Abstract:
A system and method for creating a genealogical history uses a plurality of graphical keys that help a user to plan, organize and optimize a search and recordation of genealogical documents and sources. There are 3 types of keys which include Family Keys, Historical Keys and Ethnic Keys. These 3 types are divided into 9 document classifications including Primary, Time Segment, Combined Record, Navigational, Personal Family, Community Event, Special Service, Historical and Ethnic Records. The system provides a framework for logically connecting each document with additional information. The system also provides for quality control of the results to provide a selected level of confidence in the resulting family history. The system and method provides a clear and simple framework by which an individual can trace a family history by following predetermined steps leading the user to construct a reliable family history.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 60/914,315 filed Apr. 26, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    As generations pass, it is important to maintain our link with the past. Many people today have a renewed interest in finding an accurate family history for many reasons such as medical screening and diagnosis, religious reasons or just curiosity. 
         [0003]    It is often a long and arduous process to recreate a family tree that goes back more than a few generations and is often intimidating and confusing. Most serious individuals turn to a professional genealogist at some point in their search. The process of tracing family histories is an extremely time intensive process. 
         [0004]    Adding to this complexity is the fact that even one error in a source document can ripple through the history to the point where it is completely unreliable. Often, it appears so difficult and haphazard, that many people give up after attempting to trace their family history. There is a need for a method and system that allows an individual to trace their family history reliably and systematically. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A system and method for creating a genealogical history uses a plurality of graphical keys that help a user to plan, organize and optimize a search and recordation of genealogical documents and sources. There are 3 types of keys which include Family Keys, Historical Keys and Ethnic Keys. These 3 types are divided into 9 document classifications including Primary, Time Segment, Combined Record, Navigational, Personal Family, Community Event, Special Service, Historical and Ethnic Records. The system provides a framework for logically connecting each document with additional information. The system also provides for quality control of the results to provide a selected level of confidence in the resulting family history. The system and method provides a clear and simple framework by which an individual can trace a family history by following predetermined steps leading the user to construct a reliable family history. 
         [0006]    Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is an organizational chart showing the three Key Types according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a chart illustrating typical Family Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a chart showing typical Historical Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a chart showing typical Ethnic Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a chart showing typical Primary Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is chart showing typical Time Segment Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is chart showing typical Combined Record Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is chart showing typical Navigational Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is chart showing typical Personal Family Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is chart showing typical Community Event Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is chart showing typical Special Service Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is chart showing typical Historical Record Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is chart showing typical Ethnic Record Keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is an illustration of a Quality Control Tag according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is an illustration of a front of a graphical key according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is an illustration of a back of a graphical key according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is an illustration showing a plurality of graphical keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a system diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is an illustration showing a plurality of graphical keys according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system and method for creating a genealogical history utilizes a set of graphical keys  100  that allow a user to plan, organize and generally guide the user through all aspects of tracing the history. There are  3  types of Keys  100  including Family Keys  110 , Historical Keys  120  and Ethnic Keys  130 . These broad types start the process of directing a user and focusing them on the important steps, sources and types of materials required in historical research. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  further breaks down the Family Key  110  into 7 sub-keys. Family Keys  110  includes Primary Keys  210 , Time segment Keys  220 , Combined Record Keys  230 , Navigational Keys  240 , Personal Family Keys  250 , Community Event Keys  260  and Special Service Keys  270 . Of course additional sub-keys are possible and these sub-keys are very useful in conducting a thorough genealogical history. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a further breakdown of Historical Keys  120  into an Historical Records  310  sub-key and Ethnic Keys  130  into an Ethnic Records  410  sub-key. Each of these sub-keys will be described in more detail below. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , Primary Keys  210  include Birth Records  510 , Divorce Records  520 , Marriage Records  530  and Death Records  540 . Time Segment Keys  220  include such things as Colonial Records  610 , Pioneer Records  620  and Social Security Death Index (SSDI)  630 . In world-wide applications, other countries may refer to these kind of documents by different names, but the type of material is generally the same and should be understood that Primary Keys  210  would include titles appropriate to the country of interest. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIGS. 7-8  and  18 , Combined Record Keys  230  includes things like the Internet  710 , Published Genealogies  720  and other Published Histories  730 . Navigational Keys  240  reference things like Directories  810 , Census Data and Publications  820 , Public Records  830  and Maps  840 . If the system is implemented using a computer  1860 , keys like Maps  840  may be located on a database  1820  and  1830  accessible through a network  1810  an in electronic communication  1840  with computer or other network appliance such as a PDA, Internet enabled cell phone, etc. Also, if data like a map is accessed as a hyperlinked document, a user may be able to successively click to target a specific geographic area of interest, public databases etc. making the system extremely user friendly. It should be noted; however, that it is not necessary to be connected to any kind of network to practice the instant invention. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 9 and 10 , Personal Family Keys  250  include Home Records  910 , Ephemeral Information  920  that although not created with permanence in mind, has none the less survived and Photographs  930 . Community Event Keys  260  include things like Church Records  1010 , Land Records  1020 , Property Records  1030 , Court Records  1040 , Tax Records  1050  and Newspaper Records  1060 . 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , Special Service Keys  270  includes Military Records  1110 , Social Organizational Records  1120  and Club Membership Records  1130 . Historical Records  310  includes Travel Records  1210 , Occupational Records  1220 , Institutional Records  1230 , School Records  1240  and Medical Records  1250 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , Ethnic Records  410  includes Immigration/Emigration Records  1310 , African American Records  1320 , Hispanic American Records  1330 , Native American Records  1340 , Asian American Records  1350 , Jewish American Records  1360  and Other Ethnic Records  1370 . Other Ethnic Records  1370  include such records found anywhere in the world. 
