Multidimensional information visualization using attribute rods

• US 6,366,299 B1
• Filed: 05/16/2000
• Issued: 04/02/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Verizon Laboratories Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Li, Guangjun, Heinrichs, Michael Scott, Fyock, Christina Lynn, Wittenburg, Kent Barrows, Lanning, Thomas Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): SAX, STEVEN PAUL
• Application Number:
  US09/571,993
• Time in Patent Office: 686 Days
• Field of Search: 345/738, 345/760, 345/771, 345/782, 345/678, 345/663, 345/586, 345/664, 345/757, 345/689, 345/970, 707/201, 707/10, 707/103
• US Class Current: 715/738
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/26 Visual data mining; Browsing structured data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/283 Multi-dimensional databases or data warehouses, e.g. MOLAP or ROLAP

Abstract

A system for browsing multidimensional information includes a digital data storage circuit 48 that stores the multidimensional information in a database and a digital logic circuit 44 that imports, manipulates and outputs the multidimensional information in the database in accordance with a mapping model maps each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space, and a user interface 70 interactively accepts input from a user and, using the mapping model, renders a graphical representation 78 of the multidimensional information space. The graphical representation 78 is responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical representation 78.

Claims

1. A system for browsing multidimensional information, the system comprising:

a digital data storage circuit that stores the multidimensional information in a database;

a digital logic circuit operable to import, manipulate and output the multidimensional information in the database in accordance with a mapping model that maps each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

a user interface that interactively accepts input from a user and, using the mapping model, renders a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical sliding rod.

2. A system for browsing multidimensional information, the system comprising:

a digital data storage circuit that stores the multidimensional information in a database;

a digital logic circuit operable to import, manipulate and output the multidimensional information in the database in accordance with a mapping model that maps each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

a user interface that interactively accepts input from a user and, using the mapping model, renders a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation is responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical representation,

and wherein the multidimensional information space includes multidimensional information about plural items, the multidimensional information being structured to include a list of attributes, each attribute being associated with pointers pointing to values of that attribute, each value being associated with pointers pointing to those items from among the plural items having that value.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each representative of one of the attributes.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein for each graphical sliding rod, graphical representations of individual items are laid out in a first spatial dimension and graphical representations of corresponding values for each respective item are laid out in a second spatial dimension.

5. A system according to claim 3, wherein the user interface presents to the user a user-controllable visual dragging tool, the dragging tool effecting input of the user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by dragging along any of the sliding rods to highlight a desired one of the items, the dragging effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all others of the sliding rods.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a parallel orientation and, upon highlighting of an item in any one sliding rod, the other sliding rods move so as to align all occurrences of the highlighted item in an orientation perpendicular to the parallel orientation.

7. A system according to claim 3, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a starfish orientation.

8. A system according to claim 2, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more parallel rows, each representative of one of the attributes for the plural items in the row.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein a position along any of the one or more parallel rows corresponds uniquely to one of the items, and the user interface provides the user with a highlighter for highlighting a desired item in any row, the highlighting of a desired item effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all other rows.

10. A method for browsing multidimensional information in a database, the method for use on an apparatus having a digital logic circuit operable to import, manipulate and output the multidimensional information in the database, the method comprising:

(a) mapping each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

(b) interactively accepting input from a user and, using the mapping, rendering a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation is responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical representation.

11. A method for browsing multidimensional information in a database, the method for use on an apparatus having a digital logic circuit operable to import, manipulate and output the multidimensional information in the database, the method comprising:

(a) mapping each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

(b) interactively accepting input from a user and, using the mapping, rendering a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation is responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical representation,

and wherein the multidimensional information space includes multidimensional information about plural items, the multidimensional information being structured to include a list of attributes, each attribute being associated with pointers pointing to values of that attribute, each value being associated with pointers pointing to those items from among the plural items having that value.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each representative of one of the attributes.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein for each graphical sliding rod, graphical representations of individual items are laid out in a first spatial dimension and graphical representations of corresponding values for each respective item are laid out in a second spatial dimension.

