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Happy 4th! Classes suspended 7/3
GMS wishes you a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend! The last day of...
Setting a goal and achieving it takes determination, flexibility, and an open mind—a process Dr. Barbara Schreiber knows all about. Associate Professor of Biochemistry, she always knew she wanted a fulfilling career in science, as well as a family. She discusses how to balance it all, and that your dream job may not always be just as you imagined.
How did you first become interested in science?
In high school, science was easily my favorite subject. When it came time for me to go to college and choose a major, it was a no-brainer. I majored in biology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. I had a neighbor where I grew up in Bayside, NY, Dr. Albert Hirschmann, who was a faculty member in the Department of Anatomy at Downstate Medical Center and he offered me a summer position in his lab; it was there that I became hooked on research. After earning my Bachelors degree, I worked as a technologist for the blood bank at the American Red Cross in addition to taking courses in immunology. The combination of my work and classes motivated me to apply to Boston University for graduate school.
What made you choose biochemistry?
I did not initially choose biochemistry. I earned my PhD degree in the Department of Microbiology working with a brilliant researcher, Dr. Frederick Moolten. My thesis work was on generating hybrid molecules of an antibody conjugated to a potent bacterial toxin in order to target tumor cells. Though I was passionate about my research, I realized that I also wanted a family and I didn't think I would be competitive as a principal investigator if I couldn't spend day and night in the lab. Realizing that there were other paths to take and remain in science, I decided to try to pursue my new found love of microbes and I applied for a post doctoral position with Dr. Cynthia Needham in the clinical microbiology lab at University Hospital. I really enjoyed learning from Dr. Needham about the workings of a clinical hospital lab but I missed research!
At that point, I had one child and I decided to meet with Dr. Carl Franzblau, who was the chairperson of the Department of Biochemistry at BUSM, as I thought he might know of someone in his department who would be open to considering a postdoc who wasn't willing to work 24×7. Instead of suggesting faculty in his department, he offered me a position in his lab. I must admit, I was hesitant because he studied what I thought was a rather "boring" molecule….elastin, but Dr. Franzblau did make it sound exciting and he allowed me to tailor projects to my interests. Moreover, he enabled me to do some work from home; as long as the work got done, he didn't care where (Dr. Franzblau, a gifted scientist and mentor, was ahead of his time; he invented "flextime")! During the time in his lab, I had two more children and I was promoted to faculty. Eventually, Dr. Franzblau passed his lab onto me as he moved away from research and took on more administrative responsibilities. By the way, to this day, I'm studying that "boring" molecule!
Did you always know that you wanted to teach?
I can't say that I gave teaching much thought in the very early years of my career. Now, I can say however, that I love teaching! I serve as course manager to our first year dental students at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine and the Oral Health Science track students in the MA in Medical Sciences program. I enjoy trying to make a difficult subject "palatable" to students whose primary interest is not necessarily biochemistry and for the MA students, I love seeing them do well and achieve their goal of gaining admission to dental school. I also direct the Biochemistry Graduate Program for PhD and MA students. I love watching the graduate students develop as scientists as they progress through our program.
You are participating in the development of the second-year PhD curriculum, Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FiBS) II. Can you tell me a little about this new curriculum?
I was first a member of the FiBS I curriculum planning committee, which strove to develop coursework that would challenge the students with intensive science content in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics and physiology. The faculty and students on the committee worked collaboratively across disciplines to devise the new curriculum. The faculty who implemented the new curriculum this year (not me) have done a great job; it's been an exciting new adventure!
The goals for the second year curriculum, FiBS II, are very different, a bit more vague. The focus is on professional development skills, and will consider scientific writing, oral presentation, biostatistics, bioethics, research compliance, public policy, management, leadership and career paths. The FiBS II committee charged with this task is representative of nearly all the PhD programs, and is currently deciding if these lessons are best taught as credit-bearing courses or in workshop formats.
How do you think PhD students will benefit from a renovated curriculum?
This curriculum is beneficial to students because, like my own career demonstrates, there need not be one straight path determined upon entering graduate school with no room for change. This curriculum will help students consider options to participate in the greater scientific community, not just in academic science; data suggest that only a small percentage of today's scientists-in-training will pursue careers in academia and there's a wide world of options out there. It is our obligation to introduce our students to these opportunities, and to help them find the career that will be fulfilling and allow them to contribute to the scientific community and to the greater good.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
That's a tough question! I love teaching and directing the graduate programs in the Department of Biochemistry as well as my committee work within GMS and the University, but if I must choose one, I still have to say that my absolute favorite part of the job is my research. I love directing graduate students and research technicians in my own lab, watching them grow and mature as young scientists. It is a rewarding experience for me as well as, I hope, for them. My lab focuses on studying the role of aortic smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis results from a chronic inflammation of the vasculature and we study how inflammatory processes impact on smooth muscle cell function. In particular, we study serum amyloid A, an acute phase protein that accumulates in the vascular lesions that are the hallmark of atherosclerosis. We showed that serum amyloid A alters smooth muscle cell function. In seeking a receptor for the serum amyloid A-mediated effects, our work has led to consideration of a role for activation of a family of receptors known as the Toll like receptors in atherosclerosis as well as in the development of the vasculature in utero. Interestingly, the Toll like receptor-2 is also activated by the periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis so we are considering if periodontal disease can impact on poor vascular development and hence, poor pregnancy outcomes as well as vascular sequelae later in life. This work is a collaboration between my lab and the labs of Drs. Caroline Genco, Ellen Weinberg and Matthew Layne. These studies are yet another example of how your experiences can be brought to bear in ways you might not have considered before; this research was shaped from a variety of interests/experiences that I've had throughout my career including my early training as a microbiologist, my current teaching in the dental school which has enabled me to understand the impact of periodontal disease on systemic disease and my laboratory's focus on smooth muscle cell biology.
What is the most challenging?
It can be a challenge to balance everything: research, teaching and administrative/committee work. You have to prioritize. The internet has made it easier in some ways because a lot of work can be done at home, but of course, you're never truly away from work. Sometimes not sleeping helps to get things done too!
What do you like to do outside of BUSM?
I love to spend my free time outside of BUSM with my family, my husband and three children. I do a lot of cooking for them; I believe that many scientists enjoy cooking, each dish an experiment that allows you to change multiple variables at once (something you can't do in the lab)! Even if it comes out tasting awful, it's okay, because it's for family and you can always modify the next time! I also enjoy reading and I'm a member of a book group. We read fiction and non-fiction; this month's book is "Changing Planet, Changing Health: How the Climate Crisis Threatens Our Health and What We Can Do About It" by Paul R. Epstein and Dan Ferber. Though I enjoy knitting and crochet, my projects are often experiments as well!
Do you have any advice for current GMS students?
Students should always follow their passions. It is important to set goals, but life sometimes gets in the way, and that's okay. Careers take unexpected turns and you can always set new goals. Keep in mind that as a scientist, you're likely to find your passion in many scientific pursuits, so keep your mind open (after all look at elastin and me)! It's important to stay true to yourself, and to be able to think beyond what you originally planned but just as long as you contribute to science and humankind (and of course, can pay the bills), you're doing great. When I realized in the early years of my career that I could not work 80 hours a week as an academic scientist, I first thought it was an admission of defeat. But not at all; on the contrary, it all worked out and frankly, now I do have it all! I spend a lot of time with my family and now that my children are older, I have a lot more time to dedicate to work. As options unfold, think long and hard about them and choose a goal and career that works best for you.
Importantly, seek good mentors who will help you to shape your career. Feel free to reach out to potential mentors within your department, in other programs within GMS and Boston University as well as outside of the University. I have been so lucky to have been mentored "by the best" over the years (some of whom are highlighted above); extra special thanks go to Dr. Moolten and Dr. Franzblau!
Please join us in celebrating the success of our students at the HIR Student Achievement Day on May 1st. Please see the event itinerary or visit the 2015 Henry D. Russek Students Achievement Day page for additional details.
Submit Artwork for BUMC Art Days
All students, faculty and staff on the BU Medical Campus are encouraged to submit artwork of any medium to the 25th annual "Art Days" by March 27. To submit your artwork, contact Keith Tornheim, PhD, at 617-638-8296 or email@example.com.
Henry I. Russek Student Achievement Day will take place this year on Friday May 1st. Our Keynote Speaker and Visiting Professor will be the distinguished leader in the field of Cancer Biology, Dr. David M. Livingston, Emil Frei Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Professor in the Department of Genetics, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee for Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The submission of abstracts for poster presentations and the abstract/award packets will be due on April 3rd. Please see the Russek Day page for abstract and award packet submission details.
Sign–up for May Commencement is ongoing. In order to sign-up you must have submitted your diploma application. The deadline for commencement sign-up is March 13th for doctoral students and March 31st for Master's students.
Details will come by email following submission of the diploma application which can be found on the Student Forms page. If you are graduating in September and would like to walk in May Commencement submit your diploma application ASAP.
If you have questions regarding Commencement sign-up please contact Dan Stultz at email@example.com and provide your name, email and degree program.
