PatentBrief

Graphic user interface for database system

A graphic user interface method for representing a search of a database, providing a plurality of stylized Venn diagrams each representing an intersection of at least two sets; receiving from the user, for each generic g…

Granted 1999activeExpired 2016Owned by IndividualInvented by Andrew J. Szabo

Original patent title: “Graphic user interface for database system

What this patent covers

The actual claim

A graphic user interface method for representing a search of a database, providing a plurality of stylized Venn diagrams each representing an intersection of at least two sets; receiving from the user, for each generic graphic icon, a selection of at least one region, defining an output data set; presenting the generic graphic icons on the graphic user interface as modified graphic icons, each having graphic indication of the selections; and receiving linkage information from the user for the modified graphic icons to represent a composite set inclusion property, based on the output data sets and the linkage information. Once a search is defined, it may be translated, as necessary, for execution by a typical database search engine. Retrieved results may be quantified and ranked by the interface system for optimal presentation to the user.

What this patent does NOT cover

The boundaries

    These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.

    Graphic user interface for dat…(Primary claim)

    Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.

    Patent Abstract

    Patent abstract

    A graphic user interface method for representing a search of a database, providing a plurality of stylized Venn diagrams each representing an intersection of at least two sets; receiving from the user, for each generic graphic icon, a selection of at least one region, defining an output data set; presenting the generic graphic icons on the graphic user interface as modified graphic icons, each having graphic indication of the selections; and receiving linkage information from the user for the modified graphic icons to represent a composite set inclusion property, based on the output data sets and the linkage information. Once a search is defined, it may be translated, as necessary, for execution by a typical database search engine. Retrieved results may be quantified and ranked by the interface system for optimal presentation to the user.

    Patent Journey

    From filing to expiry

    Patent Filed

    1996

    Patent Granted

    1999 · 3yr after filing

    Highly Cited

    859 patents cite this

    Patent Expired

    2016

    PatentBrief Score

    Impact Score

    60/ 100

    Strong

    Citation count

    40/40

    Highly cited

    Claim breadth

    20/20

    Very broad protection

    Recency

    0/20

    Older than 20 years

    Assignee scale

    0/20

    Independent or smaller assignee

    PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.

    The original legal language

    Original claims

    69 claims as filed with the patent office.

    Citations

    Patent lineage

    Cites earlier patents

    9

    earlier patents this invention cites as foundations

    View prior art →

    Cited by later patents

    859

    later patents that build on this invention

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