Patent Abstract:
An investigative method, comprising a variety of strategic step controls to prevent user misuse including displaying the entire arc only when the second order implication stage is complete, allowing the option of timing from one assigned point of view only when timing was assigned, presenting third order nodes only when there is at least one positive and at least one negative second order implication, reminding the user to provide input if a predetermined amount of time has passed from the last receipt of input, permitting scoring of an arc only when scoring is assigned, disabling editability of implication text if scoring was assigned, directing a user to a scoring interface if only scoring was assigned, displaying desirability buttons and likelihood buttons when scoring, displaying a minority report interface when the minority report button is clicked, precluding acceptance of an incomplete minority report, precluding an option of time from all assigned points of view if time was not assigned and displaying options of open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view, time from all assigned points of view, and return completed arc.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to tools for exploring possibilities and more particularly to tools used for exploring and evaluating the likelihood and significance of possible events.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     People have long predicted the future. For instance, if a spouse presents flowers to their partner, they can predict that the reaction will be favorable. It is possible that the partner could not react or react negatively. Other implications are also possible. People are comfortable with predicting based upon the occurrence of an event. If “X” occurs then “Y” may be the result. From this very simplified methodology there is a very substantial room for improvement.  
         [0003]     A tool has been developed and sold under the trademark IMPLICATIONS WHEEL® developed and sold by the current inventor, Joel A. Barker. This tool essentially follows the format of If “X” occurs then “Y” may result. The tool, identifies many of the different implications that may flow from “X.” Then additional layers may be followed out, separately treating each “Y” portion of the equation as a new “X” and looking for the next round of implications. The process may be repeated as many times as desired to reach out as far into the future as desired.  
         [0004]     This tool has been important within corporate America due to the commercial advantage of being extremely well positioned for the future. For instance, a company may wish to understand what could result from buying out another company. Some of the immediate implications may include anti-trust problems, strategic partner benefits, combining of research and development departments and other potentially readily discernable implications. Less discernable implications are more readily uncovered with the aid of the IMPLICATIONS WHEEL® brand exploring tool. Subsequent layers of implications may also be uncovered or revealed by the tool. For instance, innovative new product may result from cross-fertilization of ideas in a combined research and development department.  
         [0005]     The IMPLICATIONS WHEEL® brand method of predicting the future has some drawbacks until now. Previously, the tool used paper to record all the implications. The pieces of paper could become very large, covering more than an entire wall of a room. When an author desired to have arc completion groups complete the arcs, the wheel would be rolled up and mailed from location to location. There the user could engage in activities that are hurtful of the process, including editing the first order nodes, mistakes that if corrected would leave a mess on the otherwise crowded chart, chaining, e.g. completing third, fourth and higher order nodes before completing the second order nodes, failing to include both positive and negative nodes and other such problems. Charts were easily damaged and destroyed in this uncontrolled system. Arc completion groups would not always follow directions, scoring nodes when only completion was desired. This regularly resulted in complete re-writing of the work product, costing both time and money.  
         [0006]     What is needed is an improved tool for predicting events, normally in the future, but potentially in the past. The tool should have controls to prevent errors and problems that result from failing to follow directions. For instance, the first order nodes should be protected from change. All second order nodes should be completed before third order nodes are made available for completion. Delivery should be performed electronically with confirmation. Editing and scoring of nodes should be performed with complete removal of any prior markings, avoiding the messes that otherwise clutter the work. Scoring should be allowed only when assigned and then may be required once assigned. Other features for the ease of use and comprehension should also be included to enhance the usability and understandability of the tool.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     An investigative method, which may generally be provided with the steps of determining whether the stored subscription is valid on the local computer; if the subscription is valid presenting options of downloading assigned arcs, selecting to update the subscription to the status stored on the server side, and selecting a center; if the subscription is expired presenting options of selecting to update the subscription to the status stored on the server side, and selecting a center and precluding downloading of assigned arcs; and If the subscription is not logged in, presenting the option of selecting to update the subscription to the status stored on the server side until receipt of a communication of a valid subscription from the server side and precluding downloading of assigned arcs and selection of a center.  
         [0008]     The user may select a center and assigned arcs from the selected center are then displayed.  
         [0009]     The method may determining if the arc was assigned for completion. Then determine whether second order implication stage is complete, assuming the arc was assigned for completion. The entire arc is displayed only when the second order implication stage is complete.  
         [0010]     The method may determine if the arc was assigned for completion and if so directing the user to a completion interface.  
         [0011]     The method may determine whether time was assigned. If time was assigned, options may be presented at the completion interface of open another arc, complete second order nodes, complete third order nodes, scoring from one assigned point of view, timing from one assigned point of view, spell check, return completed arc, and quit. If time was not assigned, options may be presented of open another arc, complete second order nodes, complete third order nodes, scoring from one assigned point of view, spell check, return completed arc, and quit, while precluding an option of timing from one assigned point of view.  
         [0012]     The user may select an option of completing third order nodes. The method determines whether there is at least one positive and at least one negative second order implication. Presentation of third order nodes is precluded unless at least one positive and at least one negative second order implications are present. That is, third order nodes are presented only when there is at least one positive and at least one negative second order implication.  
         [0013]     When the user selects to complete second order nodes or complete third order nodes, a delay may occur for a period of time to allow a user to think about implications. A clock may govern the delay. A second clock may be maintained to measure a period of time delay between user input. The user is reminded to provide input if a predetermined amount of time has passed from the second clock.  
         [0014]     The method may determine if scoring was assigned. Scoring may be permitted only when scoring is assigned. Editability of implication text may be disabled if scoring was assigned. The user is directed to a scoring interface.  
         [0015]     When scoring, the method may display desirability buttons and likelihood buttons with or without a minority report button. A minority report interface is displayed when the user clicks the minority report button. The method verifies that the minority report interface is fully prepared prior to accepting any data contained in the report and precludes acceptance of an incomplete minority report.  
