Hierarchical Data Interface for Large Tree Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems face challenges in efficiently interacting with large hierarchies over limited bandwidth connections, such as in cloud scenarios, particularly when multiple users edit the hierarchy, leading to performance issues and user experience problems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow for efficient interaction with large hierarchies by sending only the currently visible section of the hierarchy between the client and server, with refill requests sent to the server to update the visible section, incorporating features like drillstate preservation and concurrent editing, to maintain a seamless user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire hierarchy data is sent back and forth between backend and frontend, then the user can interact with the complete hierarchy, but the data transfer time becomes considerable and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchy data is divided into sections, with only the currently visible section being transferred between backend and frontend. The system tracks the visible section boundaries and refills only when the user navigates to a different section, dramatically reducing data transfer time while maintaining full interactivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transferring the complete hierarchy data, the system transfers only the partial section that is currently visible to the user. This partial action approach reduces bandwidth consumption and transfer time while the user interacts with the displayed section.
2Speed
If the hierarchy section is refilled frequently to maintain visibility, then the user interface remains responsive, but the network bandwidth is consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively determines the visible section boundaries and prepares refill data before the user actually requests it. By calculating which section will be visible next and prepping the data, the system maintains responsiveness while reducing the frequency and size of actual network transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user interactions (scrolling, node expansion/collapse) and uses this feedback to determine when a refill is actually necessary. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary refills and optimizes bandwidth usage by triggering data transfers only when the visible section changes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the visible section is refilled to reflect user interface activities, then the hierarchy integrity is maintained, but the data transfer overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the specific changes needed to maintain hierarchy integrity within the visible section, rather than transferring the entire section. By identifying and extracting only the modified nodes and their necessary context (ancestors and siblings), the system maintains data integrity while minimizing transfer volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A visual depiction of a hierarchy stored at a server computer can be presented at a client computer that interacts with the server computer as operations are performed on the hierarchy. Efficient execution of operations and determination of which nodes are visible within the hierarchy can be supported without sending the entire hierarchy back and forth between the client and the server. Drill state in the user interface can be preserved during operations. The server can support multiple clients interacting with the hierarchy at the same time.