Please see the Commencement page for additional details and regalia ordering.
Please contribute to GMSSO's Operation Graditude to support our troops abroad and veterans here at home Nov 13 and Nov 17-20 in the BUSM Lobby.


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What do you think? Give us your opinion. Anonymous comments allowed.
#62 - ichtudirweh (01/29/2013) [-]
What game are we talking about here?
#103 to #62 - funrlforafriend (01/29/2013) [-]
any MOBA type game
#67 to #62 - penetractor (01/29/2013) [-]
league of legends. its free to play, but really difficult to master
Reply-1#102 to #72 - captaincapital (01/29/2013) [-]
It depends on which champions you're playing. You're going to have a lot harder time mastering (for example) Draven, compared to (for example) Sivir.
#85 to #72 - penetractor (01/29/2013) [-]
there is just so much **** to remember. and at first i didnt handle lasthitting at all. specially with a low att speed dude like malphite
#68 to #67 - ichtudirweh (01/29/2013) [-]
I've been meaning to play that but unfortunately my dumbass bought a chromebook and lost the receipt and can't play **** on this comp...

subset: commoncrawl


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- Airport Transfer
- Conference Hall
- Doctor on Call
- Games Room
- Gymnasium/Health Club
- Handicap Facilities
- Laundry Service
- Library More..
Aarohi Starz Club offers comfortable accommodation for the guests in rooms equipped with cable television, tea/coffee maker, intercom, mini bar and daily newspaper. In addition to these, other facilities include restaurant, Wi-Fi internet access and swimming pool are also available. The Sardar Patel Airport is 37 kms. away from the hotel and the railway station is 32 kms. away.
Hotel Facilities
Wi-Fi Internet Access, Swimming Pool, Travel Desk, Conference Hall, Laundry Service, Doctor on Call, Facilities for the Physically Challenged, Discotheque, Lawns/Gardens, Centralized AC, Games Room
Chargeable Facilities: Taxi Services, Railway Station Transfer, Airport Transfer, Library
Recreational Facilities
Spa, Gymnasium
Room Amenities
AC, Cable TV, Living Room, Intercom Facility, Wi-Fi Internet Access, Refrigerator, Tea/Coffee Maker, Mini Bar, Dining Table, Sofa Unit, Study Table, Daily Newspaper, Shower Area, Hot & Cold Running Water, Bathroom Toiletries
On Request: Mineral Water, Room Heater
The hotel offers 46 rooms in 4 categories: Deluxe rooms, Premium rooms, Suites and President Suite. Room service is available.
The hotel offers the service of restaurants for the guests. It also provides dining hall facility.
Internet: Available & Parking Facility: Available
Check-in Time: 12:00 Noon & Check-out Time: 11:00 AM
Aarohi Starz Club, Ahmedabad Hotel | Book Aarohi Starz Club Online | Hotel reservation, Deals at Aarohi Starz Club, Ahmedabad India : MakeMyTrip Hotels
Aarohi Starz Club, Ahmedabad Hotel Details
Details for Aarohi Starz Club, Ahmedabad
Aarohi Starz Club, Ahmedabad Hotel - Book Online hotel rooms of Aarohi Starz Club, Ahmedabad at discounted rates. Read 167 reviews, see photos & videos of Aarohi Starz Club, Ahmedabad at MakeMyTrip.com


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I am new to mothering.com, and currently expecting #2 in January. I live in Manhattan now but we're soon moving to Park Slope. I'm planning a homebirth this time (#1 was born while I was living in Europe so totally different system).
This website has been a fabulous resource, but I was just wondering if anyone knew of a homebirth group in Manhattan or Brooklyn. I would love to connect with other moms with a similar attitude/plans towards birthing.
Thanks in advance!
I live in PSlope and had a homebirth about 11 months ago. I don't know of any such a group except for the homebirth class with Natashia Fuksman. I'm friends with quite a few of the moms from the homebirth class I was in. I find it hard enough to find and meet moms in the neighborhood but I do know there are more home birthers than you would think.
Are you looking for a social home birth group or a home birth class?
Enjoy your upcoming birth!
Megan Davidson, Labor & Postpartum Doula, Breastfeeding Counselor, Anthropologist, Mom to August (9) and Clay (4), Partner to Shawn.
mom to DD and one on the way, wife since 1997 to a great guy
I will definitely look into the class you mention; I was looking mostly to meet other people who have/are planning to do this to share tips and stories. I'll also definitely check out the homebirth board here regularly.
It would be great to start a local homebirth group, though. I found one website for homebirthers of New York but I don't think they are active. Hoping to be one of you all in 6 months!
home-maker & home-schooler with DS (home-waterbirth 12/25/2006) and DD (home-waterbirth 10/25/2009)
Since there is just 5-6 of us, I did not post this anywhere...
We meet on Roosevelt Island, Manhattan,Queens, Brooklyn...
PM me if you are interested, and we can plan something for July/August.
i am also in Park Slope and also planning a homebirth with Joan Bryson in January! keep me updated on an meetups!
beth DW DD Nov. 2009 and due Feb. 2013
i had a homebirth with my daughter wren in 11/07, just found out i am -- surprise! -- pregnant again and have already gotten in touch with kristen for my second birth in may (assuming all goes well with this preg). i would love to meet up with other homebirthin' mamas! i am also in the south slope area.
robina. unschooling mama and midwifery student. building my nest with my husband, our daughter (born at home 11/07), our son (home waterbirth 5/10), and our newest little girl (born at home 4/13)!
Having a home birth with Kristen Leonard in April. I would love any advice and insight as its my first baby and first homebirth. I just switched from the BBC to a homebirth at 31 weeks so any positive reinforcement or info would be amazing!
We have a homebirth circle in New York City.
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Added to My List as a guest*.
*Your guest list will be temporarily saved until you end this browser session.
Reviva Labs Facial Cleanser Brighten and Lighten -- 4 fl oz
Oops! Something went wrong and we were unable to process your request. Please try again.
Now as we leave skin deeply cleansed, we can also brighten the complexion and help uneven skin tone and lighten dark flaws. This facial cleanser features whitening ingredients like mulberry, lime, kojic acid and vitamin C ester supported by mildly exfoliating lactic acid, and corn meal. Even though this unprecedented cleansing formula is particularly beneficial for those with uneven skin tone or discoloration, any skin type - dry or oily - will enjoy its deeper-than-standard cleansing action and complexion-brightening, clarifying action.
Vitacost price: $7.00
Vitacost price: $8.60


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Sunday, July 5, 2015
Chris (George Kennedy) is the lone survivor of the original seven gunmen who is recruited to help in a peasant struggle in Mexico. Colonel Diego (Michael Ansara)is the ruthless military commandant of a Mexican prison holding the leader of the revolt. With knife expert Levi Morgon (James Whitmore) and firearms experts Keno (Monte Markham), P.J. (Scott Thomas) and Slater (Joe Don Baker), they enlist the help of the giant black man Cassie (Bernie Casey) and two others to rescue the leader of the proposed revolt. The evil Diego employs his torturous and inhuman practices on both sides of the prison walls in a effort to stop the heroes from rescuing the prisoner in this action packed western saga. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi


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CES 2008: Belkin laptop case for the home
Belkin has realised that most people just use their laptops at home and so have created a laptop bag for storing away your notebook around the house.
Announced at CES in Las Vegas, the new Laptop Hideaway as its called has a large handle that allows you to easily carry your laptop, power cord, and magazines from room to room.
It's large enough to fit a 15.4-inch laptop all smaller and will come in chocolate/tourmaline or khaki/tarragon colours.
No word on price however, but don't expect it to be too expensive, it's only a bag after all.


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"I Did the Big Zip" Summit Bechtel Reserve® T-shirt
Starting at:
$14.99If you've zigged and zagged over Adventure Valley at The Summit, you know what a rush the Big Zip is! Fun design on T-shirt front pays tribute to your ride, featuring "I DID THE BIG ZIP" outline lettering. Letters are filled with a leaf-pattern image inspired by the tree canopies below The Zip. Includes zip line icon and Summit Bechtel Reserve logo. Athletic-fit T-shirt is made of 100% pre-shrunk, ringspun cotton. Orange. Imported. Learn More
"Be Prepared" Official Gear T-shirt
Starting at:
$14.99Share some words to live by... wear the Boy Scout Motto! Short-sleeve, athletic-fit T-shirt is made of pre-shrunk, ringspun 50% cotton/50% polyester in Royal Blue Heather. Imported. Learn More
"You Earned Your Eagle Scout Award" 4-Piece Gift Kit$39.99Creative, inside-the-box thinking creates a gift packed with clever ways to recognize and reward a new Eagle Scout! Learn More
"Tiger Power" Youth T-shirt
Starting at:
$9.99Cool graphic tee with a rip-roaring Tiger design. Traditional-fit, short-sleeve T-shirt is made of 50% Cotton 50% Polyester. Orange. Imported. Learn More


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The present invention relates to means and a method executable by a computer system for navigation within a tree structure with leaf nodes representing arbitrary types of objects, i.e. of related data treated as a unit.