         [0016]     At the scoring interface, the method :may determine whether time was assigned. Options are displayed of open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view and return completed arc. An option of time is precluded from all assigned points of view if time was not assigned. If time was assigned, options of open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view, time from any assigned points of view, and return completed arc are displayed.  
         [0017]     Several advantages are provided from these methods, including allowing users to complete the work which was initiated during the subscription period and yet preclude perpetuation of the options available to valid accounts when the subscription expires.  
         [0018]     As yet another advantage, the user can select a center for completion or scoring without allowing their own personal bias toward the particular arcs they have been assigned to steer them toward or away from working on a particular center.  
         [0019]     As still yet another advantage, the user is required to determine implications based upon a parent node before the user can begin identifying higher order implications, since the entire arc is displayed only when the second order implication stage is complete.  
         [0020]     Yet another advantage is that users who have been assigned to complete an arc are directed to a completion interface, revealing only those completion options available within the scope of their assignment.  
         [0021]     As an example of the preceding advantage, a user that was assigned time may be presented options at the completion interface of open another arc, complete second order nodes, complete third order nodes, scoring from one assigned point of view, timing from one assigned point of view, spell check, return completed arc, and quit.  
         [0022]     As still another advantage, if time was not assigned the user is presented with options of open another arc, complete second order nodes, complete third order nodes, scoring from one assigned point of view, spell check, return completed arc, and quit and precluded from an option of timing from one assigned point of view.  
         [0023]     As an additional advantage, linear chaining of implications and rushing through thought is avoided, since presentation of third order nodes is precluded unless at least one positive and at least one negative second order implications are present. That is, third order nodes are presented only when there is at least one positive and at least one negative second order implication.  
         [0024]     As still another advantage, progress is encouraged by maintaining a clock for a period of time measuring delay between user input and reminding the user to provide input if a predetermined amount of time has passed from the last receipt of input.  
         [0025]     As yet another advantageous control scoring of an arc may be permitted only when scoring is assigned.  
         [0026]     Another control advantage is that editability of implication text is disabled if scoring was assigned.  
         [0027]     As still another advantage a user is directed to a scoring interface if scoring was assigned, permitting only options available to those who have been assigned scoring.  
         [0028]     Yet another advantage is that desirability buttons and likelihood buttons are displayed when scoring.  
         [0029]     A further advantageous feature is that a minority report button is displayed when scoring.  
         [0030]     Still yet another advantage is that a minority report interface is displayed when the minority report button is clicked.  
         [0031]     Another control advantage is that the minority report interface is required to be fully prepared prior to accepting any data contained in the report and precludes acceptance of an incomplete minority report.  
         [0032]     As another control feature that is advantageous is that options are displayed for open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view and return completed arc and the user is precluded from the option of time from assigned all point of view if time was not assigned. Yet, when time is assigned that user is displayed the options of open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view, time from all assigned points of view, and return completed arc.  
         [0033]     These and other advantages are further explained in the description, shown in the drawings and illustrate in the appendix. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0034]      FIG. 1  is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for launch and registration;  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart for opening a file and showing the initial screens;  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing the completion interface;  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing editing of nodes;  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing the process for adding currently unidentified implications;  
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing scoring in completion mode;  
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing timing;  
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing spell check;  
         [0042]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing scoring interface;  
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing scoring in timing mode;  
         [0044]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing timing;  
         [0045]      FIG. 12  is a screen shot showing an introductory screen, listing the assigned arcs when the subscription is not current;  
         [0046]      FIG. 13  is a screen shot showing an introductory screen, listing the assigned arcs when the subscription is current;  
         [0047]      FIG. 14  is a screen shot that may appear to acquire subscription log-in data;  
         [0048]      FIG. 15  is a screen shot that may appear to acquire subscription log-in data;  
         [0049]      FIG. 16  is a screen shot that may appear to acquire subscription log-in data;  
         [0050]      FIG. 17  is a screen shot that may appear to acquire subscription log-in data;  
         [0051]      FIG. 18  is a screen shot showing an introductory screen, listing the assigned arcs when the subscription is current;  
         [0052]      FIG. 19  is a screen shot showing the center and background with first order implication;  
         [0053]      FIG. 20  is a screen shot providing for entry of the second order implications;  
         [0054]      FIG. 21  is a screen shot showing the full arc and entry of a third order implication;  
         [0055]      FIG. 22  is a screen shot showing the center, background and points of view assigned;  
         [0056]      FIG. 23  is a screen shot showing the full arc in detailed scoring mode;  
         [0057]      FIG. 24  is a screen shot showing the full arc in fast scoring mode;  
         [0058]      FIG. 25  is a screen shot showing an interface window;  
         [0059]      FIG. 26  is a screen shot showing an interface window;  
         [0060]      FIG. 27  is a screen shot an interface window;  
         [0061]      FIG. 28  is a screen shot showing a reminder window;  
         [0062]      FIG. 29  is a screen shot showing the full arc in timing mode;  
         [0063]      FIG. 30  is a screen shot showing the first and second order implications with a second order implication being entered;  
         [0064]      FIG. 31  is a screen shot showing two timers and a rule reminder;  
         [0065]      FIG. 32  is a screen shot showing a progress reminder;  
         [0066]      FIG. 33  is a screen shot showing a reminder to include both positive and negative implications;  
