Multi-dimensional hierarchical browsing for efficient information retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information access systems, such as indexed search, hierarchical browsing, and tagging systems, fail to efficiently provide users with highly granular, relevant, and accurate information due to their limitations in navigating large databases and presenting information in a multi-dimensional manner.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes multiple hierarchies with branching structures, allowing users to navigate through a multi-dimensional interface, add branches, and receive location-specific ranking information, and presents a two-way bread crumb trail for intuitive navigation and information retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hierarchical browsing systems are used to organize information, then information can be structured in a systematic manner, but users face difficulty navigating through innumerable fine branches to locate specific information quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second hierarchical axis that intersects with the first hierarchy, transforming the single-dimensional browsing path into a multi-dimensional navigation space. This allows users to access information through alternative hierarchical paths, reducing navigation time while maintaining systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the information space into multiple independent hierarchical structures (first hierarchy and second hierarchy), each organizing information differently. Users can navigate through either hierarchy or combine them, dividing the navigation task into manageable segments across different organizational dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If indexed search systems are used, then users can search for specific information, but users must know enough about the database to formulate an effective query
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hierarchical browsing structures as an intermediary between the user and the database. Instead of requiring users to formulate complex search queries, they can navigate through hierarchical categories that guide them to relevant information, simplifying the search process while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-organizes information into hierarchical structures before users need to search. This preliminary organization allows users to browse through pre-defined categories rather than constructing queries from scratch, making the search process more accessible while maintaining precision through the structured hierarchy.
3Ease of manufacture
If tagging systems are used to organize information, then the system is easy to maintain, but navigation to relevant content is harder because everything falling into a particular tag is presented to the user at once
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flat tag-based structure into multiple hierarchical levels. Instead of presenting all tagged items at once, information is divided into hierarchical categories that guide users progressively to relevant content, making navigation easier while preserving the ease of maintenance through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds hierarchical dimensionality to the flat tagging system. Information tagged with the same tag is further organized into hierarchical sub-categories, allowing users to navigate through structured paths rather than being overwhelmed by all tagged items simultaneously, while maintaining the flexibility of tagging for system maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that accesses information using multiple hierarchies. During operation, the system receives a specifier for a first location in a first hierarchy and a specifier for a second location in a second hierarchy. Next, the system retrieves information, if such information exists, from an intersection between the first location in the first hierarchy and the second location in the second hierarchy. Finally, the system presents the retrieved information to a user.