What I claim is:
1. A computer implemented graphical display for graphically displaying user selected data, the display comprising: a user selected body portion, the body portion representing at least a first set of data; and a user selected number of extensions that extend from the body portion, each extension representing a second set of data.
2. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data.
3. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion may have a user defined shape.
4. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion may have any user defined regular or irregular shape.
5. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion may have a user defined dynamic shape.
6. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion may have a user defined dynamic shape, where the shape changes based on changes in user selected data.
7. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion may have a user defined dynamic shape, where the shape changes based on the occurrence of a predetermined event.
8. The graphical display of claim 1 where each extension may have a user defined shape.
9. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes convey one or more of user selected data and information.
10. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the shape of the body portion.
11. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the dimensions of the body portion.
12. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include portions of the body portion, whereby the portions of the body portion can represent user selected data or other information.
13. The graphical display of claim 1 where the body portion comprises at least a three dimensional shape, where various dimensions represent different user selected data.
14. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data.
15. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension is a substantially linear shape having a length, where the length of the linear shape may represent user selected data.
16. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension may have a user defined shape.
17. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension may have any user defined regular or irregular shape.
18. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension may have a user defined dynamic shape.
19. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension may have a user defined dynamic shape, where the shape changes based on changes in user selected data.
20. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension may have a user defined dynamic shape, where the shape changes based on the occurrence of a predetermined event.
21. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes convey one or more of user selected data and information.
22. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the shape of the at least one extension.
23. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the dimensions of the at least one extension.
24. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include portions of at least one extension, whereby the portions of the at least one extension can represent user selected data or other information.
25. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension comprises at least a three dimensional shape, where various dimensions represent different user selected data.
26. The graphical display of claim 1 where at least one extension extends from a user selected portion of the body portion.
27. The graphical display of claim 1 further comprising at least one user selected sub-element located on, in or outside of the body portion, the sub-element corresponding to user selected data.
28. The graphical display of claim 1 further comprising at least one user selected sub-element located on, in or outside of the body portion, the sub-element corresponding to user selected data, where the sub-element comprises an enhanced box chart.
29. The graphical display of claim 1 further comprising at least one user selected sub-element located on, in or outside of the body portion, the sub-element corresponding to user selected data, the sub-element having a user selected configuration.
30. The graphical display of claim 1 further comprising at least one user selected sub-element located on, in or outside of the body portion, at least one sub-element corresponding to user selected data, the sub-element having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: an axis, a line, a shape, a symbol, a sign, an image, a video, a graphic, a link, a sound and a box chart.
31. The graphical display of claim 1 further comprising at least one user selected sub-element located on, in or outside of at least one extension, the sub-element corresponding to user selected data.
32. The graphical display of claim 1 further comprising at least one user selected sub-element located on, in or outside of the at least one extension, the sub-element corresponding to user selected data, where the sub-element comprises an enhanced box chart.
33. The graphical display of claim 1 further comprising at least one user selected sub-element located on, in or outside of the at least one extension, the sub-element corresponding to user selected data, the sub-element having a user selected configuration.
34. The graphical display of claim 1 further comprising at least one user selected sub-element located on, in or outside of at least one extension, at least one sub-element corresponding to user selected data, the sub-element having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: an axis, a line, a shape, a symbol, a sign, an image, a video, a graphic, a link, a sound and a box chart.
35. The graphical display system of claim 1 further comprising at least one user selected sub-element located on, in or outside of at least one extension, at least one sub-element corresponding to user selected data, the sub-element having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: an axis, a line, a shape, a symbol, a sign, an image, a video, a graphic, a link, a sound and a box chart, wherein the sub-element is a dynamic sub-element.
36. The graphical display of claim 1 wherein the data comprises qualitative or quantitative data.
37. The graphical display of claim 1 wherein the user can select data from among a number of data sources.
38. The graphical display of claim 1 wherein a data set includes a minima, a maxima and at least one user defined intermediate range lying between the minima and maxima, wherein the dimension of the body portion represents the intermediate range, a first extension extends from one end of the body portion and has a dimension that corresponds to the distance between the minima and a lower end of the intermediate range and a second extension extends from another end of the body portion and has a dimension that corresponds to the distance between an upper end of the intermediate range and the maxima.
39. The graphical display of claim 1 wherein the body portion is defined by one or more lines, each having a thickness, where the thickness of one or more lines represents a user selected data value or information.
40. The graphical display of claim 1 wherein the body portion is defined by one or more lines, where the color of one or more lines represents a user selected data value or information.
41. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where each extension may have a user defined shape.
42. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where each extension may have a user defined dynamic shape.
43. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where each extension may have a user defined dynamic shape where the shape changes based on changes in user selected data.
44. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where each the body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes convey one or more of user selected data and information.
45. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes convey one or more of user selected data and information and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the shape of the body portion.
46. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes convey one or more of user selected data and information and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the shape of the body portion and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the dimensions of the body portion.
47. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes convey one or more of user selected data and information and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the shape of the body portion and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the dimensions of the body portion and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include portions of the body portion, whereby the portions of the body portion can represent user selected data or other information.
48. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where at least one extension is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data.
49. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where at least one extension is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data, and where the place where at least one extension meets the body portion may represent user selected data.
50. The graphical display of claim 1 with one body portion where the body portion is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes convey one or more of user selected data and information and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the shape of the body portion and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the dimensions of the body portion and where each body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include portions of the body portion, whereby the portions of the body portion can represent user selected data or other information and where at least one extension is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data.
51. The graphical display of claim 1 where each of the body portions comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the shape of the body portion and where each the body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include the dimensions of the body portion and where each the body portion comprises a number of user defined attributes, where the attributes include portions of the body portion, whereby the portions of the body portion can represent user selected data or other information and where at least one extension is a substantially rectangular shape having a length and a width, where the length of the rectangle may represent user selected data and the width of the rectangle may represent user selected data.
