Hierarchical Data Browsing with Alternating Columns for Node Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems limit users' ability to view and compare data from multiple leaf nodes in different hierarchical levels simultaneously within hierarchical datasets.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical user interface with alternating data-object and data-collection columns allows users to easily navigate and compare data across different hierarchical levels by switching between columns, enabling simultaneous viewing of data from multiple levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users navigate hierarchical datasets using traditional sequential navigation, then they can view data at one hierarchical level at a time, but they cannot simultaneously view and compare data from multiple leaf nodes at different hierarchical levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional single-column hierarchical display into a multi-column layout where each column represents a different hierarchical level or path. This dimensional expansion allows users to simultaneously view multiple leaf nodes at different hierarchical levels across different columns, enabling comparison without losing data context from parent levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface implements nested columns where data-collection columns and data-object columns are nested alternately. Each data-collection column contains parent data objects, and adjacent data-object columns contain child data collections, creating a nested structure that visually represents hierarchical relationships while allowing simultaneous viewing of multiple levels.
2Ease of operation
If users navigate through hierarchical levels sequentially, then the interface remains simple, but users must backtrack to compare data from different hierarchical levels
Solution Approach 1:
The interface pre-arranges multiple hierarchical paths in parallel columns before the user needs to compare data. By displaying multiple leaf nodes and their parent hierarchies simultaneously in adjacent columns, the system eliminates the need for users to backtrack through navigation steps, allowing immediate comparison of data from different hierarchical levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to navigation by arranging hierarchical levels across multiple horizontal columns rather than requiring vertical progression through single columns. This allows users to compare data at different hierarchical levels by simply viewing adjacent columns side-by-side, dramatically reducing navigation time and improving operational efficiency.
3Loss of information
If the interface displays detailed hierarchical data in a traditional format, then data organization is maintained, but users cannot easily compare data from multiple leaf nodes simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The interface uses nested columns where data-collection columns and data-object columns alternate and contain each other hierarchically. This nested structure preserves the complete hierarchical context of parent-child relationships while displaying multiple leaf nodes simultaneously across different columns, enabling both information retention and efficient comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hierarchical data display into multiple independent but related columns, each showing a different hierarchical path or level. This segmentation allows users to view and compare data from multiple leaf nodes simultaneously while maintaining the organizational structure within each column, improving data management efficiency without losing contextual information.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes a hierarchical dataset that includes a root-data object and data collections nested under the root-data object. Each data collection includes one or more data objects, each data object associated with one or more other data collections. The method also includes displaying a hierarchical user interface on a screen. The hierarchical user interface includes column. The columns include data-object columns and data-collection columns, wherein the columns alternate between data-object columns and data-collection columns. Each data-object column displays a list of the one or more data objects of a respective data collection. Each data-collection column displays a list of the one or more data collections of a respective data object, the data-collection columns includes a root-data-collection column displaying a list of the one or more data collections associated with the root-data object.