         [0067]      FIG. 34  is the screen shot showing first and second order implications;  
         [0068]      FIG. 35  is a screen shot showing the minority report interface;  
         [0069]      FIG. 36  is a screen shot showing a reminder to complete the minority report interface;  
         [0070]      FIG. 37  is a screen shot showing the full arc in timing mode;  
         [0071]      FIG. 38  is a screen shot showing the full arc in spell check mode;  
         [0072]      FIG. 39  is a screen shot showing a portion of the scoring interface; and  
         [0073]      FIG. 40  is a screen shot showing a portion of the scoring interface.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0000]     Definitions  
         [0074]     An applicant is entitled to be his own lexicographer. Accordingly, applicant chooses the following definitions to apply to the description, claims and abstract, except as may otherwise be augmented in the detailed description: 
    Ancestor—An ancestor of a first or subsequent order implication or node is the center and any implication/node between the center and the reference implication/node.     Arc—An arc is a portion of a wheel, the data from which can be combined with existing data into a wheel. An arc is made up of one first order implication followed by up to preferably 10 second order implications followed by up to preferably ten third order implications off of each second order implications. In a sense it is a fractal of the complete wheel, but its presented shape may be a wedge instead of a wheel. An example of an arc is shown in  FIG. 34 .     Center—The main or principle issue being explored with a wheel. Possible category centers include: an innovation, an emerging trend, a new policy, a new product brought out by a competitor; or a significant event, i.e.  9 / 11 .     Center node—The node in a wheel that represents the center of the wheel and the starting point of the discussion.     Child (Children)—Any implication that has the reference implication as its parent is a child of the reference implication. Any implication that has the center as its parent is a child of the center.     Completion mode—A mode of operating the program where new implications may be added, existing implications, except for the first order implications may edited and scoring and timing may be permitted.     Diminished node—A condensed node, opposite of enlarged node.     Descendent—Any implication that has the reference implication as its ancestor is a descendent of the reference implication. Any first or subsequent order implication is a descendent of the center.     First (and subsequent) order implication—A direct possible implication of the center. A second order implication is an immediate possible implication resulting from the occurrence of a first order implication. Subsequent levels of implications, third order, fourth order, etc., are direct possible implications resulting from the occurrence of the immediate preceding order of implication. I.e. parent implication.     First (and subsequent) order node—The graphic form that holds the text of a first order implication. Second order, third order, fourth order, etc. nodes correspond to similarly numbered implications.     Implication—A possible result or consequence that is triggered by a previous event. Implications Wheel® —A brand of a team tool that help users discover possible future events in an orderly yet divergent pattern. An Implications Wheel® brand wheel is built using a disciplined methodology and a non-linear thinking process. Preferably, a wheel is displayed as a grouping of all desired orders of all identified possible implications flowing out of a single event.     Lead—A portion of a line extending partially between two nodes. A lead is displayed when one of the two nodes is not displayed. A lead is shown as part  572  in  FIG. 24 , e.g. four lines to a fourth order node with part of the line and the fourth order node not showing.     Lines—A connector between two nodes. A line may be paired with one or more lines as described below.     Magnified Node—An enlarged node, opposite of diminished node.     Minority opinion—A scoring opinion or a potion of a group that constitutes less than a majority.     Minority report—The scoring result as prepared by those holding a minority opinion.     N (Nth)—A mathematical variable.     Node—An area in which data concerning an implication may be recorded or displayed. Preferably, a node is displayed in the shape of a circle or oval, with certain very special nodes displayed in the shape of a star or other non-circular shape. A node may be displayed as diminished, normal or enlarged.     Order—The number of ancestors of the reference implication.     Parent—The parent of some implication is the immediate ancestor of the reference implication. That is, the ancestor that is connected to the reference implication without intervening implications.     Point of View—The perspective used for scoring of a node, arc, or wheel done by one entity, person or group. Any wheel can be scored from multiple points of view, e.g., legal, engineering, marketing, staff, natural and/or other.     Reference implication—The implication being discussed or chosen. Syn. Selected implication.     Scoring mode—The mode of operating the program where implications may not be added or edited, but may be scored and timed.     Sibling implications—Children of the same parent implication.     Significant node—A node that is scored a +4 or greater score or −4 or lesser score.     Strand—The chain of implications II being ancestors of the same implication, including that reference implication and reaching all the way back to include the center.     Time Diamond—An area in which judgements concerning the amount of time between implications is indicated.     Timing mode—A mode of operating the program where time diamonds may be entered or edited. Timing is a subset of completion mode or scoring mode.     Wheel—A graphical representation of all identified implications that may directly or indirectly flow from a given center. Implications Wheel® is the preferred brand of a wheel. An example of a wheel is shown in  FIG. 41 . 
 
 Launch and Registration 
   
 
         [0104]      FIGS. 1-11  are flowcharts demonstrating a preferred methodology for making and using the present invention, arc completion and scoring. Referring to  FIG. 1 , ovals, such as oval  100 , demonstrate a terminal point in the method. Oval  100  indicates the starting point for the future exploration method, which may be initiated in any manner known in the art, including those manners known in the art of computer software. This flow chart discussed in reference to  FIG. 1  may connect into other parts of the overall process with the user entering through pentagon  101 . (A pentagon, such as pentagon  101 , indicates a point of connection to other parts of the flowchart having the same letter disposed within the pentagon. An upright pentagon, such as pentagon  101  indicates a point of entry and an inverted pentagon, such as pentagon  136  indicates a point of departure.)  
         [0105]     Diamonds, such as diamond  102 , indicate a methodology decision making point. Diamond  102  determines whether the subscription for the use of the methodology is current. Remuneration models other than subscription may be used, however, the present inventor opines that subscriptions are the best manner of offering the present invention for use. The determination at diamond  102  checks the local computer to see if the subscription is current and valid. Three possible outcomes to this decision are “valid,” “expired,” and “never logged in.” “Never logged in” occurs the first time an instance of the program is executed on a given local computer and thereafter until a valid subscription is confirmed with the server.  
