U.S. patent application number 14/487071 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-01 for data visualizations including interactive time line representations.
This patent application is currently assigned to Microsoft Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Microsoft Corporation. Invention is credited to Christian Olaf Abeln, Christian Rytt.
Application Number | 20150007085 14/487071 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46163468 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150007085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abeln; Christian Olaf ; et
al. |
January 1, 2015 |
DATA VISUALIZATIONS INCLUDING INTERACTIVE TIME LINE
REPRESENTATIONS
Abstract
Interactive data visualization features are provided, including
an interactive graphical data representation, but the embodiments
are not so limited. An exemplary computer-implemented method
provides an interactive data visualization interface that includes
a graphical time line representation and a number of visual change
indicators used in part to provide symbolic cues and highlight
changes made to adjustable aspects of the graphical time line
representation. An exemplary computing architecture includes at
least one client and server including a data communication
interface used in part to provide visualization data to display an
interactive time line representation as part of providing an
interactive data visualization tool. Other embodiments are included
and available.
Inventors: |
Abeln; Christian Olaf;
(Helsingborg, SE) ; Rytt; Christian;
(Dronningmolle, DK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Microsoft Corporation |
Redmond |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
46163468 |
Appl. No.: |
14/487071 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12959243 |
Dec 2, 2010 |
8839133 |
|
|
14487071 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/771 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20130101;
G06F 16/34 20190101; G06Q 10/087 20130101; G06F 3/0482
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/771 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0482 20060101
G06F003/0482; G06Q 10/08 20060101 G06Q010/08; G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: displaying an interactive graphical
representation comprising a time line visualization that displays
data of one or more data types; displaying modifications to the
data displayed with the time line visualization based on one or
more types of transactions; and displaying a plurality of
selectable data population options with the time line visualization
including one or more of a booked transactions option, a forecast
option, and a with changes option.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying potentially
significant business events and/or parameters for a particular
business scenario.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising interactively
modifying one or more transactions in different periods of
time.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising displaying
consequences of various level adjustments without executing one or
more corresponding business transactions.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying adjustable
data points and providing automatic leveling adjustments based on
adjustments of one or more of the data points.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising zooming to a different
portion of the time line visualization.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising panning to a different
portion of the time line visualization.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the time
line visualization on a handheld device.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the time line
visualization to track one or more of projected inventory, profit,
loss, gain, orders, and sales for a type of product or service.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving touch
inputs to adjust aspects of the time line visualization.
11. A handheld device operative to: display an interactive
graphical representation comprising a time line visualization that
displays data of one or more data types; display modifications to
the data displayed with the time line visualization based on one or
more types of transactions; and display a plurality of selectable
data population options with the time line visualization including
one or more of a booked transactions option, a forecast option, and
a with changes option.
12. The device of claim 11, further operative to adjust the display
of the time line visualization based on one or more of a forward
looking data value adjustment and backward looking data value
adjustment
13. The device of claim 11, further operative to adjust the display
of the time line visualization based on one or more of an upward
data value adjustment and downward data value adjustment.
14. The device of claim 11, further operative to display one or
more visual change indicators each corresponding to an adjustment
type.
15. The device of claim 14, further operative to display the one or
more visual change indicators including one or more of an increased
value indicator, a decreased value indicator, an adjustable value
indicator, and a non-adjustable value indicator.
16. The device of claim 11, further operative to display and
distinguish one or more of forecast values, booked transaction
values, and change values.
17. The device of claim 11, further operative to display
potentially significant business events and/or parameters for a
particular business scenario.
18. An article of manufacture that includes instructions that, when
executed, operate to: display an interactive graphical
representation comprising a time line visualization that displays
data of one or more data types; display modifications to the data
displayed with the time line visualization based on one or more
types of transactions; and display a plurality of selectable data
population options with the time line visualization including one
or more of a booked transactions option, a forecast option, and a
with changes option.
19. The article of manufacture of claim 18, wherein the
instructions, when executed, operate further to display visual
change indicators to indicate one or more of a data point moved
forward in time, a data point moved backward in time, a data point
moved to a higher value, and a data point moved to a lower
value.
20. The article of manufacture of claim 18, wherein the
instructions, when executed, operate further to visualize
comparisons with target levels including using adjustments to
visualize change in level consequences.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
12/959,243, filed Dec. 2, 2010, and assigned U.S. Pat. No.
8,839,133 which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety
BACKGROUND
[0002] Important business decisions often revolve around
comprehension of complex data sets in the context of some business
goal. For example, a company may use database and spreadsheet
applications to track profitable and unprofitable assets over a
particular calendar year using multidimensional sets of data that
may include partner data, customer data, or other information.
Video processing methods and rendering programs provide algorithms
that can process multiple dimensions of a complex data set as part
of rendering a visualization. For example, a user may use a
visualization of a projected trend in attempts to understand the
highly complex nature of the vast numbers of values to track or
plot. Data reduction methods can be used to reduce the complex data
by creating new dependent variables. For example, sales and expense
data can be reduced and visualized in terms of profit or loss which
may be more meaningful to the end-user. However, many of the
available applications are limited to pre-set interface control
types and static user interaction features.
SUMMARY
[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
[0004] Embodiments provide interactive data visualization features,
including an interactive graphical data representation, but the
embodiments are not so limited. In an embodiment, a
computer-implemented method provides an interactive data
visualization interface that includes a graphical time line
representation and a number of visual change indicators used in
part to provide symbolic cues and highlight changes made to
adjustable aspects of the graphical time line representation. In
one embodiment, a computing architecture includes at least one
client and server including a data communication interface used in
part to provide visualization data to display an interactive time
line representation as part of providing an interactive data
visualization tool. Other embodiments are included and
available.
[0005] These and other features and advantages will be apparent
from a reading of the following detailed description and a review
of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the
foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of the
invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system.