52. The graphical display of claim 1, where the sub-elements include one or more scales or axes.
53. The graphical display of claim 1, where the sub-elements include one or more self-scalable scales or axes.
54. The graphical display of claim 1, where each point in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
55. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
56. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprise a user selected attributes.
57. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprise a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a shape in, on or outside the body portion.
58. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprise a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a dimension in, on or outside the body portion.
59. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprise a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a thickness in, on or outside the body portion.
60. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprise a user selected sub-elements, where the sub-elements include a user selected configuration in, on or outside the body portion.
61. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprise a user selected sub-elements, where the sub-elements include a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: an axis, a line, a shape, a symbol, a sign, an image, a graphic, a link, and a box chart in, on or outside the body portion.
62. The graphical display of claim 1, where each point in, on or outside each extension displays a user selected data.
63. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension displays a user selected data.
64. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprise a user selected attributes.
65. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprise a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a shape in, on or outside the body portion.
66. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprise a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a dimension in, on or outside the body portion.
67. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprise a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a thickness in, on or outside the body portion.
68. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprise a user selected sub-elements, where the sub-elements include a user selected configuration in, on or outside the body portion.
69. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprise a user selected sub-elements, where the sub-elements include a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: an axis, a line, a shape, a symbol, a sign, an image, a graphic, a link, and a box chart in, on or outside the body portion.
70. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of each point in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
71. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
72. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprising a user selected attributes display a user selected data.
73. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprising a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a shape in, on or outside the body portion display a user selected data.
74. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprising a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a dimension in, on or outside the body portion display a user selected data.
75. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprising a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a thickness in, on or outside the body portion display a user selected data.
76. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprising a user selected sub-elements, where the sub-elements include a user selected configuration in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
77. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion comprising a user selected sub-elements, where the sub-elements include a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: an axis, a line, a shape, a symbol, a sign, an image, a graphic, a link, and a box chart in, on or outside the body portion display a user selected data.
78. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of each point in, on or outside each extension displays a user selected data.
79. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension display a user selected data.
80. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprising a user selected attributes displays a user selected data.
81. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprising a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a shape in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
82. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprising a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a dimension in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
83. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprising a user selected attributes, where the attributes include at least a thickness in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
84. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprising a user selected sub-elements, where the sub-elements include a user selected configuration in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
85. The graphical display of claim 1, where the color of a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension comprising a user selected sub-elements, where the sub-elements include a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: an axis, a line, a shape, a symbol, a sign, an image, a graphic, a link, and a box chart in, on or outside the body portion displays a user selected data.
86. The graphical display of claim 1, where each point in, on or outside the body portion may dynamically display a user selected data.
87. The graphical display of claim 1, where each point in, on or outside each extension may dynamically display a user selected data.
88. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion may dynamically change from one attribute into another to display a user selected data.
89. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension may dynamically change from one attribute into another to display a user selected data.
90. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected color in, on or outside the body portion may dynamically display a user selected data.
91. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected color in, on or outside the body portion may dynamically change from one color into another to display a user selected data.
92. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected color in, on or outside each extension may dynamically display a user selected data.
93. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected color in, on or outside each extension may dynamically change from one color into another to display a user selected data.
94. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected color in, on or outside the body portion may dynamically change from one color into a combination of points to display a user selected data.
95. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected color in, on or outside each extension may dynamically change from one color into a combination of points to display a user selected data.
96. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside the body portion may dynamically change into a color to display a user selected data.
97. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user selected combination of points in, on or outside each extension may dynamically change into a color to display a user selected data.
98. The graphical display of claim 1, where there is more than one body portion and where at least two body portions have at least one point in common.
99. The graphical display of claim 1, where there is more than one body portion and where at least two body portions have no point in common.
100. The graphical display of claim 1, where the enhanced box chart is implemented utilizing non-computer means to display a user selected data.
101. The graphical display of claim 1, where the enhanced box chart is implemented utilizing non-computer, three dimensional architectural models to display a user selected data.
102. The graphical display of claim 1, where the enhanced box chart is implemented utilizing non-computer means, where non-computer means include calculators to display a user selected data.
103. The graphical display of claim 1, where the enhanced box chart is implemented utilizing non-computer means, where non-computer means include paper, color pens, ruler, protractor, template and calculator to display a user selected data.
104. The graphical display of claim 1, where the rotating, turning, twisting, spiraling, curling, zigzagging, compressing, collapsing and/or tilting of the body portion(s) and/or extensions or any portions thereof may be utilized by the user to display certain data or information.
105. The graphical display of claim 1, where all points, full lines or lengths and/or every partial line or length of every line, length, side, periphery, perimeter, boundary, surface, plane, intersection of a one-, two- or three-dimensional body portion and/or extension may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
106. The graphical display of claim 1, where the full areas and/or every partial area of the surface, boundary, sides, intersection, plane or periphery of a two- or three-dimensional body portion and/or extension may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
107. The graphical display of claim 1, where the full volume and/or every partial volume of a three-dimensional body portion and/or extension may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
108. The graphical display of claim 1, where the thickness of all lines or lengths, full and/or partial; of all areas, full or partial; of all volumes, full or partial of a one-, two-, or three-dimensional body portion and/or extension may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
109. The graphical display of claim 1, where the colors of points, lines, lengths, areas and volumes, full and/or partial, as described, of a one-, two-, or three-dimensional body portion and/or extension may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
110. The graphical display of claim 1, where the lines, lengths, areas and volumes, full and/or partial, as described, may have self-scale, self-gradation, self-axis or color graded axes on them and/or adjacent to them.
