Patent Application
20140189598
Throughout the ages, humans have devised ways to record, then examine, their thoughts and mental images on paper. People draw depictions of events, places, projects, and sets of objects. They chart scientific processes, demographics, weather conditions, and mechanical systems; and they diagram organizations, trade routes, music, and inventions. These drawings aid both the originator and subsequent audiences in picturing spatial or symbolic relationships. Paper drawings and maps are representations of the real world; but often the viewer must struggle to see only what is relevant amidst too much information. Transparent overlays can separate graphic information, but are cumbersome and restrictive. Reference documents such as catalogues, guide books, atlases, and encyclopedias gather together images and text descriptions; but the user must flip back and forth between pages to find, link, and compare information.
Today, computers are now being used to generate, compile, and retrieve such graphic records. However, they have not as yet enabled viewers to smoothly call forth sets of graphic data to inform and stimulate a sustained, multi-faceted, analytical thought process. For example, computer programs that employ graphics layering are currently used to generate illustrations (computer graphics), drawings of designs (CADD), and searchable and thematic geographic maps (GIS).
Computer graphics can be used to draw lines and shapes which may be organized into layers for overlapping and for showing and hiding before being output as a printed or digital illustration. CADD (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting) is used to create plans of products, vehicles, buildings, utility systems, and other three-dimensional objects. CADD employs layering technology to draft and show different views of a three-dimensional object. A GIS (Geographic Information System) plots data on a map with layers of points, lines, and polygons representing land features. Each GIS feature has an entry in a database with its name, a set of coordinates (which may be real-world latitude and longitude) for positioning the feature on the screen, and attribute data which may be shown in a separate window and queried to determine a set of features to be displayed.
These graphics-making programs are used primarily by technicians to produce a singular image for publication and, in limited ways, for interactive analysis. However, non-technicians—the public, executives, and experts in non-computer fields—cannot use them to easily access and manipulate selections of layered materials. Nor can they easily create or assemble their own sets of interactive, layered data.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) has come furthest in adding interactivity to computer-generated images. Drop-down menus, graphics tools, and palettes are used for customized map production; this slow, unwieldy process is of very limited use for multi-faceted analysis. Networked GIS is used within corporate and government intranets to provide staff access to data displayed on geographic maps; it is also used on World Wide Web sites for the public to find a street address or the location of one particular facility or type of facility (see “Serving Maps on the Internet,” by Christian Harder, 1998, Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., Redlands, Calif., incorporated herein by reference as if restated in full.) In addition to searching for addresses and facilities, the interactive capabilities of current online GIS include zooming in and out and panning within a large digital map file.
A typical GIS often also has a large database with thematic information for places on the map. However, current GIS does not provide for seamless access to subset combinations from extensive data sets. A legend, table of contents, or key shows a small selection of themes and the symbols associated with subsets within each theme. In some cases, entire themes may be shown or hidden by clicking a check box next to the theme title on the legend; however, a particular subset within a theme cannot be shown or hidden. Current online GIS interfaces rely on the scrolling of palette scroll bars to extend the legend and to view selections for queries; this scrolling breaks the flow of data selection and severely limits the organization and amount of data that can be accessed. Sometimes scrolling is also required to view the entire map and each subsequent iteration, further breaking the flow of the analytical thought process. Annotational information, when available, is provided by going to a separate Web page or window; and thereby the material is not viewed smoothly, in direct association with the map feature.
Beyond layering software, another relevant computer technology is hypermedia. Hypermedia is the “linking” technology for instantly retrieving text, images, or sounds. Its “smart” graphics respond to commands such as mouse clicks to “hypertext” or to a “hot” symbol on the computer screen (often referred to as a button, object, icon, or imagemap).
From 1990 to 1993, the inventor developed a hypermedia map-making software program (“City View/Town View HyperMapping—making maps and map libraries on your computer. A Journal of Demonstration Projects” and software manual, self-published, by Barbara L. Barros, Boston 1994, incorporated herein by reference). This program provided an interactive tutorial and tool with which novice computer-users could make their own map libraries for a study of their neighborhoods, cities, or towns. The software program used the first widely available hypermedia software development tools; APPLE COMPUTER INC.'s two-layered HYPERCARD. On the background layer of the map-making software was a base map either drawn by the user or imported as a scan or GIS-generated bitmap graphic. The user rendered sets of information on separate top layers using paint (raster or bitmap) graphics, text fields, and buttons which could link to new maps, paint layers, and text. The overlays were automatically indexed in a directory from which users could select layers to combine on a new, aggregated map. However, the layers were then fused together, so the map could not be used to aid a flowing analytical thought process.
