Hierarchical Database Terminal with Dynamic Level Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tree-like representations of hierarchical databases in mission systems can only depict hierarchical relationships, failing to show association relationships between elements at the same level of hierarchy, leading to complexity and inefficiency in information retrieval for operators.
Innovation Solution
A terminal with a graphical interaction object featuring multiple zones for activating or deactivating display levels, along with a level filtering and display rearrangement module, allows operators to dynamically manage displayed levels and ensure a central level is always visible, facilitating easier information access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tree-like representation is used to display hierarchical database elements, then the hierarchical relationships are clearly depicted, but the association relationships between elements at the same level cannot be shown and operators waste time searching for items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-dimensional tree structure to a multi-dimensional visualization that incorporates both hierarchical levels and lateral associations. The graphical interface displays elements across multiple levels while simultaneously showing association relationships between elements at the same level, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to represent previously invisible relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex hierarchical database into manageable visual components, organizing elements by levels while creating distinct visual pathways for hierarchical navigation and association relationships. This segmentation allows operators to selectively focus on different aspects of the data structure without being overwhelmed by the complete complexity.
2Loss of information
If all levels of the hierarchical database are displayed simultaneously, then complete information is available, but the display becomes complex and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display capabilities that allow the interface to adapt to operator needs. Operators can dynamically expand or collapse hierarchical levels, focus on specific elements, and adjust the view to show only relevant information. This dynamic nature maintains information completeness while managing display complexity through adaptive visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables operators to extract and focus on specific portions of the hierarchical database by selecting particular elements or levels for detailed viewing. Rather than requiring all information to be visible simultaneously, the system allows selective extraction of relevant data subsets, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining access to the complete database structure.
3Productivity
If traditional tabular forms with indentations are used to show hierarchy, then the structure is simple to implement, but operators cannot quickly grasp sets of information and react
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color coding and visual differentiation to enhance information comprehension speed. Different hierarchical levels and association types are represented through distinct visual characteristics, allowing operators to quickly grasp the structure and relationships without careful examination. This visual encoding significantly accelerates information processing and reaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs graphical and visual representations rather than rigid tabular formats, using curved lines and graphical connectors to show relationships. This graphical approach creates a more intuitive visual flow that facilitates faster comprehension compared to traditional straight-line hierarchical charts, enabling quicker operator response.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a terminal for displaying elements of a database hierarchized in n levels, at least some of the elements of the database belonging to one and the same level of hierarchy having an association relation, the terminal comprising at least two display parts (30, 32, 34). A first part (30) is intended to display a representation by levels of hierarchy of the elements of the database and a second part (32) is intended to display a graphical interaction object (36), presenting n display-activation/-deactivation zones (38a-38h), each display-activation/-deactivation zone (38a-38h) corresponding to a level of hierarchy in the first display part (30). The terminal further comprises a level-filtering module and a display-rearrangement module, said display-activation/-deactivation zones (38a-38h) being accessible to a terminal operator so as to control the level-filtering and display-rearranging modules, in such a way as to obtain a chosen display representation of the database. The terminal further comprises means for selecting a central display level, the displaying of the central display level selected not being able to be deactivated via said activation/deactivation zones (38a-38h).