Patent ID: 8135696
Filing Date: 2012-03-13
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for searching a computer database, said database containing information describing represented entities, said information including time-related information that relates one or more states or properties of said entities to one or more measures of time, comprising: a computer having a display screen establishing a region of display having at least two geometric dimensions; a time axis, definable in rectangular or polar coordinates with respect to said region of display, wherein geometric distance along said time axis is representative of the progression of time; a first graphical element, defined relative said region of display, defining a first geometric region; said first geometric region establishing a first time axis dimension, as the component of the geometric extent of the first geometric region in the direction of said time axis; a second graphical element, defining a second geometric region; said second geometric region establishing a second time axis dimension, as the component of the geometric extent of the second geometric region in the direction of said time axis; said first time axis dimension being representative of a first interval of time; said second time axis dimension being representative of a second interval of time no larger than the first interval of time; wherein the ratio between the respective durations of said second and first intervals of time is substantially similar to the ratio between the respective dimensions of said second and first time axis dimensions; wherein the start time of the second interval of time relative the start time of the first interval of time is substantially proportional to the geometric position, along the time axis, of the second geometric region relative the first geometric region; wherein the computer is programmed to perform a matching operation wherein the database is referenced to determine the quantity of database items that match a specific state or property for an included point or interval of time within said second interval of time; wherein the computer is programmed to derive a metric based at least in part on said quantity; wherein the computer is programmed to assign a visual appearance for said second graphical element, said visual appearance being derived at least in part from said metric; and wherein the computer is programmed to display said second graphical element on the display screen according to said visual appearance.