Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1 TIMESCALE FOR REPRESENTING INFORMATION
2
3 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
4
1. Field of the Invention
6 [01] This invention relates generally to computer systems and more
specifically to
7 man-machine interfaces that facilitate information localization and
organization.
8
9 2. Description of the Related Art
[02] Documents displayed on a computer interface along a timeline are using
a
11 fixed timescale.
12 [03] A variety of timescales could provide a more insightful
representation of
13 the documents.
14 [04] Prior art computer systems or computer interfaces have not
provided
solutions to deal with the aforementioned problems and each of these
16 deficiencies in the prior art yield a demand for an improved information
managing
17 system and method using an intuitive and natural way to visually present
18 information as well as the associations between the information. Other
needs
19 might become apparent for a person having skills in the art of
information
management in view of the present reading.
21
22 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
23 [06] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a method and a system
that organize
24 information that is an improvement over known information organizing
methods
and systems and improves at least one of the aforementioned deficiencies.
26 [06] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a
display of
27 documents along a timeline that can change between a linear and a non-
linear
28 timescale.
29 [07] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for
changing
the distribution of documents, or multimedia assets, or computer-readable
files,
31 displayed on a timeline.
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1 [08] One aspect of the present invention provides a unified method for
2 graphically representing and organizing information elements, regardless
of the
3 format, type, size, media or nature of the information in a computer
system
4 including a computer power unit, a memory, an input, an output and a
display.
[09] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least
one
6 characterization attribute is associated with each information element.
A
7 characterization attribute can be described as a "category" or topics
that
8 characterizes the information element according to the meaning the
information
9 element has for the user. Because it is desirable to carry as much
context as
possible with every information element the invention also provides a tool to
work
11 with many characterization attributes for every information element.
12 [010] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for
displaying
13 an array of documents on a display, the method comprising presenting a
plurality
14 of documents on the array of documents along a timeline; and selecting a
timescale of the timeline between one of a linear timescale and a non-linear
16 timescale.
17 [011] An aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable
medium
18 including computer-executable instructions for implementing a method for
19 presenting an array of documents, the method comprising presenting a
plurality of
documents on the array of documents along a timeline; and selecting a
timescale
21 of the timeline between one of a linear timescale and a non-linear
timescale.
22 [012] One other aspect of the present invention provides a system for
displaying
23 a plurality of documents along a first array of documents, the system
comprising a
24 computing unit; at least one computer-readable medium adapted to
transfer data
to the computing unit, the at least one computer-readable medium adapted to
26 store computer-executable instructions for implementing a user interface
thereon;
27 and a display adapted to display the user interface, the user interface
being
28 adapted to display an array of documents along a timeline, the timeline
being
29 adapted to use one of a linear timescale and a non-linear timescale.
[013] One other aspect of the present invention provides a method for
organizing
31 documents in a system having a display, each one of the plurality of
documents
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1 having a least one attribute, the method comprising enabling an array of
2 documents based on an attribute, the array of documents comprising a
group of
3 documents having the attribute associated therewith; and causing the
display to
4 display the array of documents; wherein the array of documents is
adapted to
display the group of documents according to a timeline using one of a linear
and
6 non-linear timescale.
7 [014] These and other advantages and features of the present invention
will
8 become apparent from the following description and the attached
drawings.
9
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
11 [015] FIG. 1 is a block-diagram of the sources of information leading
to
12 knowledge growth;
13 [016] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic representation of the growth of an
individual's
14 knowledge in time;
[017] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic representation of multiple individual's
vectors in
16 time;
17 [018] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic representation of parallel vectors
of individuals
18 in time and the contacts leading to the exchange of information between
them;
19 [019] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic representation of the "bicephal"
(personal/professional) aspect of an individual's path in time;
21 [020] FIG. 6 is a block-diagram of an integrated hardware and
software
22 computer system;
23 [021] FIG. 7 is a block-diagram of a filing process controlled by the
SML01;
24 [022] FIG. 8 is a block-diagram of the multiple unique filing process
controlled by
a prior art operating system;
26 [023] FIG. 9 is a block-diagram depicting the multiple-link part of
the filing
27 process controlled by the SML01;
28 [024] FIG. 10 is a block-diagram depicting the information insertion
levels in the
29 SML01;
[025] FIG. 11 depicts the notions of information's layer, version and
assembly in
31 the SML01;
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1 [026] FIG. 12 depicts one SMLOI information element;
2 [027] FIG. 13a depicts an information element with a date and time
counter;
3 [028] FIG. 13b depicts a unified format representation of an
information element;
4 [029] FIG. 14 depicts a more detailed view of the characterization
attribute
window from the attribute sub-area in the SMLOI;
6 [030] FIG. 15 depicts a SMLOI information element illustratively
having a unified
7 format representation of an audio document;
8 [031] FIG. 16 depicts an alternate dynamic assembly of an audio
unified format
9 representation document in the SMLOI;
[032] FIG. 17 depicts a SMLOI information element illustratively having a
unified
11 format representation of a video document;
12 [033] FIG. 18 depicts an alternate dynamic assembly of a unified
format
13 representation video document;
14 [034] FIG. 19a depicts a unified format representation of an Internet
sourced
document;
16 [035] FIG. 19b depicts an alternative unified format representation
of the
17 document of Fig. 19a;
18 [036] FIG. 20 depicts an unified format representation of an odd-
sized
19 document;
[037] FIG. 21 depicts an unified format representation of an odd-sized
document
21 resized in a standard SMLOI information element size;
22 [038] FIG. 22 depicts an unified format representation of a reference
to a non-
23 electronic document;
24 [039] FIG. 23 depicts a SMLOI basic entry sequencing applied to an
unified
format representation of a document as it is inserted in the SMLOI;
26 [040] FIG. 24 depicts an alternative "pile" methods of graphically
representing
27 the information element order in the SML01;
28 [041] FIG. 25 depicts an alternative "roll" method of graphically
representing the
29 information element order in the SMLOI;
[042] FIG. 26 depicts the use of bookmarks in the SMLOI;
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1 [043] FIG. 27 depicts a bi-dimensional view of two intersecting
information
2 element vectors in the SMLOI;
3 [044] FIG. 28 depicts a bi-dimensional view of multiple intersecting
information
4 element vectors in the SMLOI;
[045] FIG. 29 depicts a tri-dimensional view of three information element
vectors
6 in the SMLOI;
7 [046] FIG. 30 depicts a tri-dimensional view of three information
element vectors
8 in addition to a fourth vector in the SMLOI;
9 [047] FIG. 31 depicts the second relative information element vector
possibilities
according to the fourth vector;
11 [048] FIG. 32 depicts a typical corporate bloc diagram;
12 [049] FIG. 33 depicts an alternative SMLOI illustratively applied to
a multi-user
13 corporate environment;
14 [050] FIG. 34 depicts an access grid from a SMLOI in a multi-user
corporate
environment;
16 [051] FIG. 35 depicts an alternative SMLOI in a multi-user corporate
17 environment;
18 [052] FIG. 36 depicts an alternative SMLOI access bloc diagram for a
typical
19 corporate environment;
[053] FIG. 37 depicts a uni-dimensional view of the SMLOI with access
codes;
21 [054] FIG. 38 depicts a uni-dimensional limited access view of the
SMLOI;
22 [055] FIG. 39 depicts a privacy-enhanced view of the SML01;
23 [056] FIG. 40 depicts a bi-dimensional limited access view of the
SMLOI;
24 [057] FIG. 41 depicts a uni-dimensional view of the SMLOI;
[058] FIG. 42 depicts a uni-dimensional view of the SMLOI in privacy-
enhanced
26 mode;
27 [059] FIG. 43 depicts a proposed graphical interface for the SMLOI;
28 [060] FIG. 44 depicts multiple view size windows of the SMLOI;
29 [061] FIG. 45 depicts a proposed "radar-screen" in the SMLOI;
[062] FIG. 46 depicts a proposed "radar-screen" presenting the future in
the
31 SMLOI;
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1 [063] FIG. 47 depicts a proposed view of the SMLOI in a web browser
window;
2 [064] FIG. 48 depicts SMLOI as part of a typical game console;
3 [065] FIG. 49 depicts a typical game console controller;
4 [066] FIG. 50 depicts a path using multiple information element
vectors;
[067] FIG. 51 depicts a bi-dimensional view of the SMLOI with non-parallel
6 information element vectors intersecting in distinct planes;
7 [068] FIG. 52 depicts a bi-dimensional view of the SMLOI with animated
8 movements of the information element vectors reacting to navigation in
the
9 SMLOI;
[069] FIG. 53 depicts a bi-dimensional view of the SMLOI using a non-
uniform
11 timeline;
12 [070] FIG. 54 depicts a bi-dimensional view of the SMLOI using a
uniform
13 timeline;
14 [071] FIG. 55 depicts a bi-dimensional view of the SMLOI using a non-
uniform
timeline with visual information elements differentiators; and
16 [072] FIG. 56 depicts a bi-dimensional view of the SMLOI using a
uniform
17 timeline with visual information elements differentiators and
progressive change
18 of size.
19
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION
21 [073] A System and Method for Locating and Organizing Information
(SMLOI)
22 illustratively stored in the memory of a computer system will now be
described in
23 detail. The following description, specific steps, procedures, method,
commands,
24 graphic representation, computer user interface and other specifics are
set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.
However, it
26 will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present description
of the
27 invention provides only one example of how someone skilled in the art
can
28 produce the claimed invention. It will also be apparent to one skilled
in the art that
29 the present invention may be practiced without or with only a portion of
the
specific details disclosed herein. In other instances, well known systems and
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1 methods are shown in schematic and diagrammatic form or not shown at all
in
2 order not to obscure with unnecessary details the present invention.
3
4 The "vector" knowledge theory
[074] In order to build a good knowledge management system it is necessary
to
6 analyze how knowledge is acquired and how it is processed by a human
being. A
7 model was created to help understand how people are managing information
and
8 knowledge.
9 [075] To improve the efficiency of knowledge management, the
usefulness of the
knowledge should be increased. If the knowledge is defined as the sum of the
11 information retained, it can be said that the increase in efficiency of
knowledge
12 management can be attained by improving the usefulness of the retained
13 information. The usefulness of the information lies in its ability to be
understood,
14 recorded, classified, visualized, anticipated, retrieved, extracted and
shared.
[076] FIG. 1 illustrates how someone's knowledge level 10 increases.
16 Information is acquired through contact 14 with other individuals or
learned 12.
17 The learned information 12 can be provided by actions 16 and events 18.
FIG. 1
18 illustrates also that information acquired through contact 14 with other
individuals
19 can come from meetings or minutes 20, messages or conversations 22, and
documents 24.
21 [077] The information gathering process is continuous for an
individual. FIG. 2
22 shows the path of an individual, schematized by a cylindrical shape 30,
relative to
23 the absolute time vector 32, as being a continuous gathering of
information. The
24 cylindrical shape 30 is a schematized vector and will be explained in
details later
in this description. The gathering process is illustratively operating through
26 actions "a" 34, contacts "c" 36 and events "e" 38 for the purpose of
this
27 description. The amount of the knowledge or information is represented
by the
28 cross area 40 of the cylindrical shape 30, and, as information is
acquired through
29 time 32, the knowledge is increased, hence, diameter D2 44 > diameter Di
46.
[078] FIG. 3 shows three cylindrical shapes 30 that represent the
continuous,
31 parallel paths of three different individuals 50, 52, and 54,
respectively, relative to
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1 time 32. Interaction 72 occurs between individuals 50, 52, and 54 at
time point 56
2 on the absolute time vector 32 over a period of time.
