Smart Table Scrolling for Small-Screen Data Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in efficiently navigating through large tables with many columns and rows on computing devices with small screens, as current software tools make it arduous to seamlessly maneuver between datasets and columns.
Innovation Solution
Implementing smart scrolling features that allow users to jump between data records or subsets of data records by selecting user interface elements, and enable columns to be moved between scrollable and non-scrollable sections on the viewport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users navigate through large tables with many columns and rows on small screens using current software tools, then data can be displayed, but navigation becomes arduous and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary navigation interface between the user and the large table data. This interface includes navigation controls, subset indicators, and clickable elements that mediate the interaction, allowing users to efficiently navigate through large datasets without directly manipulating the entire table. The intermediary layer translates complex navigation needs into simple user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the navigation functionality from the data display itself. By creating a distinct navigation interface with controls and indicators separate from the table data, the system allows users to navigate through large tables efficiently on small screens without the navigation elements cluttering the data view.
2Loss of information
If all columns and rows are displayed on a small screen, then complete data is visible, but screen real estate is insufficient and navigation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large table data into manageable subsets that can be displayed on small screens. By dividing the data into pages or subsets with navigation controls, the system ensures complete data is accessible while maintaining ease of navigation. Users can move between subsets without being overwhelmed by the entire dataset at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds navigation dimensions to the data display by introducing subset indicators, page numbers, and navigation controls that allow users to traverse the data in multiple directions. This transforms the limited 2D screen space into a multi-dimensional navigation experience where users can access all data through structured navigation paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users apply filters and sorting to organize data, then data arrangement improves, but seamless navigation between datasets and columns remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic navigation interface that adapts to filtered and sorted data arrangements. The navigation controls automatically adjust based on the current filter and sort state, providing seamless navigation between the organized datasets and columns. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation while preserving the benefits of data organization.
4Quantity of substance
If the table has thousands of rows and many columns, then comprehensive data is available, but limited screen size makes maneuvering arduous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary navigation layer that simplifies access to comprehensive data on small screens. This intermediary interface includes subset indicators, navigation controls, and clickable elements that reduce navigation complexity while maintaining access to thousands of rows and many columns through structured navigation paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method may comprise accessing data records comprising fields and identifying subsets of the data records based on the data records in each subset having an attribute in common with each other, with the subsets comprising a first subset and a second subset. The data records may be arranged in a page layout based on the identified subsets, with the data records being arranged into their subsets across a first dimension, and the fields being arranged across a second dimension. The page layout may be displayed, and a user interface element identifying the second subset may be displayed over the page layout. In response to receiving a user selection of the user interface element, the second subset may be moved from a first position to a second position, where the second position is within the viewport on the computing device.