         [0106]     Expired—If the subscription has expired the next step is indicated by oval-arrow  104 . Oval-arrows, such as oval-arrow  104 , indicate a display of particular information to the user. In the case of oval-arrow  104  each center  500  of each previously downloaded arc that has not been sent back to the data server is displayed in field  502 , perhaps as shown in  FIG. 12 . Buttons  504 ,  506  and  508  may present options available to the user as will be described shortly. At oval-arrow  106 , the user is notified that only active subscriptions can download arcs, perhaps as shown on line  510  of  FIG. 12 , and the method hides the download button  512  as may be seen by comparing  FIG. 12  and  13 . The encircled number touching on oval-arrow  106  encases indicia with such indicia being a referenced figure number of the drawings. (Similar circles throughout this application having different indicia refer to different figures with a corresponding number to that shown in the circle.) The user may selecting to update the subscription, button  506  of  FIG. 12  and  13  and parallelogram  108  of  FIG. 1 , which directs the user to the step indicated in parallelogram  110 , which will be described in a moment. A parallelogram, such as parallelogram  110 , is a point in the method seeking user input.  
         [0107]     Parallelogram  110  is reachable from a different set of steps. For instance, if the locally stored subscription is “valid”, see diamond  102 , the center is displayed of each previously downloaded arc that has not yet been sent back to the data server, oval-arrow  114 , as shown in field  502  of  FIG. 13 . At this point the user may also select to update the subscription, parallelogram  108  of  FIG. 1 , which leads the user to the step indicated in parallelogram  110 .  
         [0108]     One or more prompts for subscription login data may be presented such as that shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , parallelogram  110  of  FIG. 1 . In the prompt shown in  FIG. 14 , a user may record various identifying information, perhaps as suggested in field  514  (organization name), field  516  (Group/user name), field  518  (password), field  520  (new password if a change is desired) and/ or other identifiers. A description of the group may be written in field  522  of  FIG. 15 . Selecting “cancel”, button  524 , from either prompt shown in FIGS.  14  or  15  directs the method back to the step indicated and previously discussed with regard to diamond  102 . Upon completion of the fields the user may select “o.k.”, button  526  directing the method to write the data to the preferences file, cylinder  112 . A cylinder in a flowchart, such as cylinder  112 , is a point in the method where data is either written to or read from storage.  
         [0109]     The server side computer is checked based upon stored data, an asynchronous process, wherein three potential results may occur, expired, valid, or invalid, rectangle  114 . If the account is expired, the user may be notified and directed to previously described diamond  102 , allowing the user to engage in those activities permitted to expired accounts. If the submitted subscription data is valid, the user is directed to previously described diamond  102 , allowing the user to engaged in those activities permitted to valid accounts. If the submitted data is invalid, the method moves to the step indicated by parallelogram  118 , also reachable from diamond  102  with a “never logged in” result. A prompt similar to that described in regard to parallelogram  110  is presented, see  FIGS. 16 and 17 . The user has the option to enter subscription data and moving to the sequence of steps starting with the step previously described in regard to cylinder  112  or quitting. Selection of quitting, causes the methodology to terminate, oval  120 .  
         [0110]     If the subscription is valid, diamond  102 , two other option are available to the user following the previously described display, oval-arrow  115 . The user may download additional assigned arcs, parallelogram  122 . The system logs into the data server over a secure channel with the locally stored login information and a request is made for a list of assigned arcs, rectangle  124 . This may be an asynchronous process. The system then logs into the data server over a secure channel with locally stored login information and downloads each arc, confirming each download when complete, rectangle  126 . The also may be an asynchronous process. Upon completion of the download, the method is directed to the display step previously described in regard to oval-arrow  115 . The flowchart indicator  128  is a symbol showing that the option of downloading assigned arcs is not an option available to expired subscriptions.  
         [0111]     Valid and expired subscriptions also have the option of selecting a center, parallelogram  130 . Any visible first order implications are hidden and then any assigned first order implications from the selected center are displayed in field  528 , oval-arrow  132 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . The user may then select a first order implication, parallelogram  134  and, as indicated by pentagon  136 , the method is directed to the method steps for opening the file and showing the initial screens as set forth in  FIG. 2 , pentagon  138 .  
         [0000]     Opening Files and Showing Initial Screens  
         [0112]     Referring now to  FIG. 2  and entering through pentagon  138  the file associated with the selected arc is loaded into memory, cylinder  140 . A decision is made as to whether the file is encrypted, diamond  142 . Note, that files preferably are always encrypted prior to sending through the server, but after it is loaded into the memory, each subsequent save may not be encrypted. If encrypted, the data from the file is decrypted, rectangle  144 . The decrypted data, recently or previously, is used to generate a data structure based upon data read from the file, rectangle  146 . A decision is made as to whether the arc was assigned for completion or scoring, diamond  148 .  
         [0113]     For those assigned for completion, a process step is performed. Particularly, the implication text edit-ability is enabled, rectangle  150 . The text in the first order node is not made editable at anytime during the process shown in  FIGS. 1-11 . This is a control process as this method is generally used in conjunction with a wheel method, which allows the sending out of arc assignments. Those sending out the arc assignments are allowed to control the assignment as specified in the first order nodes, which are non-editable to those receiving the assignments. A decision is made as to whether any arc from the wheel associated with the selected arc been opened during the current program session, diamond  152 . If no, the center is displayed together with the background in field  530  and assigned first order implications may be shown in field  532 , oval-arrow  154 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . This allows the user to fully understand the purpose and goals of the wheel, and hence the arc the user has selected. The method then waits for user interaction with the completion interface as set forth in  FIG. 3 , rectangle  156  and pentagon  158 .  
         [0114]     Another decision is made, diamond  160 , if an arc from the wheel associated with the selected arc has been opened during the current program session. See diamond  152 . In particular a decision is made as to whether the second order implication stage is complete, diamond  160 . If no, the second order completion stage is displayed, oval-arrow  162  and  FIG. 20 . Note that the first order implication  534  and second order nodes  536  together with any second order implications are displayed. A portion of the center node  538  may also be shown. If yes, the complete arc is displayed in completion mode oval-arrow  164  and  FIG. 21 . The center node  538 , first order node  534 , second order nodes  536  and third order nodes  540  may all be displayed. The method then waits for user interaction with the completion interface as set forth in  FIG. 3 , rectangle  156  and pentagon  158 .  
