Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD OF EXPLORING (WHEEL)
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to tools for exploring possibilities and more
particularly to tools used for exploring and evaluating the likelihood and
significance of
possible events.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
People have long predicted the future. For instance, if a spouse presents
flowers to their partner, they can predict that the reaction will be
favorable. It is
possible that the partner could not react or react negatively. Other
implications are
also possible. People are comfortable with predicting based upon the
occurrence of an
event. If "X" occurs then "Y" may be the result. From this very simplified
methodology
there is a very substantial room for improvement.
A tool has been developed and sold under the trademark IMPLICATIONS
WHEEL developed and sold by the current inventor, Joel A. Barker. This tool
essentially follows the format of If "X" occurs then "Y" may result. The tool,
identifies
many of the different implications that may flow from "X." Then additional
layers may
be followed out, separately treating each "Y" portion of the equation as a new
"X" and
looking for the next round of implications. The process may be repeated as
many times
as desired to reach out as far into the future as desired.
This tool has been important within corporate America due to the commercial
advantage of being extremely well positioned for the future. For instance, a
company
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may wish to understand what could result from buying out another company. Some
of
the immediate implications may include anti-trust problems, strategi.c partner
benefits,
combining of research and development departments and other potentially
readily
discernable implications. Less discernable implications are more readily
uncovered
with the aid of the IMPLICATIONS WHEEL brand exploring tool. Subsequent
layers
of implications may also be uncovered or revealed by the tool. For instance,
innovative
new product may result from cross-fertilization of ideas in a combined
research and
development department.
The IMPLICATIONS WHEEL brand method of predicting the future has some
drawbacks until now. Previously, the tool used paper to record all the
implications.
The pieces of paper could become very large, covering more than an entire wal
l of a
room. The tool could take days to review and understand and selected
implications
could not be presented in a prominent fashion particularly based upon a
subject.
Scoring from multiple viewpoints was not recorded ion a single chart, which
precluded
comparison of conflicting scoring. As nodes change from a non-scored status to
a
scored status or changed from one score to another was any prior designation
of its
status removed, thus creating a mess as changes were made.
Previous versions of the Implications Wheel were confusing to score during
the
Wheel generation process. Highly desirable implications were circled in blue.
Highly
undesirable implications were circled in red. If any highly desirable or
highly
undesirable implication was also likely it was given an additional circle in
the same
color as the initial circle that represented desirability or undesirability.
This system of
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circles around implications meaning desirability in one case, and likelihood
in another
was very confusing to I-Wheel participants, especially with groups who were
new to the
process. In the prior art, desirability or likelihood indicators were not
placed inside
nodes, perhaps because doing so interfered with the legibility of the text
written in the
implication node. The scoring legend being confusing, increased the chances of
unintended scores, which introduces faulty data into the process. The faulty
data was
then potentially used in making final decisions.
What is needed is an improved tool for predicting events, normally in the
future,
but potentially in the past. The tool should provide summaries of significant
implications, allow for scoring according to multiple view points without
disclosing the
scoring according to other viewpoints, scored (importance, likelihood and
perhaps time)
implications and non-scored implications should each have a specific
designation that
is removable as the implication moves between non-scored and scored and
replaced
with the proper designation. Preferably, the scoring legend is clearer for use
during the
initial scoring process. For example, a circle about a node should only
indicate
likelihood, not desirability the first time it is circled and likelihood the
next time.
Desirably, all regions with respect to the node, e.g., inside, outside and the
lines or
circle defining the node, should all be useable as areas for placing scoring
indicators.
Other features for the ease of use, comprehension and security, e.g.
encryption, should
also be included to enhance the usability and understandability of the tool.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method of exploring including the steps of: writing
center text; displaying the center text in a center node; writing first order
implications,
each first order implication being the starting point for a cascading arc of
implications;
displaying each first order implication in a first order node; connecting each
first order
node to the center node; writing any desired next order (child) implications
of any
existing implications; displaying the child implications in child nodes; and
connecting
the child nodes to an associated but immediate previous (parent) node to form
a wheel;
preparing and displaying a summary of the wheel including only those
implications,
together with any ancestor implications necessary to connect to the center
text, that are
both significant implications and that match any user determined auxiliary
summary
parameters.
Optionally, the method may provide the step(s) of:
- preparing and displaying a summary of the wheel including only those
implications, together with any ancestor implications necessary to connect
to the center text, that are both significant implications and match any
user determined auxiliary summary parameters;
- visually rotating the wheel in a plane skewed to a plane defined by a
monitor screen;
- rotating the wheel when any node is selected; the selected node is
enlarged as it is rotated to the foreground;
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- displaying the nodes forming the wheel in a diminished mode such that
the implication within the node is not revealed;
- fully displaying each node including revealing each implication within
each node;
- fully displaying a portion of the nodes, including revealing the
implications
within some of the nodes;
- encrypting data associated with one arc and electronically distributing that
arc for completion and scoring;
- preparing and displaying a conflict summary wheel including only those
implications, together with any ancestor implications necessary to connect
to the center text, that both are significant implications and received a
conflicting score between at least two different viewpoints;
- visually removing indicia designating a node as non-scored and marking
the node as scored once the node is scored; and/or
- visually rotating the conflict summary wheel in a plane skewed to a plane
defined by a monitor screen.
These and other options will be understood from the description, drawings and
appendix.
This method provides several advantages including the ability to prepare a
summary wheel with the significant nodes on a particular user determined
subject.
Another advantage is that the wheel may be positioned and rotate on a monitor
to present a selected node in the foreground.
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Still yet another advantage is that the nodes may be enlarged or diminished to
reveal or conceal the associate implication.
As yet another advantage some of the nodes may be enlarged or diminished to
reveal or conceal the encapsulated implication.
A further advantage is that the data associated with an arc may be encrypted
and distributed for completion and scoring.
Still further, conflict scoring summary wheels may be displayed with
significant
nodes that receive conflicting scores according to two or more viewpoints.
Another advantage is that the summary wheel or conflict summary wheel may be
visually rotated on a monitor to position a selected node in the foreground.
As still yet another advantage, non-scored nodes, may have indicia marking the
nodes as non-scored removed and replace with markings showing the node as
scored,
once the scoring is complete.