The primary intent of the “City View/Town View” map-making software was to enable civil servants and citizens to engage in exercises through which they could improve their awareness of local planning issues and opportunities. The software had several significant limitations: (1) the map features were not objects and could not have data or scripts attached to them, (2) map graphics could only be in black and white which reduced legibility and appeal, (3) the software was dependent on APPLE′S MACINTOSH operating system having limited distribution, (4) users tended not to have or be able to afford base map data, and (5) the large amounts of graphic data generated could not be stored on most personal computers or shared easily with others.
CD-ROMs and the World Wide Web are, at this time, the two predominant means of delivering hypermedia. For organizing and displaying material, these current hypermedia use GUI (graphical user-interface) formats which are derivative. They draw from a combination of print publication equivalents, software document-creation conventions, and video presentation methods.
CD-ROMs were the first major application of hypermedia because of the vast storage capability for graphics and sound. These files are linked to create multidimensional games, training materials, and reference sources. Current reference CD-ROMS are organized to incrementally access graphic and text information on a single subject, but are not presently designed to enable comparison and to enhance prolonged, dynamic visual analysis.
The second major hypermedia application is the World Wide Web. Presently, the technology favors lengthy text over graphics, and graphics are commonly used as small link buttons and illustrations rather than as the core data set. While searchable GIS maps and ecommerce shopping sites are growing to be among the popular image-intensive applications on the Web, the quality of their interactivity and usefulness for visual analysis and comparison is extremely low. A complex quest is constrained by the slow speed of the Web's current infrastructure and its standard presentation methods.
For example, the Web's current accepted practice of presenting material is based on a page-to-page metaphor related to print magazines. The magazine-like vertical layout requires the scrolling of the page to accommodate the horizontal orientation of the computer screen. The page is made up of magazine-like article, illustration, and ad components. The eye roams from component to component, viewing each separately. Text is often lengthy. To obtain additional information, hypertext, symbols, drop-down menus, or query forms are clicked to call up an entirely new Web page. Often the new material is at a different Web site with a different format. The viewer attempts, with minimal success, to carry in the mind's eye the sequence of information, links, and pages. The viewer must build a mental model of the findings of their inquiry, instead of having this accomplished for them in the computer. It was this understanding and recognition of the problems with the prior art system that formed the impetus for the described embodiments.
The various embodiments generally relate to computer controlled graphic display systems. More specifically, the embodiments provide systems and software for organizing and configuring large, complex sets of graphic information for quick access and in-depth analytical study. The embodiments enable the integration of information from many sources for viewing in a layered and slotted, interactive map format.
FIGS. 8A-h depict layered indexes and keys with key extenders and retrieval bars to organize and access a large information set in accordance with one or more embodiments;
FIGS. 9A-d provide examples of informational advertising integrated into a system including an interactive map-format user-activity report in accordance with one or more embodiments;
First, briefly in overview, the described embodiments pertain to a computer technology employing a next-generation computer interface, multi-media databases, and a user-tracking system to dynamically build a customized, interactive mapset. The computer technology enables content-producers to offer material as standard-formatted data that can be “picked up” by users as they browse. The computer technology enables the user to seamlessly follow a sustained, multi-faceted, analytical thought process by manipulating “map” components, layers, and annotations.
The graphic-information flow method and system uses layering and hypermedia technology to maximize the flow of information, insights, and ideas during the process of inquiry. The described embodiments provide an external aid to enhance reflective cognition (“Things That Make Us Smart,” by Donald A. Norman, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1993, incorporated herein by reference as if restated in full). The described embodiments are a true browsing device for smoothly pursuing a question, for analyzing, exploring, and discovering, for comparing variations, for studying patterns and relationships, and for reaching well-informed decisions.
The graphic-information flow method and system is designed to enable continuous, focused concentration so that the computer screen becomes an extension of the mind's eye. The described embodiments enable the user to seamlessly follow a sustained, multi-faceted, analytical thought process by manipulating “map” components, layers, and annotations. Just the diagram pertinent to the moment is viewed, free of distracting, irrelevant information.
Unlike expert and artificial-intelligence systems, here the human being is the intelligent expert with the described embodiments serving to augment the human thought process. The users of the graphic-information flow method and system are active participants. They gain knowledge and understanding through the hands-on process of map-making. Users customize information sets by selecting layers and filling slots, then by querying to refine them. Individual analysis is further supported by providing marking tools to both stimulate and record insights.
The described embodiments combine hypermedia and layering technologies. They enable layers produced by graphics, drafting, and information systems to be organized and formatted into easy-to-use frameworks. Non-technical producers can create multi-dimensional interactive documents and reports for wide distribution. The maps can be accessed by non-technical audiences either the general public or experts in a field of study.
The map-based, graphic-information flow method and system can be used to significantly improve the ability to study almost any complex subject. By representing a place, topic, or thing in a multi-dimensional map, previously-hard-to-recognize patterns and relationships can be discovered. These would otherwise not be apparent by attempting to view directly the place, topic, or thing or by more traditional analytical methods.
