Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the status of a computer network by displaying polygon-shaped objects (or "icons") to represent groups of devices connected to the network. In a preferred embodiment each device (or "node") on the network is assigned to one of a number of groups (or "clusters"), each cluster is represented as a polygon-shaped object on a computer system display, and the number of sides for each polygon is displayed according to the size of the group represented. The appearance of the sides of each polygon may also help indicate the size of the group. A base value may be varied to partly govern the shape and appearance of the polygon.

Abstract: A method, system and program providing scaled depiction of information from a database. In a preferred form, tables and lists are obtained from a database and used to build a data structure. The data structure is employed to define various relationships between the dynamic data and the database information using a numberline to display ranges of information to a user. The system employs a query interface and a relational database to provide an ergonomic, natural display system for a database user.

Abstract: A method, system and program for displaying database information via a table containing icons and other summary information which clearly and concisely convey particular aspects of a database to a user. The table display acts as a window into a database when it is selected by a user. A user can also make changes to the database via the window of information.

Abstract: A system, program and method for graphically representing a WHERE or HAVING clause of an SQL query directed to a relational database. Logical operators are defined and linked to predicates using a tree structure format. The tree is not binary in character and consequently exhibits a 1:1 relation between the predicates and tree leaves. The tree structure representation provides intuitive feedback to the user defining the query. Preferably the SQL format and tree structure graphic format queries appear simultaneously on the video display of the computer system used to define the query.

Abstract: A method, system and program providing comprehensive bilateral translation between text format and visual format relational database queries. In a preferred form, tables and lists are configured to define a common data structure. Translation between structured query language (SQL) query statements and the common data structure is accomplished by clause. Similarly, a common data structure for the visual or graphical format queries is defined, preferably employing graphics symbols and multiple windows. Bidirectional translation is thereafter accomplished through the common data structure. The method, system and program is comprehensive in the SQL clauses available, together with providing full resources for hierarchical subselect clauses.

Abstract: A method, system and program providing graphical queries and direct manipulation of a database is disclosed. In a preferred form, tables and lists are configured from a database to define a common data structure. Additional, dynamic data structures are employed based on information entered by a user to define various relationships between the dynamic data and the database information. The system employs a graphical query interface and a relational database to provide an ergonomic, natural interface for a database user.

Abstract: A method and system for viewing information stored in one or more rows and columns in a database. The system having a logical progression of choosing a column, determining conditions for a row to be included in a panel, specifying a column to be used as a base to group rows in a panel and a display for viewing the information.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for compressing sequentially related data while fully preserving the informational content of the data. In a preferred form, digital format video image data individualized by pixel is compressed by defining a reference value for a first pixel position, encoding successive pixel values based on offsets from the reference value, and counting the pixels so encoded. Compression is obtained by having the bit count of the encoding be less than the original bit count associated with each pixel value. The reference value or encoding range is adjusted as necessary to retain the informational content of the original image data. The invention also find usage in a multimedia context, where the encoding is based upon a temporal relationship of single or multiple pixels. Full preservation of the original information content is retained throughout.

Abstract: A system, program and method for interfacing a human user to an indexed field of data from a database. The invention is particularly directed to the definition of a BETWEEN argument in a database query. A ruler is linearly related to the data in the field. Individually movable tacks are positioned along the ruler to define the boundaries of a range in direct correspondence to a range of data from within the field. Dialog blocks are provided for alphanumeric entry and readout of tack location data. In a preferred form, the ruler also provides control blocks which are individually related to the tacks and are suitable to increment or decrement the tack values as relates to the data in the field.