111. The graphical display of claim 1, where data or pieces of information presented as sound and its various components including pitch, tone, level, frequency and harmonics may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
112. The graphical display of claim 1, where data or pieces of information presented as light and its various components including intensity, reflection, refraction, phase angle, level, frequency and harmonics may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
113. The graphical display of claim 1, where scale, axis, self-scale and self-axis presented as sound and its various components including pitch, tone, level, frequency and harmonics may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
114. The graphical display of claim 1, where scale, axis, self-scale and self-axis presented as light and its various components including intensity, reflection, refraction, phase angle, level, frequency and harmonics may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
115. The graphical display of claim 1, where any and all data or pieces of information shown as points, lines, surfaces and/or volume (full and/or partial) and any and all sub-elements, signs, symbols, images, graphics, sounds, videos, pictures, colors and/or axes located on, inside, adjacent or the outside of body portions and/or extensions may change amorphously, dynamically, linearly and/or nonlinearly, real-time and/or non-real-time based on user-defined and/or user-desired criteria and such change may be utilized by the user to display certain data and/or information.
116. The graphical display of claim 1, where any user-defined and/or desired element or a combination thereof thus utilized to display data, i.e., shape, line, surface, volume (full and/or partial), dimension, sign, symbols, images, graphics, sounds, videos and/or pictures may change and/or morph into any other user-defined and/or desired element or a combination thereof to display certain data and/or information.
117. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can describe the normal distribution curve (the bell curve) by having one of its full or partial body portion areas relate to the area under the bell curve between two user-defined points.
118. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can describe the normal distribution curve by having one of its full or partial body portion areas relate to the area under the bell curve between two user-defined points and a lower full or partial extension area relates to the area between the smaller user-defined number and the lower range of the curve.
119. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can describe the normal distribution curve by having one of its full or partial body portion areas relate to the area under the bell curve between two user-defined points and an upper full or partial extension area relates to the area between the larger user-defined number and the higher range of the curve.
120. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can correspond to the general form of the normal distribution curve.
121. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can correspond to the general form of non-normal distribution curves and the area under it.
122. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can correspond to the general form of multi-polar curves and the area under it.
123. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can correspond to the general form of linear, non-linear, time-varying, multi-dimensional, or multi-variable curves and the area under it.
124. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can correspond to the user-defined and/or desired significant points and characteristics of linear, non-linear, time-varying, multi-dimensional, or multi-variable functions.
125. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can correspond to the user-defined and/or desired significant points and characteristics of digitized data and/or information.
126. The graphical display of claim 1, where the body portion(s) and extensions can correspond to the user-defined and/or desired significant points and characteristics of analog data and/or information.
127. The graphical display of claim 1, where user-defined or desired points or characteristics of normal distribution curves can be compared by visually comparing their enhanced box charts equivalents.
128. The graphical display of claim 1, where user-defined or desired points or characteristics of many non-normal distribution curves can be compared by visually comparing their enhanced box charts equivalents.
129. The graphical display of claim 1, where user-defined or desired points or characteristics of many multi-polar curves can be compared by visually comparing their enhanced box charts equivalents.
130. The graphical display of claim 1, where user-defined or desired points or characteristics of many linear, nonlinear, time-varying, multi-dimensional and multi-variable curves can be compared by visually comparing their enhanced box charts equivalents.
131. The graphical display of claim 1, where user-defined or desired points or characteristics of many linear, nonlinear, time-varying, multi-dimensional and multi-variable functions can be compared by visually comparing their enhanced box charts equivalents.
132. The graphical display of claim 1, where user-defined or desired points or characteristics of a common category digitized data and/or information can be compared by visually comparing their enhanced box charts equivalents.
133. The graphical display of claim 1, where user-defined or desired points or characteristics of a common category analog data and/or information can be compared by visually comparing their enhanced box charts equivalents.
134. The graphical display of claim 1, further comprising self-scale data points to enable outliers to be displayed continuously in the form of collapsed lines, while simultaneously displaying other data presentations.
135. The graphical display of claim 1, further comprising self-scale data points to enable outliers to be displayed continuously in the form of collapsed lines, while simultaneously displaying other data presentations, where the outlier attributes including thickness and color display user-selected data and/or information.
136. The graphical display of claim 1, further comprising self-scale data points to enable extensions to represent outliers to be displayed continuously in the form of collapsed lines, while simultaneously displaying other data presentations, where the outlier attributes including shape, thickness and color display user-selected data and/or information.
137. The graphical display of claim 1, further comprising self-scale data points to enable extensions to represent outliers to be displayed continuously in the form of collapsed lines, while simultaneously displaying other data presentations, where the outlier attributes including shape, thickness and color display user-defined and/or user-desired data and/or information, and where the outlier intersection place with the body portion display user-selected data and/or information.
138. The graphical display of claim 1, where visual statistical comparisons of a series of time-varying enhanced box charts can be made by running them through or within a user-selected band or channel comprised of user-selected mean or median enveloped by such mean or median plus and minus user-selected fractional multiples of standard deviation.
139. The graphical display of claim 1, where visual statistical comparison of a series of time-varying enhanced box charts can be made by running them through or within a user-selected band or channel comprised of a user-selected central tendency measure including mean, median, weighted average, or moving average enveloped by such user-selected central tendency measure plus and minus user-selected fractional multiples of sample dispersion or concentration indicators including standard deviation and moving standard deviation.
140. The graphical display of claim 1, where visual statistical comparisons of a series of time-varying enhanced box charts can be made by running them through or within a user-selected band or channel comprised of many user-selected mean or median enveloped by many such mean or median plus and minus user-selected fractional multiples of standard deviation.
141. The graphical display of claim 1, where a user action can enable another level of data or other information to be displayed.
142. The graphical display of claim 1, where occurrence of a user determined set of events can enable another level of data or other information to be displayed.
143. A method of graphically displaying user selected data, the method comprising the steps of: a user selecting a body portion, the body portion representing at least a first set of data; and the user selecting a number of extensions that extend from the body portion, each extension representing a second set of data; and displaying the body portion and extensions.
