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Graphic user interface for database system

a database system and user interface technology, applied in the field of graphic user interfaces for computer systems, can solve the problems of system not providing generic icons, users cannot modify the icons themselves with a corresponding function, and are not well known in the art of front end for search engines or browsers

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-10-16
ZARBANA DIGITAL FUND
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach simplifies the search process by providing an intuitive interface for users to visualize and manipulate search criteria, reducing the complexity of formulating and refining searches across multiple databases and languages, and enhances the efficiency of data retrieval by allowing graphical representation of complex logical operations.

Problems solved by technology

In general, however, the user does not operate to modify the icon itself with a corresponding function executed by the operating system or application.
These systems do not, however, provide a generic icon which is modified to reflect a data subset employed.
However, it is not well known in the art of front ends for search engines or browsers to use well-articulated graphical representations of set theory, including graphical representations of the logical operations “AND”, “OR” and “NOT,” and any symbols that are used tend to be static and non-manipulable.
Thus, this system allows the user to visualize the element of the search in a graphical representation, but does not graphically represent the chaining of search criteria.
This system does not provide for interactive modification of the search based on the graphic representation.
Thus, while AND, OR and NOT are readily understood, a complex expression employing such words may become incomprehensible.

Method used

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  • Graphic user interface for database system
  • Graphic user interface for database system
  • Graphic user interface for database system

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

[0116]As shown in FIG. 5A, the graphic icon representation according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention provides an intuitive presentation of the Boolean relationship of two sets, in the form of a stylized Venn diagram. The stylized icon includes a bounding rectangular box 51, two intersecting circles 52, 53 of approximately equal size spaced along the elongated axis of the rectangular boundary 51, and lines representing the two inputs 54, 55 and output 56 of the set operation.

[0117]As shown in FIG. 5A, arrowheads may be provided to indicate inputs and outputs; however, these are not necessary, and in fact, a modification of a succeeding search scope parameter effecting another set inclusion property may back propagate to alter that linked set inclusion property. Thus, the lines indicate linkages, and do not necessarily indicate a unidirectional information or control flow.

[0118]The icon defines logical data regions representing a Boolean relationship between two data ...

example 2

[0179]Instead of entering set definitions, as provided in the method according to Example 1, a user defines a search using prior known techniques, such as natural language searching, query by example, or other known techniques. Using these techniques, a search expression is constructed, using e.g., Boolean and other data relationships, which is normally not employed by the user. However, according to the present invention, this derived search strategy is presented as a series of icons interconnected in accordance with the present invention, such as is shown in FIG. 7. Thus, the user need not explicitly define the search parameters, but rather, an automated or intelligent system may be employed to generate the initial search.

[0180]After the search is formulated using the known prior art techniques, the user is presented with the results. While these results may sometimes be acceptable, often the user desires a search of differing scope than that presented. Therefore, the interconnect...

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PUM

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Abstract

A graphic user interface method for representing a search of a database, providing a plurality of stylized Venn diagrams each representing an intersection of at least two sets; receiving from the user, for each generic graphic icon, a selection of at least one region, defining an output data set; presenting the generic graphic icons on the graphic user interface as modified graphic icons, each having graphic indication of the selections; and receiving linkage information from the user for the modified graphic icons to represent a composite set inclusion property, based on the output data sets and the linkage information. Once a search is defined, it may be translated, as necessary, for execution by a typical database search engine. Retrieved results may be quautified and ranked by the interface system fur optimal presentation to the user.

Description

[0001]The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 772,650 filed Dec. 23, 1996, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,126.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of graphic user interfaces for computer systems, and more particularly to graphic user interface systems having graphic objects representing data sets, in which a manipulation of the graphic object instructs the system to perform logical or set theory operations on the data represented by the graphic object.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Traditionally, graphic user interfaces (hereinafter “GUIs”) have been employed to facilitate interaction of a user with the file and execution system of a computer system, to present information graphically and / or in a manner approximating a printed page (“what you see is what you get” or “WYSIWYG”), or to present a desktop metaphor. Of course, there are other aspects of mo...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F13/00G06F9/44G06F17/30
CPCG06F9/451G06F16/2428G06F16/24578G06F16/248G06F16/338Y10S715/968
Inventor SZABO, ANDREW J.
Owner ZARBANA DIGITAL FUND
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