Multi-Category Graphical Report Display on Small Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Displaying and navigating multi-category data on devices with small display areas, such as mobile devices, is inefficient due to limited screen space, where only a single data point or a small subset of data can be displayed at a time, requiring users to scroll or navigate through data sets using pointing devices.
Innovation Solution
The solution enables effective display and navigation of multi-category graphical reports on devices with small or large display areas by using touch input, such as finger swipes, to change category values displayed alongside charts, with animation illustrating category rotations, and allowing users to select and interact with data elements to drill down into specific reports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If multi-category data is displayed on a small display screen, then the device portability is maintained, but the amount of data visible at once is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments multi-category data into multiple visual representations including bar charts, line charts, and tabular formats that can be displayed in a limited screen area. Each category (time, product, region, etc.) is broken down into manageable visual components that fit within the small display constraints while maintaining data comprehensiveness through strategic layout and selection of key metrics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple display dimensions including horizontal scrolling, vertical pagination, and layered visual hierarchies to expand the effective display area beyond the physical screen limits. Data is organized across multiple pages and views that can be navigated through touch gestures, effectively creating additional display space without increasing physical device size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users navigate through data sets using pointing devices or scrolling, then data exploration capability is provided, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic navigation where the display automatically adapts to user interactions through touch gestures. Swiping, pinching, and rotating gestures trigger real-time transformations of data views, allowing users to explore multi-category data through intuitive physical movements rather than precise pointing device operations. The interface responds dynamically to gesture intensity and direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service navigation by automatically detecting touch gestures and executing appropriate data exploration actions without requiring users to learn complex pointing device operations. The interface interprets natural finger movements and automatically transitions between data views, filters, and aggregations, making data exploration accessible to users with minimal training.
3Loss of information
If multiple category values are displayed simultaneously, then data comprehensiveness is improved, but the display area requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple category representations into integrated visual displays where bar charts, line charts, and summary statistics are combined in unified layouts. Related categories are merged into composite visual elements that convey multiple data dimensions simultaneously within compact spaces, maximizing information density without requiring proportional increases in display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by displaying different levels of data detail in different screen regions. High-level summaries and key metrics are displayed prominently in limited spaces, while detailed category breakdowns are available through expanded views or adjacent compact displays. Each screen region is optimized for its specific data representation needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments enable display of graphical reports based on multi-category data. A graphical report is generated and displayed on the device. The graphical report includes data corresponding to selected values from multiple categories. All values for some categories are displayed near the chart, for example, using a textual representation. A graphical representation of the relative magnitude of each value in some categories is also displayed near the chart. When appropriate user input is received, the categories displayed as magnitudes are displayed textually, and categories displayed textually are displayed as magnitudes. When appropriate user input is received, the categories for which values are displayed are changed.