According to the current teaching a travel point representation step is suggested, wherein after selection of at least one non-leaf node as travel point only the path and non-leaf nodes in said tree structure from said travel point to the root of said tree structure is represented in a tree view area. Moreover the complete sub-tree of said travel point is represented in said tree view area. In addition or alternatively after selection of said travel point, a travel box is represented for said travel point, said travel box representing object identifications of all objects of all leaf nodes in said sub tree of said travel point.
1. A file system navigator, comprising:
a first window displaying a listing of attributes of objects in a file system, each file, directory, and subdirectory in said file system corresponding to one of said objects;
an attribute selector for selecting one or more said attributes; and
a second window displaying a customized tree-structure image of said file system, as based on which of said attributes is selected, said customized tree-structure image comprising a tree-structure representation of an entirety of said file system wherein only the objects in said file system having said selected one or more attributes are included in said tree-structure representation of said file system; and
a third window including a travel box display, said travel box display comprising a representation of files in said file system that satisfy said selected one or more attributes, said travel box display further comprising a direction selector for selecting one of an upward travel direction in said file system and a downward travel direction in said file system,
wherein said travel box display and said customized tree-structure image each change to reflect a selection made by said direction selector.
2. The file system navigator of
3. The file system navigator of
file type;
file author;
file format,
creation date; and
terms occurring in said file.
4. The file system navigator of
5. The file system navigator of
6. A method of navigating through an information space, said method comprising:
for each object in an information space, determining attributes of said object and determining a child-parent relationship of said object with other objects in said information space;
providing a display of said attributes in a first window, said display comprising a listing of at least a portion of said attributes;
providing an attribute selector for selecting one or more said attributes;
providing a customized tree-structure image of said information space in a second window, said customized tree-structure image dynamically based on which of said attributes is selected, said customized tree-structure image comprising a tree-structure representation of an entirety of said information space wherein only the objects in said information space directly related to said selected one or more attributes are included in said tree-structure representation; and
providing a travel box display in a third window, said travel box display comprising a representation of objects in said information system satisfying said selected one or more attributes, said travel box display further comprising a direction selector for selecting one of an upward travel direction in said file system and a downward travel direction in said file system,
wherein said travel box display and said customized tree-structure image each chance to reflect a selection made by said direction selector.
7. A system comprising means adapted for carrying out the method according to
8. A data processing program for execution in a data processing system comprising software code portions for performing a method according to
9. A computer program product stored on a computer-usable medium, comprising computer-readable program means for causing a computer to perform a method according to
10. The method of
a flat representation of all objects in said information space containing said attribute; and
a representation of parent objects back to a root of said information space.
11. The method of
12. The method of
13. An information space navigator of
an apparatus executing said method; and
a computer programmed to execute said method.
1.1 Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to means and a method executable by a computer system for navigation within a tree structure with leaf nodes representing arbitrary types of objects, i.e. of related data treated as a unit.
1.2 Description and Disadvantages of Prior Art
"The Information Age", a fairly commonly heard expression these days, but one whose consequences seem to be ignored as frequently as it is used. There is no denying the fact that we are in the midst of a long term explosion of information that shows no signs of slowing down, or even accelerating less forcefully. The questions this fact raises are many, but one of the most significant, if not the most significant, is the question of organisation.
The Information Age has lived up to it's promise of "information at our fingertips", but the sheer volume of the information available makes it nearly impossible to find any given set of specific information, much less navigate intelligently through the constantly growing sea of data. The additional question of attempting to somehow display information about the relations between various items, and the context of the item, adds still another level of complexity. When we start to look at large collections of related data, with additional information about context and relations ("Complex Knowledge Structures")., one enters a territory even less navigable than the raw data—the additional information should help us understand the raw facts, but again the sheer amount of information overloads us and renders the putative assistance of context a hindrance.
The computer is that tool, and it has become the main ally in the quest to force some sort of order, or structure, onto the apparently endless chaotic mass of information. When one starts looking at new ways to order and present data using computers, then the question becomes one of ergonomics. To wit, how do we organise and display these complex knowledge structures so that humans can navigate through them with ease, find what they are looking for, and generally make sense of the information in context? How do we select appropriate data from the mass of information, and once we have found it, how do we allow the user to interact with it?
Based on this background the display of large amounts of information has been an active area of research in a diversity of areas since decades now. Work on man-machine interfaces, information retrieval, graph layout, cognitive science, virtual reality—each area concentrates on certain aspects or principles of the problem. Within the context of knowledge management, one has to deal with a widespread spectrum of information types: raw texts, structured texts, annotated information, partly automatically generated information entities, which obey yet unknown structural rules, relational and hierarchical meta information. Hence, the capabilities of information browsers or navigators can be measured by the degree they are able to handle some of the most important expectations like:
to display partly structured information of varying size
to ease the perception of the ordering of the information
to allow for interactive exploration of information spaces
To put it in different words: in this context where we discuss a mixture of human-edited information carriers (written text) and machine-generated structures (object hierarchies, descriptive labels i.e. "terms"), an information structure becomes only valuable by perception, not per se. The question remaining is: which aspects of this mixed information might be stressed to achieve optimal perception. In the following, we compare some recent work in cognitive science, graph layout, information retrieval and knowledge management by their respective modalities.
Y. Arens and E. Hovy, How to Describe What? Towards a Theory of Modality Utilization, Meeting of Cognitive Science Society, Cambridge, Mass Cognitive Science Society, p. 487-494, August 1990 describe a theory of modality utilization where they distinguish between three aspects of an information entity: the inner properties of the object, the properties of the class the object belongs to and the properties of a selected set of objects, i.e. the information to be discussed and residing in current focus.
These three aspects can be found in different designs of tree and graph browsers, graphical query languages, graphical information retrieval front ends, and general multimedia information systems. Prior to a more detailed analysis one can expect that all implemented systems will most radically differ by the chosen paradigm for their means of interactive exploration of information structures.
Information retrieval (IR) front ends like GUIDO and VIBE, proposed by Robert R. Korfhage and Kai A. Olsen, Information Display: Control of Visual Representations, Workshop on Visual Languages, IEEE Computer Society, p. 56-61, October 1991, provide a pre-structured information space to visualize document/document and document/term binary relations. The space is defined by (query) terms which span a certain geometry (e.g. a diamond-shaped panel with triangular segments). Document representations (small rectangles) are positioned to the segment where they have the greatest overlap with terms owning this segments Hierarchical information is hardly displayed for the sake of a conceptual strict layout paradigm. On the other hand it is well known that hierarchical organization approaches belong to the most powerful classification concepts conforming to a large extend with human way of thinking.
IR-system graphical user interface (GUI) designs based upon a 3D-space mostly concentrate on the display of the hierarchical aspect of information only. Systems using Cone-Trees, refer for instance to George G. Robertson and Jock D. Mackinlay and Stuart K. Card, Cone Trees: Animated 3D Visualizations of Hierarchical Information, Proceedings of ACM CHI'91 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, p. 189-194, 1991, map term/document and other hierarchical relational information directly to a 3D layout algorithm. Interactive graphical operations like zoom and rotate provide means to gain an overview and inspect details. The design is centered around the user, who has to explore the (3D) space. As consequence and deficiency, the cognitive load is typically very high if one has to identify and compare properties for a certain set of objects.
Another specific technique suggested for the representation of complex knowledge structures, beloging to the same class exploiting the 3D space, is that of using the properties of hyperbolic geometry to provide a view that contains both an inherent focus (channelling user attention to some current node) and a context, i.e. information about the relationship between the current node and other nodes in the system, by navigating through a network of nodes.
Arbitrary data structures like entity-relationship models are typically mapped to a—more or less—specialized graph- or tree layout algorithm. The semantics of the relations is mapped to certain aspects of the graph layout. In GraphLog, refer for instance to Stuart K. Card and George G. Robertson and Jock D. Mackinlay, The Information Visualizer, An Information Workspace, Proceedings of ACM CHI'91 Conference on Humanfactors in Computing Systems, p. 181-188, 1991, one can even formulate structural/semantic queries by drawing objects, thus the user of this system works upon his own conceptual model of the underlying semantics. However, this paradigm lacks means to express the vague semantics and relationships that is buried within the objects under consideration (eg the topic of a text item, or the relatedness of two documents).
Hypertext-based systems interpret structural information (the hyperlinks) in a different way. Each hyper link represents an explicit relation (based upon topic, annotation, part-of etc. information) between different information entities. The layout of the global structure in systems like NoteCards, refer for instance to C. Foss, Effective Browsing in Hypertext Systems, Conference of RIAO, p. 82-98, 1988, is optimized to ease the interactive exploration and editing of the hyper space, since this is the intended usage. A drawback of browsing through hyperlinked information is the accompanying sense of disorientation as often reported by users. Two rather whimsically named problems that arise from navigation in hypertext have been identified: the "Embedded Digression Problem", and "The Art Museum Phenomenon". The "Embedded Digression Problem" embraces the difficulties which arise from the multiplicity of choice offered by most hypertexts. Users may delve into a richly connected network of information which may serve to distract them from their chosen path and cause them to lose their place in the document. Alternatively, users may forget to return from a digression or forget to follow a path they had planned earlier. The "Art Museum Phenomenon" refers to a group of problems associated with learning through browsing. Browsing is an open and exploratory information-seeking activity which involves scanning and tracing ideas from one node to another in an often vague and non-specific manner. The non-directive nature of browsing means that users may often wander through a hypertext without stopping to study or think about the ideas the document presents. Consequently, users may be unable to recognise which nodes have been visited, or which parts of the exploration space remain to be seen.