[0007] FIGS. 2A-2I depict aspects of an exemplary client-server
based visualization environment.
[0008] FIGS. 3A-3I depict aspects of an exemplary visualization
interface.
[0009] FIGS. 4A-4C depict aspects of an exemplary visualization
interface.
[0010] FIG. 5 depicts a functional block diagram of exemplary
computing environment.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary process of
visualizing data.
[0012] FIG. 7 a number of exemplary visualization symbols or
indicators.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
computing environment for implementation of various embodiments
described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 100 that
includes data processing, video processing, memory, and/or other
components that provide data visualization and other features, but
the embodiments are not so limited. As described below, components
of the system 100 can operate to provide interactive time line data
visualizations used in part to analyze business and other data. For
example, components of the system 100 can operate to provide an
interactive time line graphical representation for analyzing
different types of data by providing additional interactive control
to gain further insight using different data perspectives to
identify data outliers, actionable items, and/or other relevant
visualization events.
[0015] In one embodiment, components of the system 100 provide time
line visualizations using aggregations of data to populate time
line portions and/or list content, wherein time line portions can
include representative step portions including positive, zero,
and/or negative step portions which represent aspects of aggregated
data, wherein adjustable points of one or more step portions can be
further characterized and/or transitioned using adjustment controls
and/or one more visual change indicators. An interactive graphical
data representation of one embodiment can be used to replace a
typical list-type representation for users, including the use of
adjustable step line portions and/or visualization symbols to
enhance interpretative analysis operations by providing effective
feedback to a user.
[0016] As described below, in an embodiment, components of the
system 100 provide a visual model to analyze a number of
transactions over time in context of a resulting level, including
providing visual comparison of multiple scenarios, taking into
account only selected types of transactions. For example, the
components of the system 100 can be used to provide visual
indication of certain issues, such as when a step line level falls
below zero for example. The system 100 of one embodiment includes a
client server data communication pipeline to provide interactive
modification of transactions in time (e.g., rescheduling an order,
shipment, stock purchase, sale, etc.) and amount, as part of
visualizing consequences using a graphic illustration of level
changes without having to actually execute the business
transactions (e.g., running an example scenario instead). The time
line representation presentation can be used to visually highlight
interactive user changes, which can be aggregated as feedback over
the communication pipeline to associated logic (e.g., business
logic).
[0017] As described below, the system 100 of an embodiment includes
time line visualization features integrated with underlying
business logic. For example, an enterprise can use a resource
planning computing architecture to aggregate, organize, and provide
insight to business data, including using interactive time line
representations and visual controls to gain insight into the
aggregated data. In one embodiment, graphical data representation
and/or control features can be provided as a program add-in,
including a server-side object, a codeunit for data processing,
and/or other features.
[0018] Exemplary business data visualizations can be used, but are
not limited to: picture aspects of a business by providing a mental
model for business data and data dependencies using a visual
representation; understand fundamentals of a business, including
state and trend data using visualizations as an entry point for
understanding the current state of a business and trends;
drill-down into aspects of the data to provide intuitive, ad hoc
analysis; provide knowledge to act (e.g., identify actionable
tasks), including identifying items of interest and outliers in
business data that are based on certain objectives or measures
(e.g., converting certain outliers into high-priority actionable
tasks and possible actions); act wisely by providing decision
support, problem solvers, and optimization based on a given
strategy, including providing suggestions for an action strategy
that can lead to an optimal result for one or more objectives;
understand consequences using visualizations to understand impacts
of actions before committing the action or actions by accounting
for dependencies; predict an outcome of a series of actions;
etc.
[0019] Exemplary use of components of the system 100 can provide
graphical data representation interfaces for gaining insight into
business data, such as trends and questionable products and/or
services by viewing business data from different perspectives and
interactive states. In an embodiment, a graphical data
representation includes a step line perspective of one or more
types of data. As an example, a user can use an interactive step
line graphical data representation and one or more visual change
indicators to efficiently analyze large amounts of data over some
time period. Correspondingly, a user can follow and keep track of
dynamic changes for a large number of visual elements
simultaneously as part of providing an effective data visualization
interface. Users can use the visual tools to better understand a
set of business objects over some quantifiable period of time,
resulting in the discovery of unexpected correspondences, while
validating data following presumed or predicted
correspondences.
[0020] A graphical data representation interface can be used to
identify actionable items and answers to questions, such as
identifying: data items that fall out of typical procedures; data
items most and/or least important to act on; and/or how an action
produces the most and/or least impact as a few illustrative
examples. Using the interactive features, business questions can be
answered by looking at outliers of certain presumed correspondences
of events for various business situations. For example, a
visualization interface can be populated with a time line
representation that includes highlighting negative outliers as part
of identifying an impact to a business based in part on some user
change. Accordingly, a visualization interface can be used to
highlight and draw attention to data items that may not typically
follow the presumed correspondences and/or anticipated flow of
data. The graphical data representation interface of one embodiment
provides direct access to relevant user interface (UI) pages so
that users can act on the business data object behind a time line
portion or step.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 of one embodiment
includes a client computing device or system 102 (referred to as
client 102) and a server 104, but is not so limited. The client 102
of an embodiment includes a visualization interface 106 including a
time line representation component 108, and processing, memory,
and/or other application resources 110, including a cache for
storing time line data and other information. In one embodiment,
the server 104 and client 102 use data and view models to provide
an interactive time line data visualization using the visualization
interface 106. The client 102 can also include other applications
and/or input/output features, such as data processing, video
processing, and/or networking features as examples. It will be
appreciated that a display can be used to display the visualization
interface 106 including associated interactive time line
visualizations. As described below, the client 102 can interact
with the server 104 using a communication channel 105 to provide
dynamic interactive visualizations using multidimensional data
aggregations including using a visually distinct time line
representation and associated visual change indicators and/or
controls to control rendering of the time line representation. The
communication channel 105 of one embodiment includes one or more
communication channels or ports to exchange information between the
client 102 and server 104.
