Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for user-directed, efficient comparisons of sets of objects. A user generally selects two sets of objects to be compared. The objects are, in general, hierarchically structured. The user may also specify criteria for selecting a desired subset of objects in the two sets of objects to be compared. In a first phase, the comparison process generates a tree containing nodes representative of each object selected to be compared; an object pair of the sets of objects being compared shares one tree node. Generally, an object pair comprises an object from each of the sets of objects being compared, and an object pair is what is compared. Container nodes are also created which represent folders of the objects being compared. A graphical representation of the tree, or an object view, is displayed as a graphical user interface display on a screen. Once the tree is generated containing nodes for each of the objects selected to be compared, the comparison process performs a comparison of each object pair. The user can select the order of comparison of the object pairs by manipulating the tree nodes in the graphical user interface display. As each object pair is compared, the comparison process generates a result view. As result view comprises the graphical representation of the tree previously generated, with the addition of representations of the result of each object pair comparison performed to that time. The result view, once generated, may be displayed as a graphical usr interface display on the screen.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim