Patent · US Expired

Automatic, context-organizing, query interface

US5963938A · kind A · utility

81Cited by
8References
47Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 17, 1996
Grant dateOct 5, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 17, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S707/99934
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method adapted to select criteria for use in execution of a logical function such as a search, filter, sifting, or the like, may rely on a graphical user interface in which logical operators and Boolean operators are presented in distinct graphical locations demonstrating to an unsophisticated user the distinction between Boolean relations and logical relations. A dialogue box may include argument windows related by a logical operator button. Two corresponding arguments related by a corresponding logical operator form a logical relation. Argument windows and operator buttons may each provide a menu when selected, thus presenting options for a user to select from. A Boolean operator may relate two logical relations in a Boolean relation. Groups of Boolean relations may be related by other Booleans in inter-group Boolean relations. A language text equivalent (LTE) of the combination of all relations formed by a user may be presented in a language or text window within a dialogue box. The LTE provides feedback to a user, which feedback has been very reliable in clearly telling a user whether the relations produced are actually what the user seeks or needs. A user may …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.