14. A method according to claim 12, wherein in step (b), the user is presented with a user-controllable visual dragging tool, the dragging tool effecting input of the user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by dragging along any of the sliding rods to highlight a desired one of the items, the dragging effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all others of the sliding rods.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a parallel orientation, upon highlighting of an item in any one sliding rod, the other sliding rods move so as to align all occurrences of the highlighted item in an orientation perpendicular to the parallel orientation.

16. A method according to claim 12, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a starfish orientation.

17. A method according to claim 11, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more parallel rows, each representative of one of the attributes for the plural items in the row.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein a position along any of the one or more parallel rows corresponds uniquely to one of the items, and the user is provided with a highlighter for highlighting a desired item in any row, the highlighting of a desired item effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all other rows.

19. An apparatus for browsing multidimensional information in a database, the apparatus comprising:

digital logic means for importing, manipulating and outputting the multidimensional information in the database in accordance with a mapping of each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

user interface means for interactively accepting input from a user and, using the mapping, rendering a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical sliding rod.

20. An apparatus for browsing multidimensional information in a database, the apparatus comprising:

digital logic means for importing, manipulating and outputting the multidimensional information in the database in accordance with a mapping of each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

user interface means for interactively accepting input from a user and, using the mapping, rendering a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation is responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical representation,

and wherein the multidimensional information space includes multidimensional information about plural items, the multidimensional information being structured to include a list of attributes, each attribute being associated with pointers pointing to values of that attribute, each value being associated with pointers pointing to those items from among the plural items having that value.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each representative of one of the attributes.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein for each graphical sliding rod, graphical representations of individual items are laid out in a first spatial dimension and graphical representations of corresponding values for each respective item are laid out in a second spatial dimension.

23. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the user interface means presents the user with a user-controllable visual dragging tool, the dragging tool effecting input of the user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by dragging along any of the sliding rods to highlight a desired one of the items, the dragging effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all others of the sliding rods.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a parallel orientation, upon highlighting of an item in any one sliding rod, the other sliding rods move so as to align all occurrences of the highlighted item in an orientation perpendicular to the parallel orientation.

25. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a starfish orientation.

26. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more parallel rows, each representative of one of the attributes for the plural items in the row.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein a position along any of the one or more parallel rows corresponds uniquely to one of the items, and the user is provided with a highlighter for highlighting a desired item in any row, the highlighting of a desired item effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all other rows.

28. A computer-readable medium storing code executable by a processor-controlled apparatus to perform a method for browsing multidimensional information in a database, the apparatus having a digital logic circuit operable to import, manipulate and output the multidimensional information in the database, the method comprising:

(a) a mapping each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

(b) interactively accepting input from a user and, using the mapping, rendering a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical sliding rod.

29. A computer-readable medium storing code executable by a processor-controlled apparatus to perform a method for browsing multidimensional information in a database, the apparatus having a digital logic circuit operable to import, manipulate and output the multidimensional information in the database, the method comprising:

(a) a mapping each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

(b) interactively accepting input from a user and, using the mapping, rendering a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation is responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical representation,

and wherein the multidimensional information space includes multidimensional information about plural items, the multidimensional information being structured to include a list of attributes, each attribute being associated with pointers pointing to values of that attribute, each value being associated with pointers pointing to those items from among the plural items having that value.

30. A computer-readable medium according to claim 29, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each representative of one of the attributes.

31. A computer-readable medium according to claim 30, wherein for each graphical sliding rod, graphical representations of individual items are laid out in a first spatial dimension and graphical representations of corresponding values for each respective item are laid out in a second spatial dimension.

32. A computer-readable medium according to claim 30, wherein in step (b), the user is presented with a user-controllable visual dragging tool, the dragging tool effecting input of the user-initiate d restrictions on the multidimensional information space by dragging along any of the sliding rods to highlight a desired one of the items, the dragging effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all others of the sliding rods.

33. A computer-readable medium according to claim 32, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a parallel orientation, upon highlighting of an item in any one sliding rod, the other sliding rods move so as to align all occurrences of the highlighted item in an orientation perpendicular to the parallel orientation.

34. A computer-readable medium according to claim 30, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a starfish orientation.

35. A computer-readable medium according to claim 29, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more parallel rows, each representative of one of the attributes for the plural items in the row.

