GUI Map Navigation for Information Structure and Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing search engine navigation systems using tree-like taxonomies are cumbersome for users, as they do not reflect the complex connections and relationships of information in the human mind, limiting intuitive navigation and making it difficult to move between different branches or levels.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface utilizing multi-dimensional maps created with neural networks to represent search terms and subject matters, allowing dynamic rearrangement based on relevance, with features like font size, color, and transparency to indicate importance, enabling users to navigate information in a more intuitive and connected manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tree-like taxonomy is used to organize information, then information can be structured systematically from broad to detailed levels, but navigation becomes cumbersome and non-intuitive as users cannot move horizontally between branches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional hierarchical tree structure into a two-dimensional map interface where users can navigate both vertically (deepening into topics) and horizontally (moving between related topics at the same level). This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous access to multiple branches without requiring backtracking, resolving the contradiction between structured organization and intuitive navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The map interface dynamically adjusts based on user interactions, allowing flexible navigation paths that adapt to user needs. Users can click on any visible topic to jump directly to it, and the map can be manipulated to show different views and relationships, making the navigation system flexible and responsive rather than rigid and sequential.
2Device complexity
If tree-like taxonomy is used to organize information, then categorization is systematic and manageable, but the complex connections and relationships between topics are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the benefits of hierarchical organization with visual mapping by displaying multiple levels of the taxonomy simultaneously in a map view. Related topics from different hierarchical levels can be positioned near each other on the map based on their conceptual relationships, preserving both the structured categorization and the connections between topics that would otherwise be lost in a strict tree view.
Solution Approach 2:
The map interface acts as an intermediary representation layer between the underlying tree structure and the user. It translates the hierarchical data into a visual spatial arrangement that reveals relationships between topics, allowing users to perceive connections without changing the fundamental organized structure of the information.
3Measurement precision
If users navigate deep into a specific branch, then detailed information is accessed, but returning to explore other branches requires repetitive backtracking
Solution Approach 1:
The map interface provides an overview of the entire taxonomy structure before users navigate into specific branches. Users can see all available topics and their relationships in advance, allowing them to plan their exploration path and jump directly to topics of interest without accidentally going down unnecessary branches and requiring backtracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical backtracking process inherent in tree navigation with direct jumping capabilities. The map interface allows users to click on any visible topic to immediately navigate to it, substituting the sequential up-and-down movement through hierarchical levels with direct point-to-point navigation, thereby eliminating wasted time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program product for navigating categorized information, including (a) a two-dimensional map displayed to a user on a screen, the map showing search terms relating to a subject matter, where the display of the search terms corresponds to relationship between the terms, and wherein a manner of display of the terms corresponds to their relative importance to the subject matter; and (b) a neural network underlying the map, wherein the manner of display and a selection of the search terms is derived from the neural network. The manner of display includes font color, font size, font transparency, distance between search terms and positioning of the search terms within the map. Positioning of a cursor over one of the search terms rearranges the search terms on the map to correspond to an increased relevance of the one of the search terms, while the cursor is over the one of the search terms. Clicking on the one of the search terms corresponds to navigating into a sub-subject matter of the one of the search terms.