Fisheye Data List View for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fisheye viewing techniques are inadequate for displaying large data sets on mobile devices, as they are limited to short lists and do not provide meaningful information due to small data item sizes, making it difficult for users to navigate and view long data lists on small screens.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that generates graphical representations of data fields for a subset of data rows, allowing users to select a focus row for a fisheye-based view, where the focus row is displayed at a higher level of detail, and nearby rows are displayed at reduced levels of detail, enabling users to determine relative values even if the data rows are too small to read specific values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional fisheye viewing techniques are used to display data items on mobile devices, then the focus item can be displayed in full size, but the data items become too minimal in size to provide meaningful information and are difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear list view to a two-dimensional fisheye view where data items are arranged radially around a focal point. This dimensional change allows the focal item to be displayed at full size with complete information while other items are displayed at reduced sizes based on their distance from the focal point, maintaining a hierarchy of information presentation without losing meaningful content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different display qualities to different regions of the interface. The focal data item receives full display quality with all information visible, while surrounding items are displayed with progressively reduced quality and detail based on their distance from the focal point. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize screen space for the most important information while still providing context from surrounding items.
2Area of moving object
If traditional fisheye viewing techniques are used, then the focus item is displayed in full size, but the technique is only applicable to short lists and cannot display long data lists that extend beyond the current viewing area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fisheye view that can adapt to lists of any length. When a list extends beyond the viewing area, the system dynamically adjusts by displaying visible items in the fisheye arrangement and providing navigation controls (scroll bars, pagination, or virtual scrolling) that allow users to access items outside the current view. The fisheye parameters and item positions are recalculated dynamically as the user navigates through different portions of the long list.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple levels of navigation within the fisheye interface. The main fisheye view contains the currently visible items, while nested within this structure are navigation mechanisms that provide access to additional items beyond the current view. This nested approach allows the system to maintain the fisheye display for visible items while incorporating scroll bars, page indicators, or virtual navigation elements that provide access to the complete long list.
3Quantity of substance
If data items are displayed at reduced sizes to fit more items on screen, then more items can be displayed, but the data items become too small to read and provide meaningful information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different display qualities to different regions of the interface. The focal data item receives full display quality with all information visible, while surrounding items are displayed with progressively reduced quality and detail based on their distance from the focal point. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize screen space for the most important information while still providing context from surrounding items.
4Weight of moving object
If the screen size is kept small for portability, then the device is portable, but the screen space is insufficient for users to view large amounts of data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear list view to a two-dimensional fisheye view where data items are arranged radially around a focal point. This dimensional change allows the system to display the focal item at full size while arranging other items in a radial pattern around it, effectively utilizing the limited screen space in multiple directions rather than just vertically or horizontally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic fisheye view that can adapt to lists of any length. When a list extends beyond the viewing area, the system dynamically adjusts by displaying visible items in the fisheye arrangement and providing navigation controls (scroll bars, pagination, or virtual scrolling) that allow users to access items outside the current view. The fisheye parameters and item positions are recalculated dynamically as the user navigates through different portions of the long list.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a computer-implemented method for graphically displaying or presenting a fisheye-based view of a large data list on the limited content viewing area of a mobile device. At least a subset of data rows within the data list and graphical representations of a plurality of data fields of at least the subset of data rows are generated and graphically displayed using a graphical user interface of the mobile device. When a user selects a focus row from the displayed data rows, a fisheye-based view of the selected focus row is presented. The fisheye-based view and the graphical representations of the data fields provide the user with a focus-plus-context view of a large data list. Further, the graphical representations provide the user with meaningful information even when particular data items are too small to read specific values.