         [0115]     If the arc was assigned for scoring, diamond  148 , implication text edit-ability is disabled, rectangle  166 . A decision is made as to whether any arc from the wheel associated with the selected arc has been opened during the current program session, diamond  168 . If no, the center and background, shown in field  542  and assigned point(s) of view, shown in field  544  are displayed, oval-arrow  170 , perhaps as shown in  FIG. 22 . (Note, the text in the figures is merely offered to aid in identification of the location and is not presented as an implication or description relative to a particular issue being examined with the methodology.) If yes, the complete arc is displayed in scoring mode with un-scored implications displayed with indicia marking the nodes as un-scored, perhaps blurry lines or other indicator, oval-arrow  172 . See  FIGS. 23 and 24 . Following either the step described in regard to oval-arrow  170  or oval-arrow  172 , the method waits for user interaction with the scoring interface, rectangle  174  and pentagon  176 , as described with regard to  FIG. 9  starting at pentagon  376 .  
         [0000]     Completion Interface  
         [0116]     The completion interface may be entered either at pentagon  178  from pentagon  158  of  FIG. 2  or pentagon  180  from  FIG. 4  (pentagon  263 ),  5  (pentagon  298 ),  6  (pentagon  320 ), or  7  (pentagon  350 ). Assuming the completion interface is entered from pentagon  178 , a decision, diamond  182 , is made as to whether time was assigned. If no, the interface is displayed with the options to open another arc  546 , quit or exit  548 , complete second order implications  550 , complete third order implications  552 , score from all assigned points of view  554 , spell check  556 , and return the completed arcs  558 , oval-arrow  184 .  FIGS. 25 and 26  are examples of what the display may show. Note, that the user is precluded from having the option of entering time as such option is not presented whether user enters from pentagons  178  or later  180  as the methodology recalls the decision at diamond  182 . If time was assigned, the interface is displayed with the options to open another arc  546 , quit or exit  548 , complete second order implications  550 , complete third order implications  552 , score from all assigned points of view  554 , time from all assigned points of view  560 , spell check  556 , and return the completed arcs  558 , oval-arrow  186 .  FIGS. 25 and 27  are examples of what the display may show.  
         [0117]     Whether reaching the present point in the method from oval-arrow  184 , oval-arrow  186  or pentagon  180 , the user is presented with several options, except as otherwise noted. At parallelogram  188 , the user may select to open another arc wherein the method follows the step previously described starting with diamond  102  on  FIG. 1 . See pentagons  190   FIG. 3  and pentagon  101  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0118]     The user may select to complete second order implications, parallelogram  192 , whereupon the second order implications are displayed, oval-arrow  194 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . A portion of the center  538 , the first order node  534  and second order nodes  536  are displayed. The user is then directed, pentagon  196 , to the node editing procedure shown starting at pentagon  236  of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0119]     The user may select to complete third order implications, parallelogram  198 , which invokes a decision as to whether there is at least one positive and one negative second order implication, diamond  200 . If no, the user is notified, perhaps in window  562 , that they must have at least one positive and one negative second order implication, oval-arrow  202 , and is directed to select another option. That is, the user cannot enter implications of a new order until there is at least one positive and one negative implication of the current order. If yes, the full arc is displayed in completion mode, oval-arrow  204  as shown in  FIG. 21  and has been previously described. The user is directed via pentagon  196  to the method described in reference to pentagon  236  of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0120]     The user may select to score from one assigned point of view, parallelogram  208 . The full arc is then displayed in scoring mode with un-scored implications bearing indicia, perhaps blurry or jagged lines  564  defining the node, such indicia indicating the unscored nature of such node, oval-arrow  210  such as found in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . Scored nodes that are not scored as being significant may have indicia such as solid lines  266 , indicating that the nodes have been scored. Nodes scored as significant may have indicia such as stars  268  disposed about the node. Nodes scored with a high likelihood may bear indicia such as a second circle  270 . Leads  272  may indicate the presence of non-displayed higher order implications. The user is then directed, pentagon  212 , to the steps concerning scoring in completion mode at pentagon  300  of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0121]     The user may select timing from an assigned point of view, parallelogram  214 . The full arc is displayed in timing mode, oval-arrow  216 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . This option may not be made available if timing has not been assigned. The user is then directed, pentagon  218 , to the method step concerning timing, pentagon  334  of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0122]     The user may select spell check, parallelogram  220 . The full arc is displayed in completion mode and spell check is started, oval-arrow  222  as shown in  FIG. 21 . The user is then directed, pentagon  224 , to the steps concerning spell checking as set forth at pentagon  352  of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0123]     The user may select to return a completed arc, parallelogram  226 . A process step, rectangle  228 , of logging in to the data server over a secure channel with locally stored login information. The arc data is encrypted and returned to the server. This may be an asynchronous process. The user is then directed, pentagon  230 , to the method steps following from pentagon  101  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0124]     Alternatively, the user may select quit or exit, parallelogram  232 . The program then terminates, oval  234 .  
         [0125]     Note, at various points in the display if any implication has more than a predetermined number of implications, perhaps five, a “next page” button  592  will be presented for any additional implications and if any implication has a multiple of the predetermined number, perhaps five, a “new page” button  592  will be displayed for allowing additional implications to be placed on a new page.  
         [0000]     Editing Nodes  
         [0126]     The user may reach the editing nodes function through pentagon  236 . Thereafter, the user may click a second or third order node  536 ,  540 , parallelogram  240 . Completing third order nodes  540  is precluded if there are not at least one positive and one negative second order node  536  as previously described, diamond  200  of  FIG. 3 . A decision is made as to whether the selected node corresponds to an implication that has already been generated, diamond  242 . If no, the user is directed, pentagon  244 , to pentagon  264  of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0127]     If the selected node corresponds to a previously generated implication, the text entry display  574  is presented over the selected node containing the implication text, oval-arrow  248 , as shown in  FIG. 30 . The user may edit the text and submit the changes, perhaps with the &lt;&lt; enter&gt;&gt; key, &lt;&lt;tab&gt;&gt; key or clicking on the screen in a location unrelated to the node, rectangle  250 . Positive and negative scoring may be changed on the implication, preferably by changing the plus or minus indicator near the beginning of the text display.  
