Summary Table Filtering via Intermediary Palette
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Solution Overview
Problem
Novice users face challenges in modifying and organizing data summary tables, as existing tools are limited in filtering and sorting data based on information not included in the table.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer-readable medium that allow users to filter and sort information in summary tables based on related information, either included or not included in the table, by identifying and selecting related categories and specifying filtering or sorting criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wizards are used to assist in creating a data summary table, then the ease of operation is improved for novice users, but the adaptability is worsened because wizards cannot easily modify the displayed table or organize data based on information not included in the summary table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drag-and-drop interface as an intermediary between the user and the data summary table. This interface includes a palette with data elements and a target area where users can drop elements to create custom views. This mediator enables users to easily manipulate the table structure without being constrained by wizard limitations, thus improving both ease of operation and adaptability simultaneously
2Device complexity
If the data summary table includes only the most essential fields, then the device complexity is reduced and the table is easier to understand, but the loss of information increases because related categories not included in the table cannot be used for filtering or sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the data summary table by implementing a drag-and-drop interface that operates in a separate spatial dimension (the palette and target area). This allows users to access and manipulate additional data categories without cluttering the main table view, thus maintaining table simplicity while preventing information loss through the ability to filter and sort using hidden related categories
Data Source
AI summary
Generally described, embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to sort and/or filter information contained in a summary table based on related information that may not be included in the summary table. According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium having computer executable components for filtering or sorting information displayed in a summary table is provided. Included in the computer executable medium is a category receipt and identification component configured to receive selections of categories and identify related categories contained in a dataset represented by the summary table. Also included in the computer-readable medium is a filtering component and a sorting component, each configured to control the structure and criteria upon which information contained in a category displayed in the data summary table may be filtered or sorted.