Perspective View File Hierarchy Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation through calendars and file hierarchies is cumbersome and lacks aesthetic quality, requiring users to 'drill' down to find specific files, which can be time-consuming, especially in complex hierarchies with many files.
Innovation Solution
A method of displaying items in a hierarchy using a perspective view on a plane, where items are arranged according to their associated values, allowing users to zoom in and out by changing the scale units, with animation effects for smooth transitions between levels, enabling easy location of files based on their values without knowing their exact location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users navigate through calendars or file hierarchies by drilling down through levels, then they can access specific files, but the navigation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear hierarchy navigation into a two-dimensional perspective view where files are displayed in spatial arrangement based on their hierarchical levels and temporal values. Users can visually scan across multiple levels simultaneously rather than drilling down sequentially, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the navigation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the hierarchical structure in a perspective view, where files are positioned according to their actual hierarchical relationships and time values. This visual copy allows users to locate files by spatial position rather than navigating through actual hierarchical levels, significantly reducing search time.
2Loss of information
If all files in a hierarchy are displayed, then complete information is available, but the display becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the visual representation of files based on their hierarchical levels and time values. Files at different levels are positioned at different locations in the perspective view, and their visual properties (such as size or position) reflect their temporal characteristics, allowing users to quickly identify and navigate to relevant files without being overwhelmed by the entire hierarchy.
Solution Approach 2:
By displaying all files in a two-dimensional perspective view rather than a flat hierarchical structure, the patent adds spatial dimensionality that organizes the information naturally. Files are arranged in space according to their hierarchical level and time value, making the complex information structure visually intuitive and easier to navigate.
3Ease of operation
If files are arranged in traditional list or diary format, then navigation is straightforward, but aesthetic quality and user experience are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional list or diary formats to a two-dimensional perspective view, enhancing aesthetic quality while maintaining navigational simplicity. The perspective arrangement creates a visually appealing spatial layout that naturally guides users through the hierarchical and temporal relationships among files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a perspective view that introduces curvature and depth to the display, moving away from flat linear arrangements. This curved, three-dimensional-like perspective arrangement enhances aesthetic quality while preserving the logical organization of hierarchical and temporal data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, in one embodiment, of displaying items arranged in a hierarchy, the hierarchy having predetermined levels and divisions. The method comprising: displaying divisions of a first level of the hierarchy along a first direction; and displaying the items on a plane in perspective view, each item arranged at a position corresponding to the division with which it is associated in a respective second direction at an angle to the first direction. It is preferred that each of the items has associated with it a value, such as a time value, that can be represented on a scale. The divisions of the first level of the hierarchy are first units of the scale, such as years, and the items are arranged at positions corresponding to their value with respect to the first units.