[0022] The server 104 of an embodiment includes a multidimensional
data resource planning application architecture, which can include
physical and virtual components and configurations. As shown in
FIG. 1, the server 104 of one exemplary embodiment includes
application 112 including logic 114, a data aggregation and
handling component 116, and/or other components and features 118.
For example, the server 104 can include a number of networked
components to efficiently process and handle data, metadata, and
other information using various data aggregations to provide
visualization data for consumption by client 102, including
processing change information associated with user interactions
with a particular time line visualization, as described below. In
one embodiment, the server 104 can receive data changes including
changes associated with updated and/or modified data resulting from
use of one or more adjustable data points of an interactive time
line representation from the client 102 over the communication
channel 105. It will also be appreciated that various
functionalities and/or features can be combined and further
subdivided based in part on a particular visualization
implementation.
[0023] In one embodiment, data communication between the client 102
and server 104 uses a data exchange mechanism composed in part of
view descriptions of an underlying interactive time line
representation. The system 100 of an embodiment provides an
interactive time line interface that enables users to visually
analyze and interact with business entity and other data from
different perspectives using portions of one or more interactive
step line representations that can be used to quantify different
types of data simultaneously in a comparing manner. The visual
representation translates into a mental model for users when
performing certain tasks using data. The user can populate an
interactive time line data representation with data based in part
on selection of one or more types of display data. For example, a
user can populate an interactive time line data representation with
booked transaction data, changes data, and/or forecast data,
whether set by associated business logic or modified by an end
user.
[0024] In one embodiment, the system 100 includes a dedicated
server including a .NET-based Windows Service application that
communicates with one or more database servers (e.g., SQL server
databases), including a communication framework protocol to process
client requests. In an embodiment, business logic runs on the
dedicated server instead of on the client. In another embodiment,
client and server components cooperate in accordance with
implemented business logic. The dedicated server (e.g., MICROSOFT
DYNAMICS server) provides an additional layer of security between
visualization clients and any data sources, such as a database
server or servers for example. As described below, interactions
with an adjustable data point of a time line representation can be
contained as a transaction change that opens a corresponding task
page for the record underlying an associated adjustment.
[0025] In one embodiment, the system 100 use a data format for
visualization presentations that uses an extensible markup language
(XML) definition. For example, a data builder feature (e.g., .NET)
can be used by integration code to build the data in a strongly
typed way. In such an embodiment, the visualization controls
provide events for selection and activation of an item. The
integration code can handle events and provide new data when
necessary. For example, an extensible application markup language
(XAML) control can be used by the integration code to control
aspects of a data visualization.
[0026] An exemplary computing system includes suitable programming
means for operating in accordance with a method of providing a
visualization interface and controls for interacting with
visualization data. Suitable programming means include any means
for directing a computer system or device to execute steps of a
method, including for example, systems comprised of processing
units and arithmetic-logic circuits coupled to computer memory,
which systems have the capability of storing in computer memory,
which computer memory includes electronic circuits configured to
store data and program instructions. An exemplary computer program
product is useable with any suitable data processing system. While
a certain number and types of components are described above, it
will be appreciated that other numbers and/or types and/or
configurations can be included according to various
embodiments.
[0027] FIGS. 2A-2I depict aspects of an exemplary client-server
based visualization environment 200. Components of the environment
200 can be used to target a class of business data that represents
a series of changes on a measure's value over time, such as: the
amount of an item or item group in the inventory that is based on
inventory transactions over time, and/or balance of an account over
time as influenced by the account-related transactions. A data
visualization can be used to identify periods of time during which
the value falls under zero and addition horizontal target lines can
be added to the visualization for further visual comparison with
target levels.
[0028] A visualization can be used to visually mark special dates,
such as today and work date as examples. One of the strongest
values of the visualization is the comparison of multiple (what-if)
scenarios, for example, by taking a certain forecast into account.
As an example, a user can use an interactive time line
representation and change an amount and date of a transaction
directly by simply dragging the visual point of a transaction to
the new amount or new date. As described below, a changed
transaction can be tagged visually with a symbol representative of
the change or changes. The projected consequences of a change can
be shown immediately.
[0029] An interactive time line visualization provides a visual
representation of data that is transformed into a mental model that
allows users to grasp the influence of transactions over time on
certain measures. The visualization can be used to provide insight
into business transactions by showing projected aggregated
consequences over time. The visualization provides interactive
access to amounts and schedule of transactions in the graphical
presentation. It also allows creating new transactions and deleting
existing transaction. In one embodiment, a visualization can be
used to depict projected consequences on an observed measure
immediately as a user interactively modifies transactions in the
visualization before the changes have been posted to the business
logic.
[0030] The time line visualization of one embodiment includes core
transactions, a forecast, and with changes information as suggested
by a planning engine. These suggested changes can be implemented as
action messages. Users can drag data points to change supply
quantity or move them in time to suggest a rescheduling action.
Changes can be transmitted back to application code for processing
and validation, where the changes can be applied or rejected. Users
can interact with the visualization by zooming, scrolling, creating
and deleting supply, reverting supply changes, and automating
adjustment for individual supply to balance the inventory until a
next planned supply, as illustrative examples.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2A, the environment 200 includes various
components, including a server 202 and a client 204, used in part
to provide an interactive visualization experience, but is not so
limited. In an embodiment, the server 202 includes an application
206, such as a resource planning application for example, a view
model 208, and a data model 210 used in part as a data building
system or data builder. The client 204 of this embodiment includes
add-in component 212, view model 214, data model 216, and
visualization component 218. According to one embodiment, the
client 204 includes an add-in library and the server 202 includes a
data builder, communicating over a communication channel that
includes ports 222 and 224 (e.g., XML port(s) and a .NET data
set(s)), using XML data and schema information 226 (shown as XML).
