Table Header Field Merging for Clearer Multi-Record Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data structures in tables lack clarity, leading to inefficient reading and processing of multiple field records, as each record is identified by row number rather than specific identifiers, and fields within records are not easily merged or managed.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for field merging that allows users to select and merge header row fields in a table, generating a merged field and corresponding data, thereby simplifying the data structure and improving reading efficiency by presenting a field selection page, determining target fields, and generating merged fields and data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple field records are stored in separate rows with row numbers as identifiers, then the data can be stored in a simple tabular format, but the data structure becomes unclear and reading efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading efficiencyVSAvoiddata structure clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple related fields into a single record structure with a meaningful record name. Instead of storing field records as separate rows identified only by row numbers, the patent combines related fields (such as product ID, product name, and specifications) into a unified record with a descriptive name, making the data structure clearer and improving reading efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the data structure by introducing a distinct record name field that separates the identifier function from the data fields. This segmentation allows the record to be identified by a meaningful name rather than a row number, while still maintaining the tabular storage format. The record name acts as a separate identifying element that improves clarity without compromising the simple storage structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If each record contains all information in separate fields, then the data can be organized in a structured table, but the spatial requirements increase and data presentation becomes less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial requirementsVSAvoiddata presentation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data columns into a consolidated record structure. By combining related fields into a single record with a descriptive name, the patent reduces the spatial footprint in the table while maintaining all necessary information. The merged record presents information more efficiently by grouping related data together under a single identifier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If row numbers are used to identify records, then the table structure remains simple, but the data becomes harder to process and manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidrecord identification structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identification function from the row structure by introducing a dedicated record name field. This segmentation allows records to be identified by meaningful names (such as product names or codes) rather than sequential row numbers, making data processing and management more efficient while maintaining a simple tabular structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12468879B2Method, apparatus and electronic device for field merging
Publication Date: 2025.11.11 BEIJING ZITIAO NETWORK TECH CO LTD
  • US12468879B2 patent drawing
  • US12468879B2 patent drawing
  • US12468879B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The embodiments of the application disclose a method, an apparatus and an electronic device for field merging. A detailed implementation of the method includes: in response to receiving a merging request for data columns in a table, presenting a field selection page containing header row fields of the data columns; determining at least two target header row fields from the header row fields on the field selection page; and in response to receiving a merging instruction, generating a merged field in a header row of the table and generating merged data in a data column corresponding to the merged field.