Genealogical Record Icon Docking and Relationship Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for displaying and transitioning between records, such as genealogical records, lack effective visual representation of relationships and connections, making it difficult for users to understand the interconnectedness of records.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for displaying records using icons that can be positioned in docking fields to show relationships, with progeny, sibling, and ancestral fields, allowing seamless transitions and updates of icons to maintain visual context, and including a timeline for additional information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional record display methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the visual representation of relationships between records is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple specialized fields (docking field, progeny field, sibling field, ancestral field), each responsible for displaying specific types of record relationships. This segmentation allows comprehensive relationship visualization while keeping each field's function simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear or hierarchical record display to a multi-dimensional spatial layout where records are positioned in different fields based on their relationship types. This dimensional change enables simultaneous visualization of multiple relationship dimensions (progeny, sibling, ancestral) without information loss.
2Ease of operation
If icons are allowed to move freely between fields, then navigation flexibility is improved, but maintaining visual context during transitions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback during icon transitions by displaying placeholder indicators in the destination field before the icon arrives, and by maintaining the icon's position relative to its relationship context. This feedback mechanism ensures users maintain visual context throughout the navigation process.
Solution Approach 2:
Before an icon is moved to a new field, the system prepares the destination by showing a placeholder or preview indicator, allowing users to anticipate the transition and maintain contextual understanding. This preliminary action prevents loss of visual context during navigation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of relationship fields are provided, then comprehensive relationship display is achieved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each field type (docking, progeny, sibling, ancestral) serves a specific relationship function but follows a uniform display template and interaction paradigm. This multi-functionality with consistent design reduces perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive relationship display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each relationship field is designed with specialized local characteristics (e.g., ancestral fields display generation depth, progeny fields show family tree structure) while maintaining overall system consistency. This local quality optimization allows comprehensive relationship visualization without uniform interface complexity.
4Loss of information
If detailed information is displayed for each record, then information completeness is improved, but the display becomes cluttered and harder to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
Record information is segmented into essential display elements (icon, name, key dates) shown in each field, with detailed information available through hierarchical expansion or separate information panels. This segmentation maintains navigation ease while preserving information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
Detailed record information is extracted from the main display fields and placed in separate information panels or expandable sections. This extraction keeps the main navigation interface clean and easy to use while maintaining access to complete record information when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, a method for displaying genealogical records may include providing a plurality of genealogical records, providing a plurality of icons, and associating each genealogical record with an icon. The method may also include providing a genealogical display and positioning a first icon in a docking field of the genealogical display. The method may further include displaying on a display device the first icon in the docking field, information about the genealogical record associated with the first icon, and other icons that represent genealogical records linked to the genealogical record represented by the first icon, where the other icons are arranged according to their relationship with the first icon. The method may additionally include replacing the first icon in the docking field with a second icon representing a different genealogical record and updating the icons displayed on the display device without shifting focus from the displayed icons.