The use of one or more XML ports provides a mechanism to provide a
communication channel using XML documents, enabling a server side
declaration of an associated visualization model. Correspondingly,
visualization driven data documents can be composed and consumed
using ports 222 and 224.
[0032] As described above, components of the environment 200 can be
used to provide a data visualization interface, including an
interactive time line representation designed to be reusable in
multiple application scenarios. For example, an interactive time
line representation can be provided to an end-user using one or
more resource planning applications to deliver a defined data,
command, and event model. In one embodiment, a resource planning or
other application and/or system can include integration code to
host a visualization in an associated user interface (UI) that
communicates transaction data, and receives and processes changes,
including updated changes applied in an associated visualization.
For example, server 202 can receive change transactions from client
204 after a user has affirmatively applied changes in an associated
visualization (e.g., selecting an Apply and Save option).
[0033] In an embodiment, a visualization environment includes a set
of application objects that implement data communication over XML
ports, removing a need for server side extension objects to impart
data handling. Integration objects contain logic to aggregate
transaction events and populate a visualization data model. The
integration objects also contain logic used to receive updated
changes and apply the changes to respective business transactions.
In one embodiment, the visualization add-in component 212 can be
configured to receive documents in XML format using a schema
contract (see exemplary schema below) defined in part by the add-in
code to supporting command and data documents, but is not so
limited. In one embodiment, a data document that contains
information influencing the view and the table of events visualized
along a time line representation, and/or a command document
contains one or more of the commands that the visualization
understands, and allows a host of the visualization to control all
or individual interactive data points in the same way as the user
can. A visualization add-in operates to communicate events to a
host using a trigger (e.g., OnControlAddIn trigger). Each event can
be characterized by a message ID that characterizes the type of
event and contains further string data that provides context
information used by the host to process the event, but is not so
limited.
[0034] As described below, the environment 200 can be used in part
to provide a visual model for a number of transactions over time in
context of a resulting level. For example, components of the
environment 200 can be used to provide a time line visualization
that includes colored and/or filled step line portions used in part
to indicate quantity or some other variable over time. In one
embodiment, a low quantity representation can include a dotted or
other distinguishable fill. The environment 200 can be used with
any number of client devices and systems to provide a visual
comparison of multiple scenarios, including taking into account
select types of transactions, including visual indication of
certain issues.
[0035] For example, a user can tailor a time line graphical
presentation to identify potentially significant business events
and/or parameters, such as identifying transactions (or lack
thereof) having one or more below zero levels as part of
ascertaining business parameter adjustments for a particular
business scenario. As one example, components of the environment
200 can be used to provide interactive modification of transactions
in different periods of time (e.g., rescheduling
transactions/shipments) and/or amounts, including visualizing
consequences of various levels without actually booking/executing
business transactions. As described below, changes can be shown
visually and aggregated as feedback to associated business
logic.
[0036] FIG. 2B is a functional block diagram of a number of
exemplary components of environment 200 as part of providing a
visualization interface. As shown, an exemplary application
programming interface (API) architecture 240 is shown that includes
a number of interactive components. In one embodiment, the various
exemplary interfaces 242-262 can be configured as public APIs of
environment components for use in part to integrate the various
visualization features into further application and
personal/particular business setting/particular user setting
(finance, health, inventory, yearly prognosis, etc.) scenarios.
[0037] As shown in the example, the API architecture 240 of one
embodiment includes a generic or base interface 242
(ivaluecontroladdindefinition) for a control add-in definition that
binds a control add-in with various data types (e.g., System.String
or System.Object data types to a database). Interface 244
(iobjectcontroladdindefinition) is a base interface for a control
add-in definition interface that binds the control add-in with a
data type (e.g., System.Object) and raises a control event (e.g.,
Microsoft.Dynamics.Framework.UI.Extensibility.ControlAddInEventHandler
event).
[0038] Interface 246 enables the control add-in to call the
visualization framework (e.g., MICROSOFT DYNAMICS computing
architecture) to get additional information about the control
add-in behavior. Interface 248 (e.g., IControlAddInSite) allows a
control add-in to get information about a container of the add-in
control. Interface 250 (e.g., istringcontroladdindefinition) is a
base interface for a control add-in definition interface with a
string value type and a specific event (e.g.,
ControlAddInEventHandler). Interface 252 (e.g.,
ieventcontroladdindefinition) is a base interface for a control
add-in definition interface that defines a specific event (e.g.,
ControlAddInEventHandler event). Delegate 254 (e.g.,
controladdineventhandler) specifies a control add-in event. Sealed
class 256 (e.g., controladdinexportattribute) is used to declare a
class to be a control add-in that can be used in the client 204.
Sealed class 258 (e.g., validationresult) is used to represent a
result returned by a validation method (e.g.,
ValidationRule.Validate method) that indicates whether a checked
value passed an associated validation rule.
[0039] The API architecture 240 of the example shown in FIG. 2B
also includes style and validation state parameters 260 and 262,
respectively, each including an enumeration of values that
represent certain visualization states (e.g., if validation state
is T/F then action or action/if style state is X then perform
action Y, etc.). As described briefly above, components of
environment 200 can be used to provide a time line visualization
interface that includes an adjustable time line presentation,
including focus and time travel features. For example, a
visualization interface can be provided in part using one or more
of the public APIs to render and re-render an interactive graphical
step line representation displayed using a client application. As
shown in FIG. 2B, and in accordance with an embodiment of the
environment 200, classes and interfaces are independent of a
display target or client.