         [0035]      FIG. 14  shows a Quality Control Record  1400  according to an embodiment that allows a user to track and control the quality of the information reviewed using a coding system that includes coding to allow the user or others to judge the status and/or quality of the data. As an example, a coding system may be placed on Record  1400  at the location shown by  1440 . An example of a Quality Control code system includes (Y)es, (N)ot (A)pplicable, (D)oesn&#39;t (E)xist, (M)issing; (Fi)re; (Fl)ood; (W)ar, (V)andal. Of course other labels and codes may be used to allow the user to keep track of and control the quality of the data examined. In this way, the present invention uses cross-referencing to provide a self-error checking system to automatically tag any information that might be in error when the user follows the instant invention. Additionally, an informational section  1420  helps the user select the type of data needed to complete the genealogical research and include a listing of at least some of the Graphic Keys discussed above. A name or other information is placed on line  1410  to aid the user in keeping track of who the Key  1400  belongs to. 
         [0036]    Now referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a typical Graphical Key  1500  is shown having a large icon  1530  which graphically represents a particular type of data. A graphic of a key  1510  includes a small graphic  1520  which is a smaller version of the graphic  1530  shown on the front of Key  1500 . A text area  1540  includes a brief description of the Key  1500 . The back of Key  1600  is shown with additional graphics  1630  and  1650  and additional text sections  1610 ,  1620 ,  1640  and  1660 . Also, Keys  1500 ,  1600  may be single sided and in such an embodiment, Keys  1500 ,  1600  represent different formats, rather than front and backs. Of course, Key  1500  shown is a typical application, however, it should be clear to one skilled in the art that the exact location of the text and graphic is adjustable to suit the specific type of information being displayed. Text section  1620  may also includes a user fillable area allowing the user to fill in the appropriate information depending on the specific Key being used. For example, Key  1600  may be an Obituary Key with a graphic of the deceased person  1610  and the pertinent information filled in by the user in test section  1620  such as name, date of birth, place of birth, etc. Graphic key  1510  is the element that ties each application together and allows a user to identify the kind of data being discussed by simply viewing graphic key  1510 . Research aids, suggestions on how to locate records and quality control information may be placed on Keys  1500 . A separate key  1510  may be provided for each type and sub-type as discussed above. Graphics can include things like a scanned copy of a newspaper containing the data, a picture of a library where the data is located, a picture of a family member whose data is reproduced, etc. in order to give the user a quick visual reference of the information contained therein. Additionally, a user following the instant invention, is keeping track of any missing items and this Inventory of Missing Items may be kept on its own Key, ensuring quality control during the process. The inventory key is used to keep track of what is missing as well as why it is missing; fire, damaged document, etc. An inventory of the items obtained is also kept by a user following the instant invention and this inventory includes where the original data is located, it&#39;s condition, etc. that is used to ensure quality control throughout the process. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , a convenient take along Key set  1540  is provided with a binder portion  1720  and a binder clip  1710  to allow easy transport allowing a user to take the Keys  1540  to a library, office building, etc. Of course rather than printed Keys, Keys  1540  may be displayed on a computer, PDA or other electronic device that would function as an electronic version according to the instant invention. Other items such as Key Holders (not shown), board games (not shown), software programs, etc could be provided to allow a user to have a complete genealogical experience while using the instant invention. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 19 , a convenient take along Key set page  1900  is provided displaying a plurality of Keys  1910 ,  1915 ,  1920 ,  1925 ,  1930 ,  1935 ,  1940 ,  1945 ,  1950  and  1955 . Of course the size and number of Keys may vary according to specific applications and or user preferences. Additionally, individual pages  1900  may be placed in a binder (not shown) for convenient organization and portability. Also, as discussed above, rather than printed Key page, Key pages  1900  may be electrically displayed on a computer, PDA or other electronic device that would function as an electronic version according to the instant invention. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 18  again, original data and documents  1870  are examined with reference to Keys  1540  and may be entered into computer  1860  or physically organized in the non-electronic embodiment. An appropriate software program such as a database, spreadsheet or a proprietary program is loaded or resident on computer  1860  and is used to store and organize the date. As discussed previously, if computer  1860  is connected to a network  1810  through a LAN, Broadband, Dial-up, Wi-Fi, Hot Spot or other technology allowing network access, online databases  1830  and  1820  may be accessed remotely rather than physically examining the data. 
