Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: a controller having a data connector for inputting temporal data, and an item collection for providing timelines and overlays, and for providing linked visualizations of the temporal data in a timeline to other visualizations of the temporal data; and a display for displaying the timeline and overlays, and the linked visualizations. The method may have the steps of: obtaining temporal data; displaying the temporal data in at least one timeline in a web browser and in at least one other visualization in the web browser; and linking the displayed data in the at least one timeline with the displayed data in the at least one other visualization.

Abstract: Hypotheses are questions of interest to an observer. Evidence are facts that establish or disprove hypotheses or sub-hypotheses. Inferences are logical links that connect facts to hypotheses as evidence. An argument is a set of facts linked by inferences to support or disprove a given hypothesis. Hypotheses, sub-hypothesis, facts, evidence, inference and arguments are visualized using a plurality of interrelated graphical user interfaces. A main visualization screen includes a fact visualization portion, a hypothesis visualization portion and an argument construction visualization portion. The evidence visualization portion comprises an evidence display portion, an evidence details portion and visualization selection widgets that allow different evidence visualization or marshaling techniques to be applied to visualize the facts.

Abstract: A system and method for managing costs of a target part is presented. The system and method entails five steps. First, the system and method provides features characteristics information of the target part. Second, system and method provides financial information related to the target part. Third, the system and method provides purchasing demand information related to the target part. Fourth, the system and method analyzes the features characteristics data, financial information, and purchasing demand information. Finally, the system and method compares the target part should cost to a supplier's price of the target part to determine cost saving opportunities.