144. A computer implemented system for graphically displaying user selected data, the system comprising: at least one data source comprising multiple sets of data; selection means for enabling a user to select a user selected body portion, the body portion representing at least a first set of data and for enabling a user to select a user selected number of extensions that extend from the body portion, each extension representing a second set of data; and display means for graphically displaying the body portion and extensions.
145. A computer implemented user interface for graphically displaying user selected data, the interface comprising; selection means for enabling a user to select a user selected body portion, the body portion representing at least a first set of data and for enabling a user to select a user selected number of extensions that extend from the body portion, each extension representing a second set of data; and display means for graphically displaying the body portion and extensions.
146. A computer implemented graphical display for graphically displaying user selected student grade information, the display comprising: a user selected body portion, the body portion representing at least a first set of grade related data; and a user selected number of extensions that extend from the body portion, each extension representing a second set of grade related data.
147. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein the display graphically displays grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of grades within a range of percentiles, an individual student's grade is marked by a horizontal line through the body portion or extension and a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range.
148. The graphical display of claim 147 further comprising at least one additional horizontal line through the body portion to represent one or more of a mean or median of a distribution of grades.
149. The graphical display of claim 147 further comprising sub-elements associated with the graphical display to represent further segmentation of the distribution of grades that can be graphically displayed, the segmentation comprising one or more of race or gender information.
150. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein the display graphically displays simultaneously two or more enhanced box chart, where each box chart represents grades for a period of time, where the period of time may be portions of the same school year or different school years.
151. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of grades within a range of significant statistical points, and a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range, and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition.
152. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays-grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of grades within a range of significant statistical points, a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range, and the body portion and extensions are scaled and/or have axis in, on or through them.
153. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of grades within a range of significant statistical points, such significant points having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: percentiles, weighted averages, normal distribution cut-off points, mean plus and minus multiples of statistical deviation, and a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range, and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition.
154. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of grades within a range of significant statistical points, and a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range, and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition, the demographic composition having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: gender, ethnicity, family characteristic, family income, family make-up, neighborhood, housing and means of transportation.
155. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents range of grades within a range of significant statistical points, and a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range, and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition, the demographic composition having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of categories enumerated in the United States Census Bureau questionnaires.
156. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of grades within a range of significant statistical points, and a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range, and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition, and an individual student's grade is marked by a user-defined sub-element in, on or through the body portion or extensions.
157. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of grades within a range of significant statistical points, a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range, and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition, and an individual student's grade is marked by a user-defined sub-element in, on or through the body portion or extensions, and the extensions represent the ranges of the demographic composition.
158. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of grades within a range of significant statistical points, and a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range, and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition, and an individual student's grade is marked by a user-defined sub-element in, on or through the body portion or extensions, and portion of body portion and each extension is distinguished by an attribute.
159. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays grade report data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of grades within a range of significant statistical points, and a dimension of the extensions represent grades outside of the range, and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition, and an individual student's grade is marked by a user-defined sub-element in, on or through the body portion or extensions, and portion of body portion and extension are distinguished by an attribute and/or sub-element.
160. The graphical display of claim 159, where the relevant attributes and sub-elements of the portions of body portions and extensions match each other.
161. The graphical display of claim 146 wherein display graphically displays grade report data, where a range of user selected statistical data and information are represented by a range of user-defined attributes and/or sub-elements.
162. A computer implemented user interface for graphically displaying user selected portfolio analysis data, the interface comprising; selection means for enabling a user to select a user selected body portion, the body portion representing at least a first set of portfolio related data and for enabling a user to select a user selected number of extensions that extend from the body portion, each extension representing a second set of portfolio related data; and display means for graphically displaying the body portion and extensions.
163. The graphical display of claim 162 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected time frame, one or more of minimum, maximum, open and close value for the portfolio.
164. The graphical display of claim 162 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the portfolio and further comprises at least attribute that represents a mean value of the portfolio.
165. The graphical display of claim 162 wherein the display graphically displays for a-time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the portfolio, and portions of the body portion proportionally represent the components comprising the portfolio.
166. The graphical display of claim 162 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the portfolio, and portions of the body portion proportionally represent the components comprising the portfolio, and the body portion and extensions have scales and/or axis in, on, through or outside of them.
167. The graphical display of claim 162 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the portfolio, and portions of the body portion proportionally represent the components comprising the portfolio, where the components having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: stocks, bonds, cash, securities, certificates of deposits, mortgages, foreign currencies, credits, interests, dividends, obligations receivables, accounts receivables, notes, options, futures contracts, derivatives, tangible assets, intangible assets and good wills.
168. The graphical display of claim 162 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the portfolio, and portions of the body portion proportionally represent the components comprising the portfolio, where the components having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: debts, accounts payable, interest payables, margin interests, obligations, pledges, and notes payable.
169. The graphical display of claim 162 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the portfolio, and portions of the body portion proportionally represent the components comprising the portfolio, and the user selected sub-elements in, on, through or outside the portions of body portions and extensions represent the directions of change of the components comprising the portfolio.
170. The graphical display of claim 162 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the portfolio, and portions of the body portion proportionally represent the components comprising the portfolio, and the user selected attributes and/or sub-elements in, on or outside the body portion and extensions represent user-defined portfolio related data.
171. The graphical display of claim 162 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the portfolio, and portions of the body portion proportionally represent the components comprising the portfolio, and the user selected attributes and/or sub-elements in, on or outside the body portion and extensions represent user-defined company related data.
172. A computer implemented user interface for graphically displaying user selected employee evaluation data, the interface comprising; selection means for enabling a user to select a user selected body portion, the body portion representing at least a first set of employee evaluation related data and for enabling a user to select a user selected number of extensions that extend from the body portion, each extension representing a second set of employee evaluation related data; and display means for graphically displaying the body portion and extensions.