These and other advantages are further explained in the description, shown in
the drawings and illustrate in the appendix.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for launch and registration;
Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for adding first order
implications;
Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for the interface;
Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for adding any order
implications;
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Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for distributing arcs for
completion;
Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for distributing arcs for
scoring;
Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for assembling arc data
returned by
arc program;
Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for scoring in wheel;
Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for timing in wheel;
Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for preparing a summary
wheel;
Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for conflict summary wheel;
Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for exiting the program;
Figure 13 is a screen shot allowing the user to verify the subscription on the
server
side;
Figure 14 is a screen shot that may appear to acquire subscription log-in
data;
Figure 15 is a screen shot allowing the user to open an existing file, create
a new file or
quit;
Figure 16 is a screen shot allowing a user to open an existing file;
Figure 17 is a screen shot allowing a user to create a new file;
Figure 18 is a screen shot allowing identification of the authors of a wheel;
Figure 19 is a screen shot allowing entry of background information about a
wheel;
Figure 20 is a screen shot providing for entry of the center text;
Figure 21 is a screen shot showing entry of center text;
Figure 22 is a screen shot showing entry of a first or any order implication
together with
the center;
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Figure 23 is a screen shot showing entry of a first order implication together
with the
center and a previously entered first order implication;
Figure 24 is a screen shot showing entry of a first order implication together
with the
center and numerous previously entered first order implications;
Figure 25 is a screen shot showing entry of a first order implication together
with a
page of previously entered first order implications being move to a hidden
page;
Figure 26 is a screen shot showing entry of a first order implication on a new
page with
the center;
Figure 27 is a screen shot reminding the user to enter at least one positive
and one
negative implication;
Figure 28 is a screen shot showing the "file" menu of the interface;
Figure 29 is a screen shot showing the "tools" menu of the interface;
Figure 30 is a screen shot showing the "implications" menu of the interface;
Figure 31 is a screen shot showing the "view" menu of the interface;
Figure 32 is a screen shot whereby an entity may select a client and the
client may
distribute arcs for completion and optionally scoring;
Figure 33 is a screen shot whereby a user may distribute arcs for completion
and
optionally scoring;
Figure 34 is the screen shot of Figure 33 wherein an arc group has been
selected;
Figure 35 is a screen shot showing the wheel and a first order implication has
been
selected to illustrate the center, lines and a first order node
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Figure 36 is a screen shot similar to Figure 35 and further illustrating the
wheel
displayed in a scoring mode;
Figure 37 is a screen shot showing the detailed scoring interface;
Figure 38 is a screen shot showing the fast scoring interface;
Figure 39 is a screen shot showing the wheel in scoring mode with some nodes
scored
as significant nodes;
Figure 40 is a screen shot showing a summary report of the wheel;
Figure 41 is a screen shot showing the timing interface;
Figure 42 is a screen shot showing a scored and timed wheel;
Figure 43 is a screen shot showing a conflicts report;
Figure 44 is a screen shot showing the entire wheel in scoring mode with a
first order
node selected; and
Figure 45 is a screen shot showing the entire wheel in scoring mode with a
second
order node selected.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Definitions
An applicant is entitled to be his own lexicographer. Accordingly, applicant
chooses the following definitions to apply to the description, claims and
abstract,
except as may otherwise be augmented in the detailed description:
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Ancestor - An ancestor of an implication of a first or subsequent order
implication or
node is the center or any implication/node between the center and the
reference
implication/node.
Arc - An arc is a portion of a wheel, the data from which can be combined with
other
arcs and existing data into a wheel. An arc is made up of one first order
implication
followed by up to preferably 10 second order implications followed by up to
preferably
ten third order implications off of each second order implications. In a
sense, it is a
fractal of the complete wheel, but its presented shape may be a wedge instead
of a
wheel.
Center - The main or principle issue being explored with a wheel. Possible
category
centers include: an innovation, an emerging trend, a new policy, a new product
brought
out by a competitor; or a significant event, i.e. 9/11.
Center node (or hub) - The node in a wheel that represents the center or hub
of the
wheel and the starting point of the discussion..
Child (Children) - Any implication that has the reference implication as its
parent is a
child of the reference implication. Any implication that has the center as its
parent is a
child of the center.
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Diminished node - a condensed node, opposite of enlarged node. A diminished
node
generally does node display an implication therein, but can show scoring:
Descendent - Any implication that has the reference implication as its
ancestor is a
descendent of the reference implication. Any first or subsequent order
implication is a
descendent of the center.
First (and subsequent) order implication - A direct possible implication of
the center
with no important intervening event. A second order implication is an
immediate
possible implication resulting from the occurrence of a first order
implication.
Subsequent levels of implications, third order, fourth order, etc., are direct
possible
implications resulting from the occurrence of the immediate preceding order of
implication. I.e. parent implication.
First (and subsequent) order node - the graphic form that holds the text of a
first order
implication. Second order, third order, fourth order, etc. nodes correspond to
similarly
numbered implications.
Implication - a possible result or consequence that is triggered by a previous
event.
Implications Wheel - A brand of a team tool that help users discover possible
future
events in an orderly yet divergent pattern. An Implications Wheel brand wheel
is built
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using a disciplined methodology and a non-linear thinking process. Preferably,
a wheel
is displayed as a grouping of all desired orders of all identified possible
implications
flowing out of a single event.
Lead (or spoke) - a portion of a line extending partially between two nodes. A
lead is
displayed when one of the two nodes is not displayed. A lead is shown in
Figure ***,
e.g. four lines to a fourth order node with part of the line and the fourth
order node not
showing.
Lines - a connector between two nodes. A line may be paired with one or more
lines as
described below.
Magnified Node - an enlarged node, opposite of diminished node.
Minority opinion - a scoring opinion or a portion of a group that constitutes
less than a
majority.
Minority report - the scoring result as prepared by those holding a minority
opinion.
N (Nth) - a mathematical variable.
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Node - An area in which text data concerning an implication may be recorded or
displayed. Preferably, a node is displayed in the shape of a circle or oval,
with certain
very special nodes displayed in the shape of a star or other non-circular
shape. A node
may be displayed as diminished, normal or enlarged.
Order - The number of ancestors of the reference implication.
Parent - The parent of some implication is the immediate ancestor of the
reference
implication. That is, the ancestor that is connected to the reference
implication without
intervening implications.
Point of View - The perspective used for scoring of a node, arc, or wheel done
by one
entity, person or group. Any wheel can be scored from multiple points of view,
e.g.,
legal, engineering, marketing, staff, natural and/or other.
Reference implication - The implication being discussed or chosen. Syn.
Selected
implication.
Sibling implications - children of the same parent implication.
Significant node - a node that is scored a +4 or greater score or -4 or lesser
score.