The method and system employs what is sometimes termed “cognitive art”—visual representations that aid the comprehension of complex information sets. (“The Visual Display of Quantitative Information” 1983, “Envisioning Information” 1990, and “Visual Explanations” 1997 by Edward R. Tufte, Graphics Press, Cheshire, Conn., incorporated herein by reference as if restated in full). The term “map” is most commonly associated with a flat, simplified representation of a landscape from above. A map can also be any visual portrayal of a geographic area or imaginary place including a cartographic, diagrammatic, photographic, perspective, or bird's-eye-view image or three-dimensional model. As well, a map can be a diagrammatic representation of a complex object (the human body, a vehicle, a building). A map can also graphically portray a topic for which a set of pictures or words are understood more clearly in a series of subsets and in relationship to each other (an organizational chart, a chemical sequence, or a set of scaled, color images of possible plants for the garden of different heights and flowering seasons).
In relation to the described embodiments, the important addition to any such picture chart, diagram, or graph that makes it a “map” is the provision of interactive keys. These keys do more than merely define map symbols. The interactive keys enable the user to quickly switch between views showing only selected subsets of interest at the moment.
The resulting ability to instantaneously customize views of information sets supports a mapping process of: 1) setting out the significant features of a place, topic, or thing, 2) defining the features' relevant attributes, 3) seeing what attributes various features have in common and how they differ, 4) detecting how often or rarely features and attributes occur, and in what patterns, and 5) noticing the significance of their real or symbolic proximity to one another.
Understanding of the patterns and relationships often benefits from annotations viewed temporarily in association with map features. In the described embodiments, text, charts, drawings, photographs, animations, sound, or video footage may be attached as annotations to map features.
The described embodiments combine a diagrammatic map with illustrative pop-ups. This dual-view design reflects the analytical mind's-eye process of switching back and forth between the overview structural image of a subject and close-up, eye-level views or “vignettes” of particular features. To aid this mental process, two perspectives can be seen at once. First, the content of the overview is pulled apart and organized into layers or matrices. Second, the descriptive feature view is shown directly in association with the feature's place on the overview.
The overview enables examination of numerous meta-representations of the whole place, topic, or thing. By switching groups of features in the layers or slots, the viewer can focus on studying patterns and relationships within particular subsets of the whole.
Individual features can be examined “up close” via pop-up annotations. For the same reasons that sidebars, summaries, and sound-bytes are useful and effective, the material in these descriptive close-ups is stripped to the essentials and consolidated into graphic representations and short text. These annotations are accessed in digestible chunks within “pop-up, flip-thru storybooks.” The viewer studies an introductory pop-up card, then can click to go forward or backward in a series of flip-cards which further describe the map feature. In the storybooks, short flip-card animations are used to economically create dramatic explanation. When animation and video is used in pop-ups, it is in the form of short clips. Animation and video is used not to purely entertain. Its purpose is to clarify or explain the character and multi-dimensional aspects of a place or object, product assembly procedures, or the pattern of a movement such as a rock-climbing maneuver or a hurricane's path. Pop-up materials are concise in order to augment and enlighten, but not distract from, the study of the map overview.
The graphic-information flow system is perceived as a set of “maps”—an atlas or a catalogue. Thereby the body of information attains the feeling and credibility of a single reference object even though materials may be pulled dynamically from many sources. The described embodiments enable data from these numerous sources to be stored in a common format so that, for each user, material is gathered during the browsing process into a personalized mapset.
One embodiment provides an online alternative to reference books such as product catalogues, yellow pages directories, travel guidebooks, entertainment listings, encyclopedias, natural history guides, text books, machine manuals, and land-use planning reports. Another embodiment can also provide an online specialty store where consumers can ask to see and compare all the available offerings for a particular item from a multitude of manufacturers and distributors. As well, another embodiment can be used to create an image-based library for comparing similar objects such as ceramic vases, volcano eruptions, colonial churches, and butterflies.
With the graphic-information flow system, producers of information gain by being able to reach viewers more effectively than by current print and electronic methods. At this time, Internet producers put up a self-standing Web site which viewers must learn of and locate, usually via a search engine, and then must browse through to find one piece of information at a time. The various embodiments enable the creation of digital repositories with standardized formatting to aggregate data from many sources. With the graphic-information flow method and system, the value of every piece of information is increased exponentially by being easily viewable in proximity with other related information. Viewers can comparison shop for products, travel plans, and points-of view.
