Hierarchical Data Table Presentation with Flexible Columns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
User interfaces are limited in presenting deep hierarchically structured data, as they typically only display a few data items at a time and restrict tree views to having the same columns for all tree nodes, failing to effectively visualize large hierarchical datasets.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for presenting hierarchical data in a table-form structure, where data is aggregated and written in a descending manner from highest to lowest level, allowing varying column counts across hierarchy levels and accommodating different data types, enabling efficient visualization of large datasets through resizing and scrolling events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional tree views are used to present hierarchical data, then the interface structure is simple, but the ability to present deep hierarchical data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical data is segmented into multiple levels with each level represented as a separate row in the table. Each row contains columns specific to that hierarchy level, allowing deep hierarchical structures to be displayed without overwhelming the interface. This segmentation enables progressive disclosure of information as users navigate through hierarchy levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional two-dimensional tree view into a multi-dimensional table structure where hierarchy levels are represented across multiple rows and columns. This dimensional transformation allows complex hierarchical relationships to be visualized in a structured grid format, enabling users to see multiple levels of hierarchy simultaneously without increasing interface complexity linearly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the same columns are used for all tree nodes, then the interface is consistent, but the ability to accommodate different data types is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Each row in the table is configured with columns specific to its hierarchy level, allowing different data types and formats at different levels. For example, upper levels may display category names while lower levels display detailed attributes. This local customization enables the interface to adapt to varying data requirements at each hierarchy level without imposing a rigid uniform structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The table structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays hierarchical relationships, accommodates different data types across levels, and provides a consistent visual framework. The universal table format can adapt to various hierarchy depths and data configurations, making it versatile for different use cases while maintaining structural consistency through standardized row and column organization.
3Productivity
If only a few data items are displayed at a time, then the interface is manageable, but the productivity in processing large datasets is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization of large hierarchical datasets into a structured table format before presentation. Data is pre-aggregated and arranged by hierarchy levels, with relevant columns selected and configured in advance. This preliminary structuring enables efficient rendering and navigation of large datasets without requiring complex runtime processing or overwhelming the user interface with raw data volume.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, methods, and software for table-form presentation of hierarchical data. Some such embodiments include aggregating a hierarchical dataset as it may be stored in several rows of each of one to many tables or other similar data storage structures, grouping data according to the hierarchy, and writing the data in hierarchical groups to a table structure.