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Strand - The chain of implications II being ancestors of the same implication,
including
that reference implication and reaching all the way back to include the
center.
Time Diamond - an area in which judgements concerning the amount of time
between
implications is indicated.
Wheel - a graphical representation of all identified implications that may
directly or
indirectly flow from a given center. Implications Wheel is the preferred
brand of a
wheel. An example of a wheel is shown in Figure 41.
Launch and Registration
Figures 1-12 are flowcharts demonstrating a preferred methodology for making
and using the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, ovals, such as oval
100,
demonstrate a terminal point in the method. Oval 100 indicates the starting
point for
the future exploration method, which may be initiated in any manner known in
the art,
including those manners known in the art of computer software.
Diamonds, such as diamond 102, indicate a methodology decision making point.
Diamond 102 determines whether the subscription for the use of the methodology
is
current. Remuneration models other than subscription may be used, however, the
present inventor opines that subscriptions are the best manner of offering the
present
invention for use. Another preferred mode is charging per arc as each arch
passes
through a registry. The determination at diamond 102 checks the user's
computer to
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see if the subscription is current and valid. Three possible outcomes to this
decision
are "valid," "expired," and "never logged in." "Never logged in" occurs the
first time an
instance of the program is executed on a given computer and thereafter until a
valid
subscription is confirmed with the server.
Expired - If the subscription has expired, the next step indicated by
parallelogram 104 is to provide a user-determined decision. Parallelograms,
such as
parallelogram 104, indicate points of user interaction. The encircled number
touching
on parallelogram 104 encases indicia with such indicia referring to a figure
number of
the drawings. (Similar circles throughout this application having different
indicia refer
to different figures with a corresponding number to that shown in the circle.)
The
prompt shown at Figure 13, asks whether the user wishes to verify the
subscription on
the server side. The subscription may be current on the server side and the
user's
computer has old information concerning validity. The user is given two
options, "Yes"
and "No," which may be presented as buttons 500 and 502 respectively as
indicated in
Figure 13. If "no" is selected the method terminates for lack of a current
subscription as
indicated in oval 106. If "yes" is selected, the method moves to a step
indicated by
rectangle 108.
Rectangles, such as rectangle 108, indicate a process performed, perhaps via a
computer. At rectangle 108, the server side computer is checked to see if the
subscription is "valid," "expired," or "invalid." A "valid" response is
treated the same as
a "valid" response from diamond 102, which will be discussed shortly. An
"expired"
response is treated similarly to an "invalid" response from rectangle 108,
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message identifying the subscription as "expired" may appear if the
subscription is
"expired." Displaying such message is indicated in oval-arrow 110.
"Expired" and "invalid" responses from oval-arrow 110 and a"never logged in
response from diamond 102 have a prompt as part of the next step.
Parallelogram 112
indicates a prompt seeking subscription login data from the user. An example
of such a
prompt is shown in Figure 14. The user may click the button 514 of Figure 14,
reading
"quit", which invokes the step of terminating the program as indicated in oval
116 of
Figure 1. Alternatively, the user has the option of entering data into the
fields 504, 506,
508 and 510 perhaps with titles as indicated in Figure 14 and clicking b'utton
512 ,
which invokes the step for writing entered data to a preferences file as
indicated in
cylinder 114 of Figure 1. A cylinder, such as cylinder 114, indicates data
being
recorded to or read from a data file. From the step of recording data,
cylinder 114, the
method rechecks the server side subscription based upon store data as
previously
described with regard to rectangle 108.
Opening Files
A "valid" response from either diamond 102 or rectangle 108, e.g. a valid non-
expired subscription shown either on the user's computer or the server side
computer,
allows the user to open a file. A"valid" response from rectangle 108, causes
the
subscription expiration date to be written to the preferences file, cylinder
115. A
prompt, as shown in Figure 15 and indicated at parallelogram 120, will be
displayed.
The user may be informed of the amount of time remaining on the subscription
with an
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indicator 516 and asked whether to "open" an existing file, create a "new"
file, or "quit"
with buttons 518, 520, and 522 respectively. Each of these three options will
be
explored in a moment.
At this point, the user may also be given the opportunity to verify the
remaining
time on the subscription as recorded on the server side. Please note that the
user's
computer data would not be accurate if the subscription was renewed on the
server
side and not synchronized on the local computer. The program flow could have
reached paraiielogram 120 via diamond 102 and the server side would not have
been
checked in the process at rectangle 108. Selecting button 524 indicating a
desire to
check the server side provides a next step, at rectangle 108, of checking the
subscription at the server side computer. Whereupon, the following step is as
previously described when rectangle 108 was first introduced. Selecting
"quit",
perhaps with button 522 of Figure 15, provides a next step of terminating the
method as
indicated at oval 122 in Figure 1.
Open existing file
Selecting "open" causes a prompt to be displayed perhaps as shown in Figure
16 and indicated at parallelogram 124 (Figure I ) to be presented, seeking
user input
identifying the file path. Figure 16 generally is a file directory such as
that commonly
known in the art of computer programming and includes buttons for cancel 526
and
acceptance 528 of the identified file. The three possible results are:
"cancel", which
re-initiates the step described at parallelogram 120, "invalid file path",
which re-initiates
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the prompt for existing file path at parallelogram 124, and "valid file path",
which loads
the file into memory as indicated in cylinder 126.
Once the file is loaded, the file is verified to determine if it is a valid
file for this
particular method. Such step is indicated at diamond 128. A "no" or "invalid"
response
may mean that the user is trying to access a file that cannot be interpreted
as
meaningful data for the methodology. Accordingly, a "no" response leads to the
step
described with regard to parallelogram 120 and Figure 15. A "yes" or "valid"
response
at diamond 128 initiates a couple processing steps, shown in rectangles 130
and 132.
Specifically, the data in the file is organized into a tree structure with the
center
as its root and descendent implications as nodes as described throughout this
writing.
Any other data or database structure that allows for representation of the
data for this
methodology may be substituted for the tree structure. Further, the cursor, is
set to
"select" mode, which allows a user to select any node of the choice. The
center node
and descendant nodes are displayed as indicated in oval-arrow 134 and shown in
Figures 24 and 26. The oval-arrow shape as used throughout the flow-charts
indicates
an on-screen display. The wheel structure visually rotates on the monitor in a
plane
skewed to the screen when the cursor is in the select mode such that a node
being
selected is moved to the foreground.