173. The graphical display of claim 172 wherein the display graphically displays simultaneously two or more enhanced box charts, where each box chart represents evaluation related data for a period of time, where the period of time may be portions of the same year or different years.
174. The graphical display of claim 172 wherein display graphically displays user selected employee evaluation data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of employee evaluation related data within a range, and a dimension of the extensions represent employee evaluation related data outside of the range of significant statistical points; and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition of the employees.
175. The graphical display of claim 172 wherein display graphically displays user selected employee evaluation data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of employee evaluation related data within a range, and a dimension of the extensions represent employee evaluation related data outside of the range of significant statistical points; and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition, the demographic composition having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of categories enumerated in the United States Census Bureau questionnaires.
176. The graphical display of claim 172 wherein display graphically displays user selected employee evaluation data, where a dimension of the body portion represents a range of employee evaluation related data within a range, and a dimension of the extensions represent employee evaluation related data outside of the range of significant statistical points; and the portions of the body portion proportionally represent the demographic composition, the demographic composition having a user selected configuration selected from the group consisting of: age, gender, ethnicity, seniority, education, experience, location, medical history, health, habits, salary, position and family make-up.
177. A computer implemented user interface for graphically displaying user selected securities or commodities price related data, the interface comprising; selection means for enabling a user to select a user selected body portion, the body portion representing at least a first set of securities price related data and for enabling a user to select a user selected number of extensions that extend from the body portion, each extension representing a second set of securities price related data; and display means for graphically displaying the body portion and extensions.
178. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security.
179. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security and a dimension of an extension represents the volume of the security traded during the time frame.
180. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security and a dimension of a first extension represents the volume of the security traded at or near a high price during the time frame and a dimension of a second extension represents the volume of the security traded at or near a low price during the time frame.
181. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays within the body portion a first sub-element that represents the up volume and a second sub-element that represents the down volume.
182. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays simultaneously two or more enhanced box charts, where each box chart represents user selected securities price related data for a period of time.
183. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security, and where portions of the body portion proportionally represent user selected significant characteristics of the security.
184. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security, and where portions of the body portion proportionally represent user selected significant characteristics of the security, the significant characteristics having a user selected configuration selected from the group of: trading volumes; security prices; trading volumes or prices of related options and/or futures and/or derivative contracts; trading volume or prices of related securities, options, futures or derivatives; trading volume or prices of user-desired securities, options, futures or derivatives.
185. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security, and where significant characteristics of the security are represented by attributes and/or sub-elements in, on through or outside the body portion and/or extensions.
186. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security, and technical analysis metrics are represented as attributes and/or sub-elements in, on, through or outside the body portion and/or extensions.
187. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security, and the technical analysis metrics are represented as attributes and/or sub-elements in, on, through or outside the body portion and/or extensions, such metrics having a user selected configuration selected from the group of: Moving Average, Moving Average Convergence Divergence (“MACD”), MACD Histogram, Relative Strength Index, Stochastics, Money Flow, On Balance Volume, Wilder's DMI, Volatility Index, Accumulation/Distribution Index, Price Oscillator (“PPO”), William % R, Aroon Index, Aroon Oscillator, Rate of Change, Bollinger Band Width, Bollinger Squeeze, Ultimate Oscillator, Price Relative, Volume, Oscillators, Indexes, Parabolic SAR, Standard Deviation and Regression Curves.
188. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security, and multiple body portions represent interruption in sample collection in between.
189. The graphical display of claim 177 wherein the display graphically displays for a selected security for a selected time frame, one or more of the minimum, maximum, open and close value for the security, and multiple body portions represent interruptions in sample collection in between, where such discontinuities represent the beginning, the duration and the ending of interruption in sample collection, where such samples include price and volume data.
190. A computer implemented user interface for graphically displaying simultaneously two or more enhanced box charts representing user selected data, the interface comprising: selection means for enabling a user to select parameters for at least a first and a second enhanced box chart, the selections for each box chart comprising one or more of a user selected body portion, the body portion representing at least a first set of data and a user selected number of extensions that extend from the body portion, each extension representing a second set of data; and display means for simultaneously graphically displaying the enhanced box charts as a time series display.
191. The graphical display of claim 189, where a plurality of user-desired averages are run through the time series of the enhanced box charts.
192. The graphical display of claim 189, the time series of enhanced box charts are substantially enveloped by a plurality of user-desired averages plus and minus user-desired multiples of standard deviation.
193. The graphical display of claim 189, where a plurality of user-desired central tendency metrics are run through the time series of the enhanced box charts, such metrics having a user selected configuration selected from the group of: mean, median, moving average, moving median, weighted average and weighted median.
194. The graphical display of claim 189, where the time series of the enhanced box charts are substantially enveloped by a plurality of user-desired central tendency metrics plus and minus user-desired multiples of standard deviation.
195. The graphical display of claim 1 wherein the display enables fractal representation to any level of any aspect of data displayed on the display.
196. The graphical display of claim 194 wherein the user defines and/or limits the subsequent viewers' access to fractally view the enhanced box chart.
197. The graphical display of claim 194 wherein the user defines and/or limits the subsequent viewers' access to fractally manipulate the enhanced box chart.
198. The graphical display of claim 194 wherein various display elements are interactive so that when a user selects such an element, a fractal representation corresponding to the selected element is displayed.
199. The graphical display of claim 194 wherein various display elements are interactive so that when a user selects such an element, a fractal representation corresponding to the selected element is displayed as an overlay of the element.
200. The graphical display of claim 194 wherein various display elements are interactive so that when a user selects such an element, a fractal representation corresponding to the selected element is displayed an overlay of the element with transparency or translucency.
