Radial Map GUI for Mobile Data Hierarchy Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional linear tree structures in graphical user interfaces are not space-effective on mobile devices, making it difficult for users to access and navigate large data hierarchies, especially on limited screens, and are inconvenient for touch screen interactions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a radial map data structure within the GUI that is dynamically adjustable based on user input, allowing for expansion, tilting, and customization, which is more space-effective and suitable for mobile devices, and includes historical data analysis for user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a linear tree structure is used to display data hierarchy, then the structure is simple to implement, but it is not space-effective on mobile devices and makes navigation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear tree structure into a radial map layout that utilizes two-dimensional spatial arrangement. Data nodes are organized in concentric circles around a central root node, allowing multiple levels of hierarchy to be displayed simultaneously within a limited screen area. This dimensional transformation enables efficient use of display space while maintaining the hierarchical relationships through radial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a radial/circular layout where data nodes are arranged in concentric circles rather than linear rows. This curved/spheroidal arrangement allows the data hierarchy to wrap around the central node, maximizing the utilization of available display area and enabling users to view multiple levels of the hierarchy without requiring excessive vertical or horizontal space.
2Ease of manufacture
If a linear tree structure is used, then the implementation is straightforward, but touch screen interaction becomes inconvenient and level-by-level navigation is required
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from a linear one-dimensional layout to a radial two-dimensional layout, the patent enables more intuitive touch interactions. Users can directly tap on any node visible in the radial map to navigate to that level, eliminating the need for sequential level-by-level navigation. The radial arrangement allows gesture-based interactions such as pinching to zoom or rotating to reorient the view, significantly improving touch screen usability.
3Loss of information
If the data structure is expanded to show more details, then completeness of information is improved, but the display area requirement increases and performance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic radial map that can adjust its scale and visible range based on user interactions. Users can pinch to zoom in/out or rotate to view different portions of the data hierarchy. This dynamic behavior allows the system to display varying levels of detail within the same screen area, showing complete information when zoomed out and detailed views when zoomed in, thus maintaining information completeness without requiring additional display area.
4Ease of operation
If traditional linear tree structure is used, then navigation follows a clear path, but accessing distant nodes requires multiple sequential steps
Solution Approach 1:
The radial map layout allows all nodes to be visually accessible within a single view, regardless of their hierarchical distance from the root. Users can directly tap on any target node to jump to that level, eliminating the need for sequential navigation through intermediate levels. This dimensional reorganization transforms navigation from a time-consuming sequential process into an immediate direct access operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A data structure is dynamically displayed within a graphical user interface with an initial setting information. User input that provides instructions to adjust the setting information is received. The received user input is parsed to identify a position portion, a motion portion, and a magnitude portion. The setting information is adjusted based on the received user input. The data structure is dynamically displayed according to the adjusted setting information.