The following method is used of maximize the size of implication being
examined, while minimizing the space consumed by other nodes and yet allows
that
positioning of the implication being examined to be shown in respect to the
wheel as a
whole. All implications may be shown radially around their respect parent
nodes. The
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shape may be spherical, circular or other shape. If a circular shape is
employed, then
the circle may be displayed so as to appear tilted into the plane of the
screen. In this
case, the circles, containing implications and disposed about their parent
node, appear
oblong and distorted when considered two-dimensionally. Additionally,
implications
and nodes displayed as further away appear smaller than implications and nodes
that
are closer to the foreground, e.g., selected nodes. For example, in Figure 44,
a first
order implication is selected and in Figure 45, a second order implication is
selected.
Selecting an implication moves the implication to the foreground and moves the
remaining implications to the middle or background. This may involve a visual
rotation
of the wheel. If the selected node is the center 548, the center 548 may move
to the
foreground from the middle ground. The further a particular node is from a
selected
node, when considered in the form of a wheel, the smaller the node is
presented.
The selected implication and all of its ancestors may be displayed with their
implication text visible in the node associated with each implication. The
center node
548 may always be displayed with the text of the center. The children of the
selected
implication are displayed with their respective implication text. All other
nodes are
displayed as a diminished node, e.g. not displaying the text. All nodes
whether
diminished or not may be shaped and colored to reflect their score under the
current
point of view. See Figures 44 and 45.
The next step, a process step as indicated by rectangle 136 involves waiting
for
user interaction with the interface, which is described below.
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Open new file
While at the step indicate by parallelogram 120, the user may select to open a
"new" file. Upon such selection, a prompt, such as that shown in Figure 17 and
indicated at parallelogram 138 may appear. The user may cancel, pressing
button 530,
and be referred to the step previously described with regard to parallelogram
120 or
enter a file path perhaps in field 532 and accepting the path, pressing button
534. The
path may be an invalid file path, which returns the user to the same prompt
(Figure 17),
or a valid file path. A valid file path causes the method to create a file in
permanent
storage, as indicate in cylinder 140.
The flowchart of Figure 1 moves from cylinder 140 to a pentagon 142. The
pentagon is not a portion of the method, but rather is a connector used for
purposes of
describing the invention herein. The inverted pentagon 142, incases the
indicia "B",
which corresponds to the upright pentagon 144 on Figure 2, also containing the
indicia
"B". In this sense, the pentagons are use to direct the reader to another
figure and to
identify the starting point on that new figure with the indicia coordinating
the various
pentagons shown throughout the drawings.
Add Data to New File
Now that a new file is opened, the user may add data supporting the file
including first order implications. The next step, according to the invention
and
following the step discussed with regard to cylinder 140 on Figure 1, is the a
process
step indicated on Figure 2 by rectangle 146. There the data structure or
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initialized. The cursor mode may be set to "add", see rectangle 148, which
allows the
user to input or write data. The cursor mode may be automatically set when
creating a
new file.
Initially, certain background information may be captured for later reference
for
subsequent users of the data file, including identification of the authors,
background
information/details of the center, and identification of the center as will
now be
described. A prompt 150 may appear, such as that shown in Figure 18 and
indicated
by parallelogram 150 on Figure 2, allows entry of the names of the authors,
e.g. the
person or persons generating the center and implications text, perhaps in
field 536.
The user may enter data and select either option "cancel" or "o.k." perhaps
with buttons
538 and 540 respectively. Selecting "o.k." initiates the process step
(rectangle) 152 of
incorporating the authors in the object representing the center and writing
the data to
the file, cylinder 154.
At this point, also reachable through selection of "cancel" at parallelogram
150, a
prompt for background and details about the center may be presented, such as
the
prompt indicated at parallelogram 156 and shown in Figure 19. Information may
be
recorded at this prompt perhaps in field 542 such as specific numbers and
details that
will not fit into a succinct center text or that would be distracting from the
primary issue
but are necessary for a complete understanding of what is meant by the center
text,
including, but not limited to, identification of the purposes and reasons why
the authors
wish to gather input on the center, time lines or other instructions and
information that
they wish to share with subsequent users of the particular file. The user then
has the
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option of selecting "cancel" or "o.k.", perhaps using buttons 544 and 546
respectively.
Selection of "o.k." initiates the process step, rectangle 158, of
incorporating the
background and details into the object representing the center and writing the
data to a
file as indicated by cylinder 160 of Figure 2.
At this point, also reachable by selection of "cancel" at parallelogram 156, a
prompt may be presented seeking information for the center, parallelogram 162,
such
as that shown in Figures 20 and 21. Figure 20 demonstrates a prompt as it
might occur
to the user and Figure 21 demonstrates that the text describing the center may
be
recorded by the user in center 548. The center 548, once accepted perhaps
through
clicking button 550, may be incorporated in a process step, rectangle 164,
into the
object representing the center and the data may be written to the file,
cylinder 166.
Add First Order Implications
First order implications may be added as described in the following section or
as
described under the heading "Add Any Order Implication as described below. The
center 548 may be displayed, oval-arrow 168, together with a prompt seeking
first order
implications, parallelogram 170 as shown in Figure 7. The user may make one of
three
choices, namely close the window perhaps with button 552, add a positive first
order
implication or add a negative first order implication.
Should the button 552 be selected, the method has a process step of waiting
for
user interaction with the interface as described below, rectangle 172. Adding
either a
positive or a negative first order implication involves writing the text in a
first order
22
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implication node 554 and identifying the implication as "positive" or
"negative" perhaps
with buttons 556 and 558 respectively. It should be stated that the occurrence
of an
event can have either positive or negative impact and on occasion both. The
user
determines whether it is positive or negative and declares it to be such.
Should an
implication be both positive and negative, then the implication should be
rewritten as
two separate implications each written so as to convey the specific positive
or negative
implication the user has in mind.
The method may then include the step of defining a first order implication
object,
defined either as positive or negative as the case may be, with the text set
to that which
the user input into first order node 554 in Figure 22. See rectangles 174 and
176. The
object is added, as a child, to the center object, rectangle 178, and written
to the data
file as indicated in cylinder 180.
A decision, diamond 182, is made as to whether there are four or more children
of the center node 548, the outcome of which causes the method to initiate one
of two
loops. Assuming less than four first order implication nodes 554 have been
written, a
decision is made, diamond 184, as to whether the most recently written
implication is
being added on a hidden first order page.
