Importance

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Abstract

A system for interactive, dynamic, three-dimensional presentation of a database's structure allows the user to efficiently navigate through the database to examine the desired information. The present system graphically depicts the organization of the information base as 'molecules' consisting of structured parallel 'threads' of connected nodes each encompassing a specific aspect of the overall database. Within a given thread, the component nodes, which share a commonality of subject, are arranged in a natural, linear progression which reflects the organizational structure of the information subject represented by the thread, thereby providing the user with a visual guide suggesting the appropriate sequence of nodes to be viewed. By providing a hierarchical representation of the organizational structure of the entire database, the present navigational system provides the user with both the 'position' of the information unit being currently examined relative to the remainder of the database, as well as the information regarding the overall size and complexity of the database. The present system also provides the user with the capability to define one or more 'customized' navigation 'paths' over the database, as well as copy and modify existing units of information.

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First Claim