Hierarchical Data Grid Navigation with Context Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Displaying hierarchical data in a grid format makes it difficult for users to analyze and navigate large volumes of data while maintaining the relationships between levels, especially when filtering is applied, as it obscures parent-child relationships and makes it hard to isolate specific child records of parent records.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to navigate through hierarchical levels by using a grid-crumb structure and a user interface engine to maintain a hierarchical context, enabling users to drill down and return to previous levels while preserving relationships between levels, through clickable indicators and filter keys that track navigation and display appropriate data levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is displayed in a grid format, then large numbers of records can be displayed at once, but it becomes difficult to analyze and make use of hierarchical data relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments hierarchical data into multiple levels (parent level and child level) and displays them in separate grid portions. The first portion displays parent records while the second portion displays child records, allowing users to analyze each level independently while maintaining awareness of hierarchical relationships through visible connections between levels.
2Quantity of substance
If data is filtered to reduce the amount of data displayed, then the user can isolate specific levels in the hierarchy, but the hierarchical relationship between levels is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that maintains hierarchical relationship information while filtering data. The system preserves parent-child relationships through visual indicators and navigation mechanisms that show which child records belong to which parent records, even when only specific levels are displayed in the grid portions.
3Quantity of substance
If large record sets are displayed, then comprehensive data is available, but it becomes difficult to view portions of any given level or isolate child records of particular parent records
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into multiple grid portions that can be independently navigated. Users can view portions of parent records in the first portion and corresponding child records in the second portion, making it easier to isolate and analyze specific records within large datasets while maintaining the ability to see comprehensive data across both levels.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for viewing hierarchical data. One disclosed approach provides a method and system for viewing and navigating through hierarchical data while maintaining a hierarchical context that allows for the user to traverse up and down the hierarchy.