Tree- and graph-layout algorithms, as described by K. Sugiyama and K. Misue, Visualization of structural information Automatic drawing of Compound Digraphs, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, 21(4) p. 876-892, July/August 1991 for instance, typically concentrate on either global optimization (number of crossing links, space, distance) of conflicting properties of the overall graph layout. Or they must not violate one layout criteria (e.g. no crossing links for circuit design), but have to sacrifice other. Both variants exhibit that these algorithms are mainly designed to overcome technical shortcuts (like limitation of presentation space for instance), but must not be considered the core design of an information exploring environment.
Returning to the theory of "modality utilization", one can conclude that none of the discussed system designs covers all three aspects of an information object in a unique way. Bringing interactivity between visualized structures and a user into the game shows even more drawbacks and confirms the need for a display design with a radical different technique.
The invention is based on the objective to improve the visualization of large and complex object structures and the interactive navigation of users within such environments. More particularly the invention is based on the objective to provide above improvements in the context of complex hierarchical organized object structures allowing the user to detect and gain new insights in the relationship between the objects and at the same time allowing to focus only on those aspects of the objects the user is really interested in.
The objectives of the invention are solved by the independent claims. Further advantageous arrangements and embodiments of the invention are set forth in the respective subclaims.
The invention teaches a method executable by a computer system for navigation within a tree-structure. The tree-structure comprises at least one leaf-node said leaf-node representing an object and the tree structure comprises at least one non-leaf-node. According to the invention a travel point representation step is suggested, wherein after selection of at least one non-leaf node as travel point only the path and non-leaf nodes in said tree structure from said travel point to the root of said tree structure is represented in a tree view area. Moreover the complete sub-tree of said travel point is represented in said tree view area. In addition or alternatively after selection of said travel point, a travel box is represented for said travel point, said travel box representing object identifications of all objects of all leaf nodes in said sub tree of said travel point.
The proposed method supports the hierarchical organization approaches from which it is known that it represents one of the most powerful classification concepts conforming to a large extend with human way of thinking. For this organization principal an approach is proposed which on one side significantly reduces the amount of displayed data and which on the other side significantly enriches the displayed data. The amount of displayed data is significantly decreased as the tree structure between a travel point and the root of the tree is reduced to the path between them. The amount of displayed data is significantly enriched as the complete sub-tree below a travel point is collapsed to a "flat" structure comprising all leaves of the sub-tree of a certain travel point. Therefore below a travel point an object centered view is introduced. The non-hierarchical data display has the advantage that the user is always presented with all of the objects at the leaves under a certain node in the hierarchical tree. Thus the relationship between the basic objects and the structural position within the collection is always exposed. The user gets a much better impression for the "similarity" of objects and their relationship to other objects by this unique display method easing the perception of the ordering of the information. In terms of modality utilization the "properties of the class" an object belongs to and the "properties of a selected set of object" reside in a common focus. Only the data the user is really interested in is displayed—the non-selected branches of the tree are folded away and only the direct path to the root is displayed.
Additional advantages are accomplished if said leaf-node is associated with object-attributes of the objects and if the non-leaf-node is associated with the object-attributes of all leaf-nodes of the sub-tree of the non-leaf-node. Within said travel box at least one object-attribute of said travel point is represented in said travel-point-representation-step. The travel point is marked visually in said travel-point-representation-step.
Therefore the travel boxes provide a "second dimension" to view in parallel on the object structure. This second dimension is a "content oriented" view as the attributes related to the semantic and contents of the objects are displayed. In terms of modality utilization the "inner properties" of the displayed objects are unveiled. This approach allows a user to explore huge object (for example documents) collections and learn about their structure. The user can gain insights from different perspectives on the data.
Additional advantages are accomplished by an upward-navigation-step, wherein, after selection of a parent-node of a current travel point, the travel-point-representation-step is performed with said parent-node as new travel point. In a downward-navigation-step, after selection of a child-node of a current travel point, the travel-point-representation-step is performed with said child-node as new travel point. The parent-node and the child-nodes are selectable in the tree-view-area, and/or in said travel box by selection of an upward-control-element and downward-control-element respectively. A direct child-node of the travel point is selectable in the travel box by selection of one of the following: an object-identification or an object-attribute together with the selection of a downward-control-element.
These features provide a user with dynamic navigation capabilities operating in two dimensions. Navigation on object level is possible from the travel boxes and navigation with respect to the position within the hierarchical structure is also possible. Within a travel box a branch in the tree can be followed down to the leaves via a particular object, independent of the depth of the object in the tree. This can lead to new insights about the overall structure of the collection and the grouping of the objects. Within the hierarchical structure the travel points can be moved and the tree expands and partially collapses respectively. Navigation on either way (object level or tree hierarchy) causes both views to be dynamically updated, thus both views are dynamically related and offer a flexible and easy to access overview over the data. The user can explore huge object collections and learn about their structure in a very interactive and at the same time easy to handle manner. The user can gain insights from different perspectives on the data and navigate according to the position in the tree, attributes or the objects themselves, each navigation step being reflected on several levels. This new browsing technology is a key to evolving technology areas such as Knowledge Management and Content Management, where a user has to deal with automatically generated hierarchies. Learning about their structure in a short time and evaluating their content becomes more and more important.
Additional advantages are accomplished by a navigation-initialization-step. After selection of an object-attribute either from an attribute-list-area, showing one or more object-attributes of said tree-structure, or from said travel box, the navigation-initialization-step determines the non-leaf-nodes being the direct parent-nodes of leaf-nodes associated with said selected object-attribute. It selects the determined non-leaf-nodes as travel points and performs the travel-point-representation-step for said travel points.
Thus the proposed attribute list area provides a "third dimension" for navigation to a user. The attribute list serves as a selection list to access the leaves of the hierarchy, i.e. the objects. Only those leaves are displayed which satisfy the select criteria. The attribute list is extendible by various search criteria, sort criteria etc. The data is presented in a clear and easy to access manner. Only the information a user is interested in is displayed as he can choose the entry point to the data from the attribute list. Ideally all attributes of all objects of the whole tree structure are presented in the attribute list area.
Additional advantages are accomplished by storing a travel-point-identification during navigation in the tree-structure in a history-record. By means of a history-navigation-step, wherein, after selection of a history-control-element in the travel box, the previous travel point with respect to said history-record is used for performing the travel-point-representation-step.
Due to this history function the user has the option to go back the same path within the hierarchy he came, or follow new paths.
Additional advantages are accomplished if the objects represent documents and/or the object-attributes are lexical-affinities (refer to the description below for an understanding of lexical affinities according to the state of the art) of the document and if the object-attributes are ranked according to the frequency of occurrence of said lexical-affinities.
Based on an aggregation of these features a navigator results representing a powerful tool for exploration of data spaces originating in the technology area of information mining.
FIG. 1 is an overview of the GUI navigator which combines the elements of the three exploration dimensions of an "attribute selection list", a "hierarchical tree browser" and "travel boxes" to explore large object collections.
FIG. 2 visualizes an example of an attribute list displaying all attributes which appear at the nodes in the tree structure; the number of nodes for which an attribute is descriptive is indicated in brackets behind the individual attributes.
FIG. 3 visualizes an example of an attribute list focussing on the search capability allowing a user to enter a search term which takes him to the attribute he searched for or, if no exact match exists, the orthographically nearest match is selected.
FIG. 4 shows an example of a tree view area in an initial state comprising three travel points displayed within the hierarchical tree further displaying the objects comprised within the subtree of these travel points and the direct paths of said travel point to the root of the tree. The user can zoom into this view by indicating a zooming factor.
FIG. 5 depicts a tree view area with a moved middle travel point; by dragging a travel point upwards (or downwards) the node is expanded and all subsumed nodes are displayed.
FIG. 6 depicts the tree view area of FIG. 5 wherein the middle travel point has been moved upward to the root node a further step; dragging the travel point up again, expands the subsumed tree further.
FIG. 7 reflects the tree view of FIG. 6 after a downward movement of the middle travel point; in the second branch (counted from the right side) the user followed a new path downwards, by moving the middle travel point.
FIG. 8 shows a travel box with a first content; the travel box correspondes to middle travel point in FIG. 4 and shows in the upper part of the box a navigation arrow for upwards travel, an indication of distance to root (5 steps), the intra-cluster similarity. It shows in the upper middle part of the box all attributes available at that travel point. In the lower middle part of the box it shows the objects subsumed under travel point.
