Method and apparatus for concurrent graphical visualization of a database search and its search history
US5515488A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 7, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S715/968
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer controlled display system providing for graphical representation of a query to a database and creation and traversal through a search history. A database search is typically performed by a sequence of narrowing queries. Each narrowing query is performed in a query window. A query window is comprised of an input area for entering query expressions, an query results display area, an indicator of a search scope associated with the query window and a history indicator area. A suitable information visualization technique is used to graphically display the search results in the query results display area. From these visualizations, new search scopes and query windows are created. A search path comprising the query windows for the current search path are displayed at any instant of time of the search. A history mechanism provides for ready traversal through the search history.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.