Eventually if enough first order implication nodes 554 are added to the center
node 548 display of the center node 548 with all first order implication nodes
548
become impractical. The designer of the software, or perhaps the user, may
determine
a maximum number of first order implication nodes 554 that may be displayed on
a
single page. Additional implications may appear on a hidden page such that no
more
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than the selected number of first order implication nodes 554 will appear on a
given
page. Instead multiple pages are used.
If the newly created first order implication is not being written on a hidden
page,
the first order implication node 554 is displayed as being joined by a single
line 560 to
the center node 548 as shown in Figures 23, 24, and 26 and indicated in oval-
arrow
186 of Figure 2. Figure 23 shows display of the first of the first order
implication nodes
554 joined to the center node 548. Figure 24 shows a number of first order
implication
nodes 554 joined to the center node 548. Figure 26 demonstrates that multiple
pages
may be present, but as noted herein, newly added first order implication nodes
554
may be added to the page currently being displayed.
If the implication is being added to a hidden page, the page currently
displayed
is closed and the page showing the newly added first order implication is
displayed,
oval-arrow 188. The displayed page may appear as suggested in Figures 25 and
26.
The arrows 562 of Figure 25 indicated motion, e.g. the first order
implications being
drawn into the center node 548 to hide the page. Figure 26 shows the page that
is
displayed with the newly added first order implication. At this point, the
method
reiterates the portion previously described starting at oval-arrow 186.
From oval-arrow 186, the prompt asking for additional first order implications
is
encountered, parallelogram 170. Such prompt is displayed in Figures 23-26,
whereupon the cycle is repeated.
When four or more first order implication nodes 554 have been added to the
center node 548, a new step is introduced as indicated at diamond 182. A
decision is
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made as to whether there is at least one positive implication, diamond 190.
Presuming
a positive implication is present, the method verifies whether there is at
least one
negative implication, diamond 192. If only positive or only negative
implications are
present, the user is reminded to add at least one positive or negative
implication,
perhaps in the manner shown in Figure 27, closeable perhaps by clicking button
564.
Preferably such reminder is used, sihce people often have a bias toward seeing
only
positive or negative implications and often must be prodded to think outside
their
biases. Clicking the button 564 or having both positive and negative
implications,
causes initiation of the next step, previously described with regard to
diamond 184.
The method continues to loop until the user closes the prompt for additional
first order
implications at parallelogram 170, whereupon the user is directed to the
interface,
rectangle 172.
Interface
A flowchart for the interface is shown in Figure 3. Perhaps four windows or
pull-
down screens 566, 568, 570, and 572, perhaps with sub-screens are available
from the
interface. Examples, of the pull-won screen are shown in Figures 28, 29, 30,
and 31.
Each of these pull-down screens allow access or provide data for other
portions of the
method. That is, the user may select from the interface which portion of the
method
they wish to execute. The user enters the interface from portions of the
various flow
charts that display an inverted pentagon circumscribing the letter "Z", which
directs the
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user into the interface flow chart on Figure 3 at the upright pentagon
circumscribing the
letter "Z". The user exits the interface through any of the inverted pentagons
Z.2
through Z.10. Encircled below the inverted pentagons is a Figure number
identifying
the figure to which the user is referred as the next step of the method.
Pull-down screen 566, Figure 28, allows the user the options of opening a
"new"
file, previously described, exporting an arc for distribution, or quitting
574, 576, and 578
respectively. Other options may be added if desired. Arcs may be distributed
for
completion or scoring.
The tools screen 568, shown in Figure 29, provides the user with the options
580, 582, 584, and 586 respectively of setting the cursor to "select"
(selecting an
implication for close-up viewing), "add" (adding implications), "score"
(scoring
implications) or "time" (adding time parameters). Other options may also be
present
and where important to disclosing the best mode of making an using the
invention are
further described herein.
Figure 30 allows the user to view the various implications in a variant format
and
is used for purposes described further below.
Figure 31 allows the user to view relevant information in particular formats
identified in the figure and describe herein.
Selecting one of the options of figures 28 or 29 bring the user to various
points
in the flow chart. For instance, selecting "quit/exit", option 578 in Figure
28, terminates
the program as shown in Figure 12. Selecting "add" in Figure 28 allows the
user to add
additional implications of any order. That is, selecting "add", option 582 in
Figure 29,
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makes the next step to be that indicated in Figure 4 beneath the upright
pentagon with
the designation "Z.2" corresponding to the "Z.2" designation in the inverted
pentagon
on Figure 29. Options 574 and 576 of Figure 28 and options 580, 584, an 586
operate
in a similar manner using inverted pentagons as directors in the various
figures in a
similar manner.
Addinq Any Order Implication
Parallelogram 198 identifies the step where the user has selected "add" in the
cursor mode, e.g. Figure 3 and 29 as previously described show the point in
the
interface where the user may select the "add" mode. At this point, rectangle
200 of
Figure 4, the user may click on or otherwise select a node, any order or the
center
node 548 or may directly select any implication from the implications menu,
Figure 30.
Please note the wheel may be displayed while the menus shown in Figure 28-31
are
also being displayed and the user may click on any one of the displayed nodes.
Upon
selection of a node, the node may be brought to the foreground and the page
containing the node may also be displayed, as indicated by oval arrow 202.
Next, a prompt may be displayed seeking an implication of an order one greater
than the selected node (hereinafter "nth order node"), parallelogram 204. The
user has
three options, close, input an implication designating it either positive or
negative
similarly as described in regard to parallelogram 170 and Figures 22-26.
(Note, that
instead of building from the center node as described in parallelogram 170 and
shown
in the Figures 22-26, the user at this point may be building from any order of
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implication.) Should the user close the prompt, the method waits for user
interaction at
the afore-described interface, rectangle 206. Should the user write an
implication and
designate it as either positive or negative, the method creates an nth order
implication
defined as positive or negative desirability respectively with the text set to
the user
entered text, rectangles 208, 210. An implication is added as a child of the
selected
implication, rectangle 212, and data is written to the file, cylinder 214.
A decision, diamond 216, is made as to whether there are four or more children
of the selected node, the outcome of which causes the method to initiate one
of two
loops. Assuming less than four nth order implications have been written, a
decision is
made, diamond 218, as to whether the nth implication is a first order
implication and
whether it is being added on a hidden first order page. While hidden pages may
be
used with second, third and subsequent order implications, the preferred mode
of
making and using the present invention does not provide for hidden second and
subsequent order implications.