Pop-up annotations augment without breaking the comparison process. Each pop-up is a sidebar-like annotation to the body of information on the main viewing area of the map; therefore viewers are more likely to take a few moments to explore the descriptive material without fear of getting lost. The map remains the orientating device to come back to. Viewers feel in control and can digest the descriptive material at their own pace. Pop-ups about geographic sites have added power because they are seen and remembered in association with the site's location. Pop-ups can serve as an effective and useful advertising mechanism sought after by prospective consumers. Unlike Web banner ads, viewers are actually asking to see the ads or “info-tizements” because they are associated with the topics the viewers are researching.
With the annotation and publishing tools, users of the graphic-information flow method and system can define new features and attributes to contribute to a mapset and can post new layers and mapsets online to share with others. The graphic-information flow method and system is intended to take publishing beyond the single-source, broadcast model to the many-to-many model. At the same time it is intended to provide the ability for respected experts and information-integrators to create tangible, credible, “branded” hubs that take responsibility for the quality of the content they make available.
The graphic-information flow method and system for visually analyzing patterns and relationships is a computerized reference map system for assembling and integrating a set of materials about a place, topic, or thing in order to enhance the flow of information during the process of searching for knowledge and insight. A database-derived “map” displays representations of a place or a set of objects to be compared. This single, compact computer user-interface with layered indexes, keys, and content enables discrete sets of material from a dispersed network of large, multimedia databases to be accessed smoothly and repeatedly.
The method and system software uses layered and slotted maps with clickable map keys. The viewer manipulates “map” components, content layers, and annotations by clicking symbols. Clicking symbols on map keys and query boxes shows and hides graphic features with requested attributes. The features are organized in map layers and slots. Clicking map features shows and hides text messages and pop-up annotations about the features. The viewer thereby easily studies features in context with other relevant graphic information. The various embodiments provide for smoothly calling forth a set of graphic data to inform and stimulate a sustained, multi-faceted, analytical thought process.
The software may be deployed as a stand alone application and on enterprise, intranet, and internet networks. It may be used in traditional personal computers and in future computer systems employing screens that may be flat, wireless, and/or pressable or pen-responsive, that may be larger or smaller than current PC screens, and that may be as portable, thin, foldable or rollable as a paper map or chart (see
The graphic-information flow method and system for visually analyzing patterns and relationships is realized through computer software. Template computer software is configured to publish a set of materials in a format that the user can smoothly browse. The software calls from a multimedia database to display a graphical user-interface (GUI) and alter it in response to user commands. The GUI has a central layered or slotted map area surrounded by control panels.
The software employs “smart” graphics as symbols on maps and control panels. The graphics are “smart” in that they can be programmed to respond to user commands, calling to a database to cause an action. Users click control panel keys and query boxes to fill map layers and slots. Users point at and click “smart” graphics on the maps to call forth annotational text, images, sound, and video. Users at the back-end and front-end create, drag, reshape, reprogram, and otherwise change “smart” graphics with editing tools.
The graphic-information flow system software template consists of GUIs (graphical user-interfaces), multimedia databases, and the software for configuring and operating the maps. The GUI is designed to permit operation on a variety of existing and future hardware devices; and the software can be developed using commonly available software languages, database programs, and electronic information systems.
Software on the server and client performs a number of functions. The template software enables customization of the database features, attributes, symbols, annotations, and topic organization; of the GUI layout; and of the animation and query configurations. GUI and database tools are provided for initial mapset creation and subsequent editing by authorized editors, dynamic databases, and public users. Software components include map and database interfacing; dynamic generation of graphics, imagemaps, and code; and user-tracking and activity-reporting. Directory and query box formatting automatically turns text lists into formatted top-layer graphics with retrieval bars and key extenders as necessary. The software uses “smart” graphics to provide for interactive keys and map features, map graphics layering and slotting, querying, and notation and publishing tools. The software also accommodates signaling from input/output devices such as GPS and adaptation to future input, output, and selector devices.
Special control apparatus are used extensively throughout the system's graphical user-interfaces to retrieve layered indexes, keys, and map content. These special control apparatus enhance the ease of browsing while accommodating the size and resolution limitations of the computer screen. These preferred special control apparatus are designed to improve operation, but are not required and do not preclude use of other special control apparatus.
Five special control apparatus augment the index, key, and map configurations. First, message boxes within the map area show updateable text data. The message is typically: 1) the name and other tabular data for a feature in response to the cursor pointing to the feature, or 2) data for a set of features which is updated dynamically as time-sensitive information is changed in the database. Small message boxes also may appear as pop-up feature labels atop the map. Message boxes may be used for the viewer to type text input. Second, retrieval bars are used for switching information in indexes, keys, message boxes, and pop-ups. Retrieval bars use graphical or alphabetical segments that provide an improved alternative to traditional scroll bars. Third, key extenders revise control panel and message box content via overlays and pop-ups. Key extenders provide means for selecting additional feature attributes and for switching topics and sets of keys or message box contents. Keys are extended by clicking on topic titles or arrows. Fourth, query boxes, that may be in the form of key extenders or map area pop-ups, provide means for selecting multiple attributes for a complex query. A query is requested by clicking a button; and the results are returned by updating the map area. Fifth are user editing and publishing tools along with interactive how-to guides and tutorials that take new users through notation and publishing procedures.
