Report Data Container Re-layout for Screen Size Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current report design is inefficient as it requires multiple layouts for different screen sizes, leading to misinterpretation of data when screen size changes, as state-of-the-art responsive layout solutions fail to maintain the original context and structure of reports.

Innovation Solution

An automatic re-layout method for structured data in reporting systems that adjusts data containers and grids based on screen size, ensuring that important information remains visible and context is maintained by moving obscured elements and hiding or reorganizing columns in data grids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If report is designed with a specific screen size, then the layout structure and data context are maintained, but the report becomes unusable or inefficient on other screen sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout structureVSAvoidscreen size compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic layout adjustment by detecting screen dimensions at runtime and automatically reorganizing report elements based on the detected screen size. The system transitions from a static layout designed for a specific screen size to a dynamic layout that adapts its structure, element positioning, and visibility based on the actual display dimensions, thereby maintaining both structural integrity and screen size compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes layout parameters such as element positions, container sizes, and column configurations based on screen size parameters. By detecting screen dimensions and adjusting layout parameters dynamically, the report maintains its structural composition while adapting to different screen sizes through parameter modification rather than structural redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layouts are produced for different screen sizes, then screen size compatibility is improved, but the complexity of report design and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen size compatibilityVSAvoidreport design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal layout system that functions across multiple screen sizes using a single report design. The system detects screen dimensions and applies appropriate layout configurations automatically, eliminating the need to create and maintain separate layouts for different screen sizes. This multi-functional approach allows one layout design to serve multiple screen size requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic layout adjustment without requiring manual intervention or pre-configured multiple layouts. The report automatically detects screen size and reorganizes its elements accordingly, serving its own adaptation needs through automated detection and reconfiguration rather than requiring external maintenance of multiple layout versions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If data is re-laid out on smaller screens, then visibility without scrolling is improved, but data context and original structure may be lost leading to misinterpretation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility without scrollingVSAvoiddata context
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the report layout into hierarchical groups and containers that maintain their internal structure while allowing external reorganization. By dividing the report into logical segments (groups, containers, elements) that can be independently positioned and sized, the system achieves scroll-free visibility on smaller screens while preserving the contextual relationships within each segment through maintained hierarchical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes vertical space as an additional dimension to accommodate data that would otherwise require horizontal scrolling. By reorganizing elements vertically and using expandable/collapsible structures, the report fits within smaller screen dimensions while maintaining data context through preserved hierarchical relationships and logical groupings rather than simple linear reordering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If columns are hidden or removed in data grids to fit screen width, then visibility of important information is improved, but the completeness of data display is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of important informationVSAvoiddata completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic column management in data grids where column visibility and positioning change based on screen size. Important columns are positioned to be always visible, while less critical columns are moved to expandable sections. The system dynamically adjusts the grid structure to balance between displaying important information prominently and preserving access to complete data through controlled expansion mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses nested structures where data grid columns are organized in hierarchical levels. Primary columns are displayed in the main grid view, while secondary columns are nested within expandable row sections. This nesting allows the report to display complete data without losing context, as users can expand individual rows to access additional columns without affecting the overall layout or visibility of important information in the main view

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10402783B2Method of automatically re-organizing structured data in a reporting system based on screen size by executing computer-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2019.09.03 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US10402783B2 patent drawing
  • US10402783B2 patent drawing
  • US10402783B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of automatically re-organizing structured data in a reporting system based on screen size calculated an initial layout for data containers in a report, checks to see if any of the data containers are obscured by the right display edge, and re-arranges the data containers so that no containers are obscured. A similar process is performed on any data grids with obscured columns. Columns are removed according to importance to maintain context. Elements in a removed column are added below respective associated rows.