If the nth order implication is not a first order implication or it is not
being written
on a hidden page, the node 554 displaying the nth order node is displayed
being joined
to the parent node with n lines, e.g. a second order node is joined with two
lines to the
first order node. A first order implication is displayed as being joined by a
single line
560 to the center node 548 as shown in Figures 23, 24, and 26 and indicated in
oval-
arrow 220 of Figure 4. Figure 23 shows display of the first of the first order
implications
joined to the center. Figure 24 shows a number of first order nodes 554 joined
to the
center node 548. Figure 26 demonstrates that multiple pages may be present,
but as
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noted herein newly added first order implications may be added to the page
currently
being displayed.
If the nth order implication is a first order implication and is being added
to a
hidden page, the page currently displayed is closed and the page showing the
newly
added first order implication is displayed, oval-arrow 220. The displayed page
may
appear as suggested in Figures 25 and 26. The arrows 562 of Figure 25 indicate
motion, e.g. the first order implication nodes 554 being drawn into the center
node 548
to hide the page. Figure 26 shows the page that is displayed with the newly
added first
order implication node 554. At this point, the oval-arrow 220, previously
described is
encountered.
From oval-arrow 220, the prompt asking for additional nth order implications
is
encountered, parallelogram 204. Such prompt may be similar to that displayed
in
Figures 23-26 with or without the text of the parent implication, whereupon
the cycle is
repeated.
When four or more nth order implications have been added to the parent node, a
new step is introduced as indicated at diamond 224. A decision is made as to
whether
there is at least one positive implication, diamond 226. Presuming a positive
implication is present, the method verifies whether there is at least one
negative
implication, diamond 228. If only negative implications or only positive
implications are
present, the user is reminded to add at least one positive or negative
implication,
perhaps in the manner shown in Figure 27, since any occurrence of an event can
have
both positive and negative implications, rectangles 228, 230 respectively.
Clicking the
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button 564 or having both positive and negative implications, causes
initiation of the
next step, previously described with regard to diamond 218. The method
continues to
loop until the user closes the prompt for additional nth order implications at
parallelogram 204, whereupon the user perhaps may only interact with the
interface,
rectangle 206.
Distribute Arcs for Completion
The user may select to distribute arcs for completion from the interface as
indicated at parallelogram 232 of Figure 5 and Figure 28, option 576. The
distribute
arcs for completion window 567 may be displayed next to the file window 566 as
shown
in Figure 28 and indicated at oval arrow 234 in Figure 5. The method then
performs a
process step of logging in to the data server over a secure channel with
locally stored
login information, where a request is made for a list of arc completion teams
available
to this process; rectangle 236. This may be an asynchronous process.
A decision is made as to whether there is more than one client; diamond 238.
(This may occur where a consultant, e.g. the user, consults with multiple
clients and
does not want data from the different clients to be provided to the wrong
entity.) An
example of this display is shown in field 588 of Figure 32. If so, available
clients are
displayed, oval-arrow 240, and the user selects a client, parallelogram 242.
The
available arc completion teams for that client are displayed perhaps in field
590 of
Figure 33, oval-arrow 244 (or oval-arrow 246 where there is only one client).
An
example of this display is shown in Figure 33.
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From either display, Figure 32 or Figure 33, the user has a multitude of
choices,
which lead to different results. These choices are set forth below.
- The user may select "reset" perhaps by clicking on a button 592, which
brings the method back to the step previously described in regard
rectangle 236. (See parallelogram 248 of Figure 5).
- The user may select an arc completion group, field 590 of Figure 33 and
parallelogram 250 of Figure 5, perhaps by clicking on one of the groups
listed under the heading Arc Groups/Teams, which causes a display,
oval-arrow 252, of further details of the group to be shown. The display
may include a partial display of arcs assigned to the group in field 592,
compare Figures 33 and 34, showing the first order implication that is the
root of each arc.
- The user may select "close" or "cancel", parallelogram 254, perhaps by
clicking button 594 in Figure 32 or 33, which closes the arc distribution
window and waits for user input at the interface, oval-arrow 256 and
rectangle 258 of Figure 5.
- The user may select "distribute arcs" by clicking button 596; parallelogram
260, which leads to process step 262. The arc generation transmission
data are generated with all content information encrypted and point of
view and time diamond assignments set according to user selections.
The method logs into the data server over a secure channel using locally
stored login information. The arc transmission data may be electronically
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transmitted with destination address, i.e. arc program identification, and
return address information, i.e. wheel program identification and wheel file
identification. Upon completion of this process step, rectangle 262, the
method closes the arc distribution window as previously described at oval
arrow 256 and continues from that point as previously described.
- The user may select an unassigned arc in field 598, parallelogram 264,
which assigns the arc to the currently selected arc completion group,
rectangle 266.
- The user may select an assigned arc in field 592, parallelogram 268,
which un-assigns the arc from the current completion group, rectangle
270.
- The user may select an unassigned point of view in field 600,
parallelogram 272, which assigns the point of view to all arc completion
groups, rectangle 274.
- The user may select an assigned point of view in field 602, parallelogram
276, which un-assigns the point of view from all arc completion groups,
rectangle 278.
- The user may create a point of view, fast or detailed, in field 604,
parallelogram 280, which adds the point of view to the object representing
the future exploration data structure and assigns the point of view to all
arc completion groups, rectangle 282.
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- The user may also assign time diamonds, parallelogram 284, or un-assign
time diamonds, parallelogram 286. This selection may be made via
clicking on the check box 606 shown on Figures 32-34 adjacent the
identifier "Assign Time."
The user may select the points of view (assigned/un-assigned), arcs
(assigned/unassigned), arc groups/teams (assigned/un-assigned) by clicking on
the
words representing the particular choice. These options will continue to.be
presented
until the close arc distribution step is reached, e.g. oval-arrow 256. Arcs
may be
electronically distributed for completion only, e.g. identification of
implications, or for
completion and scoring.
Distribution of Arcs for Scoring
Distribution of arcs for scoring is substantially similar to distribution of
arcs for
completion with or without scoring. The flowchart boxes correspond in form and
substance with the boxes on the distribute arcs for scoring, Figure 6, being
numbered
56 higher than the corresponding box in the distribute arcs for completion
flow chart,
Figure 5. The steps with regard to such boxes from both flowcharts are
considered the
same unless specific mention of any difference is made. The differences
between the
flowcharts, Figure 5 and 6 are as follows:
When the user selects to distribute the arcs, parallelogram 316, arcs are only
sent to groups with an assigned point of view, rectangle 318 . That is, to
score, the
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user must know what point of view from which to score. Failure to assign a
point of
view to a particular group results in no arcs being sent to that group.