36. A computer-readable medium according to claim 35, wherein a position along any of the one or more parallel rows corresponds uniquely to one of the items, and the user is provided with a highlighter for highlighting a desired item in any row, the highlighting of a desired item effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all other rows.

37. A system for browsing multidimensional information available on a network, the system comprising:

a digital logic circuit operable to import from the network, manipulate and output to the network the multidimensional information in accordance with a mapping model that maps each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

a user interface that interactively accepts input from a user and, using the mapping model, renders a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical sliding rod.

38. A system for browsing multidimensional information available on a network, the system comprising:

a digital logic circuit operable to import from the network, manipulate and output to the network the multidimensional information in accordance with a mapping model that maps each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

a user interface that interactively accepts input from a user and, using the mapping model, renders a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation is responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical representation,

and wherein the multidimensional information space includes multidimensional information about plural items, the multidimensional information being structured to include a list of attributes, each attribute being associated with pointers pointing to values of that attribute, each value being associated with pointers pointing to those items from among the plural items having that value.

39. A system according to claim 38, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each representative of one of the attributes.

40. A system according to claim 39, wherein for each graphical sliding rod, graphical representations of individual items are laid out in a first spatial dimension and graphical representations of corresponding values for each respective item are laid out in a second spatial dimension.

41. A system according to claim 39, wherein the user interface presents to the user a user-controllable visual dragging tool, the dragging tool effecting input of the user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by dragging along any of the sliding rods to highlight a desired one of the items, the dragging effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all others of the sliding rods.

42. A system according to claim 41, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a parallel orientation, upon highlighting of an item in any one sliding rod, the other sliding rods move so as to align all occurrences of the highlighted item in an orientation perpendicular to the parallel orientation.

43. A system according to claim 39, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a starfish orientation.

44. A system according to claim 38, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more parallel rows, each representative of one of the attributes for the plural items in the row.

45. A system according to claim 44, wherein a position along any of the one or more parallel rows corresponds uniquely to one of the items, and the user interface provides the user with a highlighter for highlighting a desired item in any row, the highlighting of a desired item effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all other rows.

46. A system for browsing multidimensional information available on the Internet, the system comprising:

a digital logic circuit operable to import from the Internet, manipulate and output to the Internet the multidimensional information in accordance with a mapping model that maps each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

a user interface that interactively accepts input from a user and, using the mapping model, renders a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space,

wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical sliding rod.

47. A system for browsing multidimensional information available on the Internet, the system comprising:

a digital logic circuit operable to import from the Internet, manipulate and output to the Internet the multidimensional information in accordance a with mapping model that maps each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space; and

a user interface that interactively accepts input from a user and, using the mapping model, renders a graphical representation of the multidimensional information space, wherein the graphical representation is responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical representation, and wherein the multidimensional information space includes multidimensional information about plural items, the multidimensional information being structured to include a list of attributes, each attribute being associated with pointers pointing to values of that attribute, each value being associated with pointers pointing to values of that attribute, each value being associated with pointers pointing to those items from among the plural items having that value.

48. A system according to claim 47, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more graphical sliding rods, each representative of one of the attributes.

49. A system according to claim 48, wherein for each graphical sliding rod, graphical representations of individual items are laid out in a first spatial dimension and graphical representations of corresponding values for each respective item are laid out in a second spatial dimension.

50. A system according to claim 48, wherein the user interface presents to the user a user-controllable visual dragging tool, the dragging tool effecting input of the user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by dragging along any of the sliding rods to highlight a desired one of the items, the dragging effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all others of the sliding rods.

51. A system according to claim 50, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a parallel orientation, upon highlighting of an item in any one sliding rod, the other sliding rods move so as to align all occurrences of the highlighted item in an orientation perpendicular to the parallel orientation.

52. A system according to claim 48, wherein the sliding rods are arranged in a starfish orientation.

53. A system according to claim 47, wherein the graphical representation comprises one or more parallel rows, each representative of one of the attributes for the plural items in the row.

54. A system according to claim 53, wherein a position along any of the one or more parallel rows corresponds uniquely to one of the items, and the user interface provides the user with a highlighter for highlighting a desired item in any row, the highlighting of a desired item effecting a concomitant highlighting of the desired item in all other rows.