Patent ID: 7180516
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for creating a multidimensional visual representation of a group of data elements having integrated temporal and spatial properties, the data elements being included in the visual representation as a corresponding plurality of visual elements, the method comprising the steps of: generating a spatial domain of the visual representation to include a reference surface for providing a spatial reference frame having at least two spatial dimensions, the reference surface for relating a first visual element of the plurality of visual elements representing a first data element of the group to a first location of interest in the spatial reference frame and relating a second visual element of the plurality of visual elements representing a second data element of the group to a second location of interest in the spatial reference frame; generating a temporal domain of the visual representation operatively coupled to the spatial domain, the temporal domain for providing a common temporal reference frame for the locations of interest, the temporal domain including a first time track coupled to the first location of interest and a second time track coupled to the second location of interest, the first visual element positioned on the first time track and the second visual element positioned on the second time track, each of the time tracks extending with respect to the reference surface and configured for visually representing a respective temporal sequence of a plurality of the data elements at each of the locations of interest; positioning a respective instant of focus at the intersection region between each of the time tracks and the reference surface at the respective locations of interest, the instant of foci being used for visually distinguishing a range of past time in the temporal domain preceding the instant of foci and a range of future time in the temporal domain after the instant of foci, each of the instant of foci configured for synchronous repositioning along their respective one of the time tracks; and assigning a connection visual element in the visual representation between the first visual element and the second visual element, the connection visual element for representing an association distributed in at least one of the domains between the first visual element and the second visual element; wherein the visual representation is displayed on a user interface for subsequent interaction with user events.