Eric D Hoppe

US Patent:

55154883, May 7, 1996

Filed:

Aug 30, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/297996

Inventors:

Eric A. Hoppe - San Jose CA
Ramana B. Rao - CA
Jock Mackinlay - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

Xerox Corporation - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G06F 1730

US Classification:

395140

Abstract:

A computer controlled display system providing for graphical representation of a query to a database and creation and traversal through a search history. A database search is typically performed by a sequence of narrowing queries. Each narrowing query is performed in a query window. A query window is comprised of an input area for entering query expressions, an query results display area, an indicator of a search scope associated with the query window and a history indicator area. A suitable information visualization technique is used to graphically display the search results in the query results display area. From these visualizations, new search scopes and query windows are created. A search path comprising the query windows for the current search path are displayed at any instant of time of the search. A history mechanism provides for ready traversal through the search history.