Having the foregoing objects and functionality in mind, attention is now directed to a specific embodiment. Referring now to
Turning now to
As is discussed in detail in
A user 301 uses special control apparatus 313 to signal (for instance by clicking or dragging or other suitable indication means) that a visual representation of a portion of the control panel document should appear or be collected in the map slots 309 or subsequently removed from the map or altered within the map. These visual representations may be words, symbols, or images or a combination of words, symbols, images, and the like. Once these representations are displayed in the map, additional control apparatus 306 within the map area 303 may be used to remove or reshow their display, change their appearance or associated data, alter the look and/or content of the control panel document 311, and alter the look of “smart graphic” objects 312 and special control apparatus 313 in the map and control panel 304. By pointing the cursor at a “smart graphic” object 312 in the map or control panel document, a user 301 requests text or graphic data to be retrieved from the database and displayed in the message box 307. By clicking on a “smart graphic” word set, symbol, or image 312 in the map or in the document, the user requests a pop-up annotation 308 about that which is represented by the word set, symbol, image. Alternatively, clicking on a word set, symbol, or image in the map can call forth, in the control panel area 310, enlargements, information, text, and visual descriptions represented by the word set, symbol, or image. A special control apparatus such as a button 314 or the like may be used to show, in the control panel area 310, graphics and/or text for all or a portion of the set of images and words that have been collected in the map. Once collected, the object may be manipulated or removed, and the original document may be redisplayed.
As shown in
The graphic information flow system can display images representing any place, topic, or thing. Three types of map layout within GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) are shown in
At the bottom of the drawing, a series of GUIs as seen above in
In operation 602 of
In operation 603 of
In operation 604, a click on a feature, 615, causes the display of an interactive pop-up annotation, 616. When the pop-up appears, the feature on the map that was clicked is highlighted to retain the connection between the annotation and the feature. The configuration of the pop-up, 305 is determined by the data in columns 216 and 217, informing the software as to which graphics, text, and sound to retrieve from the file, 218. The pop-up itself may be interactive with mouse clicks triggering animations, 605, or causing new pop-up cards to be displayed, 606.
In order to call forth another mapset, the user clicks an index or a context map or diagram, 607. The context control, 617 shows the present location of the current map in the mapset. Clicking its highlighted areas calls up the master directory or switches to other maps. The other maps may be another representation of the same data or a related information set.
The initialization of the program, navigation to the desired mapset, and manipulation of the interactive map are depicted generally in the flowchart of
If the software includes a directory, the User may click, 102 on a directory extender control apparatus. The directory will then be revised. The program will call up additional subdirectory text or zoom in on a world map or overview image. This process is repeated until the desired mapset is identified by title or image. The selection of the desired mapset is accomplished via event, 110 in which the User clicks on a mapset title or image. The program displays a base map for a mapset of a place, topic, or thing. The selected mapset is recorded in the user-tracking system, 190 and subsequent user-events are also recorded, 191-194.
Once the base map is displayed, the User will use the control panel key to select the first topic set for display on the base map. The User may first need to click on the key extender, 120 to revise the key in order to view the desired feature-set. The User clicks on a key symbol, 121, and the feature-set is displayed on the map. To accomplish this, the program searches in the database and recognizes the feature-set (layer) associated with the x,y coordinate of the mouse click (see
If the symbol is not a rectangle, the program determines its shape. The shape may be a set of points for a line or polygon or a bitmap graphic with a mask. The program alters the map only for the area within the symbol. If the symbol (typically a shape or polygonal area) is designated as transparent, the program calculates the alteration of the underlying map colors within the area. For gridded slots each showing images of similar objects for comparison, the appropriate feature of the object is highlighted. For layers or slots, a highlight may be an outline or filled shape; it may be opaque or a transparent tone altering the color of the underlying image.
If the User clicks on the same key symbol, 122, the feature-set is deleted on the map. The program repeats the actions of 121, but deletes the symbol or images by displaying the appropriate portion of the base map image (stored in the user-tracking database) in its place. If the User clicks on a symbol or label in a query box or enters text in a query box, 130, the feature-set is displayed on the map by another means, as follows. The program repeats the actions of 121, but searches for multiple columns to be checked or searches for text matches in a column. It displays a symbol, image, or highlight at the designated x, y coordinates or in the designated slot, replacing the graphic of the base map.
