Multi-Dimensional Grid Cells for Structured Content Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for displaying and navigating multi-dimensional structured content, such as instructional systems and social networks, fail to efficiently manage large arrays, provide easy access to layered content, and facilitate user interaction, rating, and social linking within a limited screen space.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system that utilizes a grid with multi-dimensional cells, allowing users to display and interact with structured content by scrolling both horizontally and vertically, while keeping header cells aligned, and enabling social networking based on user interaction patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spreadsheet or chart display methods are used to show structured content, then the content can be displayed in a row-column format, but the multi-dimensional relationships and sub-component layers are difficult to represent and access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested content structures where parent cells contain child cells, which themselves can contain further nested cells. This allows multi-dimensional structured content to be represented hierarchically within the grid, with each cell capable of containing sub-content that can be expanded or collapsed. The nested structure enables complex relationships to be visualized through multiple levels of indentation and hierarchy within the same grid framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the traditional two-dimensional spreadsheet by implementing parent-child relationships between cells. This creates a third dimension of organization where cells can contain sub-cells, transforming the flat row-column structure into a multi-layered hierarchy that can represent complex structured content while maintaining the familiar grid interface.
2Area of stationary object
If the display screen is expanded to show more content layers, then more structured content becomes visible, but surrounding screen objects are obscured due to overlapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic expansion and collapse of cell content where users can toggle between viewing condensed summaries and expanded detailed content. When a cell is expanded, its sub-content is revealed within the same grid space through dynamic layout adjustment, allowing the interface to adapt its information density based on user interaction without requiring additional screen real estate or causing overlapping issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments cell content into expandable/collapsible sections where parent cells can contain multiple child cells that are organized in a tree structure. This segmentation allows the interface to display only the necessary level of detail at any given time, with users able to drill down into specific sections as needed, thereby managing information density without obscuring surrounding elements.
3Ease of operation
If conventional data display methods are used, then the array can be displayed, but the user cannot easily navigate to sub-Steps, link to related cells, or create social links based on content pertinence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where user interactions with cells (such as rating, commenting, or navigating) are tracked and used to dynamically adjust the display and navigation options. The system provides feedback by highlighting related cells, suggesting navigation paths, and enabling social networking features that respond to user behavior patterns, thereby making the relational aspects of the content more apparent and actionable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as navigation panes, context menus, and social networking interfaces that mediate between the user and the structured content. These intermediaries provide additional controls and information that facilitate navigation to sub-steps, display relationships between cells, and enable social interactions without directly modifying the core grid structure, thereby preserving the integrity of the structured content while enhancing usability.
Data Source
AI summary
User interfaces for navigating structured content. In one example embodiment, a user interface for navigating structured content includes a grid and a plurality of multi-dimensional cells each having a unique position in the grid. Each cell is configured to display only a first dimension of structured content before selection and display one or more additional dimensions of structured content upon selection.