System and method for direct manipulation of search predicates using a graphical user interface
US5668966A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S715/968
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A graphical user interface is provided which can create a predicate for searching for data using only mouse operations on the desktop, and apply the predicate to a database system containing objects to be searched. The user can identify a primitive predicate by inputting search items (that is, file attributes) on the desktop, and can create a logical operation expression for identifying search conditions by displaying a composite predicate representing a logical operator as a folder, and by dragging and dropping an icon representing the predicate on that folder. The logical operation expression can be hierarchically organized and stored. Moreover, a predicate can be displayed on the desktop on a desired hierarchical level by opening or closing an icon for each composite predicate from an icon to a folder, or a folder to an icon. A predicate can be applied as search conditions by dropping an icon representing the created predicate on a folder representing a database (in this case, the dropped object of display becomes the search range). Further, the predicate can be applied to the database by dropping an icon representing the database on a predicate icon (or, folder).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.