3 [079] FIG. 4 shows the continuous, parallel path of individuals 50,
52, 54, 60, 62,
4 64, and 66, respectively, relative to time 32. Interaction 76 occurs
between
individuals 64 and 66 at time point 68, interaction 74 occurs between
individuals
6 50 and 60 at time point 70, and interaction 72 occurs between
individuals 50, 52
7 and 54 at time point 56. At interactions 72, 74, and 76 the contacts are
likely to
8 generate an exchange of information. The information can be of a
personnel or a
9 professional nature. For example, if individuals 50, 52, and 54 are
employees of
the same company their professional information transmitted during event 72 at
11 time point 56 may be labeled as corporate.
12 [080] FIG. 5 shows the path of individual 50, 52, 54 and 60 with one
professional
13 interaction 72 at time point 56 and one personal interaction 74 at time
point 70.
14 Personal interaction 74 is labeled and considered differently than a
professional
interaction 72.
16 [081] The cylinder 30 diameter variation, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5,
represents
17 the amount of knowledge 10 acquired by an individual. Equations and
algorithms
18 can be applied to that cylindrical representation 30 of the increasing
diameter 46.
19 Some of the variables may be the time vector 32, the cross area 40 of
the
cylinder 30, the time between contacts, the number of individuals, the nature
of
21 contacts, the diameter variation rate, the contact rate, the event rate,
and the
22 communication rate.
23 [082] Accordingly, this theory, as schematized by this model,
considers the time
24 as a major reference in the knowledge gathering process of an
individual. Other
references, maybe less intuitive, will be listed later and are within the
scope of the
26 present invention. Different interactions between individuals generate
information
27 exchange. Further in the description it will be useful to understand
that the
28 schematized cylindrical shape 30 is a vector, further described as 230
and 232, in
29 the SMLOI.
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1 The computer system
2 [083] The System and Method for Locating and Organizing Information
(SML01)
3 of the present invention is part of a computer system such as the one
shown in
4 FIG. 6. The computer system shown in FIG. 6 is a complicated one, it
could have
been described only by an input/output interface unit, a system bus or
network, a
6 storage device and a processor. The type of computer system presented in
FIG.
7 6, that is well known by one skilled in the art, includes a processing
means, such
8 as a microprocessor, a memory mean 84, such as system RAM, and a storage
9 means that can be network based, such as a hard disk or other storage
means
having a high capacity for storing documents and other information maintained
by
11 the filing system. The processing means 82, the memory means 84, and the
12 storage means 86 (which may have its own I/O controller 88) are
interconnected
13 by a system bus 90 which includes control signals as well as address
lines and
14 data lines for sharing information, including data and instructions,
between the
components of the computer system. Also connected to the system bus 90 is an
16 I/O controller 92 which controls the signals received from a keyboard
94, a mouse
17 96, an image capture device 100, a touch screen (not shown), a
microphone 102,
18 and a game control 98 and provide those signals, which indicate
instructions from
19 the user, to the computer system. A display controller 104 is coupled to
the
system bus 90 and receives commands and data from the processing means 82
21 and from the memory means 84 via system bus 90. Display
controller/adapter
22 104 controls a display device 106 in order to provide images for the
user. It will be
23 appreciated that the typical computer system includes a bit mapped
screen stored
24 in memory, which may be a dedicated frame buffer memory 105 or the
system
memory. As shown in FIG. 6, a display means 106 displays on a display screen
26 108 a cursor 110, which is controlled by the pointing device 96. The
display
27 means 106 may be any one of a variety of known display systems, such as
a
28 video (CRT) display monitor or a liquid crystal display. Future display
devices
29 such as E-paper, rolled screen and other display devices such as direct
retina
projection, direct brain stimulation means, and means for 3D representation
are
31 also considered as appropriate display devices. The SMLOI can also use a
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1 gaming console, a portable data assistant (PDA), a portable digital
music player
2 or a wireless phone as a computer system.
3 [084] The pointing device 110 of the present invention may be
substantially
4 identical to the cursor control means shown in U.S. Pat. No. Reissue
32,632.
However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many other
types of
6 cursor control means may be utilized, such as graphic tablets, keyboard,
touch
7 tablets, trackballs, pen input mechanisms, touch screens, game
controller for
8 game console, etc. Indeed, any device capable of indicating x-y
locations and
9 capable of controlling a cursor on a display means of the computerized
system
may be utilized in the present SMLOI as a pointing device. This includes the
11 "target point" illustratively located in the center of the display means
in action
12 video games.
13 [085] The pointing device, such as a mouse 96 will often include a
signal
14 generation means that typically includes a switch connected to a button
97. A
user presses the button 97 to send one signal to the computer and releases the
16 button to send another signal to the computer. Other signal generation
means, as
17 is well known in the art, may be used such as using certain keys on a
keyboard
18 94 or using a pen input device which positions a cursor and, by pressing
the pen's
19 tip against the display screen, selects the item pointed to/pressed at
on the
display screen.
21 [086] Other kind of devices can be utilized as pointing devices and
can also work
22 to indicate x-y and x-y-z locations if the display device allows the
user to perceive
23 a third dimension. Game pad, tactile glove, voice activation and other
kind of
24 pointing devices means are considered as appropriate pointing devices
and are
within the scope of the present invention.
26 [087] Entering a document, which can be any kind of digitized
information, can
27 be made in more than one way, through at least one action on the
computer
28 system. One way is as the user is working on a document through an
application
29 software to click on the designated SMLOI icon located in typical
windows-like
operating system in the "task bar" or "status bar". One alternate way in a
typical
31 windows-like operating system is to drag a document (opened or not) on
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1 SMLOI icon on the "desktop" and drop it. One other alternate way is for
the user
2 to consider his/her SMLOI as a printer, and do a print-to-the-SMLOI
command.
3 One other alternative way could be for the user to consider his/her
SMLOI as a
4 drive, and do a save-under-the-SMLOI command. The SMLOI icon can sit in
the
"dock" in an Apple-computer-like environment. The SMLOI can also have
6 embedded functions in other applications that automatically achieve the
same
7 actions or tasks.
8 [088] In the SMLOI, the management of the computer memory space
allocation
9 can be handled by the SMLOI. FIG. 7 shows a block-diagram of such a
handling
from the SMLOI. The document 102 is linked to the characteristics (or
attributes)
11 117 and stored 109 under the SMLOI. The SMLOI can generate a standard
file
12 114 on the storage means 86. The SMLOI could provide the added benefit
of
13 automatically encoding and/or encrypting all files and illustratively
generate a
14 unique or multiple ".SMLOI" type files 115 making their access without
the SMLOI
impossible, thus increasing security.
16 [089] All existing documents or other data in a computer system
directory can be
17 entered in the SMLOI as the SMLOI is installed on the computer. All
existing files
18 found on different memory devices and storage devices such as a floppy
disk, a
19 hard drive, magnetic tape, optical drive, RAM, Flash memory, DVD, CD-
ROM,
USB key or other memory support can be entered as SMLOI elements as a result
21 of a single enter-in-SMLOI command. All incoming e-mails and their
attached files
22 can be entered in the SMLOI as a result of the choice of such a default
mode in
23 the SMLOI setup options. It is understood all technologies available for
wireless
24 data transfer are encompassed by the present invention. Illustratively,
the
information elements, the axis, the files associated with the information
elements
26 and all other data related to the SMLOI can be wirelessly transferred
using Wi-Fi
27 networks, cellular phone lines, microwaves, AM and FM band, satellites-
based
28 networks and other means for transferring data without physical wires.
29 [090] The SMLOI reduces the number of times a document file has to be
saved
in the computer memory means. FIG. 8 shows a block-diagram of a prior art
31 system, where a document 112 gets linked to four different subjects or
topics,
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1 namely A, B, C and D. This is accomplished by filing copies of the
document into
2 four different directories 120, occupying four locations 121 in the
computer's
3 memory and four times the memory space. FIG. 9 presents a block-diagram
of
4 the SMLOI where a document 112 is singly stored in the computer's memory
(through the operating system (OS) or SMLOI) and entered in the SMLOI. The
6 document is then attributed related attributes/characteristics. The only
memory
7 spaces occupied are then for the document itself 124, and its SMLOI-only
8 information 126, respectively.
9 [091] FIG. 10 shows a block-diagram of the system levels. Level zero
corresponds to the level without the SMLOI. Level one 130 is attained through
11 installation of the SMLOI. Level one 130 allows the SMLOI to record a
document
12 with minimum interaction with the user. Level one 130 considers the
primary
13 insertion 133 as a "drag and drop" like means action from the user. The
SMLOI
14 automatically records the information linked to the document 112 such as
(but not
limited to) the file format 135, the time the insertion in the SMLOI was made,
and
16 the size of the file. These characteristics are considered as intrinsic
17 characteristics 136 because they only ask for the insertion action from
the user.
18 [092] Level two 131, as presented on FIG. 10, is the same as level
one 130 with
19 the addition of extrinsic characteristics 138. Extrinsic
attributes/characteristics 138
correspond to the information known by the user that helps with understanding
21 the meaning and the relation of the document 112, to that which it
relates, and all
22 other information that can assist with understanding the value of the
document
23 112. Simply, each document has its own unique extrinsic
24 attributes/characteristics. The addition of the extrinsic
attributes/characteristics
requires more actions from the user. As such, level two 131 is considered a
26 secondary insertion 140 because it can be done at a different time from
the
27 primary insertion 133 in the SMLOI. Level two 131 also allows the user
to modify
28 intrinsic characteristics 141. Level one 130 and level two 131 do not
alter the
29 document in the SMLOI itself.
[093] Level three 132 brings the user to a level where the document may be
31 modified in the SMLOI. Annotations 142 can be made by the user in order
to add
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1 more meaning to the document already entered in the SMLOI. The
annotation,
2 namely a layer 143, can be considered as a distinct document. FIG. 11
shows an
3 annotation 142 on which the user can chose to merge 146 the layer 143 so
it will
4 become an assembly 144. An assembly 144 is an independent document.
Actions on documents through application software can be monitored by the
6 SMLOI and altered documents being saved and entered automatically as new
7 annotations in the SMLOI as a level one 130 insertion.
8 [094] If source file associated to an information element in an axis
of the SMLOI
9 is moved to another location the SMLOI follows the movement of the
source file
and automatically creates a link between the new location and the information
11 element to which the source file relates to keep the SMLOI's database up
to date.
12 [095] In order to increase the efficiency of the SMLOI, computer
peripherals that
13 are well known in the art such as printers, scanners, or safety systems
such as
14 the ones used for biometrics recognition of the user can be under direct
control of
the SMLOI. The SMLOI can also rely on the operating system (OS) to accomplish
16 these tasks. To further increase the efficiency of the SMLOI without
requiring too
17 much of the user, links between the SMLOI and certain application
software for
18 functions such as e-mail, agenda/schedule or network access may also be
19 provided.
[096] In order to capture ongoing audio stream media or video stream media,
a
21 memory buffer allows the user to constantly record information so the
user can
22 keep information before he/she gives the recording order. The memory
buffer
23 continuously records the streaming media that was seen and/or heard by
the
24 user. The buffer has a user's specified time length and eliminates old
data to
record new data unless the user has instructed the system to keep what has
been
26 recorder in the memory. Useful data is then kept in another memory
location for
27 further consultation.