The process following the step of displaying further details of the selected
group,
e.g. oval-arrow 308 changes from the corresponding oval-arrow 252. When the
user
selects an unassigned arc, parallelogram 320, the arc is assigned to all arc
completion
groups, rectangle 322. When the user selects an assigned arc, parallelogram
324, the
arc is unassigned frorn all arc completion groups. When the user selects an
unassigned point of view, parallelogram 328, the point of view is assigned to
the
current arc completion group, rectangle 330. When the user selects an assigned
point
of view, parallelogram 332, that point of view is unassigned from the current
arc
completion group, rectangle 334. When the user creates a point of view, fast
or
detailed, parallelogram 336, the point of view is added to the object
representing the
future exploration data structure and the point of view is assigned to the
current arc
completion group, rectangle 338.
The other various steps in the flowchart for distributing arc for scoring may
be
substantially the same as the flowchart for distributing arc for completion
with or without
scoring. Those skilled in the art may find manners to modify the process
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Assemble Arc Data Returned by Arc Program
An arc program may be used to complete the arcs and score the completed arcs.
Such data may be accessed and incorporated into the present method in the
following
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manner. The user may select to assemble completed and scored arcs at the
interface,
option 608 shown in Figure 28 and indicated in Figure 7 at parallelogram 344,
perhaps
by clicking on the displayed text or any other manner known in the art.. The
method
logs in to a data server over a secure channel with locally stored login
information and
requests a list of returned arcs, rectangle 346. This may be an asynchronous
step.
Next, rectangle 348, the method may login to a data server over a secure
channel with locally stored login information. Each completed arc may be
downloaded
and confirmed when the download is complete, preferably asynchronous
processes.
As each arc is downloaded, the arcs may be incorporated into the data
structure
representing the future exploration tool. The data may then be written to the
file,
cylinder 350.
The newly assembled arc data may then be assembled, perhaps as shown in
Figure 35. Note, one skilled in the art understands that an interface may
always be
made accessible and although not shown in Figure 35 an additional button may
be
include for accessing the interface. The method then waits for user
interaction with the
interface, Figures 28-31.
Scoring in Future Exploration Tool
The user may select "score" cursor mode with a particular point of view,
Figure
28 and parallelogram 356 in Figure 8. This allows the user to score the impact
and
likelihood of any particular implications. Next, parallelogram 358 of Figure
8, the user
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directly selects an implication, e.g. via clicking on the desired node, or
selects an
implication from the direct implication selection menu (Figure 31).
As indicated by oval-arrow 360, the selected implication node is brought to
the
screen foreground displaying the page containing that implication node if
necessary.
Implications without a score may have a visual indicator, perhaps blurry
jagged node
representations 610 defining the nodes as shown in Figure 36.
Next, diamond 362, a decision is made by the method as to whether the scoring
is "fast" mode or "detailed" mode. The fast mode gathers less precise
information then
the detailed mode. An appropriate scoring interface is displayed for the
particular
scoring mode as described below.
The "detailed" scoring interface, such as that shown in Figure 37 and
indicated
in oval-arrow 364, shows the node being scored 626, buttons 612 for indicating
desirability, buttons 614 for indicating likelihood, and a minority report
interface 616.
Preferably, the buttons 612 for desirability include a wide range of numerical
indicators
such as +50, +5, +4, +3, +2, +1, 0, -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -50. The higher
numbered
desirability is used to indicate the greater preference of the scoring for the
occurrence
of the implication. Such desirability buttons 612 may be color coded, perhaps
in a
gradient manner, perhaps with blue positive numbers with white or pale tones
representing more neutral numbers and red representing the negative numbers.
Preferably, the likelihood buttons 614 include a wide range of numerical
indicators such
as 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, and 10% or 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,
and 1.
For instance somebody may identify world peace as an implication of a summit
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meeting. Desirability may be marked as +50 according to a scoring method, but
likelihood may be scored as 10% or 1.
On occasion, a group may form one conclusion where one person or less than a
majority have a different conclusion. For this eventuality, a minority report
interface
616 may also be displayed as indicated at oval-arrow 364 having fields for
reporter
618, scoring 620, and reason 622. Often these minority reports are as
important or
more important than the majority opinion. Perhaps the minority has an insight
or
perspective that they are having difficulty in verbalizing. The minority
report may be
submitted by clicking on a button 624.
The "fast" scoring interface, such as that shown in Figure 38 is displayed,
oval-
arrow 366, showing the node being scored 628, buttons 630 for indicating
desirability,
buttons 632 for indicating likelihood, and a minority report interface 634.
Preferably,
the buttons 630 for desirability include a narrower range of numerical
indicators such
as +50, +5 or +4, +3 to -3, -4 or -5, and -50. The higher numbered
desirability is used
to indicate the greater preference of the scoring for the occurrence of the
implication.
Such desirability buttons 630 may be color coded, perhaps in a gradient
manner,
perhaps with blue positive numbers with white or pale tones representing more
neutral
numbers and red representing the negative numbers. Preferably, the likelihood
buttons 632 include a narrower range of numerical indicators perhaps being
"greater
than 70%" and "less than or equal to 70 /o". A minority report interface 634
may also be
displayed as indicated at oval-arrow 366 having fields for reporter 636,
scoring 638,
and reason 640. The minority report may be submitted by clicking on a button
624.
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From the steps described in regard to oval-arrows 364 and 366, the method
seeks input from the user, parallelogram,368. The user assigns desirability
and
likelihood to the implications by clicking on the scoring buttons 612 and 614
or 630 and
632. A response including both desirability and likelihood is required before
the
process can continue, except perhaps in fast scoring mode where a desirability
of +3
to-3, e.g. neutral, does not require a likelihood scoring.
Next, oval-arrow 370, the scored nodes are colored and shaped to visually
indicate the desirability and likelihood combinations. Figures 39 and 40 are
examples
of different visual indicators that may be used to depart information about
scored and
un-scored nodes. For example, nodes that have not been scored remain blurry or
with
jagged edges 610. Nodes that are not a child of the selected node may be
presented
in a small or abbreviated manner, such as shown by abbreviated nodes 642.
Scored
nodes are shown with a smooth non-jagged outer perimeter such as nodes 644.
