Network Resource Display Filter Interface for Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network management applications face difficulties in efficiently displaying and comparing large numbers of storage area network resources, leading to cumbersome scrolling and increased chances of missing important entries, especially when managing high-capacity storage systems with hundreds or thousands of entries.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface that allows users to submit filter parameters to limit the display of information, featuring a filter window with criteria for selecting which resources to view, and the use of expandable and non-expandable icons to organize and display resources in a tabular format, enabling users to focus on specific entries without excessive scrolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional network management applications display all network resources in a hierarchical tree or table, then complete information is provided, but the interface becomes overwhelming and difficult to navigate when hundreds or thousands of entries exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the resource display into two distinct regions: a hierarchical tree structure that provides complete resource information, and a detailed table view that shows specific resource attributes. This segmentation allows users to navigate the hierarchy while viewing detailed information without overwhelming the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional hierarchical tree view to a two-dimensional display combining the tree structure with a parallel table view. This dimensional change enables simultaneous display of resource hierarchy and detailed attributes without requiring excessive scrolling or navigation.
2Reliability
If network managers scroll through extensive lists to find specific entries, then all resources remain visible, but time is lost and important entries may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically populating the table view with detailed resource information corresponding to the selected hierarchical node, eliminating the need for manual scrolling and searching. The system anticipates user needs by pre-displaying relevant detailed attributes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a parallel copy of resource information in table format alongside the hierarchical tree. This copy presents the same resources in a different format optimized for detailed viewing and comparison, eliminating the need to scroll through the original list.
3Loss of information
If detailed information about each resource is displayed fully, then complete resource attributes are visible, but the display requires excessive screen space and scrolling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into two functional regions: the hierarchical tree structure that provides resource navigation and categorization, and a separate table structure that displays detailed resource attributes. This segmentation allows complete information to be presented without requiring excessive screen space in a single continuous view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hierarchical navigation view with the detailed attribute view into a unified interface that fits within the available screen space. By combining these functions in a coordinated layout, the system provides complete information without requiring external scrolling or additional screens.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing device displays icons in a first region of a display screen. The icons represent managed resources associated with a storage system. The processing device receives a selection from a user of a resource identified on the display screen. Based on the selection, the processing device identifies whether resources related to the selected at one resource exceed a threshold value. In response to identifying that the resources related to the selected resource exceed a threshold value, the processing device displays filter criteria in a second region of the display screen to limit which of many resources related to the selected resource will be displayed on a display screen for viewing. Thus, the filter criteria enables input of filter parameters by the user to limit a subsequent display of resources related to the initially selected resource.