         [0128]     A decision is made, diamond  252 , as to whether there are four or more sibling nodes, e.g. children of the current parent node. If no, the method is directed to the step described in regard to the step set forth in rectangle  254 , which will be described in a moment. If yes, a decision is made as to whether there is at least one positive child of the current parent node, diamond  256 . If no, the user is reminded to include at least one positive implication, parallelogram  258 , and directed to the step indicated in rectangle  254 . If there is at least one positive child of the current parent node, a decision is made as to whether there is at least one negative child implication of the current parent implication, diamond  260 . If no, the user is reminded to include at least one negative implication, parallelogram  262 , and is directed to the step described in regard to rectangle  254 . If there are four or more children nodes of the current parent node and at least one is positive and one is negative, the user moves directly to the process step set forth in rectangle  254 .  
         [0129]     At rectangle  254 , the text of the selected implication is changed in the data structure representing the arc. The arc is written to permanent storage, cylinder  261 . The user has the option of repeating the afore described steps in editing another implication or returning to pentagon  180  of the completion interface described with reference to  FIG. 3 , pentagon  263 .  
         [0000]     Currently Unidentified Implications  
         [0130]     This process has been found to inspire users to be aggressive on sharing implications and less aggressive on forethought. Accordingly, the process may include a step to relax the user and allow them time to think. After reaching pentagon  244  of  FIG. 4 , the user is directed to pentagon  264  of  FIG. 5 . There a decision is made as to whether the user has had the thirty second timer displayed, diamond  266 . A pause window  576 , perhaps thirty-seconds in duration may be presented together with a display of rule reminders  578 , which can vary as to which rules are presented, and the text of the parent implication of the selected node, oval-arrow  268 . This pause may include a delay override button  580  and visible countdown indicator  582 , preferably analog clock style, oval-arrow  268 .  
         [0131]     Once the pause is initiated, previously or currently, the text entry display  574  may be presented over the selected node with positive and negative selection buttons  584 ,  586 , oval-arrow  270 , as shown in  FIG. 30 . A progress reminder may be used to keep progress moving, essentially another clock that determines whether the user taken more than a predetermined amount of time between entry of data. A decision is made as to whether the progress reminder delay passed, diamond  272 . If the delay passed, the user is reminded, perhaps with window  588 , that the progress should continue, oval-arrow  274  as shown in  FIG. 32 . Once reminded or if the delay did not pass, the user may enter an implication and designating the implication as positive or negative with buttons  584  and  586 , parallelogram  276 . Positive or negative may be selected using the tab key to highlight the correct button followed by the &lt;&lt;enter&gt;&gt; key or via clicking with a mouse. A decision is made as to whether there are four or more children of the current parent node, diamond  278 . If not, the method is directed to the step identified in rectangle  288 , which will be discussed in a moment.  
         [0132]     When four or more children of the selected parent node are present, a test is initiated to determine that both positive and negative implications are present. At diamond  280 , a decision is reached as to whether there is at least one positive child of the select parent node. If no, the user is reminded, perhaps with window  590  of  FIG. 33 , to include at least one positive implication, oval-arrow  282  and is directed to rectangle  288 . If there is a positive implication, a decision is made as to whether there is at least one negative implication, diamond  284 . If no, the user is reminded to include at least one negative implication, perhaps in window  590  of  FIG. 33 , oval-arrow  286  and is directed to rectangle  288 . The method proceeds to rectangle  288  if there is both a positive and a negative implication.  
         [0133]     At rectangle  288 , an implication is created in the arc data structure as a child of the selected parent implication with a positive or a negative value corresponding to the selected button and text corresponding to the user entered text. The arc is then written to permanent storage, cylinder  290 .  
         [0134]     A decision is then made as to whether there is a multiple of a predetermined number of children, perhaps five, of the selected parent implication, diamond  292 . If so, an option  592  is displayed for another page of the predetermined number of children as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 34 , oval-arrow  294 . Either after such display or if there is not a multiple of the predetermined number, the user is presented with two options. The user may exit this portion of the methodology through pentagon  298 , bringing the user back to the completion interface, pentagon  180  of  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the user may have the method automatically select the next empty node, i.e. a node without a corresponding implication, rectangle  296 . After such selection, the method resumes the course previously described starting with oval-arrow  270 .  
         [0135]     Scoring in Completion Mode Upon entering, pentagon  330  of  FIG. 6 , the function for scoring in completion mode, un-scored existing implications are displayed in the scoring mode with an un-scored visual indicator, such as blurriness or jagged edges  564  defining the node together with the other previously described scoring indicators  566 ,  568  and  570  as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , oval-arrow  302 . The user may select a node that corresponds to an existing implication, parallelogram  304 . Next, diamond  306 , a decision is made by the method as to whether the scoring is “fast” mode or “detailed” mode. The fast mode gathers less precise information then the detailed mode. An appropriate scoring interface is displayed for the particular scoring mode as described below.  
         [0136]     The “detailed” scoring interface, such as that shown in  FIG. 23  and indicated in oval-arrow  308 , shows the buttons  594  for indicating desirability, buttons  596  for indicating likelihood, and a minority report interface button  598 . Preferably, the buttons  594  for desirability include a wide range of numerical indicators such as +50, +5, +4, +3, +2, +1, 0, −1, −2, −3, −4, −5, and −50. The desirability buttons  594  are used to indicate the preference of the occurrence of the implication. Such desirability buttons  594  may be color coded, perhaps in a gradient manner, perhaps with blue positive numbers with white or pale tones representing more neutral numbers and red representing the negative numbers. Preferably, the likelihood buttons  596  include a wide range of numerical indicators such as 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, and 10% or 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. For instance somebody may identify world peace as an implication of a summit meeting. Desirability may be marked as +50 according to a scoring method, but likelihood may be scored as 10% or 1. The node may be displayed, perhaps as a magnified node, together with any indicators showing its existing score.  
