Range Definition Indicator Controller Vertical Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business intelligence systems face challenges in helping users define non-overlapping ranges for report creation, with existing tools lacking clear indications of range values and requiring users to understand operators and border definitions, leading to confusion and inefficient range management.
Innovation Solution
A range manager system with a range definition indicator that presents ranges vertically, using boundary value boxes and range boundary indicators to visually define range boundaries, allowing users to intuitively set and manage range definitions without overlaps, and enabling intuitive understanding of range inclusions and exclusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users use text boxes to insert range values, then the interface is simple, but users cannot clearly understand whether boundary values are included or excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (such as different colors or symbols) next to boundary values to clearly indicate whether each boundary is inclusive or exclusive. This visual encoding provides immediate feedback to users about range definitions without requiring complex text explanations, resolving the contradiction between simple interface and clear information delivery.
2Measurement precision
If users use operators like >, = to define ranges, then the definition is precise, but users must understand operator meanings and prevent overlaps manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual intermediary representation (the indicator system) that translates between the user's intuitive range definitions and the precise mathematical operators. The visual indicators serve as a mediator that automatically enforces correct range logic without requiring users to manually manage operator syntax or prevent overlaps, combining precision with ease of use.
3Ease of operation
If users use horizontal lines for range definition, then the interface allows value insertion, but screen real estate is consumed and border definitions remain unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal one-dimensional line interface to a vertical arrangement of discrete indicator elements. This dimensional change allows multiple range definitions to be displayed compactly in a vertical list, reducing horizontal screen space consumption while maintaining clear visual distinction between range boundaries through vertical positioning and associated indicators.
4Adaptability or versatility
If users create multiple ranges, then comprehensive analysis is enabled, but users must manually order ranges which is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the range indicators automatically maintain correct ordering and relationships based on their visual arrangement and associated boundary values. The system self-manages the complexity of multiple range definitions, ensuring proper sequencing and non-overlapping boundaries without requiring users to manually order ranges, thereby enabling comprehensive analysis while keeping the interface simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A range manager system has a range definition controller, a range label handler, and a range definition indicator controller. The range definition controller controls setting of one or more boundary values defining one or more ranges. The range label handler handles labels of the ranges. The range definition indicator controller controls presentation of a range definition indicator representing definition of the ranges. The range definition indicator controller presents the ranges in vertical arrangement so as to provide an intuitive representation of the definition of the ranges.