FIG. 9 shows a travel box with a second content; the travel box corresponds to middle travel box in FIG. 5. Additionally in the lower part of the box the control element for navigating downwards is visualized allowing to navigate downwards within the tree structure to the next node specified by the object which is highlighted in the lower middle box. The "back" button moves the travel point to the "historically" previous travel point (history function).
FIG. 10 shows a travel box with a third content corresponding to middle travel box in FIG. 7.
FIG. 11 visualizes all three travel boxes corresponding to the travel points of FIG. 4. Activation, i.e. selection of a document in a travel box displays more information about the document, for example its title.
FIG. 12 reflects the main interactions between the described implementaion object types.
The current invention may be applied to any type of hierarchical structure comprising a tree of nodes. The tree structure may be of any complexity and depth. The leaf nodes in said tree-structure may represent any type of objects. Objects according to this terminology can be understood generally as a collection of data treated as a unit. Further the objects may be associated with attributes of any nature for further characterization of the objects.
4.1 Introduction
The current invention is illustrated in application to the area of information mining technology in genearal or text mining technology in specific. This application area has been choosen only as information mining is confronted with especially large and complex tree structures on objects thus that a browser (also called a navigator) based on the current invention benefits evidently from the advantages of the suggested taching. By no means is the current invention limited to that particular application area of text mining.
The objects within this area of information mining are documents from any source, including transactions, e-mail, web pages, and other. Thus in the following the terms "object" and "document" are often used interchangeably. The typically huge number of documents in this area are then analyzed by determining the lexical affinities for each document. A lexical affinity is the correlation of a group of words, which appear frequently within short distance together throughout the given documents. Examples for lexical affinities are phrases like "online library" or "computer hardware". Lexical affinities are generated dynamically, thus they are specific for each collection. Within this application example the determined lexical affinities are the attributes according to above general definition associated with the individual documents. Clustering technology is then applied using lexical affinities as the base terms and measures similarity between the documents (i.e. between the objects) by comparing vectors of these terms. The goal and result of cluster analysis is the determination of a set of clusters, or a clustering, such that inter-cluster similarity is minimized and intra-cluster similarity is maximized. A cluster could be defined as a group of objects whose members are more similar to each other than to the members of any other group. Thus the clustering is used to segment a document collection into subsets, the clusters, with the members of each cluster being similar with respect to certain interesting features. The clusters are arranged in a hierarchical clustering tree where related clusters occur in the same branch of the tree and the similarity within the clusters decreases moving upward to the root of the clustering tree. Thus within the tree the individual documents represent the leaf nodes and the innner nodes (non leaf nodes) represent document clusters of decreasing similarities as one moves upwards to the root of the tree. Moreover the innner nodes (non leaf nodes) are associated with all the attributes of all nodes of their sub-tree.
Such tree structures might get very deep containing a lot of clusters with only a few documents. Therefore sometimes configurable slicing techniques are applied in a further processing step. Clusters within the same branch that have a comparable intra-cluster similarity are merged into a single cluster. This reduces the depth of the tree and eases browsing or further processing.
The basic approach of the current invention is to provide a simultaneous "multi-dimensional" view on the tree structure which can be fine-tuned by the user's interests. Basically three dimensions can be identified: a first dimension relating to the navigation location within the tree structure; a second dimension relating to the information represented by the individual nodes; a third dimension relating to the attributes characterizing the collection of documents. Each dimension can be viewed in parallel to all other dimensions and manipulations or navigation in one dimension might affect the presentation of the other dimensions simultaneously. In that sense the current invention teaches an orthogonal browsing or orthogonal navigation approach.
4.2 Overview on the Orthogonal Browser
FIG. 1 gives an overview of the GUI navigator which combines the elements of the three exploration dimensions.
In the upper left area (101) of the navigator the name of the collection to be browsed is given, together with some informational data about values used for the collection generation ("top threshold" (102), "bottom threshold" (103), "slices" (104)—the previous parameters configuring the processing of the slicing technique—and number (105) of documents in collection). Each element in the area (101) represents a separate tree structure selectable by a user for navigation.
When the user accesses the hierarchy for the first time he is prompted with an attribute select box visualized in the attribute list area (106); the attribute list area is also visualized in greater detail in FIG. 2. The attribute list is searchable: the user can enter a search term in the bottom field (107) and the highlighted area in the attribute list will jump, as depcited in greater detail in FIG. 3, to the attribute (301) which is located orthographically closest to the search term.
An attribute can be selected from the attribute list in one of three different ways:
The user can use the scroll-bar (302) on the right side of the attribute select list to scroll through the alphabetically ordered list of attributes.
Entering a search term in the respective bottom field (107) jumps right to the spot in the list view which is orthographically closest to the search term.
If a user is interested in only those lexical affinities which occur at least n times, n can be entered in the search field titled "min. frequency" (108) and then click into the attribute list. Only those attributes which occur at least n times are then displayed.
Of course one can combine the different selection mechanisms, for example first narrow down the number of attributes displayed by using the min. frequency search and then do an orthographical search on the result.
4.2.1 Navigation by Selecting an Entry Point
Clicking on any attribute in the attribute list triggers the representation method to perform the following activities:
After selection of an object attribute from the attribute list area, showing the object attributes of the tree structure, those non-leaf nodes, which are the direct parent nodes of leaf nodes associated with said selected object attribute, are determined. These non-leaf nodes are then selected as so-called travel points.
In the lower right panel, the tree view area (140), the complete tree is visualized in a specific manner. In greater detail the depicted tree is visualized in FIG. 4 for the current situation. The current travel points (401, 402, 403) are marked visually representing in "green" the current position of the clusters. With respect to the tree structure between the current positions and the root of the tree the direct path from the current positions, i.e. the current travel points, up to the root is shown only. With respect to the tree struture underneath the current travel points the complete sub-trees of the current travel points are represented in the tree view area. FIG. 4 is representing exactly this initial situation with respect to the determined travel points. At the lowest level of the tree the individual objects, i.e. documents, are represented.
As further representation step after selecting travel points in the upper right panel (108) for each of the travel points (for example 141, 142, 143) a so-called travel box (110, 120, 130) is represented; i.e. each cluster containing the particular attribute is assigned a travel box. Further details of the layout of a travel box is reflected in FIG. 8.
The lower part (801) of each travel box represents all the documents, i.e. all leaf nodes of the tree, in the current cluster (i.e. underneath the current travel point). That is, all documents which are subsumed under the actual node, irrespective of their distance to the actual node. These documents can be opened and read by double-clicking (indicating an object is visualization request), or have their titles displayed (refer for instance to FIG. 11 and the field (1101)) by single-clicking the object identification (1102).
In the middle part (802) the N (in the current case N=3) most significant lexical affinities of the travel point (cluster) are shown.
In the upper right (803) of each object view panel, i.e. travel box, the similarity of the documents in the respective cluster is indicated in %.
In the upper middle (804) the distance between the current cluster and the root is indicated, i.e. the number of parent nodes from the current travel point to the root of the tree is displayed.
When a travel box is activated by clicking (for example (120) in FIG. 1), the respective travel point (142) in the tree panel turns color from green to red, i.e. is marked visually.
4.2.2 Navigation by Upward and Downward Movements in the Tree
The user can either navigate in the object view panel (108), i.e. via the travel boxes (110, 120, 130), or in the tree view panel (140) via the travel points (141, 142, 143). The navigation step is always mirrored in both panels. This guarantees in a unique and systematic way that the "flat" content-centered view represented by the travel boxes is always related with the hierarchical, collection-structure-centered view on the data. "Flat" in the current context means that all leaves of the sub-tree of a certain travel point are displayed suppressing the the complete tree structure below said travel point.
Navigation in the object view panel (108):
Clicking on the upper green button of a travel box (refer for instance to (805) in FIG. 8) results in all documents of the parent node being displayed, thus for an upward navigation step the upper green button has the function of an upward control element. This action is mirrored in the tree view panel by the travel point representing the current position being moved one step upwards.
Clicking on the "back" button (refer for instance to (901) in FIG. 9) takes the user back to the previous position. The navigator acording the current invention is storing identifactions for each visited travel point during navigation in the tree in a history record. This enables for the explained navigation step with respect to history.
If the current node (i.e. travel point) has more than one daughter node the user has the additional option of selecting a particular document (this selection servers the purpose of specifying a certain daughter-node or child-node) by single-clicking on it, refer for instance to "patent/pat05713.txt" (902) in FIG. 9, and then clicking on the lower green button (903) representing a downward navigation control element initiating a downward navigation step. That takes the user to the branch which contains the specific document. Thus the navigation can be document-centered and the user has the opportunity to learn more about the content available at certain structural nodes.
Navigation in the tree window panel (140):
Clicking on one of the green travel points, for instance (141, 142 or 143) activates it and turns it red. The active part can then be dragged up or down the branch, causing the tree to unfold or fold. The respective documents in the branch and the statistics are displayed in the travel box representing the particular travel point.