28
29 The information element
[097] Each document, music album, music track, picture, code, voice mail, e-
31 mail, copy of a webpage, E-book, video and other formats of information
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1 managed by the SMLOI is called an "information element" and is referred
to as
2 types of information. Most of them are files one can save on a
computer's
3 memory. Illustratively, a file containing a single music track
(illustratively data type
4 1) could be juxtaposed in the SMLOI to a PDF document (illustratively
data type
2), then a complete music album (illustratively data type 3) and followed by a
text
6 document (illustratively data type 4). A document, any information, or
any other
7 kind of data recorded in the SMLOI is illustratively represented using a
"unified
8 format". Even if a "unified format" is desirable the SMLOI is not
limited to use a
9 "unified format". Many different formats can cooperate in the SMLOI,
each having
its own visual appearances. One of the goals of a unified format is to provide
an
11 easy and constant manner of presenting various documents or data, using
the
12 same pattern. An information element can also be created by direct
writing by the
13 user inside the SMLOI using any mean like a keyboard, a touch screen,
voice or
14 image recordation or a pen-pointing device. An information element
generally
presents an image of the information, the multiple characteristics linked to
the
16 inserted document, and other information related to document and to the
SMLOI.
17 The information element presents either an image of the document or the
real
18 document itself. The user can access the real document using the
application
19 program on the computer system directly through its information element.
[098] Each information element is composed by a document and by "areas".
The
21 "areas" are presenting, in a standardized manner, the information
related to the
22 document in order to give the user an instantaneous overview of what is
related
23 to a given document. The areas are distinct for every information
element and are
24 illustratively superposed on the related document thus providing an
intuitive
graphical assembly while letting the underneath document image appear in order
26 to allow the user to see the complete document. The areas are also
utilized to
27 manipulate the SMLOI functionalities and are considered as a specific
interface
28 for each information element in the SMLOI. The SMLOI then provides a
global
29 interface acting on many information elements and multiple specific
interfaces
respectively acting on their associated information element.
14
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1 [099] FIG. 12 shows a complete information element 150 with its
proposed
2 unified representation. The information element's image 154 is completed
by an
3 information area 156, an anterior assemblies area 158, an intra-document
multi-
4 page area 160 and an ulterior assemblies information area 162.
Alternatively, the
anterior and ulterior assemblies information areas can be located at the
6 information element bottom 163.
7 [0100] The information area 156 is itself divided between a date of
entry sub-area
8 165, an event-task-action sub-area 166, a information element
characterization
9 attributes sub-area 167, a hyperlink sub-area 168 and an entry sequence
number
sub-area 169. The information area 156 as presented by FIG. 12 is partially
11 superposed on the document so it is easy to see which area is related to
a
12 specific document.
13 [0101] The date of entry sub-area 165 indicates the moment where the
14 information element was inserted in the SMLOI. Generally the user keeps
the
entry date generated automatically by the SMLOI but it is possible for the
user to
16 voluntarily modify the date of entry. The date of entry can be modified
if the user
17 wants the information element to appear in the SMLOI at a different
sequential
18 order. If the date of entry is modified, the original date of entry is
preferably kept
19 by the SMLOI. The information element that has multiple dates of entry
can be
seen at multiple places in the sequential order of the SMLOI.
21 [0102] FIG. 12 shows the event-task-action sub-area 166. This sub-
area has the
22 specific role to provide all kind of time-related information to the
SMLOI user.
23 Time-related information includes meetings, tasks, alarms, status (in
force,
24 expired or pending in the case of a patent document), reminders, or the
like.
Icons and text are mixed to give a visual effect in addition to sounds that
attract
26 the user's attention. The background color of the event-task-action sub-
area can
27 change to give the user further visual indications. For instance, green
could mean
28 that everything related to that information element is completed, while
yellow
29 could mean that something is currently ongoing and red that something is
late or
past-due. Flashing background color may also have a specific meaning.
Selection
31 of this sub-area 166 or selection of the text/icon using the pointing
device acts on
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1 specific functions as the creation or the modification of a task, an
event, or an
2 alarm. The information contained in this sub-area may also generate a to-
do list
3 or be fully integrated with the agenda. The colors or other indications
related to
4 the event-task-action sub-area 166 can be used to, illustratively,
completely fill
the information element to provide a high level view of the status of any time
6 related information noted above. These information-elements-presenting-
7 reduced-content are helpful to abstract a portion of the content to
focus the
8 attention of the SMLOI user to some more important meaning carried by
the
9 information elements.
[0103] The characterization attributes sub-area 167 as shown in FIG. 12
presents
11 intrinsic (metadata) and extrinsic characteristics that provide the
relationship
12 meaning related to each information element according to the SMLOI user.
Each
13 information element and each characterization attribute have their own
distinct
14 meaning (i.e. either the information element or the characterization
attribute,
when taken separately, means something). The characterization attributes can
be
16 categories, information element types, status, specific sequences
illustratively
17 according to time of entry in the SMLOI, last time printed, last time
read, last time
18 selected, alphabetical order, types of songs, length of songs or
statistic results; it
19 is in fact any means that gives order or additional meaning to
contextualize the
information elements. The user can have its own characterization attributes
and
21 can have characterization attributes that are shared by a group of SMLOI
users.
22 Each characterization attribute selected by the user to be linked with
the
23 information element will be presented in this sub-area 167. The visual
24 presentation of each characterization attribute will preferably be in
the form of a
button or an icon so the SMLOI user can easily select anyone of them
individually
26 or in group with the pointing device. No characterization attribute can
appear
27 associated with a information element meaning there is only one
information
28 attribute associated (or selectable by the user). In this case,
selection of the
29 information element itself has the effect of selecting the only
characterization
attribute. The later action will allow the user to generate relative vectors
that will
31 be further explained in this description. The visual aspect of the
selected
16
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1 characterization attributes will change so the user will easily know
which
2 characterization attribute has been selected. The background color of
the sub-
3 area 167 can change to give the user further visual indications. The
order in
4 which the characterization attributes are presented in the sub-area is
set
according to the user preferences. Statistical organization of attributes can
be
6 performed by the SMLOI. Favorite or "most often used attribute" can
remain, to
7 the user's preference, on top of the list. Alphabetical ordering of the
attributes is
8 also possible. Automatic creation of attributes cluster according to
occurrence
9 statistical order or any desired relationship can be performed by the
SMLOI. The
user can be offered first the attributes he is the most likely to select.
11 [0104] The hyperlink sub-area 168 as shown in FIG. 12 contains
external
12 hyperlinks and internal hyperlinks. External hyperlinks are generally of
two types,
13 internet related hyperlinks and other users' SMLOI direct access.
Internal
14 hyperlinks are generally direct links to other information elements in
the SMLOI of
the same user. This has the purpose to give direct access to the information
16 element references so the user can have a quick overview of the links to
the
17 information element he or she is visualizing.
18 [0105] The entry sequence number sub-area 169 as shown in FIG. 12
presents a
19 sequential number that indicates the sequence in which the information
elements
are entered in the SMLOI. The entry sequence number helps the user to have an
21 intuitive way of classifying the information element. The entry sequence
numbers
22 are hyperlinks in the SMLOI so it is possible for the user to use them
to draw
23 quick access path between different information elements in the SMLOI.
The
24 entry sequence number can be used as hyperlinks between multiple
distinct
SMLOI thereby giving direct access to other users information elements using
the
26 same intuitive method; although, when a user has another user entry
sequence
27 number in its SMLOI, this entry sequence number will be preceded by the
other
28 SMLOI user number.
29 [0106] FIG. 12 also shows the anterior assemblies area 158. This area
gives the
user a direct view of the anterior assemblies, versions, or annotations of the
31 visualized information element according to the time vector 32. The user
can
17
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1 directly access another information element assembly by selecting the
desired
2 assembly in the anterior assemblies area 158.
3 [0107] FIG. 12 shows the ulterior assemblies area 162. This area gives
the user a
4 direct view of the ulterior assemblies, versions, or annotations of the
visualized
information element according to the time vector 32. The user can directly
access
6 another information element assembly by selecting the desired assembly
in the
7 ulterior assemblies area 162.
8 [0108] FIG. 12 also presents an alternate way for presenting the
anterior and
9 ulterior assemblies. The alternate anterior and ulterior assembly area
163
presents various assemblies, versions, or annotations, according to the time
11 vector 32. The current information element 150, in FIG. 12, is also
presented in
12 the anterior and ulterior assembly area 163 as the assembly at location
170.
13 Variation in the size of the presented assembly helps the user to
perceive the
14 closest assembly from the currently visualized information element 150,
170.
[0109] The multi-pages document area 160 as shown by FIG. 12 presents to the
16 user a few other pages from the information element 150 if the
information
17 element 150 includes more than one page. If the information element 150
18 includes for instance 5 pages, the multi-pages document area 160 will
present the
19 four that are not shown in the document image 154. The user can select
them if
he or she wants to have a bigger picture of the desired page. If the number of
21 pages is larger than the space available arrows 171, 172 will indicate
that there is
22 more pages to see so the user can scroll up or down to visualize them.
23 [0110] FIG. 13a presents an information element 150 with its
information area
24 156. The date of entry area 165 generated by the SMLOI is applied to the
information element in FIG. 13b. The date the information element is entered
in
26 the SMLOI can be seen in its date of entry area 165. The background
color of the
27 date of entry area can change to give the user further visual
indications. Selection
28 of this sub-area using the pointing device acts on specific functions.
29 [0111] When the user inserts a document in the SMLOI he or she can
select the
appropriate characterization attributes. FIG. 14 presents a means to select
the
31 appropriate characterization attributes for an information element 150.
Entry
18
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1 window 174 is used for the display of the intrinsic and extrinsic
characterization
2 attributes. FIG. 14 also presents, for instance, only extrinsic
characterization
3 attributes. When the user clicks on the characterization attribute sub-
area 167,
4 the information element characterization entry window 174 opens,
allowing the
user to add, modify, or delete information element characterization attributes
6 while getting access to his/her list of "favorites" characterization
attributes. The
7 user can either type in a new 176 characterization attribute or click on
the
8 proposed attribute or click on the arrow to have the characterization
attribute list
9 appear on a specific topic. Picking one with a pointing device from the
list will
make it appear with a button in the characterization attribute sub-area. To
11 increase the first-glance impact, symbols and colors are added to the
12 characterization attribute sub-area 167 as well.
13 [0112] In the event of a subsequent alteration of these
characterization attributes,
14 a trace can be kept of both the change details and the original
information. Not all
extrinsic characteristic attributes need to be typed in each time. That is,
user
16 should be able to build his/her list of favorites, and to select from
it. The most
17 frequently characterization attribute can be displayed automatically at
the top of
18 the list by the SMLOI. The user is also able to link an information
element to a
19 task he or she has to perform or to an event, such as a meeting minutes
being
linked to the agenda. These are statutory characterization attributes.
21 [0113] The SMLOI provides a unified format for audio and video
documents. FIG.
22 15 shows an information element 150 that is a unified format
representation of an
23 audio document with its title 180, duration 181, and audio symbol 182.