201. The graphical display of claim 1 wherein the display comprises one or more of a computer printout, a display on a computer monitor, television, high definition TV, digital TV, screen, projection, digital projection, hologram, virtual reality, augmented reality display, augmented vision, three-dimensional display, or tele-presence re-creation.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to the presentation and display of multi-dimensional data, including the use of enhanced box charts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Graphs of statistical and other data have existed for a long time. One technique for displaying data includes the use of box charts. A box chart, sometimes referred to as a “Box And Whiskers” chart, can be used to display statistical data within a data set. Multiple box charts may also show different data sets, and have multiple grids and axes. In one case, a box chart may be used to display a minimum data point, a maximum data point, a 25th Percentile, a 50th Percentile, a 75th Percentile, and if desired, any outliers.
[0003]
[0004] One well-known box chart is the Japanese “candlestick,” which is used in the technical analysis of financial markets. In this application, the low, high, opening and closing prices of a certain commodity during a certain period of time are presented as a box chart. While box charts in general are known and have been used, existing known uses provided a limited amount of data in a rigid way. These and other drawbacks exist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention provides a system and method for presenting and displaying multiple data in graphical form, including the use of enhanced box charts. The enhanced box charts provide a universal, objective, and quantifiable tool to provide a quick graphic display of multiple data (e.g., parameters, functions, metrics, variables, attributes or other data).
[0006] An enhanced box chart is a display system that may include at least one body portion, one or more extensions extending from one or more sides (or boundaries) of the body portion, and multiple axes, scales or other designators. Various attributes of the body portion and extensions may be used along with sub-elements of the enhanced box chart to convey and display more data and information than a traditional box chart.
[0007] The body portion may be in the form of a rectangle or other suitable shape, including without limitation a square, a circular shape, elliptical shape, any polygonal shape, or any other suitable shape or structure. Irregular shapes, non-geometric shapes, pictures, symbols, signs, images, graphics and other body portion may also be used. The shapes of the body portion can be amorphous and/or dynamic, that is, the shape may dynamically change according to changes in the underlying data, upon the occurrence of certain events or conditions or based on other factors. The dynamic nature of the body portion may be used to display a time series of data or otherwise. Dynamic attributes can also extend to all other aspects of the enhanced box chart. For example, the scales or coordinate axes may dynamically change along with changes in the underlying data. The attributes (e.g., dimensions, colors and other attributes) of the body portion may represent certain data. For example, in the case of a rectangle, the length or any parts of the rectangle may correspond to data, a range of data values or other values. Additionally, the width or any parts of the rectangle may correspond to data, a range of data, or other values. If desired, the body portion may comprise a third or more dimension that may also represent certain data. For example, in the case of a rectangular shaped body portion, a depth may correspond to other values. In other cases a portion of the length, width, depth or other dimension may be used to represent one or more data values.
[0008] One or more extensions may extend from one or more sides, ends, surfaces, or other boundary portion of the body portion. For example, in the case of a rectangular body portion, one or more extensions may extend from one or more of each side or end of the rectangle. For simplicity, as used herein the terms side and end may be used interchangeably. To avoid repetition, the use of either side or end will be understood to include the other, unless expressly stated otherwise. Each extension may be a line, a curve, a rectangle or any other shape or structure. The attributes (e.g., dimensions, color or other attributes), or any parts thereof, on, within or adjacent to the extension may represent certain data. For example, in the case of a line, the length of the line may correspond to a range of values. In the case of a rectangle, the length of the rectangle may correspond to a range of values and the width of the rectangle may correspond to other values. If desired, the extension(s) may comprise a third or more dimension that may also represent certain data. For example, in the case of a rectangular shaped extension, the depth or parts thereof may correspond to other values.
[0009] Various axes or other designators may be included on, within, adjacent to or outside of the body portion to represent one or more scales or other frames of reference. Various axes or other designators may be included on, within, adjacent to or outside of all or some extensions. The axes may be manually located, automatically located or otherwise generated or called up. According to one embodiment the axes are self-scaling. (The scales, self-scales or coordinate axes or self-gradation can be in the forms of numbers, graduated colors, signs, symbols, images, graphics, sound or shapes.)
[0010] The term attribute as used herein is intended to be construed broadly except when used in a specific way. The attributes of the body portion may include the dimensions of the body portion (e.g., its width, length and/or depth), the angular orientation of the body portion, various axes on, within, adjacent to or outside the body portion, and various combination of shapes, symbols, pictures, signs, images, graphics, colors, sounds, videos associated with the body portion or portions thereof. The attributes of the extensions may include the dimensions of the extensions, (e.g., its length, width and/or depth), the angular orientation of the extension, various axes on, within, adjacent to or outside the extension, and various combination of shapes, symbols, signs, images, graphics, sounds, videos and colors associated with the extension or portions thereof.
[0011] One or more body portions, extensions, attributes, scales, or sub-elements can be static or dynamic, based on certain user-desired changes in the underlying data and/or the occurrences of certain events whether related or not related to changes in the underlying data. Any such changes may result in corresponding changes in a set of user-defined attributes. The relation between the changes (e.g., in some underlying data and/or the occurrences of certain events not directly related to the underlying data) and their corresponding manifestations in any combinations of the attributes may be linear or non-linear, time-varying or caused by certain cascading and/or conditional occurrences of some user-defined or user-desired events. Thus, the shape of the body portion, the self-scale of some metrics, the colors of some extensions and other elements may change if certain changes in certain data or certain events take place. These changes may be transient (e.g., a temporary change that reverts back to its state before the change) and/or permanent (e.g., remains as changed until another change takes place, but without reverting back) and may lead to similar dynamic changes in certain other elements and/or activate certain other displays.
