Tree View Navigation Elements for Hierarchical Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Navigating large and complex tree structures in graphical user interfaces is arduous due to the need for manual expansion and collapse of branches, limiting usability as only a single object's content is displayed at a time.

Innovation Solution

A computer system and method that displays a hierarchical view of a tree structure with selectable navigation elements between sibling nodes, allowing users to easily navigate between them by setting an active node and displaying related data, enabling expansion and collapse of nodes with user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual expansion and collapse of branches is used to navigate tree structures, then the interface remains simple, but navigation becomes arduous and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation easeVSAvoidnavigation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces navigation elements as intermediary components between the user and the tree structure nodes. These elements act as mediators that enable direct navigation to sibling nodes without requiring manual expansion and collapse operations, thereby reducing navigation time while maintaining interface simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by automatically expanding parent nodes and positioning the view to display navigation elements before the user needs to navigate. This preparatory action eliminates the need for users to manually expand branches, directly addressing the navigation time issue while keeping the interface straightforward

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If only single object content is displayed at a time, then the display remains focused, but usability is limited when comparing multiple nodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay versatilityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display of single node content with navigation controls by integrating navigation elements directly into the display area. This allows users to view content and navigate between sibling nodes within the same interface space, enhancing display versatility without complicating the user experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by making the display area serve dual purposes: displaying node content and providing navigation controls. This universal approach allows the same interface space to handle both information display and navigation tasks, improving usability while maintaining focused display

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8990735B2Enhanced tree views of data structures

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A computer displays on a user interface a hierarchical view of the data within the tree structure. The tree structure includes a plurality of nodes. The computer receives input via the user interface that at least one node of the plurality of nodes has been selected, wherein the computer sets the at least one node that has been selected as an active node. Responsive to the at least one node that has been selected as an active node, the computer displays on the user interface a selectable display element including one or more navigation elements configured to navigate between sibling nodes, and the computer displays on the user interface data related to the active node.