24 [0114] FIG. 16 shows a dynamic layer over the unified format
representation of an
audio document. The title 180 and symbol 182 are part of the basic audio
26 information element 150. Dialog box 185 is part of the layer and allows
the
27 commentaries to be displayed/sounded as the basic audio information
element is
28 displayed. The display bar 187 gives an idea to the SMLOI user on the
position of
29 the audio listening. The position indicator 189 moves from left to right
as the video
document is played in typical media player fashion; using the pointing device,
the
31 user can drag this position indicator 189 to the left or the right, and
resume
19
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1 listening to the document at another point. The musical symbol 190 in
FIG. 16 is
2 the indicator of additional audio comments added to a layer over the
audio
3 information element 150. The triangular symbol 192 is (for instance) an
indicator
4 of a written comment added to a layer over the audio document and shown
at a
specific time. The camera symbol 194 is an indicator of a video comment added
6 to a layer over the audio document. A duration indicator shows up when
the user
7 points the pointing device to one of the comment indicators and displays
in the
8 window 185 the time at which the comment has been inserted over the
total
9 duration of the original information element.
[0115] In FIG. 16 are buttons 194 typical of media player and are pause,
stop,
11 play, fast reverse, and fast forward, respectively, and are, in
addition, commands
12 for the displaying/activating the comments. Comment window 185 shows the
13 written and video comments as their insertion point is reached while the
14 document is played or as the user clicks on the related indicator. If so
desired by
the user, the document can be automatically stopped from playing momentarily
16 as comments 192, 195 and 190 are "reached".
17 [0116] FIG. 17 shows an information element 150 that is a unified
format
18 representation of a video document with its title 180, duration 181,
video symbol
19 196 and projection window 198 that is used for displaying the video
information
element 150 of FIG. 17. FIG. 18 shows an assembly built from the addition of a
21 dynamic layer over the unified format representation of a video
document. The
22 title 180 and symbol 196 are part of the basic information element and
are visible
23 through the clear substrate of the layer. The functions are generally
the same as
24 the ones presented previously for an audio document in FIG. 16
[0117] FIG. 19a shows an information element where image 200 is the actual
26 picture of a web page as an information element in the SMLOI. The user
may
27 either copy information as presented by FIG. 19a into the SMLOI or just
writes a
28 hyperlink to reach the information as in FIG. 19b. FIG. 19b shows an
alternative
29 representation of the same element with only the symbol 198 on the
center of the
page and the web address (URL) 199.
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1 [0118] Numerous software applications are available to help users keep
track of
2 their schedules and of the tasks they need to accomplish. The tasks of
the user
3 can be displayed as information elements in the SMLOI, and be
graphically
4 recognizable within the SMLOI. Tasks as information elements can be
associated
with related sub-space (item 166 in FIG. 12) and linked to appropriate
6 characterization attributes. Color and other types of coding are part of
the unified
7 format representation of such an information element to graphically
inform the
8 user of the status of a given task as previously described. The
appropriate sub-
9 area will display codes related to the task as well as the due date
characterization
attribute. Events from the agenda (such as meeting) or not (such as voice
11 messages or conversations) can be displayed as information elements, and
be
12 graphically recognized as such within the SMLOI. Details of the event
such as
13 date, time or location are accessible directly form the information
element. The
14 user can graphically visualize linked tasks (such as preparation for
meeting or an
action resulting from a voice mail) as well as linked information element
(such as
16 a list of documents he or she may need to recover to go to a given
meeting). The
17 user is able to visualize linked tasks graphically, as well as linked
elements of
18 information (such as a list of document he or she may need to recover as
part of
19 the task). The user can create work lists, prioritized or not, from the
tasks inserted
in the SMLOI.
21 [0119] Information elements can be linked to individuals (such as a
list of
22 participants present at a meeting where a given report has been
distributed).
23 Such a link can be established by 1) entering the event as an
information
24 element, with its participants as characterization attributes as well as
indicating
another element (the report) as an hyperlink and 2) by asking on that
information
26 element or on the areas of the information element to visualize the
linked
27 elements, which would then show the event among other information
elements on
28 the relative representation vector, which means the second dimension
that will be
29 explained later in details.
[0120] For an information element of an event entered in the SMLOI, the
statutory
31 sub-area would become the event sub-area by displaying codes such as
21
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1 "preparatory task to be done", "past event" or "event to come", etc... A
direct link
2 to another information element can be included in the characterization
attribute
3 sub-area or in the hyperlink sub-area.
4 [0121] The SMLOI can display documents that were meant to be printed on
paper
formats different than the user-specified default format ("letter" or "A4"
paper size
6 for example). FIG. 20 shows an example of such an odd-sized document,
where
7 the proportions of the image are similar to the ones of the real
document. Such an
8 approach could, however, prove to be rather inconvenient if more than
one
9 element is to be viewed at the same time. It then may be desirable that
all the
information elements be displayed within a common-size "sheet size". FIG. 21
11 shows such an arrangement, where the image 202 of the document and a
label
12 203 indicates the true size of the document. The information element
"envelope"
13 would then always be the same for "letter" paper size proportions.
14 [0122] The user can keep track, via his/her SMLOI, of all of his/her
information
elements, even if they are not under an electronic format. A numbering system
for
16 those external reference materials may be created and a short comment
for each
'17 may be written. FIG. 22 shows a unified format representation for an
information
18 element linked to an external reference material where a symbol 205 used
to
19 designate such external reference material. A title 206 given to the
document by
the user, a label 207 showing the number of the document as per the user's
21 numbering system, and the location 208 where the actual document is
physically
22 kept may also be implemented.
23 [0123] Some information elements collected by a user can be made
available for
24 viewing by others as a means to stimulate creativity. For instance,
interesting
articles could be sent to a "pool" and available for browsing by other SMLOI
users
26 or be sent one at a time at a specific rate through e-mail to selected
SMLOI
27 users. A user may also choose to have old clippings sent to him/herself
after a
28 certain delay to refresh his/her own memory. Random order element
visualization
29 is also an option. Such elements could be sent through e-mails or be
used as the
"desktop wallpaper of the day", the "screensaver of the day", or even be
displayed
31 in SMLOI as "publicity stripes".
22
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1 [0124] The SMLOI user can select the "SMLOI web site" attribute. By doing
so,
2 the user may build a "SMLOI web site" with the selected information
element. The
3 user website will present the selected information elements in a web
page for
4 others to visualize the information elements on the Internet using an
SMLOI
browser "plug-in". This way, the SMLOI user can share to everyone on the
6 internet the selected information elements without any complicated task.
The
7 other SMLOI functions that will be further described are also enabled
within a
8 browser plug-in.
9 [0125] The SMLOI includes a "collection tool" allowing for easy
gathering and
organizing of a series of information elements. Options for display are also
11 offered to the user such as a formal portfolio, scrap book, logbook,
notebook, or
12 slide show. These collections may be sent to other SMLOI users, not as
memory-
13 consuming-bunch of files, but rather as a list of links and punctual
access rights.
14 [0126] The SMLOI has an enabled collection process. For instance,
five elements
are selected by the SMLOI user who then creates a collection therefrom. The
16 collection then becomes an element which, among its attributes, has the
intrinsic
17 characterization attribute "collection" and is inserted in the SMLOI.
The user can
18 then use the collection in many ways. For example, the user may send
access
19 rights to another user or do a full or partial print of the information
elements. The
user could also visualize or print a list of the information elements
contained in
21 the collection or create a slide show of the information elements that
could be
22 sent or become presentation material.
23 [0127] It may also be desirable for the SMLOI to narrow the gap between
the
24 electronic data management and the more traditional handwritten
information.
This may be accomplished with the SMLOI through the integration of handwriting
26 recognition, applicable software, and electronic signature capability.
This may
27 also be accomplished by integrating in the SMLOI the capability of
generating
28 encoded note-taking material and properly filing the digitized hand
written
29 material. A purpose-printed note paper (or template) may also be
generated by
the SMLOI and printed. The template is then used as normal paper for taking
31 notes and is scanned for its insertion in the SMLOI. During the scanning
process,
23
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I the SMLOI recognizes identification marks on the template (such as a
printed bar
2 code or a hand filled boxes) and assigns intrinsic attributes
accordingly as it
3 creates a new information element in the SMLOI.
4
.. The multi dimensional representation
6 [0128] In order for a user to keep track of the sequence in which the
information
7 elements are related to each other, the SMLOI provides a way to keep
specific
8 sequences between information elements. One means of establishing such a
9 sequence is by representing the entry of an information element. The
SMLOI is
also providing an entry sequence number to keep the information elements in
the
11 order that they have been entered. FIG. 23 shows an element 150 that is
added
12 to a pile of elements 210 where the entry sequential number for the
first element
13 212 entered has number one and the last, "n". The new element 214 added
then
14 gets the sequential entry number "n+1".
[0129] The invention provides a way to see part of a sequence through
preceding
16 and following information elements. For example, FIG. 24 illustrates
that the
17 information elements 150 are placed side by side and in the order that
they had
18 been entered. The last information element added to the sequence would
be the
19 one at the extreme right 216 according to the time vector 32. FIG. 25
shows
another way of viewing the sequence. The information elements 150 are placed
21 side by side and are rolled in that order on a roll 218 still according
to the time
22 vector 32.
23 [0130] The time vector 32 usually represents the absolute
chronological order that
24 is applied on information element vectors whether they are including all
the
information elements 150 or only a portion of them. Absolute information
element
26 vectors and relative information element vectors are then linked to a
time vector
27 32. The time vector 32 sequence can be replaced by a specific sequence
vector
28 that is not necessarily related to time. In that order, only the
sequential aspect of
29 the time vector 32 would be kept and applied with some other
consideration, like
statistical considerations, to a specific sequence. Hence, an information
element
31 vector can be related to the number of times an information element has
been
24
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1 selected. That is, the information element vector 32 presents the
information
2 elements in a incremental order. The information element vector 32 can
also be
3 generated ascendingly or descendingly considering the memory size of the
4 information elements 150. The information element vector may also
present the
information elements 150 based on the number of characterization attributes
178
6 applied to each information element.
7 [0131] The spreading-the-information-elements exercise, shown on FIG.
24 and
8 FIG. 25, directionally towards the right may also be done in any
direction. The
9 display of the information elements in such a manner creates an
information
element vector allowing the user to visualize the information elements 150
11 entered as well as the absolute sequence into which entry has been done.
12 [0132] The system user can introduce "breaks" and "bookmarks" in the
13 information element vectors to have reference points within the sequence
of
14 information element entry. FIG. 26 shows such an implementation of
bookmarks
220, 224 where, in that case, the bookmarks are relative to a period of time.
For
16 instance, two information elements 150 have been entered during the
period P
17 222 which is delineated by bookmarks 220 and 224. The bookmarks may also
be
18 specifically placed by the user as period markers as shown in FIG. 26
and/or
19 automatically by the SMLOI at every period of time and/or in any user-
defined
manner.
21 [0133] FIG. 27 shows a bi-dimensional information element vector
disposition
22 where all the information elements 150 from the user's SMLOI are
represented
23 along a first (horizontal) vector 230, where the most recent is shown on
the right
24 side according to the time vector 32. Information element vector 230 is
the first, or
absolute, information element vector in the sense that all information
elements
26 150 are present on the vector 230 (although a subset of all information
elements
27 can form vector 230). The first vector is illustratively horizontally
disposed but a
28 person skilled in the art would appreciate a different position is
encompassed by
29 the present patent application.