[0012] The sub-elements may include various axes, lines, shapes, symbols, signs, colors, images, graphics, sounds, videos, links, and other enhanced or other box charts on, within, adjacent to or outside the body portion. Additional sub-elements may include various axes, lines, shapes, symbols, pictures, signs, images, graphics, sounds, videos, and colors and other enhanced box charts on, within, adjacent to or outside one or more extensions. Each sub-element may itself include additional user-defined sub-elements.
[0013] The use of various combinations of multiple extensions from one or more sides of a body portion, sub-elements and various attributes of the body portion, extensions and sub-elements can provide a powerful tool to succinctly display in a single enhanced box chart, many selected data values, from many selected data sets, many levels of data (fractalization), and other data related information. Various other advantages exist.
[0014] As used herein, the term data is intended to be construed broadly. For example, the data may be a collection of numbers that may or may not have units associated therewith. The data may correspond to quantitative or qualitative data, raw data, manipulated or processed data, summary data, statistical data, metadata, or any other data-related values (or any combination thereof) or other values or information. The data, values or other information may relate to quantitative, comparative and/or analytic study of one or more subjects. By way of example, the data could be achievement, performance, accomplishment, or any other information that needs to be quantifiably and objectively measured and displayed using a number of user-defined criteria. The enhanced box charts of the invention may also be used to display non-data items as well. The foregoing examples of data, values and information types are not intended in any way to limit the generality of the type of the data, values or information that can be displayed with the enhanced box charts of the invention. For convenience, unless otherwise indicated, as used hereafter the term data will be used to include data, values and other information. Whenever one of the terms data or values or information is used herein, it is understood that any of the other terms could be used in its place, unless otherwise indicated or apparent from the example.
[0015] One aspect of the invention relates to a tool that enables a user to select one or more data sets (from any suitable data source) for display and to specify various aspects of the enhanced box chart(s) for display. For example, a user may select one or more of: one or more data sources (or portions thereof), the number and shapes of the body portion(s), the number and shapes of the extension(s), the sub-element(s) to be displayed, the attributes of the body portion(s) and extension(s), axes or other designators (and characteristics thereof), or frames of reference. A user may select other attributes and features as detailed below. The user can also specify what data, values or other information each of the components of the enhanced box chart represent, and for any display what components to display.
[0016] In any of a plurality of capacities as defined by a user, portions of the enhanced box chart can be flexibly defined to convey particular data, attributes of the underlying data or other user-desired information. For example, an attribute of the underlying data can be represented by the thickness, relative length, or color of one or more lines in the chart. These lines may or may not represent the lines that give primary definition to the shape of the body portion or extensions.
[0017] One or more data sources or portions thereof may be selected for comparative display using one or more enhanced box charts that are simultaneously or sequentially displayed. These and other aspects of the invention provide for easy, quantifiable and objective visually graphic comparison among various data whose parameters are being viewed. Various templates may be provided, created, or modified to facilitate a user's selection of the various display choices. Users may also create, modify and store their own templates for ease of reuse.
[0018] Another aspect of the invention relates to the resulting enhanced box charts. Each enhanced box chart may be displayed in any of a variety of formats or in different media, including for example, as a computer printout; as a display on a computer monitor, television, high definition TV, digital TV, or other screen; as a projection, digital projection, virtual reality, augmented vision or hologram; in all cases as a one, two, or three-dimensional display; or as a tele-presence re-creation.
[0019] It is also a feature of the invention that an enhanced box chart can include interactive elements that enable a user to access further charts, data or other information. These further charts, data or other information may convey, for example, a summary or a subset of the information being displayed on the first chart, a view of a new combination of data or other levels of detail. This navigation feature enables a user to quickly and intuitively gain an understanding or “feel” of the meaning of the underlying data by drilling down, drilling up or drilling sideways through the data.
[0020] In interactive media, clicking on, hovering over or otherwise selecting any aspect of the enhanced box chart (e.g., a body portion, extension, sub-element, attribute, data point, segment, side, shape, symbol, sign, color, images, graphics, sounds, videos, number or statistical or functional representation singly or in any combination or any other element of the enhanced box chart can cause the display of:
[0021] a) a new enhanced box chart that has been linked to that particular subset;
[0022] b) data, values and/or information relating to the selected display element;
[0023] c) any combination of (a) and (b); and
[0024] d) any other desired display element
[0025] Enhanced box charts can be used to represent multiple data in multiple frames of reference by containing, adopting, assuming and/or utilizing various body portions (with regular or irregular shapes), extensions, sub-elements and attributes thereof (e.g., symbols, signs images, graphics, sounds, videos, or colors) in one unified, integrated graph. The one or more extensions may be in the form of lines, rectangles or other shapes of any kind or form, symbols or signs, and may each contain additional data and/or other information. The extensions may extend from any one or more of the sides, ends or boundaries of the body portion. These extensions can display data about the maximum and minimum data points (ranges) and partial maxima and minima data points of various aspects of the data set or may represent other data or information. The attributes of the body portions, extensions or sub-elements represent many data points or pieces of information. Such attributes may include various partial and/or segmented thicknesses and/or colors. Additionally, the attributes of any line or portion thereof on the sides, inside or in the immediate vicinity of the enhanced box chart can include various shapes, symbols, signs, colors, images, graphics, sounds, or videos, to convey additional data or pieces of information.
[0026] Further, all the sides and inside shapes and the extensions may have self-scaled or graded single or multiple coordinate axes (or frames of reference) on themselves or in their immediate vicinity to eliminate the need for outside, ordinary coordinate axes for data or quantitative measurement. Such coordinate axes may take on the form of grades or graduated markings, gradually changing colors, symbols or signs on the sides, inside or in the immediate vicinity of the enhanced box chart, any and all with or without accompanying numbers and/or units.
[0027] Multiple non-data, but informational, shapes, signs, symbols, pictures, images, graphics, sounds, videos, or logos maybe placed anywhere on, inside or in the immediate vicinity of the enhanced box chart to convey additional information about the subject matter. Various shapes containing data or information that are on the sides, inside or in the immediate vicinity of the enhanced box chart may themselves take the form of enhanced box charts including self-contained scales or graded axes.
