Multi-Pane Data Display System for Tabular Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for displaying large tabular data in spreadsheet and database applications often require horizontal scrolling, which can be cumbersome and unintuitive, especially in windowing desktop environments where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a first table displaying data objects with their attributes is split into two tables, allowing users to select a data object for a detailed view in a second table, with additional display modes for sequential and analytical views, and the ability to create new data objects through drag and drop operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If horizontal scrolling is used to display wide tables, then complete data can be viewed, but user interaction becomes cumbersome and unintuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display into multiple panes: a first pane showing a summary table with all data objects and a second pane showing detailed attributes of selected objects. This segmentation eliminates the need for horizontal scrolling while maintaining data completeness, as users can view all objects in the summary pane and access detailed views in the second pane without scrolling actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-table horizontal layout to a multi-pane vertical layout. Instead of scrolling horizontally across a wide table, users interact vertically by selecting rows in the summary pane and viewing corresponding detailed information in the second pane, changing the interaction dimension from horizontal to vertical.
2Loss of information
If all columns are displayed in one window, then data is complete, but character size becomes unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data display into two separate panes: the first pane displays a summary table with object identifiers and key attributes in a readable format, while the second pane displays detailed attribute values for selected objects. This segmentation allows complete data to be maintained without compromising readability, as each pane can optimize its layout for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts detailed attribute information from the main table display and places it in a separate second pane. This extraction allows the first pane to maintain readable character sizes for the summary view while the second pane provides complete detailed information, separating the functions of summary display and detailed view.
3Quantity of substance
If window size is reduced for multiple windows, then more data can be displayed, but available space for tabular data decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple windows into a single window with multiple panes. Instead of requiring separate windows for summary view and detailed view, the system combines both views within one window, effectively utilizing the available display space while maintaining the ability to display comprehensive data.
Solution Approach 2:
The single window serves multiple functions by containing both a first pane for summary display and a second pane for detailed attribute viewing. This multi-functional design allows the window to handle both overview and detail operations simultaneously, maximizing the utilization of available display space without requiring additional windows.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments consistent with the present invention relate to methods and systems for displaying a plurality of data objects, each of the data objects including an object type of a predefined set of object types, each object type including a set of attributes. In one implementation, a method is provided that comprises displaying a first table including a row for each data object of the plurality of data objects and a column for each attribute of the sets of attributes, selecting one of the data objects by selecting one of the rows in the first table, and displaying a second table including a row for each attribute of the selected data object, wherein the first and second tables are displayed in respective first and second display areas.