Hierarchical Quick Insert UI for Accessible Tree Editing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adding new items to a hierarchical structure, such as a tree, are inefficient, inaccessible to users with disabilities, and require complex navigation, especially when using input devices like keyboards or pointing devices.

Innovation Solution

A positional quick insert system that uses processors to determine available insertion positions and presents them visually in a user interface, allowing users to insert new components intuitively and independently of input device type, utilizing machine learning and context-based rules for enhanced accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If drag-and-drop or context menu approaches are used to add items to hierarchical structure, then insertion functionality is achieved, but user time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of inserting itemsVSAvoidtime to add new items

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and pre-presents all available insertion positions within the hierarchical structure before the user actually performs an insertion action. By determining the set of available insertion positions in advance and displaying them with insert elements, the system eliminates the need for users to navigate through complex menus or palettes after selecting an item, thereby reducing operational time while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces insert elements as intermediary visual indicators between the user and the hierarchical structure. These insert elements serve as mediators that directly mark insertion positions within the tree view, allowing users to see exactly where items will be inserted without needing to interpret menu options or drag-and-drop target zones. This intermediary representation simplifies the insertion process by making insertion points explicit and immediately actionable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing insertion methods are implemented, then new items can be added to hierarchical structure, but accessibility for users with disabilities is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to users with disabilitiesVSAvoidusability with input devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the insertion functionality into distinct, independently interactable insert elements that are distributed throughout the hierarchical structure. Each insert element represents a specific insertion position and can be activated independently. This segmentation allows users with disabilities to access insertion functionality through various input methods (keyboard navigation, screen readers, click devices) without being constrained by a unified but inaccessible menu structure, thereby improving both accessibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If tools palette or context menu approaches are used, then insertion capability is provided, but user discovery and interface complexity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser discovery of insertion optionsVSAvoidinterface structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the insertion functionality directly into the hierarchical structure display by embedding insert elements within the tree view itself. Instead of separating insertion controls into a distinct tools palette or context menu, the insert elements are combined with the structural representation, allowing users to discover insertion options naturally while viewing the hierarchy. This merging reduces interface complexity by eliminating separate navigation layers while improving user discovery through contextual visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hierarchical structure serves itself by automatically generating and displaying insert elements at relevant positions within the tree. The structure identifies and presents its own insertion points without requiring users to seek external tools or menus. This self-service approach improves user discovery by making insertion options inherently visible within the context of the data structure itself, while reducing overall interface complexity by eliminating the need for separate insertion toolsets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12536159B1Positional quick insert

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 PROGRESS SOFTWARE CORP

AI summary

The disclosure includes a system and method for obtaining a hierarchical structure including a plurality of components; determining a set of available insertion positions within the hierarchical structure, the set of available positions including a first position, where in an available insertion position is a position within the hierarchical structure that, responsive to a user request, a new component may be inserted into the hierarchical structure; determining a set of inserts available at the first position within the hierarchical structure; presenting a user interface, the user interface representing: the hierarchical structure of the plurality of components; a set of insert elements; receiving a request to insert the new component into the hierarchical structure at the insert position associated with the first insert element; and modifying the hierarchical structure by inserting the new component into the hierarchical structure at the insert position associated with the first insert element.