Flat Navigation System for Web Item Details
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current website navigation systems require users to circuitously navigate back and forth between higher and lower-level webpages to view details of different items, making it time-consuming and cumbersome, especially for systems with large numbers of items.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flat navigation system that allows users to directly navigate between item-detail webpages using icons, arrow keys, or voice commands, eliminating the need to return to higher-level webpages and streamline the process of viewing successive item details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hierarchical webpage navigation is used, then website structure organization is improved, but user navigation time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual toolbar as an intermediary navigation interface that allows users to directly access item details from a flat list view without traversing the hierarchical webpage structure. This virtual toolbar acts as a mediator between the user and the hierarchical database structure, enabling direct navigation while preserving the underlying hierarchical organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a new navigation dimension by implementing a flat list view with direct item access that operates parallel to the traditional hierarchical navigation. This additional navigation dimension allows users to bypass multiple hierarchical levels and directly access item details, effectively adding a shortcut path through the navigation space.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hierarchical webpage navigation is used, then website structure organization is improved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual toolbar serves as an intermediary that simplifies user operations by providing direct access to item details without requiring users to understand or navigate through the hierarchical structure. The toolbar presents a flat, linear interface that masks the complexity of the underlying hierarchical database structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or projection of the hierarchical structure in the form of a flat list view with virtual toolbar. This copy presents items in a linear, easy-to-navigate format while the full hierarchical structure remains intact in the database, allowing simple operations on the surface while maintaining complex organization underneath.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional navigation between item details is used, then hierarchical structure is maintained, but server load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual toolbar acts as an intermediary that enables direct navigation to item details without requiring the server to process multiple hierarchical navigation requests. By allowing clients to directly access item data through the flat list interface, the system reduces the number of server round-trips while maintaining hierarchical data organization on the server side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a flat navigation dimension that operates independently from the hierarchical structure maintenance. This alternative navigation path allows users to move between items without triggering the cascading page loads associated with hierarchical navigation, thereby reducing server processing requirements while the hierarchical structure remains preserved in the database.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods and systems for flat navigation allow users to quickly step directly among lower level webpage item-details of higher level item search results. A user thereby avoids navigating a cumbersome webpage hierarchy. Item details are received from one or more static and real-time resources. The user may navigate among item-detail webpages by using a touch screen, touch pad, key, mouse, or voice commands.