[0040] FIG. 2C is a functional block diagram of a number of
exemplary components of environment 200 as part of providing the
visualization interface. As shown, an exemplary API architecture
266 is shown that includes a number of interactive components. As
shown in FIG. 2C, and in accordance with an embodiment of the
environment 200, classes and interfaces are configured for a
specific target, such as a RTC/WinForms display target for this
example.
[0041] As shown, abstract class 268 (e.g.,
winformscontroladdinbase) is a base class for a WINDOWS forms
control add-in as an alternative to the explicit implementation of
the IWinFormsControlAddIn interface. Abstract class 270 (e.g.,
stringcontroladdinbase) is a base class for a WINDOWS forms control
add-in that binds System.String type data with the database and
uses events to call the OnControlAddin trigger on RoleTailored
client page controls. Interface 272 (e.g., iwinformcontroladdin)
can be used to develop control add-ins that target WINDOWS
forms-based displays, including implementing the interface
explicitly and overriding its members, or implementing
WinFormsControlAddInBase or StringControlAddInBase abstract base
classes that implements the interface automatically.
[0042] FIG. 2D depicts an exemplary interface 274. The interface
274 of an embodiment can be used as creating a communication
channel supporting application language (AL) code with outbound
data communications from server 202 using application logic to the
visualization component 218 of the client 204 (e.g., providing XML
port #####). As shown in FIG. 2D, the exemplary interface 274
includes a number of columns including node name column, node type
column, source type column, and data source column. As described
below, the Transaction 276, SpecialDate 278, and SpecialValue 280
elements are coupled to tables that contain data used in part to
define a particular visualization state using a number of schema
data structures.
[0043] The communication port ##### provides a number of
convenience methods that assist with setting the data and
generating an XML document to be communicated/consumed by the
client 204 and consumed by the visualization component 218. A
number of exemplary methods are shown in Table 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Method Name Description Reset Clears the XML
port from all Transactions events and other data. SetChartTitle
Sets the Title and Items name that are shown as a caption in an
associated visualization. SetLegendSeriesTitle Set the title of the
Legend for one of the three side by side scenarios. SetExportData
Sets the table of transaction events of type Table `Timeline Event`
AddSpecialValue Adds a special value which is shown as a horizontal
line, with a value, a title with a certain line color.
ClearSpecialValues Removes all special values from an associated
visualization. AddSpecialDate Adds a special date which is shown as
a vertical bar, on a certain day and a title. AddWorkdate Adds
WORKDATE as a special date with title `Workdate` ClearSpecialDates
Removes all special dates. SetUniqueness Used to set a uniqueness
value that assures that the visualization is accepting the data
document, even if the content has not changed; set to an increasing
value for example. SetMinAutoAdjustLevel Sets a minimum level for a
supply when selecting "Auto Adjust Supply" in the associated
visualization, such that the level does not fall under such a level
until a next supply event. ClearMinAutoAdjustLevel Resets the
minimum level for "Auto Adjust Supply" to 0.
[0044] FIG. 2E depicts an exemplary interface 282. The interface
282 of an embodiment can be used as completing the communication
channel supporting the AL code with inbound data communication of
changes from the client visualization to the server 202 and
associated application logic (e.g., providing add-in XML port
####1). As shown in FIG. 2E, the exemplary interface 282 includes a
number of columns including node name column, node type column,
source type column, and data source column. As described below, the
TransactionChanges 284 element is coupled to a table that contains
data used in part to define a particular visualization state using
a number of schema data structures.
[0045] The communication port ####1 provides a number of mechanisms
for implementing and/or communicating field changes using one or
some combination of flags. Table 2 lists a number of exemplary
flags used for field changes.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Flag Value Description New 0x1 A new data
row, representing new supply or other variable Deleted 0x2 A
deleted data row, representing deleted supply or other variable
SupplyChanged 0x4 A data row with changed supply or other variable
Rescheduled 0x8 A data row with rescheduled supply or other
variable Reverted 0x10 A data row with one or more changes
reverted, where the one or more changes has been suggested by an
associated system or application (e.g., a resource planning
application)
[0046] Tables 3A-3D show a number of exemplary data tables used by
the environment 200 in part to manage visualization data.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3A Transaction RefNo Change RefNo Transaction
Type Description Original Date New Date Original Quantity New
Quantity Level Editable
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3B Transaction Changes RefNo Change RefNo
Changes Original Date New Date Original Quantity New Quantity
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3C Special Date Date Caption
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 3D Special Value Value Caption Color
[0047] FIGS. 2F-2I depict exemplary schema data structures that can
be used with data of the data tables as part of providing a
visualization environment that includes a time line representation.
In an embodiment, the data, together with a number of properties
that define a view of the data, can be exposed by the schema of
FIG. 2F. As shown, the schema can be used to define input data for
a time line visualization, including using a table for various
visualization types including a transaction type, a special date
type, and/or a special value type. A sample for a special date
would the `Workdate` in an accounting scenario, simply `Today` or
any other date that will be marked in the visualization with a
name. A sample for special value would be "Reorder point", "Minimum
stock level", "Maximum stock level", where each special value of an
embodiment can be drawn as a colored horizontal line including a
label (see FIG. 3I).
[0048] As shown in FIG. 2F, an exemplary transaction element
provides a list of transactions that include the level of a
visualized measure, together with changes in amount and/or
schedule. That is, a transaction can be described as an event that
influences the amount of a measure over time. An exemplary
transaction occurs at a certain date and/or time and influences an
associated amount by a certain quantity. An exemplary special date
element provides a list of special dates shown as vertical
background area for a day with a vertical title caption. An
exemplary special value element provides a list of special values
as horizontal colored background lines with a horizontal title
caption.
[0049] FIG. 2G depicts a further breakdown of an exemplary schema
for the transaction element.
[0050] FIG. 2H depicts a further breakdown of the exemplary schema
for the special date and special value elements.
