Linear Hierarchical View Using Bracketing Ends for Screen Space Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tree views in GUIs become inefficient and difficult to navigate when dealing with complex hierarchical structures, as they expand vertically and horizontally beyond available screen space, requiring extensive scrolling and are not suitable for certain types of hierarchical relationships.
Innovation Solution
A linear hierarchical view is presented using bracketing ends to represent open container objects, with dynamic collapsibility and visual differentiation of levels through color, shade, shape, or size, allowing for efficient use of screen space and improved navigation via GUI controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tree view is used to represent hierarchical relationships, then the structure is clear and navigable, but the view expands vertically and horizontally beyond available screen space requiring extensive scrolling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional two-dimensional tree view into a one-dimensional linear arrangement. Hierarchical levels are represented sequentially along a single axis rather than expanding in two dimensions, eliminating the need for scrolling while preserving navigability through linear progression through the hierarchy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nested parentheses or brackets to represent hierarchical containment relationships. Each container object is represented by opening and closing delimiters that enclose its contents, creating a nested structure that visually represents hierarchy without requiring spatial expansion. This allows multiple hierarchical levels to be displayed compactly in a linear sequence.
2Loss of information
If conventional tree view is used with many hierarchical levels, then all objects can be displayed, but extensive scrolling back and forth is required
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging hierarchical objects in a linear one-dimensional sequence rather than a two-dimensional tree structure, the patent eliminates the need for scrolling. All objects become visible in a continuous linear flow, allowing users to access any object by scrolling through the linear sequence once, rather than navigating back and forth through multiple hierarchical levels.
3Reliability
If conventional tree view is used, then hierarchical relationships are explicit with connecting lines, but the view is not suitable for certain types of hierarchical relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The linear hierarchical representation using nested delimiters is a universal format that can represent various types of hierarchical relationships regardless of their specific nature. Whether the hierarchy represents folders, taxonomic classifications, organizational structures, or other relationships, the same linear nested format applies, making the representation highly adaptable and versatile.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method and system for presenting hierarchical objects in a linear view, in which each open container object is split into a pair of bracketing ends, the bracketing ends brackering therebetween any lower level objects contained in the container object. A multi-level hierarchical arrangement of container objects may be represented by multiple pairs of such bracketing ends arranged in a nested configuration. Both bracketing ends of each pair may be configured with a navigation control to close a corresponding container object. The linear hierarchical view may be placed in either a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation, depending on the nature of the data. A visual characteristic may be used to identify and distinguish between hierarchical levels within the linear hierarchical view. To make more efficient use of available screen space, container objects in the linear hierarchical view may be dynamically collapsible.