Significant nodes may be identified with stars such as nodes 646. Nodes with a
high
likelihood, e.g. greater than 70% may be visually identified with a second
ring 648
about the node. That is, those with a significant desirability score and
significant
likelihood may be made more prominent so as to draw the viewer's attention to
those
nodes of the greatest impact and those of less impacting and less likely
implications
are displayed less prominently. Any scored node that was previously visually
marked
as such loses its visual "un-scored" indicator when it is scored.
Shape and color of implication nodes may be altered according to score using
any technical means known in the art. In the preferred embodiment of the
method, one
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pre-rendered image is stored with the program for each of the unique color and
shape
combinations that represent different desirability and likelihood
combinations, that is:
very desirable and not very desirable, very desirable and very likely,
extremely
desirable, extremely desirable and very likely, not scored in scoring mode,
not
significant desirability, very undesirable, very undesirable and very likely,
extremely
undesirable, extremely undesirable and very likely. Additional, pre-rendered
graphics
may be used for diminished nodes, the center, text entry nodes, and anywhere
else an
implication node is represented. The nodes used for conflict scoring may be
generated
from combinations of these pre-rendered images, or they may be pre-rendered
images
as well. A mapping is devised to convert scores in the method to unique
identifiers that
are used to load the correct, pre-rendered image. When an implication is to be
displayed, the pre-rendered image is loaded and displayed on the computer
screen to
represent the node. The implication text may be colored using any means known
in the
art and placed in front of the node, so that when viewed on the screen, the
viewer sees
the implication text covering part of the implication node.
Desirability, e.g. very desirability or very undesirable, implications are
preferably
indicated by filling the implication node with color, the color being
different for desirable
and undesirable. That is, at least a portion of the indicator signifying
desirability is
positioned inside the node and likelihood is positioned outside the node or
vice versa.
Legibility of the implication text may be preserved by changing the color of
the
implication text so that it stands out against the implication node containing
the text. To
show high likelihood of very desirable or undesirable implications, the
preferred
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embodiment of the invention will circle those implications that are both very
desirable or
undesirable. This visual key allows significantly desirable implications to
stand out in a
manner distinct from those that are of high likelihood, a significant
improvement over
what is found in the prior art.
The data are incorporated to that data structure representing the future
exploration tool and written to permanent storage, cylinder 372. The method
waits for
either of three inputs, the user may submit a minority report, parallelogram
374, the
user may score another node, as was described starting at parallelogram 358,
or the
user may go to the interface, rectangle 382 and Figures 28-31. When the user
clicks
the submit minority report button, parallelogram 374, a decision is made as to
whether
all fields contain data, diamond 376. If not, the user is notified that only
complete
minority reports will be submitted and the method is redirected to the point
previously
described with reference to parallelogram 374. If so, the minority report is
recorded in
the current implication and a visual indicator for a minority report, such as
a subscript
or superscript "M", may be displayed next to the node that has a minority
report,
rectangle 380.
TIMING
From the interface, Figure 29, the user may select "time" cursor mode, option
584 with a particular point of view, parallelogram 382 of Figure 9. The user
may click
an implication node or directly seek an implication from the implication
selection menu,
parallelogram 384 and Figure 30. The selected implication node is brought to
the
CA 02583348 2007-04-11
WO 2005/086884 PCT/US2005/007872
screen foreground, displaying the page containing the implication node if
necessary,
oval-arrow 386. The time interface is displayed as shown in Figure 40.
The user may assign the time that s/he or the group thinks will pass between
the
parent of the clicked implication and the clicked implication. The time units
may be set
to days, weeks, or years for an implication with buttons 650 and accepting the
input by
clicking button 652, parallelogram 385. In the memory resident object
representing the
implication the time may be recorded i n days and the units of time measure
the user
wishes for display of the time, rectangle 390. The data structure representing
the
future exploration data is written to the permanent data storage, cylinder
392. A
graphic is displayed between the clicked implication and its parent, perhaps a
d iamond-
shape 654, representing and perhaps displaying the anticipated time, oval-
arrow 394
and Figure 41.
The user may continue the process previously described starting at
parallelogram 384 through oval-arrow 394 as many times as desired or move to
another activity selected from the interface Figures 28-31. See rectangle 396.
SUMMARY WHEEL
The user may select from the interface, Figure 31 and parallelogram 398 on
FigurelO, significant score summary data structure with some point of view.
Procedurally, rectangle 400, the method searches data structure representing
the
future exploration tool and includes in the summary data structure only those
implications that have a high desirability/high undesirability score and that
match any
41
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WO 2005/086884 PCT/US2005/007872
auxiliary summary parameters, e.g. time, keyword or other together with any
ancestor
nodes necessary to connect the identified implications to the center.
As indicated by oval-arrow 402 and shown in Figure 40 only those implications
that match the summary criteria are displayed with those ancestors necessary
to
connect to the center. Figure 42 is a summary of Figure 41. This may be done
with
indicia such as color codes an shapes to convey certain desirability and
likelihood
combinations. The method waits for user interaction at the interface, Figures
28-31,
rectangle 404.
CONFLICT SUMMARY WHEEL
The user may select from the interface, Figure 31 and parallelogram 406 on
Figure11, significant score summary data structure with two or more points of
view,
preferably two. Procedurally, rectangle 408, the method searches data
structure
representing the future exploration tool and includes only in the summary data
structure
only those implications that have a high desirability score in one of the
selected points
of view and high undesirability score in another selected point of view and
that match
any auxiliary summary parameters, e.g. time, keyword or other together with
any
ancestor nodes necessary to connect the identified implications to the center.
That is,
those implications that were scored in conflict under different points of view
are include
in the summary data structure.
As indicated by oval-arrow 410 and shown in Figure 43, only those implications
that match the summary criteria are displayed with those ancestors necessary
to
42
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WO 2005/086884 PCT/US2005/007872
connect to the center. This may be done with indicia such as color codes an
shapes to
convey certain desirability an likelihood combinations, generally using the
inclicia for
one score on one side of the node and the indicia for the score in the
alternative point
of view is placed opposite that of the first point of view as shown by nodes
656. The
method waits for user interaction at the interface, Figures 28-31, rectangle
404.
EXITING THE PROGRAM
From the user interface, Figure 28 and parallelogram 414 on Figure 12, the
user
may select to quit or exit the program, option 578. At this point the program
stops as
indicated by oval 416.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred
embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize changes may be made in
form
and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For
instance,
different indica and shapes may be used to impart information concerning the
nodes
and scoring thereof.
43