         [0137]     The “fast” scoring interface, such as that shown in  FIG. 24  is displayed, oval-arrow  310 , showing the buttons  600  for indicating desirability, buttons  602  for indicating likelihood, and a minority report interface  604 . Preferably, the buttons  600  for desirability include a smaller number of options of numerical indicators such as +50, +5 or +4, +3 to −3, −4 or −5, and −50. The desirability buttons are used to indicate the preference of occurrence of the implication. Such desirability buttons  600  may be color coded, perhaps in a gradient manner, perhaps with blue positive numbers with white or pale tones representing more neutral numbers and red representing the negative numbers. Preferably, the likelihood buttons  602  include a smaller number of options of numerical indicators perhaps being “greater than 70%” and “less than or equal to 70%”. The node may be displayed, perhaps as a magnified node, together with any indicators showing its existing score.  
         [0138]     From the steps described in regard to oval-arrows  308  and  310 , the method seeks input from the user, parallelogram  312 . The user assigns desirability and likelihood to the implications by clicking on the scoring buttons  595  and  596  or  600  and  602 . A response including both desirability and likelihood is required before the process can continue, except perhaps in fast scoring mode where a desirability of +3 to −3, e.g. neutral, does not require a likelihood scoring.  
         [0139]     Next, rectangle  314 , the scored nodes are colored and shaped to visually indicate the desirability and likelihood combinations. Any prior scoring or non-scored, e.g. un-scored, indicators are removed in this process.  FIGS. 23 and 24  are examples of different visual indicators that may be used to depart information about scored and un-scored nodes. For example, nodes that have not been scored remain blurry or with jagged edges  564 . Nodes that are not a child of the selected node may be presented in a small or abbreviated manner. Scored nodes may be shown with a smooth non-jagged outer perimeter such as nodes  566 . Significant nodes may be identified with stars such as nodes  568 . Nodes with a high likelihood, e.g. greater than 70% may be visually identified with a second ring  570  about the node. That is, those with a significant desirability score and significant likelihood may be made more prominent so as to draw the viewer&#39;s attention to those nodes of the greatest impact and those of less impacting and less likely implications are displayed less prominently. Any scored node that was previously visually marked as un-scored loses its visual “un-scored” indicator when it is scored.  
         [0140]     The arc data is written to permanent storage, cylinder  316 . The method waits for either of three inputs, the user may submit a minority report, parallelogram  318 , the user may score another node, as was described starting at parallelogram  304 , or the user may go to the completion interface, pentagon  320  of  FIG. 6  and pentagon  180  of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0141]     When the user clicks the minority report button  598  or  604 , parallelogram  318 , the minority report interface  605  is displayed, oval arrow  320 . The minority report interface  605 , shown in  FIG. 35  preferably has fields for identification of the reporter(s)  606 , minority score  608  and reason for minority report  610 . The user may click “o.k.” on button  612  or “cancel” on button  614  (or similar indicators of action), parallelogram  322 . If “cancel” is selected, button  614 , the minority report interface  605  is hidden, oval-arrow  324 , and the method waits for user selection of one of the three choices identified with regard to cylinder  316 . If “O.k” button  612  was selected, a decision is made as to whether all required fields, perhaps  606 ,  608 , and  610  of the minority report interface  605  are completely filled. Preferably all fields are required, diamond  326 . If not, the user is notified, perhaps with window  616  of  FIG. 36  that only complete minority reports will be submitted, oval-arrow  328 , and the method is redirected to the point previously described with reference to parallelogram  322 . If complete, the minority report is recorded in the current implication and a visual indicator for a minority report, such as a subscript or superscript “M”, may be displayed next to the node that has a minority report, rectangle  330 . Completion of the process step in rectangle  330 , is followed with hiding of the minority report entry interface, oval-arrow  332 . The arc data is written to permanent storage as previously described in regard to cylinder  316  and resumes the method as previously described with regard to cylinder  316 .  
         [0000]     Timing  
         [0142]     Timing allows for users to estimate the amount of time that it may take to pass from the occurrence of one implication on through to a higher order implication directly resulting therefrom. The timing function, entered through pentagon  334  of  FIG. 7 , accessible from pentagon  218  of  FIG. 3 , first displays diamonds  618  between ancestral implications, oval-arrow  336 , as shown in  FIGS. 29 and 37 . The user may select a diamond that corresponds to an existing implication, parallelogram  338 . A magnified time diamond  620  may be displayed with any existing time assignment along with magnified nodes  622 ,  624  between which the time diamond is preferably positioned in the wheel, oval-arrow  340 , as shown in  FIG. 37 .  
         [0143]     The user may switch between days, weeks and years and any pre-existing time units automatically convert to the newly selected units of time measure, parallelogram  342 . The user may enter a number and submit the information, perhaps through clicking, using the &lt;&lt;enter&gt;&gt; key or &lt;&lt;tab&gt;&gt; key or other method, parallelogram  344 . The magnified time diamond  620 , two magnified nodes  622 ,  624 , assigned time and any indicator as to time units are hidden, oval-arrow  346 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . The data is written to permanent storage for later retrieval and use, cylinder  348 . The user may repeat the process, starting at parallelogram  338  or return to the completion interface, pentagon  350  of  FIG. 7  and pentagon  180  of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0000]     Spell Check  
         [0144]      FIG. 8  discloses the process whereby a user may spell check the text within the nodes, entered from pentagon  352 . A decision is made as to whether an implication has already been selected, diamond  354 . If not, then the method selects the first second order implications, rectangle  356 . Since the first order implication is not editable, it cannot be spell checked. Once an implication has been selected, either via the user or the method, the currently selected implication identification is saved in a variable for comparison, rectangle  358 . The implication is then evaluated to determine if it has a misspelled word, diamond  360 .  