[0134] A second information element vector 232, that can be a subset of the
first
31 information element vector 230, is graphically represented, non parallel
to, or
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1 intersecting the first information element vector 230. The second
information
2 element vector 232 is created when a desired characterization attribute,
3 illustratively the "E' characterization attribute 234, is selected by
the SMLOI user
4 on at least one information element 246 from the first information
element vector
230. The selection of the "E' characterization attribute 234 might
automatically
6 create the second information element vector 232. Illustratively, the
selection of
7 the desired "E' characterization attribute can be achieved by pressing a
button
8 "E' 234 on the desired information element 246. The information element
246 can
9 also be automatically selected when the characterization attribute "E'
234 is
selected without any other action. Conversely, if one characterization
attribute, for
11 instance the information attribute "E' 234, is primarily associated with
desired
12 information element 246 then selecting the desired information element
246 itself
13 would automatically use the information attribute "E" 234 to generate
the second
14 information element vector 232 based on information attribute "E' 234. A
single
information attribute can be blindly associated to its related information
element.
16 The first information element can become invisible when the second
information
17 element vector becomes visible on the display device.
18 [0135] The second information element vector 232 is generated by the
SMLOI at
19 a different angle (illustratively at a 900 angle from the absolute
vector 230, on a
2D display) or on a different plane than the first information element vector
230
21 using the selected information element 246 as a reference (that is
illustratively the
22 intersection information element between the two vectors as appreciated
on
23 Figure 51). On the second information element vector 232 are shown only
the
24 information elements, from the first information element vector,
commonly sharing
the "E' characterization attribute 234 (illustratively visually presented in
the
26 characterization attribute sub-area). The second information element
vector 230
27 could also present a set of other information elements not present in
the first
28 information element vector 230 but related to the selected desired
information
29 element 246. The most recent information elements 150 is being shown at
the
upper end of the information element vector 232 according to the relative time
31 vector 236. As a result, the information element vector 232 is built
according to a
26
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1 pre-selected order e.g. in the present situation it is illustratively a
chronological
2 order.
3 [0136] There is no requirement to keep visible the information element
vector 230
4 when the information element vector 232 is created and appears on the
display.
In this situation, the information element vector 232 will be positioned
according
6 to the position of the information element vector 230 before it
disappeared from
7 the display.
8 [0137] Information elements 238 and 240 are actually the unified
format
9 representation of the same repeated information element 240 because it
appears
in both the absolute (or first) information element vector 230 and the second
11 information element vector 232 sorting the "E' characterization
attribute 234. The
12 duplicated information elements appear on the second information element
vector
13 232 at their respective chronological positions. This is also true for
elements 242
14 and 244. The generation of the second information element vector 232 can
also
be made according to the combinative logic equation of multiple
characterization
16 attributes (for instance: "A" AND ("B" OR "E')).
17 [0138] In the event only one characterization attribute is intended
to be selectable
18 from an information element the selection of the information element
itself can
19 automatically select the single selectable information attribute. The
visual aspect
of the information element could then not show the potential characterization
21 attribute to simplify the amount of visual data associated to the
information
22 element. For instance, selecting a music album on a first vector would
lead to
23 generate a second vector displaying the songs contained in the album if
the only
24 characterization attribute of the album is "songs in the album". If the
characterization attribute is associated to more than one type of information
26 elements (i.e. songs and pictures for instance) the selection of the
album would
27 generate a second vector displaying the songs and the pictures
associated with
28 the album.
29 [0139] The absolute and relative information element vectors 230 and
232 in FIG.
27 illustratively create a plane (accordingly, they are co-planar but, as it
will be
31 explained later, they could also intersect on distinct planes). A volume
can be
27
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1 generated depending on the number of information element vectors when
depth
2 is used for a third dimension as depicted by FIG. 29. This plan, or
volume if the
3 depth is used, can be considered as a vectorial space 250. The user of
the
4 present system can select the vertical or the horizontal axis as default
axis. Any
axis in any given direction could be selected, according to the preference of
the
6 user, to be the "main" axis. The default axis will be the axis presented
when only
7 one axis is visible when the user logs in the SMLOI.
8 [0140] More than one relative information element vectors be
generated. Each
9 relative information element vector 232 is intersecting an information
element on
the first information element vector 230 when the selected characterization
11 attribute appears on elements found on the absolute information element
vector
12 230. As shown in FIG. 28, two additional vertical vectors 248 and 252,
aligned
13 with elements 254 and 256, respectively, are provided. Other variations
might be
14 appreciated by a skilled person.
[0141] FIG. 29 shows the SMLOI, now "tri-dimensional" with the addition of
16 assemblies 257, 258 and 259 (or information element versions) related to
their
17 respective information elements 262, 263 and 264. The first dimension is
the
18 absolute information element vector 230 according to the absolute time
vector 32.
19 The second dimension is the relative information element vector 232
containing
the attribute "E" 234 according to the relative time vector 236 with its
intersection
21 centered on the desired information element 246 from which the
characterization
22 attribute "E" is illustratively selected. The third dimension is another
relative
23 information element vector relative to time vector 265 and shows the
assemblies
24 relative to information elements that possess at least one assembly. The
more
recent information element in the latter assembly is shown on top according to
the
26 time vector 256.
27 [0142] FIG. 30 shows that the system may have four dimensions. The
four
28 dimensions are presented on the SMLOI where 230, 270 is the first
dimension, or
29 absolute information element vector, 232, 271 is the second dimension or
relative
information element vector and 257, 272 is the third dimension or relative
31 information element assemblies vector. Item 273 represents the
fourth
28
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1 (illustratively) "circular" characterization attribute dimension. The
characterization
2 attribute choice, in order to generate the second dimension 232, 271, is
a
3 dimension that can be schematically represented as a "circular vector"
because of
4 the multiple different possible characterization attribute selection
leading to
various different second dimension information element vectors. This possible
6 plurality of second information element vector can be visualized as
orthogonal
7 273 to the first information element vector axis 230, 270.
8 [0143] FIG. 31 shows that since there are at least as many relative
information
9 element vectors 271, 275, 276 as there are characterization attributes,
all the
relative sequences can be represented as many rays 278 coming out of a center
11 hub 280 that is the selected information element 246 on the absolute
information
12 element vector 270. The fourth dimension 273 as it appears on FIG. 31 is
an
13 array 278 (or rays) of information element vectors and the selection of
one
14 characterization attribute (or composition of many) dictates which
relative
sequence of information elements will lead to the generation of the relative
16 information element vector 232. The SMLOI user can group the information
17 elements by combination or segregation of characterization attributes.
Using
18 combinative logic, this actually would turn the fourth dimension 273
into an almost
19 infinite number of rays around the center hub 280.
[0144] Association of characterization attribute(s) with an information
element, or
21 selection of characterization attribute(s), in order to generate an
information
22 element vector can be made automatically by the SMLOI. Algorithms,
statistics
23 and other mathematical equations are might help to choose the most
applicable
24 characterization attributes for a specified information elements or
group of
information elements in order to create an information element vector.
26 [0145] The SMLOI also provides an intuitive and efficient system for
managing
27 the user's elements of information, personal or professional in nature.
The user
28 and his or her professional information can be part of a bigger picture
if he or she
29 is an employee of a corporation for example. The SMLOI user is able to
visualize
his/her personal and professional/corporate SMLOI (distinction coming from one
29
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1 major attribute) at once or separately, and that that option be carried
out through
2 a single command.
3 [0146] A corporation is considered a moral user of the work related
information of
4 its employees. A corporation or other multi-user environment can have
all its
employees dealing with information elements in a similar manner for training
6 purposes, and for the preservation of the "corporate knowledge"
(structured and
7 unstructured data), and for prior art recording purposes. The "corporate
8 knowledge" is considered as a series of "parallel SMLOIs" with an SMLOI
for
9 each of its employees in a similar fashion to the previously described
parallel
paths for individuals. That way, some members of the corporation are able to
11 access the information in the corporation's employees SMLOI.
12 [0147] Multiple and distinct SMLOI can seamlessly be presented on a same
time
13 line or axis. Personal and professional SMLOI can be presented on the
same
14 time line just as if both personal and professional SMLOIs are only one
single
SMLOI even if they are not. They just appear to be the same for the user. All
the
16 SMLOI of a corporation are similarly mixed and presented as a unique
SMLOI,
17 even if in reality they are not, representing the whole corporation's
SMLOI.
18 [0148] At least one member of the corporation has the "knowledge
administrator"
19 status such an individual has full access to the corporate SMLOls, can
forward
corporate messages to employees' SMLOI, and create standardized corporate
21 characterization attributes to ensure cohesion in the filing, among
other functions
22 and capabilities. Such an administrator may have a formal role in a
quality-
23 assured environment, such as one governed by the ISO 9000 standard or a
24 sophisticated information management analysis in order to provide an
information
management score that can quantitatively show the user's ability to manage its
26 information.
27 [0149] The corporate administrator can represent the corporation in
an intuitive
28 manner, such as the corporation organizational chart 282 as presented in
FIG. 32
29 and directly link to every corporate SMLOI in the corporation as shown
on FIG.
33. FIG. 33 shows the corporate SMLOI of an employee that has the position 283
31 in the organizational chart 282. The planar representation on the
organizational
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1 chart is considered as the fifth dimension of the SMLOI. The
organizational chart
2 for that purpose can be replaced by a grid 285 on FIG. 34 and is, to the
3 corporation user or administrator, a graphical representation of the
multiple users.
4 In this case, a two-vector system, for instance "5x"287 and "5y"288 is
used to
"name" different SMLOI users in the corporation, using an alpha numeric
format.
6 Other formats may also be implemented.
7 [0150] FIG. 34 shows the fifth-dimension grid 285 where squares are
filled using
8 different patterns according to possible access. The grid of FIG. 34 is
seen
9 through the eyes of a user represented by box 294 of FIG. 36. As
indicated by
square 292 of FIG. 34, total access is given at that position of the grid.
Hatched
11 squares as in box 296 indicate the SMLOI of fellow employees to which
the user
12 294 (FIG. 36) has full access (professional/corporate side only). Cross-
hatched
13 squares in box 297 indicate an SMLOI where punctual or microscopic
access has
14 been granted to user 294 (of box 292) allowing visualization of selected
elements
only. Smaller cross-hatched squares as in box 298 indicate the SMLOI to which
16 the user of box 292 has absolutely no access to.
17 [0151] FIG. 35 shows the multi-dimensional graphic user interface of
an employee
18 of the corporation SMLOI where dimension one 270, dimension two 271,
19 dimension three 272, and dimension four 273, as presciently described,
can be
seen. Dimension five 287, 288 may also be added. The darkened square contour
21 of the grid 283 at the position "B2" indicates that the SMLOI 290 is the
SMLOI of
22 the "B2" employee.
23 [0152] An employee may allow access to his or her SMLOI, in part or in
whole, to
24 another employee or user. The user has only access to a portion of its
SMLOI
(such as the professional part) while maintaining the privacy of the remaining
26 portion (such as the personal part).
27 [0153] FIG. 37 presents the absolute information element vector of
the SMLOI of
28 a user "A" where it is possible to see that information elements 315 and
316 have
29 no access restriction. Information elements 309, 310 and 311 can be
locked so
the user can block modification access to them. The open padlock icon 313 is
31 representing that access is open although it can be locked. The lock 314
on
31
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1 information element 312 indicates the access is denied (which is a
default mode
2 for personal information elements).
3 [0154] FIG. 38 shows the absolute information element vector of the
SMLOI of a
4 user "A", as seen through the eyes of a user "B", where "B" has only
access to
some information elements. Items that have a dark hatch filling 300, 301, 302,
6 303 are information elements for which access has been denied to "B"
(because
7 of the professional/personal firewall and/or specific access
restrictions for a given
8 element). Items 304, 305, with no hatch filling, are seen as they would
be through
9 the eyes of a user "A", the SMLOI owner. These information elements can
be
seen by the user "B" through his/her SMLOI.