Example: Assume the middle travel point (401) within FIG. 4, corresponding to the respective travel box in FIG. 8, has been moved upward in FIG. 5 to (501), now being represented by the travel box in FIG. 9. This process can be iterated, as is shown in FIG. 6. As soon as a travel point subsumes more than one branch, the user has either the option to refold the tree the way he unfolded it by pressing the "back" button (901) in FIG. 9. Or he can select a document, for instance (902), and refold the tree via (903) in such a way that the branch leading to the selected document is followed. Doing this in the travel box represented by FIG. 9 may lead to the travel box in FIG. 10, paralleled by the tree view in FIG. 7. Therefore the travel point (601) has been moved to the new position (602) resulting in FIG. 7.
4.2.3 Navigation by Zooming into the Tree
If the root node of the tree is selected, the tree becomes very unreadable and the information hidden in the structure is not accessible any more. Therefore the current invention offers the facility to zoom into the tree by choosing one of the zoom factors (refer to the zoom facility for instance (410) in FIG. 4). After selecting a zoom factor, scrollbars can be used to select the desired part of the tree.
4.2.4 Navigation by Visualization of Individual Objects
A document, i.e. object, can be opened by double-clicking thus allowing for object visualization. An object may be selected eiter in the tree view area (for instance (140)) or from within a travel box (for instance (902) in FIG. 9).
Furthermore, if the document is in a format which has tags for the title, the title of the document is displayed (refer for instance to (1101) in FIG. 11) in the line underneath the document windows when the document is selected (1101).
4.3 Implementation
The object structures described below are the base objects of the preferred implementation. Insofar the term "object" in this context relates to the programm-technical implementation (for instance based on object-oriented technologie) and may not be intermixed with the "objects" (i.e. the objects associated with attributes representing the leaf nodes of the tree structure) which may be browsed with the navigator.
4.3.1 Base Objects of the Implementation
The attribute list object, representing the program technical implementation of the attribute list area (refer for example to (106)), contains all values that occur for the attribute that is used to select the clusters to be displayed. In our example the attributes are also used as cluster labels, i.e. as labels of the travel points. In other contexts when other types of objects are displayed more than one attribute can be used to select the objects. Thus the conceptual implementation of the attribute list object is:
The node data objects, representing the program technical implementation of the nodes in the tree structure potentially selectable as travel points, represent the clusters. They are kept in an array structure. The node data objects refer to each other with respect to their hierarchical relations. Thus every node data object points to its parent and keeps a list with pointers to its children. A cluster will only be displayed in the tree view when the is InTreeView flag of its node data object is set. For clarification of the terms: With tree view we refer to the visualization of the tree view object, representing the program technical implementation of the tree view area (refer for example to (140)). Respectively a node and its node data object and a travel box and its travel box object are differentiated. The isVisible flag indicates whether a node data object has a travel box representation and thus a travel box object. The associated nodes are marked green (or red) in the tree view; One of the green nodes and/or its travel box can be selected as travel point. The selected travel point is displayed red in the tree view, its travel box is highlighted, and the isSelected flag of its node data object is set. At most one node can be selected as travel point. Thus the conceptual implementation of the node data object is:
The travel box object, again representing the program technical implementation of a travel box (refer for example to FIG. 9, contains a pointer to the node data object it represents. Additionally an undo stack keeps track of all previous navigation actions related to this travel box object; thus this feature implements a "history record". These actions are the up and down movements in the hierarchy. Thus the conceptual implementation of the travel box object is:
The tree view displays the nodes for which the is InTreeView flag is set. A "node" as defined above, as the visualization of a node data object, has no is InTreeView attribute itself. For readability the distinction between these two node types is not always made explicit in the text. The zoom factor can be adjusted and is stored in the tree view object. The tree view object keeps a pointer to the current travel point. Thus the conceptual implementation of the tree view is:
4.3.2 Interaction of Implementation Objects
FIG. 12 shows the main interactions between the described implementaion object types.
The attribute list object builds up its list of values by iterating over the node data object array and accessing the label fields. When a cluster label or more generally an attribute value is selected in the attribute list by user interaction three things happen:
The attribute list object selects the respective node data objects. This is done by searching in the node data array for nodes with the respective attribute value. For each of these node data objects the isVisible flag is set. Starting with these nodes the algorithm determines which nodes are visible in the tree view (is InTreeView flag is set).
Additionally the attribute list object initiates the creation of travel box objects for each travel point (a node data object that has its is Visible flag set).
The attribute list triggers the creation of the tree view object.
When a travel point in the tree view is selected, it changes color from green to red, and the following happens:
The isSelected flag in the corresponding node data object is set.
Additionally the tree view object notifies the corresponding travel box which becomes highlighted.
When the travel point is moved up or down in the tree view, the following actions are taken:
The tree view object notifies the associated node data objects. The node data object associated with the previous travel point unsets its isSelected flag as well as its isVisible flag. The node that now has become the new travel point sets these two flags.
To update its display the tree view object processes the hierarchical connections between the nodes data to trigger the update of their is InTreeView flags. It then gets the updated information from the node data objects to redisplay the tree view.
The tree view object notifies the travel box object associated with the moved travel point. The document data that is displayed in the travel box is updated with data from the node data object of the new travel point. For this purpose all child links are followed and the document data is collected.
When a node is selected by user interaction and becomes the new travel point, the following actions are triggered:
The travel box is highlighted. If another travel box was selected before it will not be highlighted anymore.
The node data object of the previous travel point is notified and changes its is Selected flag to unset.
The node data object associated with the travel box object is notified and sets its is Selected flag.
The travel box object notifies the tree view object which redisplays the tree view so that the color of the previous travel point changes from red to green and the color of the new travel point changes from green to red.
When the user navigates via a travel box the following happens:
The node data object associated to the travel box object before the movement is notified to unset its is Visible and its isSelected flag.
The node data object of the new travel point is notified to set its isVisible and its isSelected flag.
The isInTreeView flag for all node data objects in the node data object array is updated.
The travel box object changes the list of documents displayed so that all the documents are listed that belong to the node data objects and can be reached iteratively via the child pointers of the new travel point.
The travel box updates its movement history.
The tree view is notified that it has to update the display. Thus it gets the updated information from the node data object array.
Therefore, nodes data objects, tree view objects, and travel box objects are interconnected and always updated at the same time.
4.3.3 Position Calculations
The algorithm for calculating invisible parts in the tree view and horizontal position in the tree (this is required for proper display of the tree view) is delineated by the following Java code segement:
4.4 Additional Application of the Invention
The teaching according to the current invention can also readily be applied to a file system navigator.
A file system navigator according the state of the art would display a file selection box: When a user wants to open a file the content of the current directory will be presented in the selection box. Sometimes the file type (as a filter criterium) can be specified so that only files of a specific type are offered. Still all directories are displayed even if they themselves or none of their subdirectories contain a file of this type. When the user doesn't remember the location of the file which he wants to open a lot of directory paths have to be followed to find the document.
Applying the current teaching to this problem area files and directories would be represented as "objects". The hierarchical files system structure would be associated with the "tree structure". According to such an approach not only the file types but other attributes like author, format, creation date etc. and even terms occurring within the file contents can be offered for filtering. For each attribute a list of the values is offered so that the user can search and select the value he or she is looking for.
Instead of a file system navigator showing the complete file system tree (a user typicall is not interested in) the file system navigator according the current invention drastically reduces the amount of data by cutting off unimportand data: only those files that match the selected value and those directories that contain a matching file are displayed. Thus the search tree for navigation is reduced significantly.
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A system for encoding, multiplexing and transmitting traffic congestion data is disclosed. The invention utilizes a master display map on which traffic conditions are represented by condition indicators. A similar, smaller-scale map and indicator display is carried by individuals and in vehicles, reproduces the information appearing on the master map.
1. A traffic information system which utilizes road congestion data received by an operator then encoded and transmitted by radio to individual receivers comprising:
(a) a master board containing on its surface a map of the major roadways in a region, said map being provided with indicators at various points along each roadway, each indicator being connectable by the operator to one of a number of signal sources so that the degree of congestion can be represented by various frequencies of operation of that indicator;
(b) encoding means for each indicator to allow its frequency to be translated into a modulation frequency for a radio transmitter;
(c) multiplexing means to sample the modulation frequency of each indicator and apply it to said radio transmitter;
(d) independently powered receiving assemblies on the surfaces of which appear maps and indicators which duplicate those of the master board;
(e) a circuit contained in each receiving assembly which includes a radio receiver, decoding and demultiplexing means to connect each duplicate indicator with a decoded signal;
whereby traffic density and congestion information acquired by the operator is transmitted to all of the individual receiving assemblies with the result that those possessing the said assemblies can be apprised continously of traffic conditions.
2. A traffic information system as described in claim 1 in which said light indicators are illuminated devices selected from the group consisting of light emitting diodes, light emitting bars, fluorescent bulbs, liquid crystal displays and electoluminescent strips
3. A traffic information system as described in claim 1 in which the encoding means are a group of oscillators which can be switched into a modulating circuit which is part of a radio transmitter, the modulating frequency chosen to correspond to the flashing rate of the indicator whose state is being monitored.
4. A traffic information system as described in claim 1 in which the multiplexing means is an automatically switched sampling circuit which sequentially connects the encoded output of each indicator to the radio transmitter.