The User then will click another key symbol or query, 140 adding a new feature-set to the map. The program repeats the actions of 121, but does so in comparison with other symbols, images, or highlights currently displayed (see
Two means of viewing annotational material about map features are described. First, if the User points with the cursor (mouseOver) at a feature (symbol) on the map, 150, a message and label may be displayed (see
Second, if the User clicks on a map symbol, 151, the program displays a highlight around the map symbol and a pop-up is displayed. The program searches in the database and recognizes the feature associated with the x, y coordinate of the mouse click (see
The pop-up itself may be interactive. If the User clicks on a pop-up hot spot (a button, object, icon, or imagemap), 152, the pop-up is altered (see
If the User clicks on a symbol or map while the pop-up is showing, 154, the pop-up is hidden. The highlight of the map symbol is deleted and the original map replaces the pop-up in the quadrant or portion of the map. Clicking a key symbol also hides the pop-up before altering the map display. The program may be set up so that clicking on another visible map symbol will simply replace the contents of the pop-up and reposition it if appropriate.
If the User clicks on a notation tool for text, lines, or shapes in the control panel, 160 optional, the cursor changes to the I-beam (for text) or a cross (for a line or a shape). The User presses on the map and types or drags. Upon release, text, line, or shape notations are made on top of the map and recorded in the user-tracking system. The notation layer symbol is highlighted on the key (additional notation layers may be provided). When the User clicks on a key symbol for the notation layer, the notations are hidden or shown.
User-editing, 170, is optional for public users; this is the process whereby authorized Editors add information via a password-protected back-end interface (see
Authorized Editors' changes are entered in the base map or topical databases, as appropriate. For public users, the row is added to the user-tracking system database within a user-added layer associated with the User ID. A data entry dialog box appears in which the Editor enters name, message information, and pop-up data; this is optional for public users. When the Editor/User enters a name and other data and clicks “OK”, the data entry dialog box disappears. The name and data are entered into the database row of the new symbol and then are called up when the User clicks a new symbol, 150, 151, 152. If the Editor/User does not press a new symbol or clicks “cancel” in the data entry dialog box, an alert message appears asking the User if they want to delete the symbol. If the User clicks “yes” or “cancel”, the alert dialog box disappears and the new symbol is deleted. If “no”, the data entry dialog box reappears. If the Editor/User clicks the delete-symbol tool and clicks on a user-added map symbol, a symbol is deleted from the map and the row is deleted from the database. An “Are you sure?” dialog may appear before doing so and the User may thereby cancel the deletion.
Editing may also be done via a database interface. If the Editor/User clicks on “view database” in the control panel or in the edit or tools menu, the appropriate portion of the database appears in the map area. Any fields that may not be edited are grayed. The Editor/User may add rows and enter text in the database. The Editor/User may toggle between the database interface and the revised map to view and modify changes.
Users may save, print, and publish their mapsets, 180. When the User clicks on the “save” button or menu, the mapset is saved. When the User clicks on the “print” button or menu, the mapset is printed. When the User clicks on the “publish” button or menu, the mapset is published online.
An exemplar GUI (Graphical User-Interface) layout and its components shown in
Upon retrieving the desired mapset with its basemap visible in the Map Area, the user may click on the Topic Selector, 7, to retrieve site or object information for a particular topic in several ways. Clicking the underlined topic name will replace the base key with a topic-related key. Clicking on the box to the left of the topic name will call forth a query box in the key or as a pop-up (see
The central Map Area displays the content as sets of map symbols. Map symbols, 9, for sites and objects with information in the database are “hot.” Pointing at a symbol will call forth into the message box, 10, the site/object's name and descriptive material. The message box is also used as a title bar to display the mapset title and subcategory title, as shown in
In
1. Current Events
2. Environment
3. People of the World
4. History/Geography
5. Metro Areas/Cities
6. Travel Planning
In this example, the User has selected the “Current Events” topic in the control panel, resulting in a second key of subtopics:
1. Time/Sun-Shadow
2. Weather
3. Geography & News
a. Government
b. Science/Nature
c. Business
d. People
The user wishes to view the time in different cities of the world, weather, and news. As new data are called for, the system pulls from third-party databases and public information Web sites; and it dynamically refreshes the display with the most current entries. Pointing at a “hot news” symbol has called forth a headline in the message box; clicking it would call forth an interactive map of the news site in place of the world map. Further maps on weather as well as geographic information on news stories can be called up by clicking on the Current Events key. In
The interactive world map is also used as a directory to an extensive map atlas. The world map can be clicked to zoom into regional mapsets; or the index listing the map locations (to left of map) can be used (see
The user now clicks on Hawaii on the world map or the index of
In
The results of the plant species query may also be viewed in a slotted map by clicking on the “Grid” or “Graph” selectors in the key, as shown in
In
The collected image and text symbols may be organized in a set of slots 5 in the map area 12 as shown or in another slotted and layered layout. These “smart graphic” symbols carry data about the content they represent. They may be “hot” in that user actions towards them using devices such as a cursor, keyboard, or touch screen will trigger a change in the display. Pointing at a smart graphic symbol may call forth into the message box 7 a name, title, or other descriptive material associated with the content represented. Clicking on a map symbol may bring forth additional information by one of several means. Clicking may cause a slotted and layered pop-up to appear as described in conjunction with
The “smart graphics” symbols can inform an intelligent agent to bring more data like those data previously collected in the map into the control panel area or otherwise transform the content and/or look of the document in the control panel area based on what has been collected. The intelligent agent may also employ fuzzy logic to bring similar data into the control panel area if the data does not strictly match the previously-collected data. The degree of matching may be set by the user, by software, or by other suitable means.