11 [0155] For privacy reasons it is desirable that non-accessible
elements, or their
12 quantity be non-visible to other users. FIG. 39 shows the same SMLOI, as
seen
13 through the eyes of user "B", where all non-accessible elements are
hidden, and
14 space between accessible elements is reduced. For similar reasons, some
parts
of the seeable information elements, such as entry sequence numbers, may be
16 hidden as well. Accessible information elements vector 320 all have
their entry
17 number "blacked out" so that neither the number of elements in the SMLOI
or
18 their relative position in the sequence can be known of user "B".
19 [0156] FIG. 40 shows information element vectors of the SMLOI of one
user "A"
where, the user has granted access to information elements 324, 325, 326, 327
21 to user "B" while refusing him/her access to elements 328, 329, 330,
331.
22 [0157] FIG. 41 shows an absolute information element vector, from the
SMLOI of
23 a user "A", from which information elements 338 and 339 are locked so
they
24 cannot appear in the "B" user's SMLOI. FIG. 42 shows the same SMLOI, as
viewed through the "eyes" (and SMLOI) of user "B". Information elements are
26 hidden and replaced by one empty space 342 having a size that is
irrelevant of
27 the number of hidden information elements.
28
29 The illustrated interface
[0158] One proposed SMLOI interface using a typical windows-like
environment
31 main screen is shown in FIG. 43 although, the SMLOI can also be voice
32
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1 controlled. Item 450 is the operating system's bar displaying SMLOI
details such
2 as version 454 and user ID 456 (user name and user number). Item 452 is
the
3 menu bar of typical format and usage. Display of this item is left to
the user's
4 discretion. Item 458 is the window through which the SMLOI relays most
of the
information to the user. This is the window where the SMLOI is displayed, is
6 known as the SMLOI window, and occupies the better part of the screen.
This
7 window completely fills the space between the menu bar 452 (if
displayed) and
8 the status bar 460.
9 [0159] A typical information element 150 is shown in FIG. 43 with its
date of entry
sub-area 165, an event-task-action sub-area 166, an information element
11 characterization attributes sub-area 167, a hyperlink sub-area 168 and
an entry
12 sequence number sub-area 169. The anterior and ulterior assemblies area
170
13 are also shown as is the multi-pages document area 160. Scroll down
buttons
14 462 are presented on some sub-areas. Margins from the original document
464
are also presented in FIG. 43.
16 [0160] The multi-part toolbox 466 is presented and acts on different
functions
17 available depending on the actions the SMLOI user is doing. The toolbox
466
18 includes buttons identified by icons that allow the SMLOI user to act on
selected
19 elements. In some cases the buttons may call menus or dialog boxes.
[0161] The navigation box 468 of FIG. 43 includes buttons to navigate in
the
21 SMLOI. It contains all the buttons, identified by icons, to allow the
user to surf or
22 navigate in his/her SMLOI. Button 470 allows movement along the absolute
23 information element vector 230 according to positive time vector 32.
Button 472
24 allows movement along the absolute information element vector 230 in the
time
vector 32 opposite direction. Button 474 allows movement along the relative
26 information element vector 232 according to positive time vector 236.
Button 476
27 allows movement along the relative information element vector 232 in the
time
28 vector 236 opposite direction. Button 478 is for the "zoom window"
function, while
29 button 479 is for "zoom-in" and "zoom out" functions. Button 481 is the
"back to
the last view" function and button 483 is for "forward to the next visualized
view"
31 function. These functions are similar to the "back" and "forward"
functions on a
33
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1 web browser. Button 485 allows the SMLOI user to access his/her intra-
SMLOI
2 favorites' list while button 487 allows access to his/her Internet
favorites' list.
3 [0162] Button 489 allows the user to return directly to the last
information element
4 entered in the SMLOI while button 491 opens a new "blank" information
element
in the SMLOI. This enables the user to work directly on the new information
6 element for inserting pictures or for adding text on a particular
project. This is one
7 way the SMLOI can act as a logbook or notebook.
8 [0163] The communication box 495 includes a communication information
window
9 497 for displaying all the information the SMLOI wants the user to know
when he
or she is using it. The communication information window 497 concentrates all
11 the communications in the same place; as such, it can display alarms,
chat, enter
12 phone calls, instant messaging, provide an image of another person when
video
13 conferencing or video phone calls. E-mail features are also presented in
the
14 communication information window 497 and usual functions such as in-box,
new
messages, attach document to message, reply, reply to all, transfer, exchange
an
16 element, sending box, sent box and contacts are available. The agenda
and its
17 related functions including adding the agenda or linking an information
element to
18 the agenda are also included. Both the e-mail and agenda capabilities
are fully
19 integrated in the SMLOI.
[0164] FIG. 43 also illustratively shows the absolute relativisation bar
500 and the
21 relative relativisation bar 502. The purpose of these bars is to provide
a broader,
22 but still limited, point of view to the SMLOI user. The user sets limit
dates 504 and
23 506 for each bar so that the length of the time frame represented is
customized to
24 the user's desires. Days 508, weeks 510, months 512 and years 514 are
displayed time marks, illustratively as little bars (each with their own
format), in
26 the relativisation bars 500, 502. The "relative" relativisation bar 502
is only visible
27 when a relative information element vector 232 (2nd dimension) is
displayed.
28 Signs of different shape and colors (for instance black triangle 516)
can be added
29 as bookmarks to keep trace of important information elements. A cursor
(not
shown) providing the actual viewing position of the SMLOI is provided so it is
31 possible to drag it to move quickly in the SMLOI.
34
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1 [0165] The user can use its SMLOI in five distinct modes: information
elements
2 consultation, information element insertion/creation, information
element
3 modification, information elements list and extraction. The toolbox 466
includes
4 different functions related to those different SMLOI modes. There is,
for instance,
different functions related to the insertion mode: favorites (bookmark,
hyperlink,
6 hyperpage), quick insertion (direct insertion without extrinsic
attributes), tasks,
7 notes, events, video sequences, audio sequences, digitalization (paper,
other),
8 and project creation (reports, slides presentations, collections).
9 [0166] The toolbox 466 also includes functions related to the
manipulation mode.
The buttons include square manipulation tool, copy, paste, element selection,
11 annotation manipulation, hide element (by sequence of entry number, by
date),
12 and search (by sequence of entry number, by characterization attributes,
13 combinative logic, by date, by contact, by key word, by document type,
options).
14 There are also functions related to the extraction mode with buttons for
deleting,
information element collection (add element, remove element, save collection
as
16 a new information element, add note in collection, print collection,
present
17 collection as slides). The toolbox 466 also includes a system functions
section
18 including buttons for setup (personal setup, system setup, general
setup,
19 corporate administrator), "favorites" setup, authentication and
signature
(document authentication, electronic signature), back-up, help, screen
21 management (screen saver, wallpaper, information element presentation
22 sequence) and the like.
23 [0167] Window 458 of the SMLOI includes two buttons 503 and 509. If the
user
24 clicks on the appropriate button, only the personal portion of his/her
SMLOI can
be visualized 503. If he/she clicks on the second button, only the
26 professional/corporate portion of his/her SMLOI can then be visualized
509.
27 Clicking on both buttons 503, 509 (might be done with or without the use
of the
28 CTRL and SHIFT keys) will allow visualization of both portions of
his/her SMLOI.
29 [0168] FIG. 43 shows a typical information element 150, with an
information
element characterization attributes sub-area 167, into which each
31 characterization attribute is actually a button 527, or selecting means,
that can be
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1 clicked for picking the information elements to be included in the
information
2 elements of the relative vector. Selecting blank button 528 at the
bottom pulls out
3 the main attributes' list for selection of the second dimension. Simple
addition of
4 characterization attributes to the selection can also be achieved in a
typical
fashion by using the CTRL and SHIFT keys from the keyboard. The user is also
6 offered the possibility of including any given attribute in a
combinative logic
7 equation for the selection of the second dimension's vector 232 (a pull-
down
8 menu can appear for additions and exclusions). Such combinative logic
capability
9 can, for instance, allows the user to set border dates for his/her
selection of
elements carrying the attribute "x", allows him/her to set border entry
numbers
11 dates for his/her selection of elements carrying the attribute "y",
allows him/her to
12 look for attributes common to other system (such as events) or even
allow
13 element selection based on common status (such as tasks).
14 [0169] FIG. 44 shows a view of a user's SMLOI where the central
information
element is 520. Elements 522 and 521 are the preceding and following
16 information elements along the absolute information element vector 230,
17 respectively. Information elements 524 and 523 are the preceding and
following
18 information elements along the relative information element vector 232,
19 respectively. Window 530 presents a close view of information element
520.
Window 531 presents a zoom-out view of information element 520 and shows, at
21 the same time, the preceding and the following information elements in
order to
22 provide a better perspective of the visualized information element 520.
Window
23 532 is a zoom-in view of a part of information element 520 that provides
the
24 possibility for the user to visualize details of the information element
520. The
zoom-in and zoom-out function can show a significant number of information
26 elements to get the big picture of the information element distribution
along the
27 information element vectors 230, 232 or, conversely, could show only a
small
28 portion of one information element to see or work on small details.
29 [0170] The SMLOI also has a "radar screen" display format as
illustratively shown
by FIG. 45. The absolute relativisation bar 500 and the relative
relativisation bar
31 502, as previously mentioned, have weekly time marks 510 (for instance,
can be
36
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1 by days, months or other specific time length) extended upward and to
the right
2 respectively to effectively create a time grid. An absolute information
element
3 vector 550 appears on the grid, and, accordingly, each of its
information elements
4 appears as squares 541, 542, 543, 544. The color (and shape) of squares
541,
542, 543, 544 information elements and other visual particularities,
illustratively
6 the information element may flash, be animated or have a portion showing
a
7 different color or a sign that indicates something more specific about
the
8 information element(s). For instance, it can show search results or
information
9 elements representing tasks for which the deadline is approaching, show
an
action is past due, the status of the information element has changed since
the
11 last time the user has logged in or simply to attract the SMLOI user's
attention for
12 a predetermined reason. This can be linked to any particular area 156
related
13 aspect or any characterization attribute related to an information
element. It has
14 to be noted the spacing between information elements might be constant
(when
the time scale varies) or varies in accordance with the time that has passed
16 between each information elements (when the time scale is fixed). The
later is
17 illustratively used for representing both the absolute and the relative
information
18 element vectors 550, 551. The fixed or unequal time scale can also be
used when
19 not in the radar mode throughout the SMLOI. The relative information
element
vector 551 presents the same four information elements 542, 543, 544, 545 that
21 appear in the absolute information element vector 550 that share the
same
22 selection of characterization attributes. A diagonal representation (not
shown)
23 according to the two relativisation bars, referred as 500 and 502 on
Figure 43 but
24 not numbered on Figure 45, time frame can be utilized as well. It also
has to be
noted this high level view of information elements 541, 542, 543, 544 can be
used
26 outside the "radar screen" as information elements representations in
the SMLOI
27 showing only a limited amount of information to help the user focuses on
a limited
28 transfer of knowledge from a series of information elements. Selecting,
29 illustratively to double click an information element in its reduced
visual
appearance, can bring a more detailed view of the same information element,
37
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1 show more details or trigger an action or, illustratively, open a
related file in
2 another program.
