navigating large datasets, as they become cumbersome and difficult to use with datasets exceeding a few hundred elements, while lacking flexibility to accommodate both small and large datasets effectively.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a paging control method that dynamically generates user interface elements using either a binary subdivision or serial progressive approach based on factors like total pages, current page location, and screen size, reducing the number of interaction elements and providing efficient navigation through both large and small datasets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional paging control elements (next, back, jump to end, jump to beginning) are used, then navigation is simple for small datasets, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to use for large datasets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation simplicityVSAvoidpaging control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The paging control system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on dataset size. For small datasets, it displays conventional navigation elements. For large datasets, it transitions to a binary subdivision approach where it calculates and displays only the most relevant paging elements (current page, midpoints, and endpoints), making the control adaptable rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the paging control into different modes based on dataset characteristics. It divides the navigation control into discrete elements (current page indicator, midpoint indicators, endpoint indicators) that can be selectively displayed based on the total number of pages, reducing clutter for large datasets while maintaining simplicity for small ones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If more paging control elements are displayed to provide comprehensive navigation options, then navigation flexibility improves, but the display becomes cluttered and harder to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation flexibilityVSAvoiddisplay clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different qualities of paging control elements based on local conditions (dataset size and current position). When the dataset is large, it uses a simplified binary subdivision approach with fewer, strategically placed elements. When the dataset is small, it uses comprehensive navigation elements. The quality of control elements varies locally based on what is most useful at each position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of paging control element display based on the total number of pages. It uses a threshold (e.g., 100 pages) to determine whether to display comprehensive navigation elements or a simplified binary subdivision approach. This parameter-based adaptation ensures optimal display clarity and navigation flexibility for different dataset sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed paging control design is used, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot effectively accommodate both small and large datasets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoiddataset size adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The paging control system is implemented as a dynamic solution that automatically adapts to dataset size. It calculates the total number of pages and selectively displays appropriate control elements based on this calculation, providing comprehensive control for small datasets and simplified binary subdivision for large datasets without requiring manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal paging control system that handles both small and large datasets using the same underlying logic. The binary subdivision approach serves dual purposes: it provides simplified navigation for large datasets while also working effectively for small datasets, making the system multi-functional across different data sizes without requiring separate implementations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9430135B2Systems and/or methods for paging control including selective paging element display according to a binary subdivision and/or a serial progressive display approach
Publication Date: 2016.08.30 E2INTERACTIVE INC
  • US9430135B2 patent drawing
  • US9430135B2 patent drawing
  • US9430135B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to paging systems and methods that help users navigate through large or small datasets. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, paging control elements are provided according to either a binary subdivision approach or a serial progressive approach. Paging control elements are displayed according to either the binary subdivision approach or the serial progressive approach in dependence on a determination as to which approach is more advantageous based at least in part on factors such as, for example, total number of pages, current page location, distance to end points, screen size, etc.