Patent ID: 7296021

Claim:
A computer-implemented method of enabling a user to access a memory via an input device in order to search and analyze a database that includes a collection of data and to obtain an indication of search results via a graphical user interface, said method comprising: a. enabling said user to specify a compound query via said input device by entering two or more search parameters according to at least one of a given order and a desired weight of relevance wherein each of said search parameters has a unique color associated therewith; b. providing on said user interface an identification of data objects in said database that match said search parameters; c. providing on said user interface a visual indication of overall results that includes both an identification of matching data objects and an extent to which the data objects match respective ones of the search parameters and, for each of said data objects identified in the overall results, said visual indication includes a series of graphical bars each having ordered segments of said unique colors where each segment has a length indicative of the extent of match of each data object with one of said search parameters, said user interface further including a controllable view field window to enable said user to select an expanded area of view on said user interface of at least a portion of said overall results of matching data objects for presentation to said user; and d. further providing the user with an option to reorder or again specify a desired weight of relevance of said search parameters in order to output further search results.