Table Browsing in Online Documents

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of browsing multiple tables in an online document is inefficient, requiring users to slide through each table multiple times, leading to reduced browsing speed and increased chances of missing comparison information.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow users to quickly switch between table pages by receiving a table page jump instruction and a table switching instruction, enabling direct navigation between different tables within an online document.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users navigate to each table by sliding the online document, then all tables can be browsed, but the browsing efficiency is reduced and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrowsing efficiencyVSAvoidtime for comparing tables

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the document into multiple table-specific pages, allowing users to access each table on a separate page rather than scrolling through the entire document. This segmentation enables direct navigation to specific tables, dramatically improving browsing efficiency and reducing time spent comparing multiple tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a table of contents as an intermediary element that lists all tables in the document with hyperlinks. This intermediary structure allows users to quickly locate and jump to any table without manual scrolling, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive browsing and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users slide through the document to reach each table, then all table information becomes visible, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of table navigationVSAvoidtime to locate tables

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a table of contents in advance that pre-lists all tables with their locations and provides direct hyperlinks. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to manually search or scroll through the document to find tables, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical scrolling action with electronic hyperlinked navigation. Instead of physically sliding through the document, users can click on table entries in the table of contents to instantly jump to the desired table, substituting manual mechanical navigation with automated electronic navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12045442B2Method and apparatus for browsing table in document, and electronic device and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 DOUYIN VISION CO LTD

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for browsing a table in a document, and an electronic device and a storage medium. The method includes: in a process of editing a table in an online document, receiving a table page jump instruction of a first table and jumping from a document page corresponding to the online document to a first table page for display; receiving a table switching instruction in the first table page; and switching from the first table page to a second table page for display according to the table switching instruction; where the first table page is used to display the first table, and the second table page is used to display a second table. Tables can be switched quickly, and the browsing speed of tables can be improved.