3 [0171] The "radar screen" display format as shown in FIG. 45 allows
the user to
4 have a meaningful overview of what is happening in its SMLOI. Colors and
movements add information to the visual distribution of the schematized
6 information elements. The background is used to visualized and magnify a
7 selected portion of the SMLOI found in the "radar screen" and is
represented by
8 the box 557. As an alternate way of navigating in the SMLOI, the user
can drag,
9 move or resize the selection box 557 and the background view will change
accordingly so that the user can visualize whatever information element is in
the
11 "radar screen" selection box 557. This function acts like a magnifying
glass on a
12 map. When the user is switching from the visualization of an information
element
13 to the radar mode, box 557 on the radar mode will show exactly how the
14 presented information element was on the display device. Also, change in
the
selection box 557 will change the background view as well.
16 [0172] FIG. 46 shows the SMLOI in an alternate "radar screen" display
format,
17 including the "future" area 550 that acts like an agenda. Accordingly,
information
18 element 551 is a task to be done according to the time frame of the
relativisation
19 bars 500 and 502. Separators 553 and 554 visually separate the past and
the
future and, in fact, 553 and 554 are the lines of the present and their
intersection
21 point is "now". This is a way for the user to graphically represent
his/her "to do"
22 list.
23 [0173] In FIG. 47 is shown the SMLOI using a web browser or a plug-in
applied to
24 a standard web browser. This way, everyone using a web browser (i.e. for
example Netscape TM NavigatorTM or MicrosoftTM Internet ExplorerTM) can add a
26 plug-in (or means to adapt the web browser to use, to visualize or to
act on the
27 SMLOI) that allows the multi-dimensional data locating system to run on
the web
28 browser. A user can access data, information elements, documents or
standard
29 web pages using a web browser with the SMLOI. Non-users can visualize
information, adapted web pages or other documents using a web browser with a
31 plug-in. Users can allow access to specific information element to be
viewed by
38
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1 other authorized users and non-authorized users with an appropriate web
2 browser. Is considered here a web browser any device that allows
navigation on
3 the Internet. While using a web browser it is understood that the SMLOI
can be
4 web based and communication with the user is made using a network.
[0174] FIG. 47 shows the SMLOI using a web browser as a base program. Item
6 560 represents the web browser software window. Item 562 represents the
web
7 browser classic tools, icons and toolbars. Item 564 represents the
windows-like
8 OS task bar, item 466 represents the multi-dimensional data locating
system
9 SMLOI toolbox, item 568 represents the multi-dimensional data locating
system
navigation toolbox, item 150 represents the information element presented in
the
11 multi-dimensional data locating system inside the web browser, item 570
12 represents a selected attribute generating the second dimension in the
multi-
13 dimensional data locating system, item 572 represents the absolute
information
14 element vector and item 574 represents the relative information element
vector.
16 Story, game and simulation with the SMLOI
17 [0175] In order to add meaning to the information contained inside
the SMLOI a
18 story or a "game metaphor" can be applied to the vectorial space. This
would help
19 to link information elements between them to improve the user
understanding. If
necessary, when using a "game metaphor", a score could be calculated using
21 multiple parameters. The SMLOI can use a 3D/virtual reality environment
and, to
22 some extent, turn the "chore" of SMLOI into some sort of a game; the
system
23 could keep records and statistics of a user's performance as an
information
24 organizer and user.
[0176] Parameters can be as simple as the time to retrieve any information
26 element, the number of elements inserted in the SMLOI per period of
time, the
27 number of information elements exchanged per period of time, the average
28 number of characterization attributes applied to the information
elements inserted
29 in the SMLOI or the number of information elements visualized in the
SMLOI per
period of time. Those examples are given to explain that certain parameters
can
31 be evaluated and that a score can be attributed according to pre-
established
39
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1 standards. Statistic curves can be used to represent what is considered
by an
2 individual or by a company as "information management standards".
3 [0177] The possibility is given to the user to access his/her SMLOI and
some
4 SMLOI functions and tools through other computerized devices, such as a
game
console, an MP3 player or a PDA. In such cases, the program could be
"installed"
6 by the insertion of a "game cartridge", i.e. a self-contained
software/memory block
7 package, or by Internet download. FIG. 48 shows the SMLOI as seen
through a
8 game console 582 and computer-controlled display 580 such as a TV
screen.
9 The actions are illustratively done using the game controller 585. FIG.
49 shows a
typical game console controller. Just as with any game, the user/player can
11 attribute specific commands to most buttons and knobs. Normally the game
12 controller includes a left trigger 590, a right trigger 592, a left
thumbstick 594, a
13 left directional pad 596, a white button 598, a black button 599, a "Y"
button 600,
14 a "B" button 602, a "X" button 604, a "A" button 606, a right thumbstick
608, a
"back" button 610 and a "start" button 612. Multiple extension slots 615 can
be
16 used for connecting additional memory or for connecting a
microphone/headset
17 device. Other game controllers like the WHIM, where the user has not
physical
18 connection with the computer or the game console is encompassed by the
19 present invention. Movements of the game controller influence the
actions on the
SMLOI.
21 [0178] For example, illustratively with a more classic game
controller, the SMLOI
22 commands could be allocated as follows: the left trigger 590 to move
between
23 information elements going back in time, the right trigger 592 to move
between
24 information elements going forward in time, a left thumbstick 594 to
move on the
absolute information element vector 230 and the relative information element
26 vector 232 and to move the box 557 when in the previously described
"radar
27 screen" display format. A click on the left thumbstick 594 selects the
visualized
28 information element 150, the left directional pad 596 has basically the
same
29 functions as the left thumbstick 594, the white button 598 inserts a new
blank
information element 150 ready to be written while the black button 599 brings
the
31 user directly to the last information element inserted into the SMLOI.
The "Y"
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1 button 600 accesses the "radar screen" display format, the "B" button
602
2 accesses sequentially the different modes in the SMLOI when an
information
3 element is selected, the "X" button 604 selects the communication box
495 and
4 the "A" button 606 selects the toolbox 466. The right thumbstick 608 is
used to
move a "pan" view if no information element is selected and moves into the
6 different areas / sub-areas if an information element is selected; a
click on the
7 right thumbstick 608 would select the pointed area part, the "back"
button 610
8 would be utilized just as the back button on a classic web browser and
the "start"
9 button 612 would keep the same role as on a game console.
[0179] Multiple command interactions can also be described. For instance, a
click
11 and hold on the left thumbstick in addition to the right/left trigger
would provide a
12 zoom-in/zoom-out effect. Also, the white button 598 or the black button
599 could
13 be used in conjunction with the right or left triggers 590, 592 to
provide other
14 specific commands; this could be fully customizable by the user. One of
the goals
of adding a "game metaphor" is to improve the user experience and to bring
16 him/her to a point where managing information is not a burden anymore
but a
17 funny intuitive interesting task. One other goal is to have a score that
quantify the
18 efficiency of the user information management.
19
Other uses of the SMLOI
21 [0180] Referring now to FIG. 50, it can be appreciated the SMLOI can
become a
22 true relational search tool. Navigation in the SMLOI, beginning with an
information
23 element, can move on a first information element vector until the user
wants to
24 know more about a first information element encountered on the first
information
element vector. A characterization attribute is then selected on the first
26 information element to generate a second information element vector
showing
27 information elements possessing the selected characterization attribute.
The user
28 continues the navigation on the second information element vector until
the user
29 wants to know more about a second information element encountered on the
second information element vector. A characterization attribute is then
selected
31 from the second information element to generate a third information
element
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1 vector and so forth. This provides an intuitive spatial and graphical
relational
2 navigation that could truly be represented on a display device.
3 [0181] FIG. 51 shows a first information element vector 230 and a
second
4 information element vector 232 where the "base" intersecting element
246,
possessing characterization attributes A, E and H, is duplicated. This
6 superposition of the second information element vector 232 allows the
user to
7 vertically move (or navigate, or scroll) the second information element
vector 232
8 while always keeping the first information element vector 230 in the
line of sight at
9 the same place on the display device. This helps the user to go explore
the
second information element vector 232 without loosing its "base" on the first
11 information element vector 230. The second information element vector
232 is
12 illustratively superposing the first information element vector 230 in a
distinct
13 plane on FIG. 51 but could perfectly be in the same plane and just curve
above
14 the first information element vector 230 when it comes close to the
first
information element vector. One skilled in the art would easily see other
variations
16 to achieve similar results.
17 [0182] The vectors in the SMLOI can be disposed on the side of the
screen
18 instead of in the middle of the screen. If the user wants to see what is
higher on
19 the vertical axis he scrolls the vertical vector down, thus moving the
horizontal
axis accordingly. The enlarged information element remaining on the screen
21 slightly moves higher to leave space (down) for positioning the
horizontal vector
22 following the movement of the vertical scrolling of the vertical vector.
If the
23 scrolling continues, the information element gets bigger taking back the
area left
24 unoccupied by the horizontal vector not anymore visible on the screen
(because
moved lower than the lowermost portion of the screen). These movements can be
26 seen as animation of the vector and the enlarged information element on
the
27 screen according to the movement of the vector dictated by the SMLOI's
user.
28 [0183] Referring now to FIG. 52, the positions of the first absolute
information
29 element vector 230 and the second, or relative, vector 232 are disposed
on the
bottom-left side of the screen to maximize the useful area 752 on the screen
to,
31 illustratively, present an information element in bigger format allowing
to see finer
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1 details. The position of information element vectors 230, 232 can move,
or be
2 animated, to maximize area on the screen to see a bigger picture of an
element
3 or any other information useful to the SMLOI's user. This function is
depicted by
4 FIG. 52 where the information element vectors 230, 232 changed position
to,
respectively, reach positions 754, 756 and leaves useful area 750 for
illustratively
6 visualizing an information element in greater details. These movements
on the
7 vectors can be based on the navigational actions of the user in the
SMLOI. For
8 instance, when the user moves along an vector searching for a particular
9 information element, it is possible he/she moves the vector thus
effecting the
position of the vector on the screen in order to maximize the useful area 752.
If
11 the relative information element vector 232 moves from the left side of
the screen
12 to the right side of the screen, the position of the useful area 752
moves from the
13 right side of the screen to the left side of the screen to adjust with
the position of
14 the vector. Room can remain for the navigation tools between the side of
the
screen (or any means for visualizing the axis) and vectors. Other animations,
like
16 when an information element is selected to be viewed in the useful area
752 it
17 progressively moves from the vector to the useful area 752, can also be
made.
18 [0184] Streamed media content can be automatically added to the SMLOI of
a
19 user wanting such information to be added to his SMLOI. Newspapers,
magazine,
financial data, web pages, weather forecasts, and other information can be
21 streamed in the SMLOI of a user. Copyright fees can be automatically
calculated
22 and billed to the SMLOI user on a timely basis. Each information element
in the
23 SMLOI that is not created by the user of the SMLOI can be subject to
copyright or
24 other intellectual property license. The amount due to owners of the
intellectual
property rights can be automatically calculated by the SMLOI and collected
from
26 the SMLOI's user.
27 [0185] Blogs are well known in the art. They are generally disposed
as a number
28 of sequential communications posted one on top of the other. This forms
a
29 vertical "stream" of distinct communications having at least one common
topic.
The blog contains a number of information elements on the form of a plurality
of
31 short texts related to a particular topic. In the context of this patent
application,
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1 the blog can be considered a vector. It would become possible to
generate
2 another vector just as previously described in this specification by
selecting a
3 particular message in the blog. More precise navigation can be
obtained by
4 selecting more precise blog attributes to generate more refined
vectors.