5. A traffic information system as described in claim 1 in which the demultiplexing means is an automatically switched sampling circuit which sequentially connects power in each receiving assembly to the appropriate duplicate indicator in synchronism with the multiplexing means connected to the master board.
6. A traffic information system as described in claim 1 in which the indicators are of various colors and the encoding means includes the use of a particular color to correspond to a particular traffic density.
The present invention relates to a display system for traffic information which may be used by vehicle operators to plan or modify an intended route. This information allows a driver of a vehicle to so adjust his itinerary as to avoid heavy congestion caused by accidents, the "letting out" of large gatherings, construction roadblocks and other conditions which modify or disrupt the steady flow of traffic. The congestion problem has long been recognized in many cities of the world; various systems have been conceived to minimize the effects of traffic blockage as it affects an individual driver. These systems have been complex, subject to interference and required the installation of expensive equipment.
A number of systems in the prior art (such as Dahan, U.S. Pat. No. 4,398,171) utilize a television-like screen mounted in the vehicle as a means of displaying traffic information. A map of the city appears on the screen; this map is a repetitive pattern which has been stored in memory elements in the screen circuit. Traffic conditions are monitored by TV cameras mounted above the roads of the city. Signals from the cameras are converted to suitable codes, processed by a computer, and transmitted to a receiver in each vehicle. Suitable symbols are then generated and appear at their proper positions on the map.
In other systems (for example, Madnick et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,803 or Pfennighausen et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,283,297) a large number of sensors are buried under roadways or mounted alongside of them. Various parameters such as the number of cars per lane per unit time, the average speed of vehicles along each road, the presence of moisture or fog, etc. are measured and processed in a computer. When conditions are judged to be congestion-producing, various signals are generated and transmitted by radio to those vehicles equipped with the system. This enables the driver in many cases to circumvent the slower traffic.
Perhaps the most popular system in use involves interrupting standard radio broadcasts with bulletins about traffic tie ups on various roads and highways. This information is obtained from helicopters flying above the city, from police accident reports and from incidental observers who report traffic jams to the broadcast station by using car telephones. Although these verbal reports are accurate and obviate the need for complex sensors and computer circuits, the information can often only be used in a limited way by the motorist. He often cannot visualize the area of tie up and therefore cannot plan alternate routes from his position in the traffic pattern.
One objective of the present invention is to provide a system which utilizes many of the advantages of the human observer-interpreter and the radio broadcast system. This simplifies the data gathering, summarizing and communication aspects of this complex problem, reduces the cost of installation and maximizes its reliability. The present invention makes use of a manually-tended"master board" on which is inscribed a road map of the area being monitored. Linear light sources consist--in a preferred embodiment--of light-emitting diode bars which are installed on the lines representing major roadways, freeways, off ramps, etc. The length of each bar will vary depending on the length of road it represents. On lightly travelled roads with relatively few cross streets, for example, the bars will be long. Complex roadways and by-passes will be represented by many, shorter bars.
A board attendant listens to information from helicopter spotters, police accident reports and radio stations. The attendant operates a large number of three way(or other multiple) switches, each controlling a single light bar. In the first position of a three way switch, for example, a light bar glows continually. This would indicate that the particular roadway represented by that bar is being monitored and that the traffic flow is normal. In the second position of the switch the bar flashes at a slow rate. This would indicate the onset of reduced traffic flow. The third position of the switch produces a more rapid flashing of the light bar which indicates extreme traffic congestion or stoppage. The condition of each switch is interrogated by a sampling device which then sends a suitably modulated radio signal to a transmitter. In each vehicle in which the invention is used there is a small display unit consisting of a small copy of the master board containing illuminated strips such as light bars indicating segments of the key roads. The flashing rate of each light bar on the master board is thus reproduced on the display so that the operator of the vehicle can quickly determine the exact location of each congested area and can plan a by-pass strategy. The information is continuously updated.
The display board is not confined to use in the vehicle but may be removed and used as a portable monitor of traffic conditions. It would thus be possible for a driver to park and attend to other business while carrying the portable monitor with him. He could readily determine when a particular jam had cleared. An important use of the invention would be to plan a route before the start of a trip and then to modify it along the way so as to take advantage of changing conditions.
FIG. 1 illustrates a layout of a master board as used in the present invention. The general map in this case corresponds to the freeway system of the Los Angeles area.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the transmitting portion of the invention showing the master board, the scanning and the transmitting system.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an individual receiving system showing the filtering, frequency-selective and scanning arrangements and a display board.
FIG. 4 is a schematic of the individual light bars, their flashing arrangements and their encoding systems. Also shown in FIG. 4 are the sampling system, the synchronizing method and the radio transmitter.
FIG. 5 is a schematic of the receiving circuit of the present invention as it would be used in each vehicle showing the frequency selective circuits, the local flashing means, the synchronized sampler and the repeater light bars.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an individual display unit as it would be supplied to each user.
FIG. 7 is a table of frequencies which might be used with the invention.
In FIG. 1 a master board 6 is imprinted with a map of the Los Angeles area showing the major freeways which are the main transportation arteries of that region. Along the line representing each roadway are one or more light emitting bars 1. Each emitting bar is served by its own three position switch 2. The roadways themselves are marked by their route signs 4. An attending operator moves each switch to one of three positions. In position 1 the corresponding light-emitting bar glows steadily; in position 2 it flashes at a low rate while in position 3 the flashing rate is increased. If the bar is dark, it indicates that there is a fault in the local circuit. If the entire board is dark, there is a fault in the overall system. Other coding is readily possible with the invention. More or fewer switch positions can be utilized as well as bars of differing colors to increase or decrease the number of traffic conditions which can be represented by the operator.
In FIGS. 2 and 3 are block diagrams of the transmitting and receiving systems. From each of the terminals 8 of the master board 6 there emanates a constant, a slow-pulsing or a rapidly-pulsing signal which corresponds to one of three conditions selected by the operator. These signals are coded in converters 27 to higher frequencies suitable for the modulation of radio frequency power and applied to terminals 9. A first scanner A samples each of the terminals 9a, 9b,9c,etc connecting them successively to the mixer circuit 7 which modulates a radio frequency carrier. The modulated carrier is amplified in 22 and radiated by antenna 23 as is known in the art.
The modulated carrier is detected by a dedicated receiver 24 (FIG. 3) which is part of the display board system. The latter may be mounted in a vehicle or is used at a fixed location. The coded flash signal is recovered by the demodulator 10 which removes the carrier. The frequency sensitive relay bank 26 selects the coded signal which corresponds to the one being transmitted at that moment causing the signal to appear at terminal 25a,25b, 25c or 25d. These terminals are sampled by a second scanner B which is synchronized with first scanner A in the transmitting portion of the invention. Thus when a steady, slow-flashing or rapid flashing bar appears on the master board, a corresponding element is energized on the display board.
In FIG. 4 the circuit arrangement of the master board is shown in greater detail. Each light emitting bar 1 is directly energized by a power supply or battery 19 by means of the first deck position of the switch 2. In its second position switch 2 activates oscillator fA which applies a slow pulsating current to its light emitting bar. In its third postion the switch activates oscillator fB which provides a more rapidly pulsating current to the light emitting bar. Thus the operator can form a traffic condition map and keep it current from information received from helicopters and other sources. A second deck 2a is used to electrically indicate the switch position of the first deck. When the latter is in the "steady"illumination position, e.g. the second deck connects oscillator fC to the mixer 7. Radio frequency power from oscillator 21 is modulated by oscillator fC and emitted as a radio signal. Each switch position in the upper deck is sampled at a frequency fG by the scanner A. As the scanner arrives at points a, b, c, etc. the position to which each part of the lower deck is turned thus determines the modulating frequency to be applied to the carrier. At the last position of each scan z, the sampling drive connects a synchronizing frequency fS to the mixer.
The circuit of each display unit is shown in FIG. 5. The dedicated receiver 24 tunes the carrier signals modulated by the various frequencies. The operation of the demodulator and frequency sensitive relay bank was explained above. If, at a particular moment of sampling, a particular illuminated bar was flashing at its slow rate,e.g., then the signal at point 11 would have a frequency of fD (originating from oscillator fD in that illuminated bar's circuit--FIG. 4). This would cause relay D to trip and connect the slow flashing oscillator fA to a corresponding "repeater" light bar on the display board. The sampler B on the display board moves at exactly the same speed as the sampler A in the master board circuit. When sampler A reaches the end of its travel and is about to reset, it transmits the synchronizing signal fS to the transmitter 20; when the sampler B in the display unit reaches the end of its travel (FIG. 5), it stops. A signal of frequency fS from the demodulator 10 triggers relay G which resets and restarts sampler B. In this way the samplers A and B are maintained in synchronism. The condition of each light bar(continously lit, slow flash or rapid flash) is thus reproduced at its proper position in the display.