[0051] In one embodiment, components of environment 200 uses a
command document to effectuate control of an underlying
visualization. The command document can be illustrated using a
string in the following exemplary format:
[0052] `Command:`+[Command]+`,`+[RefNo]+`,`+[Parameter]
[0053] This format assumes that neither [Command], nor [RefNo], nor
[Parameter] may contain a `,` character. In one embodiment, RefNo
is a unique application defined value used to reference a document
that represents a transaction.
[0054] Table 4 includes a number of exemplary supported values for
[Command].
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 4 Command Description Parameter "clear"
Command that tells the No parameter used. visualization to clear
all data. "delete" Command that tells the RefNo of the data
visualization to delete a data point. point. "reschedule" Command
that tells the Parameter: RefNo of visualization to reschedule a
the data point. data point. Parameter: New date. "revertchanges"
Command that tells the Parameter: RefNo of visualization to revert
to the data point. Original Quantity and Original Date.
"changequantity" Command that tells the Parameter: RefNo of
visualization to change a data the data point. point's amount.
Parameter: New amount. "setcurrent" Command that tells the
Parameter: RefNo of visualization to set the the data point.
Current data point.
[0055] A visualization add-in component can use one or more events
as part of rendering a time line visualization. For example, a
trigger (e.g., OnControlAddIn trigger) of a hosting field on a page
can be called with one or more event types. Table 5 lists a number
of exemplary events used as part of a call as part of providing a
visualization.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 5 `Index`: Event ID Description `Data`:
Parameter 100 Changed data: e.g., User may XML Document of all have
rescheduled and/or changes changed quantity. 101 Selected point has
changed: RefID of the changed data User has selected a different
point interactive data point 102 Data point has activated: RefID of
the changed data Typically when a user has point double clicked a
data point 999 A command has been NONE processed.
[0056] The changed data event (100) can be sent for each user
interaction that changes some aspect of a time line representation.
For example, event `100` can be used to track a user drag operation
with an interactive data point, and/or through actions in the
point/free area context menu. In one embodiment, an event `100` can
be fired when a user changes a data point interactively (e.g.,
dragging or through context menu) and/or a first time an
interactive series is provided and/or displayed. In one embodiment,
the Data parameter of the event contains only the changes and the
references to the changed or adjusted data points, and does not
contain the data points that have not been changed from either
original amount or original date and are not a new supply. The data
contains all of the changes, regardless whether the changes
resulted from an end user or have already been sent as transactions
for an associated visualization. In one embodiment, the application
of server 202 can e.g. use the value in ChangeRefNo in the input
transaction data to indicate a reference to an "Action Message" or
other change activity, in order to track changes imparted by the
user on top of a change message by the application.
[0057] FIG. 2I depicts an exemplary schema for the transaction
changes element for a time line visualization. For example, the
schema can be used to process changes sent from client 204 to
server 202 as part of providing a visualization interface that
includes an interactive time line representation. For example, the
event `100` signifies that data has changed, such that the Data
parameter follows the data schema of FIG. 2I. As shown, the changes
element contains a combination of changes to a transaction. In one
embodiment, the changes element contains one or more of a new type,
deleted type, supply changes type, rescheduled type, and/or
reverted type.
[0058] FIGS. 3A-3H depict aspects of an exemplary visualization
interface 300, including an interactive time line representation.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the visualization interface 300 of an
embodiment includes a step line graphical representation 302,
filters 304-310, and a data value list area 312. For this example,
the user is using the visualization interface 300 to example
projected bicycle inventory over a given frame of time. As shown in
FIG. 3A, the user has used filter 304 to select item number "1000"
to interactively view various data visualizations for the bicycle
inventory. In one embodiment, the visualization interface 300 can
be included as part of a client server operational architecture,
wherein a client component uses the visualization interface 300 to
display data visualizations based in part on one or more complex
data sets provided and/or managed by a serving computer.
[0059] In an embodiment, the step line graphical representation 302
of the visualization interface 300 can be used in part to visualize
comparisons with target levels, including interacting with aspects
of the step line graphical representation to identify consequences
of changes/inputs. For example, a user can move adjustable data
points forward in time, backward in time, to a higher value or
values, and/or to a lower value or values. In one embodiment,
adjustable data points of the step line graphical representation
302 can be depicted in a certain color (e.g., green for adjustable,
red for unadjustable), wherein one or more visual change indicators
or symbols (e.g., visual change indicator 314), including distinct
colors and/or shapes, can be rendered in the step line graphical
representation 302 to represent that a data point has been changed
or modified, whether by the visualization system or user.
[0060] If the user hovers over an adjustable data point (e.g., a
green circle/dot symbol), information associated with the data
value is presented to the user. For example, a hover operation over
an adjustable data point can operate to provide a pop up a pane of
information regarding how much an associated data point has been
moved forward, backward, increased and/or decreased. As described
below, a user can adjust adjustable data points and obtain
information about the changes (e.g., hover operation), while also
undoing certain changes (e.g., right click to open drop down with
undo option). As shown, exemplary visual change indicator 314
informs the user that a new supply has been added on this date.
Moving forward in time from this point highlights additional supply
added, as shown by the visual change indicators.
[0061] With continuing reference to FIG. 3A, in addition to
filtering options 304-310, the user has a number of available step
line viewing or data population options 316-320 within the step
line graphical representation 302 that can be selected/deselected
to populate/depopulate the visualization interface 300 with
associated data. In one embodiment, the options include a "booked
transactions" option 316, a "with forecast" option 318, and a "with
changes" option 320. Booked transactions data of an embodiment
reflects actual realized transactions, whereas forecast data may or
may not represent a realized scenario.