[0186] Patent prior art management is a possible real life application of
this
6 SMLOI. Standard patent information such as the title, the inventor's
name, the
7 classification, the filing date, the priority date (if any)... Are
considered intrinsic
8 attributes and can be gathered automatically using an internet
crawler. Once the
9 image of each page of the patent is collected by the SMLOI, the full
text in
searchable format and the standard patent information are collected, extrinsic
11 information element attributes can be applied. Illustratively, all
collected patents
12 appear on the absolute information element vector. The extrinsic
information
13 attributes could be represented, illustratively, in the automotive
field, as the
14 mechanical systems (i.e. drive, electrical, transmission, fuel,
suspension, brake,
hydraulic, seating....). These mechanical systems can be subdivided in more
16 refined sub-systems (i.e. suspension system could be subdivided as:
shock
%
17 absorber, coil, rubber mounts, fasteners, MacPherson type suspension,
double a-
18 arm suspension, bumpsteer...). These extrinsic attributes can be
applied when
19 patents are analyzed. This classification would rapidly provide a
precise and
narrow search about a specific patent using the SMLOI.
21 [0187] Each attribute can correspond to another completely different
attribute
22 using a cross-reference table. A correspondence is made in the table
when two
23 different attributes are related but are on different topics and are
unlikely to be
24 selected together because they relate to different users but could be
useful for
each of them. When one attribute is selected the other will be automatically
26 selected. Other actions may be applied on the second attribute as a
consequence
27 of the first attribute. One skilled in the art could make many other
examples of
28 similar or related applications without departing from the scope of
the SMLOI.
29 [0188] Writing directly in an empty information element (i.e. blank
page) can be
used as an e-mail to be sent because the e-mail messaging system is fully
31 embedded in the SMLOI. Each information element has its own little
"word
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1 processing" providing each information element with writing or noting
capabilities
2 and therefore be a potential note or e-mail. The server setup (SMTP,
POP,
3 POP3...) is embedded directly in the SMLOI. Selected information
elements,
4 individually or by cluster, can directly be sent by e-mail as an e-mail
with or
without attachments. Embedding in the SMLOI the e-mail system procures the
6 SMLOI a seamless communication capability removing the need of having an
e-
7 mail system distinct from the SMLOI. In fact, the SMLOI could fully
integrate all
8 functions of an operating system and completely integrate all functions
of the
9 operating system (which is not really seen as useful from a user point
of view if
not to manage files and interconnect various third party applications).
Instant
11 messaging, video communication and the like are also intended to be part
of the
12 communication system embedded in the SMLOI.
13 [0189] When inserting a batch of information elements in the SMLOI
from a
14 classic folder and subfolder classification, the classic folder
classification is
transferred into attributes on each information element entered in the SMLOI.
16 This provides the possibility for a user to retrieve an information
element based
17 on its former location despite the information element is not really
located in the
18 folder/subfolder classification.
19 [0190] The SMLOI can also be utilized with a MP3 music player to manage
music,
albums and songs. The round multidirectional interface of the well known
iPodTM
21 is quite similar to the navigation tool of the SMLOI disclosed in the
illustrative
22 embodiment. The iPod's interface manages navigation on the X (absolute)
and Y
23 (relative) vectors by simply pressing the click wheel at 0, 90, 180 and
270 degree,
24 by turning the click wheel the user can zoom in/out. Conversely,
pressing the click
wheel at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degree can zoom in/out the SMLOI interface. Data
26 synchronization is automatic with the SMLOI when the iPod is connected
with its
27 base computer or on any computer in the case the SMLOI is web-based. It
is
28 encompassed by the present patent application to fully integrate the
SMLOI to the
29 iPod's interface and possible functionalities. The SMLOI's attributes
are
integrated in the iPod menu. The attributes would be managed by the iPod's
31 interface just like the music menu of the iPod. Similarly, the
information element
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vectors might be moved by directly using fingers on a touch screen.
2
3
4 Uniform and non-uniform timeline
[0191] Referring now to FIGs. 53 and 54, it is desirable to selectively
represent
6 the information elements 150 on information element vectors 230, 232
according
7 to a non-uniform timeline (FIG. 53) and a uniform timeline (FIG. 54).
The uniform
8 timeline is graphically representing time (time scale) in a constant and
linear
9 fashion on the display. The non-uniform timeline is graphically
representing time
(time scale) in a non-constant and non-linear fashion where time (identified
as
11 timeline) can be contracted or expanded to accommodate the evenly
distributed
12 graphical representation of the information elements 150 on the
information
13 element vectors 230, 232. On FIGs. 53 and 54, the information element
vectors
14 230, 232 are also disposed on the display offset from the center of the
display to
allow additional use of the display on the area not used by the information
16 element vectors 230, 232. Information element vectors 230, 232 passing
through
17 the middle of the display would prevent using a big portion of the
display to
18 displaying a bigger image of a specific information element (for
example).
19 01921 With the non-uniform timeline, each information element 150 is
disposed
on its respective information element vector 230, 232, illustratively, at its
insertion
21 time in the SML01. The information element 150 is located at equal
distance 800
22 from the next information elements 150. This information element
distribution can
23 similarly be called fixed frequency distribution or constant interval
distribution or
24 anything that means the distance between two juxtaposed information
elements
150 is sufficiently uniform with other intervals between other juxtaposed
26 information elements 150 disposed on their respective information
element
27 vectors 230, 232 to maximize the number of information elements 150
visible on
28 the display. The time scale of the timeline is expanded or contracted to
29 accommodate the uniform distribution of the information elements 150 on
their
respective information element vectors 230, 232.
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1 [0193] Time marks 508-identifies, either, a change of day, a change of
week, a
2 change of month or a change of year. For the purpose of these
explanations they
3 identify changes of days 508. That means the distance 804 between time
marks
4 508 is a day, the distance 806 is the day after and the distance 808 is
the other
following day. The non-uniform locations of these time marks 508 on the
vectors
6 230, 232 are allowing a more constant information elements 150
distribution
7 along the information element axis 230, 232.
8 [0194] On the other hand, and referring now to FIG. 54 with another
illustrative
9 example having a different number of information elements 150 on the
io information element vectors 230, 232, the uniformly distributed
timemarks 508,
11 similarly identifying either a change of day, a change of week, a change
of month
12 or a change of year, indicates that the time is uniformly distributed
along
13 information element vectors 230, 232. For the purpose of this
explanation lets
14 consider each equal length 810, 812, 814, 816, 818 between two time
marks 508
on the information element vector 230 represent the length of one day. On the
16 first day 810, only two information elements 150 have been added in the
SMLOI
17 and they proportionally appear on the uniform timeline at the particular
moment of
18 the day 810 at the time they have been added in the SMLOI. A distance
813
19 proportional to the time between the moment both information elements
have
been entered in the SMLOI appears between the two information elements. Only
21 one information element has been added 150 on the second day 812, none
on
22 the third day 814, four information elements 150 the fourth day 816 and
so on so
23 forth. This uniform time representation allows to visualize the
distribution of
24 information elements 150 along the information element vector 230. The
same
logic applies to the second information element vector 232.
26 [0195] One of the reasons for changing from a uniform time
representation to a
27 non-uniform time representation along the information element vectors
230, 232
28 can be appreciated if, for instance, a user of the SMLOI zoom-in the
interface on
29 the display to a point where only a few information elements 150 from
the
information element vector 230 (see FIG. 43) are visible on the display. The
31 duration of time of the information element vector 230 visible on the
display is
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1 quite limited. It would become confusing for the user to have various
distances
2 between the information elements 150 when only a limited number of
information
3 elements 150 can be seen. Just imagine how unpleasant it would be to
navigate
4 along the information element vector 230 when the user hits a three
weeks
vacation period where nothing has been added in the SMLOI. A long scrolling
6 along an empty information element vector 230 would not be meaningful.
This is
7 particularly true in the case of a close zoom-in where there is not
enough
8 perspective of the information element vector 230 on the display to
appreciate the
9 meaning of a change in distance between two information elements 150.
Nonetheless, the time marks 508, 510, 512, 514 will identify when the user
11 change from one day to another.
12 [0196] One down fall of having a fixed distance between two juxtaposed
13 information elements 150 becomes understandable when a zoom-out is made
on
14 the SMLOI and a longer duration of time is rendered on the display.
Firstly, it is
not intuitive for human beings to have different visual representations of
time
16 lengths having, in fact, the same duration (e.g. one day has the same
duration
17 than the next day even if the number of information elements that
appears in both
18 days is different). Secondly, keeping a uniform timeline allows
gathering
19 additional meaning from the information elements 150 like,
illustratively, the
distribution of the information elements 150 on the information element vector
21 230, 232 over time.
22 [0197] The change between a non-uniform timeline and a uniform timeline
23 preferably occurs automatically depending on the duration of time of the
24 information element vectors 230, 232 that appears on the display. When
the user
sufficiently zoom-in the vectors 230, 232 on the display, the SMLOI will cross
a
26 predetermined view size threshold and use a non-uniform timeline as
opposed to
27 a zoom-out, crossing the same view size threshold, procuring a uniform
timeline
28 representation of the information element vectors 230, 232 on the
display device.
29 The predetermined threshold can be adjusted by the user of the SMLOI to
switch
from a uniform timeline to a non-uniform timeline, and vice-versa. The change
31 from one timeline to the other can be made in accordance with a desired
duration
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1 of time of an information element vector appearing on the display. It
can also be
2 automatically performed by the SMLOI.
3 [0198] In order to improve the visual meaning associated to particular
information
4 elements 150 on information element vectors 230, 232 it is possible to
individually
vary the size of each information element 150 to get more attention from the
user
6 of the SML01. For instance, bigger image representation of PDF documents
7 might be desirable if the user has more to deal with PDF documents.
8 [0199] The alignment of the information elements 150 on the information
element
9 vectors 230, 232 can also vary to add more meaning to selected
information
elements 150, or a subset group of information elements 150. Referring to FIG.
11 55, the information elements 844, 846, related to a specific project,
are aligned
12 slightly lower than the rest of the information elements 150 on the same
13 information element vector 230, 232 to be easily differentiable from
other
14 information elements 150 not relevant to this specific project. On the
vertical
information element vector 232 information elements 850 and 856 are aligned
16 more to the left as opposed to all other information elements to
visually
17 distinguish them. Still on information element vector 232, information
element
18 852 is enlarged to, illustratively, provide a better view of a document
that is
19 statistically consulted more often than the other. The color of the
information
elements 840, 854 and 848, 850 can vary to bring some difference in the visual
21 representation.
22 [0200] FIG. 56 depicts an increase in size 860, 880 of information
elements 150
23 on both information element axis 230, 232. Information elements 150 are
24 magnified according to a linear (or non-linearly, not shown on FIG. 56)
rate.
Alternatively, magnification of information elements could be maximized at the
26 intersection of both information element vectors 230, 232 without
departing from
27 the scope of the invention. Information elements 872, 874, 876, 878,
880, 884,
28 886 use different colors and size in favor of improving fast visual
recognition or
29 related or important information element. On FIG. 56, time marks 508 are
using a
uniform time scale 890 (as opposed to the non-uniform time scale depicted by
31 time marks 508 on FIG. 55).
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1 [02011 The description and the drawings that are presented above are
meant to
2 be illustrative of the present invention. They are not meant to be
limiting of the
3 scope of the present invention. Modifications to the embodiments
described may
4 be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of
which is
defined by the following claims:
6