         [0040]    The system and method for creating a genealogical history according to an embodiment of the present invention allows the user to focus and gather relevant information that would likely be missed if a user were to simply run a name search. 
         [0041]    Each State in the United States has its own unique dates of origination recorded in its records. States are divided into counties, townships, parishes, unincorporated cities, etc. and often have their own unique dates of origination of its records. Each township has its own unique dates of origination of its records. These are inventoried and categorized by time frames and made available to the public. Also, the present invention is applicable for world-wide use where countries are divided into unique territories which have specific titles such as Shires in Great Britain or union territories in India, etc. The user simply fills in the appropriate title in spaces. 
         [0042]    The method according to the present invention includes classifying and grouping key documents into categories using graphic symbols that illustrate key categories thus categorizing all records. Each primary document can reveal other information that is in turn fed back into the present invention to yield even more information. As an example, birth certificates yield the following: 
         [0043]    Connectability &amp; Background: 
         [0044]    Name of the person born: 
         [0045]    Date of the birthday 
         [0046]    Place of the person born 
         [0047]    The name of the hospital or home of birth 
         [0048]    Name of his/her Mother 
         [0049]    Name of his/her Father 
         [0050]    Mother&#39;s birth US state or Country 
         [0051]    Father&#39;s birth US state or Country 
         [0052]    Sometimes the time of the birth 
         [0053]    Sometimes the address of the residence of family 
         [0054]    Sometimes the occupation of Mother 
         [0055]    Sometimes the occupation of Father 
         [0056]    Sometimes the number of children born already to the Mother 
         [0057]    Another example is a marriage license: 
         [0058]    Connectability &amp; Background 
         [0059]    Place of Marriage 
         [0060]    Name of the Bride 
         [0061]    Name of the Groom 
         [0062]    Resident of the Bride 
         [0063]    Resident of the Groom 
         [0064]    Age of Bride 
         [0065]    Age of Groom 
         [0066]    Spinster, Divorced or Widowed 
         [0067]    Marriage Application 
         [0068]    Sometimes the Bride&#39;s Parent&#39;s names, including mother&#39;s maiden name 
         [0069]    Sometimes the Groom&#39;s Parent&#39;s names, including mother&#39;s maiden name 
         [0070]    Sometimes the Bride&#39;s place of birth 
         [0071]    Sometimes the Groom&#39;s place of birth 
         [0072]    Occupation of Bride 
         [0073]    Occupation of Groom 
         [0074]    Quality Control is a very important aspect of the present invention. Reliable family information is very important in many ways. Quality Control for the Record Collection of Individuals in Family Groups 
         [0075]    Inventory according to the present invention includes at least a 3 step process. 
         [0076]    1. Inventory the records collected on family members 
         [0077]    2. Have a place to scan each document 
         [0078]    3. Have an inventory for the missing document(s) 
         [0079]    Quality Control for Analysis of choosing which documents have errors 
         [0080]    Quality Control is not just the number of documents that can be collected on a person. In one embodiment, it is a 4 step process. 
         [0081]    Collecting Family and Historical document keys. Add Ethnic key(s) when needed. 
         [0082]    Analyze and group each key document to its function properties (connectability or background). 
         [0083]    Compare and see if there are any conflicts of information within the collection of documents. 
         [0084]    Last, make sure you have collected similar documents for all siblings of the family groups to again compare for any conflicting information or any connectability. 
         [0085]    1. Images of Primary Documents that would be on FamilySearch.org, only for patrons to view and download with a Pass code that was registered from filling out the information from their Temple recommend and Membership Number. 
         [0086]    2. Quality Control additional software ad-in for TempleReady or other appropriate software: Enter name and date of ancestor. Templeready as usual will match names and dates. For Example: If the Templework has been completed, the image will be frozen and there cannot be an allowance for duplication of the Templework. The Templework has already been completed and is considered a closed record. The work for this person is completed when there is a scanned image of the document that relates to this event. 
         [0087]    According to the present invention, even if the Templework is closed, the method would reveal the dates while allowing you to contest a particular item. There is an entry in the program providing that a scanned birth certificate, death certificate, baptism, marriage certificate, etc could be accessed and only viewed if you type a family code to see this document and be able to download this image into your records. 
         [0088]    Another issue that is important to the present invention is the medical need to accurately trace family genetic conditions. 
         [0089]    In addition to the standard genealogical Keys discussed above, other Keys include specialized themes such as Holiday Themes, Christmas themes, Easter themes, Treasure map and time wheel, Valentines and Halloween, etc. that would be fun and interesting and encourage young users to trace family genealogy. Some other specialized themes could include “How to” Keys for the amateur genealogist, Thanksgiving cornucopia—Native American Genealogy and Mayflower Pilgrims, War Keys: for Revolutionary War, Civil War, Confederate and Union Genealogy, 1812, Mexican War, Vietnam, Korean, WWI, WWII, Spanish American, African American, All Countries, All Wars, All Timelines. 
         [0090]    Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.