Hierarchical Search Result Expansion on Mobile Interfaces

The patent implements a hierarchical display structure where information items are organized in parent-child relationships. Child information items are nested within parent information items, allowing users to expand only the specific sections they need to view. This nesting approach enables comprehensive information display without requiring users to navigate through multiple screens, as all information can be accessed within a single screen through hierarchical expansion.

The patent divides the information set into hierarchical segments (parent information items and child information items). Each parent information item can be independently expanded to reveal its child information items. This segmentation allows the system to present a manageable overview at the parent level while providing detailed access to child level information only when needed, reducing navigation time and improving user experience.

The patent implements a dynamic display structure where information items can be expanded or collapsed based on user interaction. The hierarchical structure is not static but adapts to user needs, allowing the same screen real estate to serve multiple purposes: displaying overview information when collapsed and detailed information when expanded. This dynamic capability optimizes screen utilization without requiring complex hardware changes.

The patent pre-organizes information items into a hierarchical structure with parent-child relationships established in advance. This preliminary organization allows the system to efficiently manage and display information without requiring complex real-time processing during user interaction. The hierarchical structure is prepared beforehand, enabling smooth expansion and collapse operations that simplify the perceived complexity while optimizing screen real estate.

The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the traditional flat display structure. Instead of displaying all information items at the same level, the system organizes information across multiple hierarchical levels (parent and child levels). This dimensional change allows the system to present a manageable overview at the parent level while providing access to detailed child information through expansion, effectively increasing the quantity of displayable information without sacrificing navigation simplicity.

The patent segments information items into parent and child categories, allowing the system to display a manageable subset of parent information items on the screen while maintaining the capability to expand and display child information items as needed. This segmentation enables the system to optimize both navigation simplicity and information quantity by presenting hierarchical organization that can be explored on-demand.