         [0145]     Implications that have a misspelled word are displayed in a magnified node  626  in an editable mode with the misspelled words marked with indicia  628 , oval-arrow  362  as shown in  FIG. 38 . The user may submit the text, edited or otherwise, perhaps by pressing &lt;&lt;enter&gt;&gt;, &lt;&lt;tab&gt;&gt; or clicking, parallelogram  364 . The arc is written to permanent storage, cylinder  366 . The next implication in the data structure is selected, rectangle  368 . The step at rectangle  368  is also directly reachable from diamond  360  if the implication has not misspelled words. The process repeats the steps between diamond  360  and rectangle  368  until all implications have been spell checked, diamond  370 , or until the user selects cancel, parallelogram  372 . Upon completion or termination, the user is directed to the completion interface through pentagon  374  of  FIG. 8  and pentagon  180  of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0000]     Scoring Interface  
         [0146]     The scoring interface, entered through pentagon  376 , accessible through pentagon  176  of  FIG. 2 , i.e. only if scoring was assigned, first determines whether time was assigned, diamond  378 . Note, that the flow chart diamonds and time diamonds are different in nature with flow chart diamonds indicating a decision making point and time diamonds recording an estimated time that would elapse between two implications if such implications do occur. If time was not assigned, the interface is displayed with options to open another arc  546  ( FIG. 25 ), quit/exit  548  ( FIG. 25 ), score from all assigned points of view  638  ( FIG. 39 ), and return the completed arc  640  ( FIG. 39 ), oval-arrow  380 . If time was assigned, the user has the options of open another arc  546  ( FIG. 25 ), quit/exit  548  ( FIG. 25 ), score from all assigned points of view  638  ( FIG. 39 ), time from all assigned points of view  642  ( FIG. 39 ) and return the completed arc  640  ( FIG. 39 ), oval-arrow  382 . Presentation of these options may also occur through pentagon  384 . (See pentagon  414  of  FIG. 10 ).  
         [0147]     The user has the option to open another arc, parallelogram  386 , which if selected directs the user back to diamond  102  of  FIG. 1  via pentagons  388  and  101 .  
         [0148]     The user has the option to score from all assigned points of view, parallelogram  390 . If selected, the full arc is displayed in scoring mode as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . Un-scored implications are marked with indicia  564 , such as blurry lines or jagged edges, to designate the nodes as un-scored, oval-arrow  392 . The user is directed to  FIG. 10  via pentagon  394  ( FIG. 9 ) and pentagon  412  ( FIG. 10 ). Between the pentagons  412  and  414  on  FIG. 10 , the flowchart is preferably identical to that in  FIG. 6  with the difference being the entrance and exit points.  
         [0149]     The user may select timing from one assigned point of view, parallelogram  396 . The full arc is displayed in timing mode as shown in  FIG. 29 , oval-arrow  398 , and the user is directed to the steps identified on the flowchart in  FIG. 11 , see pentagons  400  ( FIG. 9 ) and  416  ( FIG. 11 ).  
         [0150]     The user may select to return the completed arc, parallelogram  402 . A process, rectangle  404 , occurs such as logging in to the data server over secure channels with locally stored login information. The content data is encrypted and the arc is returned to the server. This may be an asynchronous process. The user is directed to the step previously described in regard to diamond  102  of  FIG. 1  via pentagons  406  ( FIG. 9 ) and  101  ( FIG. 1 ).  
         [0151]     The user may select to quit/exit the process, parallelogram  408 , which terminates the methodology, oval  410 .  
         [0000]     Scoring in Scoring Mode  
         [0152]     The flowchart in  FIG. 10  denotes that the process is preferably substantially the same as that shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  is the scoring process that occurs when the user accesses scoring from the completion interface of  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 10  is the scoring process that occurs when the user accesses scoring from the scoring interface of  FIG. 9 . While the scoring process remains substantially unchanged, the interface where the user starts is the interface to where the user should be returned upon completion of scoring. The user is returned to the interface from where they initiated the scoring process as indicated by the pentagons  180 ,  212  of FIGS.  3  corresponding with pentagons  300  and  320  of  FIG. 6  as compared with pentagons  384  and  394  of  FIG. 9  corresponding with pentagons  412  and  414  of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0000]     Timing  
         [0153]     A user may select to enter time from the scoring interface,  FIG. 9 , wherein the user was directed from pentagon  400  of  FIG. 9  to pentagon  416  of  FIG. 11 . Time diamonds are made visible between implications and their parent, oval-arrow  418  as shown in  FIG. 29 . The user may click a diamond that corresponds to an existing implication, parallelogram  420 . The time diamond  618  may be displayed as a magnified diamond  620  together with and existing time assignment, along with magnified versions of the two implications  622 ,  624  between which the time diamond  620  appears, oval-arrow  422 , as shown in  FIG. 37 .  
         [0154]     The user may select the units of time measure, e.g. days, weeks, and years, parallelogram  424 , and any pre-existing time assignment is converted to the newly selected units of time measure. The user may enter a number of units, e.g. three days or four weeks, etc., and submit the information preferably via pressing the &lt;&lt;enter&gt;&gt; key, &lt;&lt;tab&gt;&gt; key or clicking, parallelogram  426 . Upon submission, the magnified time diamond  620 , the two implications  622 ,  624  and the indicator as to units of measure are removed from display as shown in  FIG. 29 , oval-arrow  428 . The arc is then written to permanent storage, cylinder  430 . The user may select another time diamond, parallelogram  420 , or return to the scoring interface, pentagon  432  ( FIG. 11 ) and pentagon  384  ( FIG. 9 ).  
         [0155]     The appended computer program coding is offered as a further description to those skilled in the art of computer programming to more fully understand the present invention and further explain the subject matter described herein.  
         [0156]     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, different indica and shapes may be used to impart information concerning the nodes and scoring thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6