Importance

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Abstract

A computer- and software-based apparatus and method is disclosed for managing and presenting information as a domain of data objects which can be grouped according to their category or 'object type,' and which can be associated with other data objects, of same or differing object types, according to a myriad of relationship types. The system and method present the network of objects using a computer-generated graphical user interface (GUI) which may comprise a series of tables or trees or other means for representing a set. The invention provides for display of a primary object set comprising a plurality of primary data objects sharing a common object type. On the same or a related GUI display, a plurality of other object sets, known as 'secondary object sets,' are displayed in order to present data objects related to the data objects of the primary object set. When a data object in the primary set is selected (by cursor or similar means), each of the secondary object sets will display data object related to the selected data item in the primary set. This 'relationship traversal' allows the user to explore the network and ascertain relationships between data objects. The system and method also provide various additional functions to explore and analyze the data, including sorting, attribute filtering, context filtering and view pivoting. Relationship traversal and the additional functions allow the user to view structure and detail at the same time, and to engage in 'data mining' to appreciate previously unappreciated relationships between discrete data objects.

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First Claim