Multi-Column Data Message Display Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication services display short data messages in a single vertical stack, making it difficult for users to locate specific messages quickly due to their rapid and numerous nature.
Innovation Solution
A computing device displays data messages in a graphical user interface with multiple columns, where each message is assigned to a column based on identification data such as the communication service provider, author, or type, allowing for filtering and sorting by timestamp, enabling users to organize and view messages more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data messages are displayed in a single vertical stack, then the display structure is simple, but it becomes difficult for users to locate specific messages quickly due to the rapid and numerous nature of incoming messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display area into multiple columns, each representing a different communication service or conversation thread. Messages are segmented and distributed across these columns based on their source or type, allowing users to quickly locate messages from specific services without scrolling through a single long vertical stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional vertical stack to a two-dimensional grid layout with multiple columns and rows. This dimensional change allows messages to be organized horizontally by service/type while maintaining vertical chronological ordering within each column, significantly improving message locatability.
2Productivity
If multiple columns are used to display data messages, then users can organize and locate messages more efficiently, but the graphical user interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal display framework where multiple columns can represent different communication services, conversation types, or organizational categories. This multi-functional structure allows the same interface to handle various message organization needs without requiring separate displays for each service type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic column structure where the number, position, and content of columns can adapt based on user preferences, message volume, and service importance. Columns can be dynamically added, removed, or repositioned to optimize the display for different usage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing and displaying data messages includes a computing device configured to receive stream data, assign data messages of the stream data to one or more display columns of a graphical user interface, and display the data messages in the assigned columns. The stream data may be embodied as short data messages such as text messages having predetermined maximum character length. The data messages may be assigned to the display columns based on meta-data associated with the data messages such as the author of the data message, the source of the data message, and/or the type of the data message.