[0062] The changes data of one embodiment reflects changes to the
step line graphical representation 302 resulting from interactive
user inputs to adjustable step line portions or an associated
resource planning system or application (e.g., new inventory added
for an item). For this example, the changes data is plotted to
reflect suggestions to improve future sales based in part on the
booked transaction data. For example, the increased supply shown in
FIG. 3A may be a result of an addition of extra inventory in an
effort to increase the number of booked transactions. For example,
a resource planning engine can be programmed with business logic in
attempts to maximize profit over some time period for some product
or service. A user can use the suggested changes provided by the
planning engine to determine whether to change a purchase time to
obtain a better price to potentially allow affording more bicycles
for current and future stock.
[0063] For this example, a user has selected the "booked
transactions" option 316 and "with changes" option 320, shown by
first step line representation 322 and second step line
representation 324, respectively. In one embodiment, upon selecting
the "with changes" option 320, the step line graphical
representation 302 can be populated with the second step line
representation 324, wherein the step line and step portions are
colored with a first type of distinguishing color (e.g., green).
According to the example of FIG. 3A, the step line graphical
representation 302 tracks projected bicycle inventory over a
partial year span. For this example, selecting the "with changes"
option 320 provides an overview of changing bicycle supply
parameters over the given time span.
[0064] As described above, in one embodiment, each step line
representation can include a colored line and/or corresponding fill
color for the various step portions to readily distinguish the
different tracking measures based in part on user selection of one
or more of step line data population options 316-320. A user can
use the visualization interface 300 to quickly determine success or
failure and of a current plan or strategy, making adjustments
according to realistic and/or sensible goals. A user can use the
dynamic interactive nature of the step line graphical
representation 302 to adjust adjustable data points (e.g., green
icons), while receiving step line feedback (e.g., automatic
leveling adjustments), in attempting to perfect or maximize results
of some plan or action.
[0065] As the user interacts with aspects of the step line
graphical representation 302 and/or planning engine provides
updates or modifications, data within the data value list area 312
is automatically adjusted to represent any changes along with
re-rendering of points and/or portions of the second step line
representation 324. Due in part to the graphical visualization
features, an end user immediately notices the ramp up in inventory
over the period of time. The user can hover over one or more of the
symbolic icons (e.g., visual indicator 314) to obtain further
information about a data point or portion. For example, a user can
hover over visual indicator 314 to bring up a pop-up pane that
includes information pertaining to the inventory item of June 26.
For adjustable data points, a control pane can also be provided to
indicate permitted user action with a particular adjustable point
(see FIG. 3H for example).
[0066] FIG. 3B depicts the visualization interface 300 after the
user has used filter 304 to visualize projected inventory for a
power bike being offered for sale, depicted as step line
representation 330. It will be appreciated that different types of
data and/or categories of goods and/or services can be presented in
the visualization interface 300, depending in part on the
underlying data sources and/or relevant schema used with the
visualization data. For this example, the user has selected the
"booked transactions" option 316 to obtain a current overview of
success of the product, also viewed as demand for the item.
[0067] Based in part on such a visualization overview, the user can
mold strategies based on marketing and/or product focus changes to
optimize the bottom line. Due in part to the graphical
visualization features of the step line graphical representation
302 and step line representation 330, an end user immediately
notices important periods of time for the inventory item. For this
example, the user important can observe both positive and negative
milestones affecting the power bike's value to the business as
depicted in the step line representation 330. The user has chosen
to hide data value list area 312, represented in part by the
expansion arrow 332. The negative step portions 334-340 represent
potentially significant periods in time that may require additional
attention and analysis by the user to ascertain the underlying
cause or causes driving the negative nature of the step portions.
Likewise, positive step portions 342-350 represent potentially
significant periods in time that may require additional attention
and analysis by the user to ascertain the underlying cause or
causes driving the positive nature of the step portions.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 3C, the user has also selected the "with
changes" option 320 to display step line representation 354 as part
of gaining further insight into the nature of the data and effects
thereon. As shown, for this example, positive step portions 356-370
represent positive number of power bikes in the supply for the
given time period. FIG. 3C also depicts a number of visual change
indicators 372-382 that provide immediate visual change information
as to changes made to or associated with the associated adjustable
data points.
[0069] Visual change indicator 372 includes an upward pointing
arrow to indicate that the coupled data point has been adjusted
upward to a higher value. Visual change indicator 374 includes a
left pointing arrow and a downward pointing arrow to indicate that
the coupled data point has been adjusted backward in time and to a
lower value. Visual change indicators 376 and 380 include an
asterisk symbol to indicate that new supply has been added, either
by the end user or planning system, for the coupled data points
respectively. Visual change indicator 378 includes a downward
pointing arrow to indicate that the coupled data point has been
adjusted to a lower value. Visual change indicator 382 includes a
right pointing arrow and an upward pointing arrow to indicate that
the coupled data point has been adjusted forward in time and to a
higher value. As discussed above, a user can hover over any of the
indicators to obtain details regarding particular changes and/or
make further adjustments to an adjustable data point or points.
[0070] FIG. 3D depicts the step line graphical representation 302
after the user has used an input device (e.g., mouse, touch screen,
etc.) to scroll to a different point in time, while zooming in on
particular period of time and/or a particular span of data values.
Some of the visual change indicators are also shown in more detail.
A new type of visual change indicator 384 is shown which, for this
example, is rendered as an outlined diamond. In one embodiment, the
visual change indicator 384 represents a forecast value for a point
in time and is filled with a certain color (e.g., yellow). The
highlighted value is immediately recognized as a forecast value
based on the shape and/or color, providing useful information to
the user for further use and/or adjustment of business parameters.
A forecast of one embodiment can be considered as a type of a
virtual demand that demands portions that have not yet booked.
[0071] FIG. 3E depicts the step line graphical representation 302
after the user has used an input device to zoom in further on the
scene.
[0072] FIG. 3F depicts the step line graphical representation 302
after the user has used an input device to zoom and pan to another
portion of the step line graphical representation 302.
