Mobile Table Data Display with Nested Column Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for displaying tables of data on mobile devices are inefficient, as they often include unnecessary columns, making it difficult for users to discern important data due to limited screen space, and require users to manually drag data into view, which can consume battery power and be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method of organizing table data by designating primary columns for initial display and nesting secondary columns, allowing users to prioritize and aggregate data, thereby optimizing display on smaller screens while conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all columns are displayed in the table, then complete data is visible, but the display becomes too crowded and important data cannot be discerned on mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments table columns into primary and secondary categories. Primary columns are displayed prominently in the initial view, while secondary columns are nested within cells of primary columns. This segmentation allows the display to focus on important data first, then provide access to additional data on demand, resolving the contradiction between complete data visibility and display simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing secondary columns inside cells of primary columns. When a user interacts with a primary column, the nested secondary columns become visible within that cell's context. This nesting structure enables complete data to be accessible while maintaining a clean, simple initial display layout.
2Ease of operation
If users manually drag data into view on the screen, then more data can be accessed, but battery power is consumed and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-organizing and pre-rendering the table structure with primary and secondary columns defined in advance. The display is prepared to show only primary columns initially, with secondary columns pre-positioned for on-demand revelation. This eliminates the need for users to manually drag or scroll through entire tables, reducing interaction effort and energy consumption while maintaining ease of access to all data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table is displayed in its original size, then data can be viewed on larger screens, but it cannot be properly displayed on smaller mobile device screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display structure that adapts to different screen sizes. The table automatically adjusts its presentation by showing only primary columns on smaller mobile screens, while secondary columns remain nested and accessible. On larger screens, both primary and secondary columns can be simultaneously visible. This dynamic behavior enables the same table structure to adapt to varying display areas without requiring manual resizing or configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An article, apparatus and methods are disclosed. The device and related methods involve a computing device including a program, such as a word processing program or spreadsheet program, configured to organize, through primary and other designations, table data and display, or otherwise use, the table of data. The program also provides a mechanism whereby by rows and columns may be prioritized for display, particularly on a relatively smaller mobile display. The prioritization(s) are then used by a device, whether the same or different than used to create provide the designations, to use the prioritizations to display the prioritized information, with other information being nested and displayable upon an interaction from a user, such as touching a displayed primary column cell to cause a secondary nested and related column cell to be displayed. In some instances, table designations occur automatically based on some attribute of the table or table data.