[0028] Every part or sub-part of the shapes, signs, symbols, partial lengths, thicknesses, colors or “landmarks” of the body portion, extensions or sub-elements on, inside or in the immediate vicinity of the enhanced box chart can convey some data or information about the subject matter.
[0029] One aspect of the invention is that a user can decide how many simultaneous pieces of data and/or information she wants to display in, by and through the enhanced box chart and the number of box charts to simultaneously display.
[0030] All data displayed in any one of the many frames of reference on the sides, inside or immediate vicinity of the enhanced box chart may be proportionately sized, segmented, thickened, colored or otherwise their measurements may be displayed relative to that one particular frame of reference. Therefore, as may be desired by a user, some data may be displayed more than once, in more than one frame of reference, on the sides, inside or in the immediate vicinity of the enhanced box chart. In each case, those displayed data are measured relative to each particular frame of reference. Further, in addition to various frames of reference in which a quantity may be displayed in the enhanced box chart, the quantity's attributes (e.g., symbol and/or sign and/or shape or other attributes) may vary as well within a single unified enhanced box chart.
[0031] Further, in addition to displaying a quantity, certain signs, symbols, images, graphics, sounds, videos, or shapes on the sides, inside or in the immediate vicinity of the enhanced box chart may indicate the absolute or relative changes, the directions and the magnitudes of those changes of the quantity displayed in, through or by the enhanced box chart. These values may be displayed relative to the same frame of reference used for the quantity or they may be displayed in different frames of reference.
[0032] Significant data points or landmarks of a curve can be displayed in a unified presentation as, through or by the enhanced box chart. Further, significantly, the area under a curve between two user specified numbers can be represented as the area of the body portion or a subset of the body portion in addition to its being able to be displayed by other shapes, symbols, signs images, graphics, sounds, videos, or colors. Specifically, sample data concentration around the mean of the normal distribution curve (e.g., a bell curve) can be directly related to and/or represented by the shape of the body portion of the enhanced box chart. Further, specifically, sample data concentration around the poles of multi-polar curves can be represented proportionally by the shapes of various subsets of the body portion. For example, in the case of a rectangular body portion, the width of the rectangle may correspond to the distance between two points on the bell (or other) curve. The length of the rectangle may correspond to the height (or a value related to the height) of the curve.
[0033] To display the actual magnitude of any outliers in the enhanced box chart (in addition to using other shapes, symbols, signs, or colors) an end of the extensions can be displayed as a collapsed element e.g., a spiral, curly, zigzagged, folded, twisted, or accordion-like collapsed line (or other shape). The length of this collapsed line, in the form of these representations, is equal to the length of the outlier. In this way, the display provides an immediate physical understanding of the size/magnitude of the outlier data sample yet enables the outlier to be displayed in close proximity to the body portion or extension without unduly distorting any scales or axes. In an interactive embodiment, the display can enable a user to “lift” (e.g., straighten or “un-collapse”) this collapsed line to see its actual length (optionally with a dynamic, temporary re-scaling of any relevant axes) to better see that actual value of the outlier and then cause it to collapse back when desired by the user. Normally, outliers disproportionately occupy space in graphs, unduly distort axes or out of necessity are shown in discontinuous portions of the scale. But this makes it more difficult to understand the relative value of the outlier compared to other data.
[0034] Further, the enhanced box chart, singly or in combination or in procession with other enhanced box charts, can be displayed on regular, outside frames of reference while containing and carrying its own various frames of reference. Further, the enhanced box chart can be rotated to any degree without losing any of its display capabilities. Further, an enhanced box chart can be rotated along the axis of any of its extensions (or other axes) without losing any of its display capabilities.
[0035] Each new enhanced box chart or other portion of an enhanced box chart itself may be related to other enhanced box charts or other displays to permit various levels of data to be analyzed.
[0036] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent through the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings attached hereto. It is also to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and not restrictive of the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0063] Various embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0064] One aspect of the invention relates to the use of enhanced box charts for the display of data. In general, an enhanced box chart is a display system that may include at least one body portion, one or more extensions extending from one or more sides, surfaces or boundaries of the body portion, and multiple axes, scales or other designators. Various attributes of the body portion and extensions may be used along with sub-elements (e.g., various axes, lines, shapes, symbols, signs, images, graphics, sound, video and colors, links, and other enhanced or other box charts) of the enhanced box chart to convey and display more data and information (in a unified, integrated way) than a traditional box chart. Particular sub-elements may themselves take the form of an enhanced box chart. More than one enhanced boxed chart may be simultaneously displayed.
[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, a user interface is provided to enable a user to select the various features of the box chart (detailed below), including, for each enhanced box chart, the characteristics of the body portion and its attributes, the characteristics and number of the extensions and their attributes, the sub-elements, and the axes or scales. Other aspects of the enhanced box charts may also be user selected. If desired, instead of all the features being selected or selectable by a user, some aspects may have default settings. A user selectability coupled with the enhanced features of a box chart enabled by the invention provide a powerful advantage over prior systems.
[0066] A generic embodiment of an enhanced box chart is illustrated in
[0067] As further shown in
[0068] Many internal and external self-scaled gradation and units (E) may be used.
[0069] Various portions of the sides (F) of the body portions and the extensions
[0070] Referring back to
[0071] The thickness of the line defining the width of body portion
[0072] Extensions. In general, one or more extensions (
[0073] In one example, the thickness of a line representing an extension (e.g.,
[0074] Various axes, scales, or other designators may be included on, within, adjacent to or outside of the body portion to represent one or more scales or other frames of reference. Various axes or other designators may be included on, within or outside of all or some extensions. The axes may be manually located, automatically located or otherwise generated or called up. According to one embodiment