A file system shell is provided. One aspect of the shell provides virtual folders which expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. Users are able to work with the virtual folders through direct manipulation (e.g., clicking and dragging, copying, pasting, etc.). Filters are provided for narrowing down sets of items. Quick links are provided which can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. Libraries are provided which consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together, along with functions and tools related to the items. A virtual address bar is provided which comprises a plurality of segments, each segment corresponding to a filter for selecting content. A shell browser is provided with which users can readily identify an item based on the metadata associated with that item. An object previewer in a shell browser is provided which is configured to display a plurality of items representing multiple item types.

File system shell

A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, filters are provided for manipulating the items. The filters are essentially tools for narrowing down a set of items. In one embodiment, the filters are dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, quick links are provided. In one embodiment, quick links are a set of predefined links (e.g., located on the left side of the display) that can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, libraries are provided. Libraries consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together.

System and method for filtering and organizing items based on common elements

In an electronic file system, preview information is provided to the user during a drag operation of a selected object onto a target object. The information indicates what type(s) of action is to be taken should the selected object be dropped onto the target object. The action(s) to be taken may depend upon the type of the selected object and/or the type of the target object. For example, where the selected object is an item and the target object is a persisted auto-list, the action may include adding, removing, or modifying one or more properties of the selected object to conform to one or more criteria defined by the persisted auto-list. Also, numerical feedback may be provided to the user where multiple objects are selected. For example, where seven objects are selected, the textual number “7” may appear next to the cursor.

Rich drag drop user interface

Systems and methods for data storage, retrieval, manipulation and display provide search engines and computer-based research tools for enabling multiple hierarchical points of view. Category definitions in the hierarchical data structures can include lists of set members, like word arrays of set members, generative descriptions for determining set members, and fitness functions for determining fitness of a presented item for being a member of a set. Significance and interest values can be assigned to search categories to set threshold confidence levels for returning search results and for weighting the results, respectively. A user interface can present results in the form of browsing multiple hierarchical representations, wherein matching categories are differentiated from non-matching categories. Peer ratings can represent the ranking of search term results with relation to results using other search terms, providing an indication of the fitness of the search terms for returning satisfactory results.

Data storage, retrieval, manipulation and display tools enabling multiple hierarchical points of view

A graphical condition builder is provided that presents a graphical representation of a search query. In an embodiment, the graphical condition builder presents a graphical and numerical preview indicating the size of the expected query results set. In an embodiment, a graphical preview is provided that includes graphical preview portions having a shape suggestive of a funnel. In an embodiment, the graphical condition builder supports formulating queries for both relational and multidimentional databases. In an embodiment, the graphical condition builder displays a textual indication of the type of logical operation being performed. In an embodiment, the graphical condition builder determines the type of logical operator to apply depending on the relative location of icons representing filter objects. In an embodiment, order dependent filters are available to the user. In an embodiment, the search query is represented by query steps, and multiple filter objects may be contained in each query step.

Graphical condition builder for facilitating database queries

Graphical user interfaces and method for building Boolean queries and viewing search results using search cells, combination cells, toolbar, and menu bar. Search cells are movable within a workspace and contain a text field, facet type designation, advanced button, and hit count. Categories are chosen using a category walker. Combination cells, a Boolean combination of two or more selected search cells, are also movable and contain a combine icon, hit count, and an expression field. The Boolean query is depicted in a folder tree hierarchy, where search folders are shown within combination folders, which are represented as logical AND, OR, or MINUS folder icons. An applet in a browser accesses a server through the Internet.

Richard S. Neale

Papers

Graphical user interface for building Boolean queries and viewing search results