The display unit, shown in FIG. 6, consists of a board 6' on the surface of which is the street map 3'. Each light bar on the master board is duplicated on the display. The dedicated receiver 24, antenna 16 and a set of frequency selective relays C,D,E and G are also incorporated in the display. A plug-in power supply, local battery and connections to a car battery are options. The display unit is thus completely portable and operable at any location.
FIG. 7 is a table of possible frequencies which might be employed with the invention. The lowest flash frequency is 2 hertz. This is readily distinguishable by eye from 10 hertz. Modulation frequencies fC, fD and fE differ from each other by 200 hertz so that they can readily be distinguishable from each other by the frequency selective relays. The scan frequency fS is 1000 hertz which is high enough to be non-interfering with the low audio flash frequencies of the light emitting bars. Synchronizing frequency fG is 1500 hertz is easily selected from the others by relay G and does not interfere with the other operating frequencies. The radio frequency chosen would depend on availability and the type of emission used.
The invention as described is a general embodiment of the system. The switching arrangement for constant or flashing illumination of the light bars can be mechanical or make use of solid state devices. The samplers A and B and the multiple switches 9a, 9b, 9c, etc. and 25a, 25b, 25c, etc. are preferably solid state. The transmitter-receiver system could use AM,FM, pulse or burst modulation. The receiver may be of the self-seeking type which continuously tunes a band of frequencies and locks on one signal which contains a keying frequency. The emission of the transmitter can be general or coded so as to be useable, in the latter case, only by those in a subscriber network system. The light bar modules (light emitting diodes) described above may be replaced by other display devices e.g. neon tubes, light bars of differing colors, multisegment LED bar graphs arranged so that the length of the illuminated portion indicates traffic density. Incandescent, electroluminescent and fluorescent light sources are among other possibilities. Many of the light sources mentioned are available form Newark Electronics Corporation of Chicago or from Allied Electronics of Elgin, Ill.
The system need not be confined to a single master board and numbers of identical, small scale displays. Where large areas are to be monitored, a regional map may be divided into a number of adjoining masterboards. The receiving units would then consist of a number of displays mounted together in notebook fashion. Coded signals emitted by the transmitter would illuminate corresponding lamps on the displays to indicate which one was applicable at any given time. Lighted arrows next to roadways could be used to indicate the direction of congested traffic.
A computer system can also be used to achieve some or all of the functions described above. Information applied to the master board can be made part of a variable data base which is scanned at regular intervals. Changes are transmitted to the various displays where a second scanning system activates the light bars and duplicates the changes.
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St. George Elementary School Staff Directory
Access to Staff E-Mail here!
Administrative Office
Debbie Edwards—Principal
Paula Helget—Secretary
Candy McCormick—Food Service Clerk / Health Aide / Secretary
Teaching Staff
Danelle Badura
Lesa Beam
Edie Jensen
Andrea White
First/Second (Colts)
Debbie Hodges
Sandy Scott
Emily Nightingale
Dan Pray
Jamie Prockish
Debbie Swoyer
Third/Fourth (Broncs)
Charla Adcock
Mendy Gehrt
Kathy Huntzinger
Caitlin Trent
Wendy Willi
Fifth/Sixth ('Stangs)
Haley Carlson
Emily Gehrt
Megan Todd
Jenna Meyer
Brandey Nelson
Becky Sutton
Megan Walters
Becky Sutton
Janet Armstead—Vocal
Nathan Craft—Instrumental
Physical Education
Jody Miller
Special Education
Valerie Chandler—Special Ed
Krista Caffey—Occupational Therapy
Sara Edie—Special Ed EMH
Annie Frank—Social Worker
Wayne Gros—School Psychologist
Kyndra Myers—Pre-School
Jennifer Nider—Gifted
Renee Pachta—Hearing
Aimee Ralph—Special Ed
Karen Ross—Speech
Tara Roberts—Physical Therapy
Brittany Thomason—Speech
Sherry White—Special Ed LD & BD
Title I Reading
Sharon Smith
Bridget Troyer
Support Staff
Dannielle Heideman—Pat Educator
Pam Holaday—Transportation/Food Service Director
Bobby Davis—Network Administrator
Dena Schmitz—PAT Coordinator/Educator
Mike Westgate—Groundskeeper
Deb Lind—District Nurse
Dustin Roy—Computer Support Specialist
Carrie Force—Kindergarten Aide
Veronica Frady—5/6 Aide
Mary Ann Hills—Third/Fourth/Fifth/Sixth Aide
Susan Huddleston—Library Aide
Heather Mallon—Third/Fourth Aide
Kodee McFall—First/Second Aide
Marie Majcher—First/Second Aide
Jennifer Toenjes—Kindergarten/First/Second Aide
Tricia Austin—Para
Martina Burgess—Para
Christina Jahn—Para
Jan Heersink—Para
Amanda York Hendricks—Para
Kathy Hynek—Para
Jennifer Ketterman—Para
Kendra Michaelis—Para
Joan Phinisey—Para
Amanda Thomas VanDruff—Para
Alice Williams—Para
Amber Christian—Para
Food Service
Fran Bard—Food Service Tech Asst.
Rosa Muniz—P/T Food Service Tech Asst.
Christin Walsh—Food Service Kitchen Manager/Cook.
Isabel Winterman—Food Service Tech Asst.
Kevin Flanders—Head Custodian
Rosa Muniz—P/T Custodian
Bus Drivers
Steve Campbell, Mike Clarke, John Ebert, Becky Estes, Paula Helget, Laurie Henry, Eldana Howard, Shannon Reiss, Rick Ridder, Micki Suther


text:
Jamii Bora Bank will issue the new debit cards which come with an added insurance package to its more than 300,000 customers next month, after signing a deal with Heritage Insurance yesterday.
Customers will be paid up to Sh40,000 losses incurred if their cards are fraudulently used or stolen and stolen cards will be replaced at no extra cost. However the loss must be reported to the bank and the police within 24 hours.
The card will also come with insurance for any item purchased using it for a period of up to 90 days.
"The goods will be insured against theft, burglary, robbery and accidental loss," said Samuel Kimani, chief executive officer of JBB. A life cover will be another value included in the new EMV card.
He also said that the bank is planning to begin issuing credit cards in partnership with Master Card.


text:
Hang tight!
Recipe by Essanaye
"Very good stir-fry. A little on the sweet side. Cook in a large wok on medium-high heat. Marinating overnight is good, but not necessary."
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1/2 cup
soy sauce
1/2 cup
white sugar
1/3 cup
rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup
minced garlic
1 tablespoon
sesame seeds
1 pound
round steak, thinly sliced
1/4 cup
peanut oil
2 cups
1-inch sliced asparagus
1 cup
sliced fresh mushrooms, or more to taste
sweet onion, chopped
red bell pepper, sliced
1 bunch
green onions, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup
whole cashews
1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon
Fantastic! My husband devoured this! The only thing I changed was that I added a few spashes of spicy szechuan sauce since I saw that it was a bit sweet.. And I just really like the mixture of sweet and spicy. Overall, I will be making this again.
This wasn't bad, we just weren't fans of the sauce. Too sweet and too bland somehow. Thanks.
11 Ratings
I only used the recipe for the sauce. I have a go-to veggie list my family tolerates. At any rate, I added a teaspoon of sesame oil and a teaspoon of hot sauce to balance flavors and swapped apple cider vinegar for rice wine vinegar because I didn't realize I was out. I served it over rice. This could very well have passed for a restaurant dish. I'm not one to immediately toot my horn, but I'm definitely making this again.
This is really good. I'm a rather difficult person to "wow" so I'm giving this recipe 4 stars. As the recipe is written it's a little too sweet for my tastes, but overall I'd say it's definitely a nice, easy dinner and very tasty.
Delicious, made as written except I did not have rice wine vinegar, so I used 25% water and 75% white wine vinegar. My husband and son enjoyed this recipe and I have the go ahead to make again. My only complaint would be the beef was over cooked, so next time I will not cook the beef as long before I add the veggies. Thank you for submitting this recipe.
Essanaye's Sesame Beef Stir-fry Haiku: "Per the cook's foot note, I didn't use the cashews. (Also removed beef.)" After the steak was browned, I removed it to a separate plate and covered to keep warm while I continued w/ the recipe and its veggies, returning it to the skillet w/ the cornstarch slurry at the end; otherwise, I can only imagine that the steak would've been the texture of a leather shoe and that would've made me sad. But otherwise, this was a really tasty stir-fry and since I knew that there would be leftovers I skipped the cashews entirely; I found that the leftovers tasted even better anyways! Thanks Essanaye - I think I've found my new favorite stir-fry (sauce) recipe, and next time that I make this, I'll probably toss in whatever vegg's on its way to wilty territory.
Made the recipe as is. The beef turned out dry, over cooked and too sweet. Brown sugar is better than white sugar in this type of recipe.
Made this with beef and with chicken on separate occasions. Both were delicious. I cut back the soy sauce as it is a bit too salty for our family. did not always marinate over night and it was still yummy.
I have made with recommended veggies and with my own mixture all turns out fantastic. I serve mixed with rice noodles and i have served with rice.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Essanaye's Sesame Beef Stir Fry
Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 476
Calories from Fat: 245
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