View Context Manager for Network Monitoring Display Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current graphical user interfaces for network monitoring and management become cumbersome as multiple windows are required to display various aspects of network elements, leading to obstructed views, duplicative information, and increased keystrokes, which can result in missed critical information and inefficiencies in monitoring large networked systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes a View Context Manager (VCM) to dynamically manage and share context information across multiple displays, ensuring that information associated with a selected entity is synchronized and displayed only in designated views, preventing duplication and obstruction, and allowing views to listen or stop listening dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple windows are used to display different aspects of network elements, then information completeness is improved, but screen obstruction and readability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple windows displaying different aspects of the same network element into a single integrated display. The system detects when multiple windows contain related information and consolidates them, allowing all views to coexist without physical obstruction while maintaining contextual relationships through a unified interface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional window-based layout to a multi-dimensional display structure where different views of network elements are organized in hierarchical and spatial relationships. This allows information to be accessed through multiple dimensional pathways (hierarchical navigation, spatial positioning, contextual linking) without requiring separate overlapping windows.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple windows are used to provide alternative views, then analytical capability is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal context model that serves multiple analytical functions simultaneously. A single context data structure supports hierarchical navigation, cross-view synchronization, contextual filtering, and multi-perspective analysis without requiring separate synchronization mechanisms for each function. This universal framework reduces overall system complexity while enabling diverse analytical capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If windows are moved or minimized to access blocked information, then information accessibility is improved, but operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system automatically manages the organization and accessibility of information without requiring manual window manipulation. The system self-adjusts the display layout, automatically brings relevant information into view, and maintains accessible pathways to all network element aspects through contextual navigation, eliminating the need for operators to manually move or minimize windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces contextual navigation mechanisms as intermediaries between the operator and the information. Instead of directly manipulating windows, operators interact with contextual descriptors and navigation elements that automatically translate these high-level commands into appropriate display adjustments, reducing the cognitive and physical burden on the operator.
4Reliability
If duplicative information is displayed in separate windows, then information redundancy is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements intelligent copying where context information is selectively replicated only when necessary for specific analytical purposes. The system identifies when multiple views require the same base information and creates optimized copies only for those specific instances, rather than universally duplicating all information across all displays. This reduces overall resource consumption while maintaining necessary redundancy for reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for managing the presentation or display of information items or context are described. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of selecting an entity of a context type associated with a first display, determining at least one second display associated with the context of the selected entity; and making available information associated with the selected entity to each of the determined associated at least one second display. In another aspect of the invention, the method further provides for inhibiting the availability of information associated with the selected entity to a selected one of said determined associated second displays when the selected second display is the same as the first display. An “activate/deactivate” capability is provided such that a display (or window) can be configured to listen to selected context or to stop listening dynamically.