Due to the unique identifier (ID) and data attached to or associated with the symbols, the user may explicitly request the display in the control panel area of a set of data represented by the symbols collected. For example, to collect a set of representations to be isolated for study as shown in
In the process of viewing each page of the document, the user has checked “Save in My Collection” checkmark 4 associated with content items in the document on three different pages. Each of these user actions has filled a slot 5 in the map with a “smart graphic” symbol representing the content (image, name, and description) for each item. The symbol may be the item's name, its image, a smaller version of its image, or another representation. The user can drag symbols between slots to rearrange them as part of the analytical thought process. To remove an item from the collection, the user can uncheck a highlighted checkmark, for example, “collected” checkmark 4a or “Page 4 Item 5” checkmark 6, or another button or label. Alternatively, a symbol for a removal area (such as a trash bin) may be provided into which the user can drag the item to clear it from the collection. Instead of completely deleting a collected item, unchecking it can cause the system to place a layer with a white or colored screen 8 above the image or text in the slot. By “greying out” the symbol or diminishing its clarity in some other way, the symbol remains in view in case the user changes their mind; then they can click the “put back in collection” checkmark 4b or re-select checkmark 6a again to fully reinstate the symbol in the collection. When all the collection slots are filled, new items to be collected can be inserted into the greyed out slots. Limiting the number of slots available for collecting items can cause the user to hone their search by having to make choices in a process of elimination. Alternatively, the impression of having extra spaces to save items can be provided by using clickable arrows or another method to bring additional items into the slots to give the sense of scrolling through a set of items longer than the number of slots. As another alternative, additional slots may appear when the slots initially provided are filled or the map area may be enlarged to show additional slots.
Referring also to
By a means such as clicking the “Show My Collection in 1 Page” button 10 in the map area 12 or control panel 1200, the user can request the control panel area 1200 to be filled with the image, name, and description of each of the collected items, as depicted in
Multiple map collections may be created by a user and interchanged smoothly. The navigation to the desired map may be accomplished via an optional slotted and layered map index 11 as described in conjunction with
In the two examples of a search for products and information depicted in
The display is divided into several parts as shown in
The left hand side of the display diagrammed in
These interactive capabilities diagrammed in
As part of organizing her documents to be viewed in the control panel document, she has created a list of “Sources” (Original, Books, Journals, Web, Photos, Maps) as her document index. When she clicks on one of the items in the document index for “Sources”, its document navigation system appears above. In this case, she has clicked on “Web” and a Web browser bar has appeared. She uses this navigation system to search and locate World Wide Web-based documents. For other source types, an index linked to a set of archives of those source materials might appear in the document navigation system area.
The researcher is searching through documents and collecting data and links in a gridded chart called her “Link Collection” in a method similar to that described in
The researcher is interested in the historic development of the area of lower Manhattan that originally was a pond and wetlands. At the point illustrated in
The document is a control panel because it has been specially formatted with “smart graphics” text or “links” related to the set of slotted maps. When the researcher drags highlighted text up to a slot, the look of the highlighted text in the document changes to show that it has been collected. Not only will the highlighted text in the document link to pages of additional information related to the word or phrase; but the link is configured so the additional information or the access path to it can be picked up as the researcher drags the highlighted words up to the Link Collection map. Subsequently, by clicking on a slot, the additional information will appear in the control panel document. Additional information may be passed so that it can be used by the system in other ways. It may inform an intelligent agent to search for more web pages like those collected and to bring into the key or layers of the geographic map atlas features related to that which has been collected. The passed information may cause the system to change the content or look of one or more of the maps. For instance, the data passed might include a date that can determine positioning in the timeline or an address or geographic coordinates to determine positioning in a geographic map. The configuration of the link may also include an abbreviated version of the word or phrase so that it will fit into the space provided in the Link Collection map slots. Alternatively, the user may be given the ability to save the link with a label of her own choosing that will best remind her of that particular data set. In addition, instead of collecting one item per slot, the system shown allows the researcher to deposit numerous “smart” graphics links relating to a particular subject into the same slot. The researcher has collected the word “cholera” in the slot named “disease.” New terms and subjects such as “KalchHook” and “Manhattan Company” she drags into empty slots to create new categories; the phrase “Manhattan Company” is automatically shortened to “Manhattan Co.” to fit the slot. Then she can click on one of these slots to ask to view in the control panel area a particular set of information associated with the collected links, such as: 1) all of that category's links, 2) all of its data, 3) a list of all of the original documents from which the links were collected, or 4) all of the document sections such as paragraphs surrounding those links in the original documents. She may also choose, via the Keyword Plotter, to have her collection of place names and topics, including themes, people, and objects, plotted in the geographic map, time line, or other chart. She may choose to see the images associated with these places and topics in the catalog format in place of the document control panel; she can then toggle between the text document and her image collection by means of the tabs at the top of the Link Collection.
