One-Dimensional Navigation Structure for Hierarchical Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of selectable elements in user interfaces increases, existing navigation methods become cumbersome, especially in hierarchical structures, leading to cluttered displays and difficulty in efficiently navigating through complex information organizations.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to generate a one-dimensional navigation structure by deleting non-selected elements and adding associated elements to the navigation structure, allowing for efficient space reuse and clear presentation, with the option to alter the appearance of selected elements for better user understanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hierarchical navigation methods are used, then users can access organized information, but the display becomes cluttered and navigation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hierarchical navigation structure into a flattened one-dimensional list, dividing the complex multi-level hierarchy into discrete, manageable segments that can be displayed linearly without clutter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional hierarchical structure (with multiple levels and indentation) to a one-dimensional linear structure, simplifying the navigation display from vertical hierarchy to horizontal list format
2Loss of information
If all elements are displayed in the navigation structure, then users have complete information, but the display space is wasted and clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary navigation elements from the complete hierarchical structure, removing redundant elements and displaying only the current level and relevant parent/child relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards unnecessary navigation elements from previous levels while recovering and maintaining only the essential contextual information needed for navigation, optimizing display space
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple navigation bars are used for complex structures, then navigation is enabled, but the user interface becomes more complex and harder to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal navigation structure that can handle complex hierarchical information using a single simplified one-dimensional list, making the same simple interface adaptable to various complexity levels without requiring multiple specialized navigation bars
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for navigating an organization of information may be used for navigating program functions, file directories, Web-sites, or any other appropriate organization of information. In one implementation, a navigation technique includes generating a one-dimensional navigation structure for an organization of information, the navigation structure comprising a plurality of elements, each element representing a portion of information, and detecting a command indicating selection of one of the elements in the navigation structure. The technique also includes determining whether the selected element has at least one associated element and, if the selected element has at least one associated element, modifying the navigation structure by deleting the non-selected elements from the navigation structure and adding the elements associated with the selected element to the navigation structure.