As the researcher progresses in finding relevant data for her research project, she can rearrange the words in her Link Collection slots as she organizes and thinks about the subject matter. In addition, some of the patterns and relationships regarding the collected data can be better understood in relationship to time and space. Therefore the system enables the researcher to have selected data formatted for viewing in a timeline graph and a geographic map. She can drag a “smart graphic” with a date attached from the Link Collection into the timeline. If the “smart graphic” has an address or geographic coordinates attached, it can be dragged into the geographic map; and if it also has a date, it can be located within the correct history map layers. The system enables the researcher to select a symbol and label for the data to be displayed in the timeline and in the geographic map. The timeline and geographic map have data for layers and slots in one or more databases that are accessed through symbol-list keys. The timeline has a scrolling date retrieval bar at the bottom so that the researcher can position and view data for particular eras. To enlarge the timeline, she can press on the right hand edge, the bottom edge, or the bottom right corner to drag and extend the size of the timeline into more of the display area.
The geographic map is connected to an atlas of map layers, data, and images. Keys are provided to access this data. This map has a simple symbol-list key in the upper right corner through which basic features can be easily shown or hidden. At the bottom it has a layered symbol-list key. The researcher has previously brought forth layers including those of population density (persons per acre), historic development, and districts (Civic Center and Chinatown); and they show in the Selections list. The Selections list has special symbols to the right of the map feature symbols through which the researcher can alter how the feature is displayed. For example, the districts default is a solid pattern; but the “X” enables the street pattern to show, the square enables the district outline to show, and the “L” enables labels to show. The researcher can select any combination of formats for each feature. In the map of Manhattan shown in the illustration, the researcher has selected to show the shoreline, water bodies, and streets from 1660 along with the present day major streets with labels and the streets of the Civic Center and Chinatown. From the timeline, she has dragged down the “5-Points” symbol into the map area for the geographic map so that it will be properly located by the software program based on the x,y coordinates of its latitude and longitude in the database. She can then study the district's relationship to the original pond and its subsequent filling for development. She can click on the symbol for the “5-Points” and a gridded-map catalog of historic and present-day images of the district will appear in the control panel area, replacing the document. She can switch from her links- to her images-collection to collect images from the image catalog or from a document by clicking the “Image Collection” tab below the navigation bar. Via other tabs she can hide the image catalog and go back to her document in the control panel. As she has been reading the document, she has learned about reservoirs associated with the pond and she is in the process of looking up “reservoir” in the map atlas key to see the location of the reservoir described in the text. She will then click “Zoom In” to have that portion of the map fill the map area so that she can study that area of the city more closely. She can also click “3-D Model” to view her selected layers draped on top of a three-dimensional view of the area in order to study the data related to topographic changes in elevation.
By the method and system described in this scenario, the researcher smoothly gathers and analyzes data, organizes her conclusions, and then goes on to use the system of interactive charts, graphs, and maps to present and publish the thesis in an interactive format.
Although various embodiments have been described in detail for the purpose of illustration it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/264,096, filed on Nov. 3, 2008, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/329,419, filed on Jan. 11, 2006, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,177, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/007,387, filed on Oct. 22, 2001, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,085, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/642,537 filed on Jan. 11, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/644,987 filed on Jan. 21, 2005. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/007,387 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/359,544, filed on Jul. 22, 1999, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,307,573. All of the above-referenced applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60642537 | Jan 2005 | US | |
| 60644987 | Jan 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12264096 | Nov 2008 | US |
| Child | 14066595 | US | |
| Parent | 11329419 | Jan 2006 | US |
| Child | 12264096 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 09359544 | Jul 1999 | US |
| Child | 10007387 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10007387 | Oct 2001 | US |
| Child | 11329419 | US |