[0073] FIG. 3G depicts the step line graphical representation 302
after the user has used an input device to zoom further into the
step line graphical representation 302.
[0074] FIG. 3H depicts an exemplary pop up interface 386 that
includes interaction options for interacting with an adjustable
data point of the step line graphical representation 302. For
example, a user can right-click to access macro functions for
interactive charting, including create, read, update, and delete
(CRUD) operations. An automatic adjustment function of one
embodiment operates to automatically change a supply to balance
inventory until the next supply.
[0075] FIG. 3I depicts a step line graphical representation 390 for
a touring bicycle depicting special values 392 (overfill warning)
and 394 (reorder level) and special dates 396 (special sale starts)
and 398 (special sale ends).
[0076] FIGS. 4A-4C depict aspects of an exemplary visualization
interface 400 including an interactive time line representation
tracking projected inventory for a type of racing ski. As shown in
FIG. 4A, the user has selected the "booked transactions" 402 and
"with forecast" 404 plotting options. As shown, a visual indicator
406 provides a user with a visual forecast indication. For example,
the diamond shaped visual indicator 406 can be used to alert a user
to a situation based in part on an assumption that some event will
occur on the associated date.
[0077] FIG. 4B depicts the exemplary visualization interface 400
including interactive time line representations after the user has
selected the with forecast" 404 and "with changes" 408 plotting
options. As shown, exemplary visualization interface 400 is
displaying another type of a visual indicator 410 that provides a
user with deleted supply indication. The user can peruse the
visualization data from left to right or vice versa to attain an
understanding of changes made to adjustable data points as provided
by the various visual change indicators.
[0078] FIG. 4C depicts the exemplary visualization interface 400
after the user has used an input device to zoom in on a different
period of time as part of analyzing data using features of the
visualization. Certain visual change indicators are shown in more
detail. As described above, negative step portions of a time line
representation can provide a key indication of a particular
situation. For example, a negative step may represent some factual
scenario that dramatically affects the bottom line of a particular
product and/or service.
[0079] FIG. 5 depicts a functional block diagram of exemplary
computing environment 500 including client, server, and developer
components used in part to provide data visualization features. The
client 502, server 504, and developer component 506 are used to
provide interactive time line visualizations. As shown for the
exemplary environment 500, the developer component 506 provides
register add-ins to the database 508.
[0080] The developer component 506 of one embodiment defines field
properties 510, application language code or logic 512, and
compiler 514 used in part to compile add-in compatibility with
server 504. As shown, database 508 includes sys table and at least
one page (PageX). The server 504 of one embodiment includes a
business runtime 516, an AddIn repository 518, and compiled code
520, but is not so limited. The client 502 of one embodiment
includes client AddIn repository 522 and AddInDefinition component
524, but is not so limited. As shown, Page `X` data structure is
populated using local content if it exists, otherwise the client
displays an error to download the add-in code.
[0081] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process
600 of providing a time line data visualization including visual
controls and attention garnering/attracting features, but is not so
limited. At 602, the process 600 begins when a client application
is executed, providing a visualization interface that includes an
interactive time line representation that can include one or more
step portions, rendered with color and/or fill features to further
distinguish. For example, the client can integrate with a
server-based visualization application to provide visualization
features for use in ascertaining forecasts and/or other issues
associated with complex data sets. At 604, the process 600 operates
to identify one or more data sources containing data to be used to
populate visualization data structures. For example, a client user
can select one or more types of data (e.g., booked data, change
data, forecast data, etc.) to visualize using the interactive time
line representation.
[0082] At 606, the process 600 provides select time line portions
based in part on the one or more selected data types. For example,
as part of using a visualization interface, the user may check
interface boxes to display booked transaction data and forecast
data to ascertain trends and/or highlight data transactions using
the visualization interface. At 608, the process 600 operates to
update the graphical visualization based in part on changes made to
one or more adjustable data points of the interactive time line
representation. For example, a user may adjust multiple adjustable
data points of one or more time line portions, wherein changes made
can be symbolized with symbolic representations to highlight types
of changes made.
[0083] The process 600 of one embodiment uses color and fill
effects, along with a number of visual change indicators, as part
of dynamically updating displayed step line portions as a user
interacts with data points within a visualization to identify
various issues (e.g., profit, loss, gain, orders, sales, need to
change items/processes, etc.). While a certain number and order of
operations is described for the exemplary flow of FIG. 6, it will
be appreciated that other numbers and/or orders can be used
according to desired implementations and other embodiments are
available.
[0084] FIG. 7 depicts a number of exemplary visual symbols or
indicators 702-720. As shown, visual change indicator 702 is used
to indicate that a transaction has been canceled/deleted such that
it does not influence the amount. Visual change indicator 704 is
used to indicate that a transaction has been decreased in quantity.
Visual change indicator 706 is used to indicate that a transaction
has been decreased in quantity and also scheduled earlier in
date/time. Visual change indicator 708 is used to indicate that a
transaction has been decreased in quantity and also scheduled later
in date/time. Visual change indicator 710 is used to indicate that
a transaction has been scheduled earlier in date/time.
[0085] Visual change indicator 712 is used to indicate that a
transaction has been scheduled later in date/time. Visual change
indicator 714 is used to indicate that a new transaction has been
created with the quantity and at the date/time as shown as part of
an interactive time line visualization. Visual change indicator 716
is used to indicate that a transaction has been increased in
quantity. Visual change indicator 718 is used to indicate that a
transaction has been increased in quantity and also scheduled
earlier in date/time. Visual change indicator 720 is used to
indicate that a transaction has been increased in quantity and also
scheduled later in date/time.
[0086] While certain embodiments are described herein, other
embodiments are available, and the described embodiments should not
be used to limit the claims. Exemplary communication environments
for the various embodiments can include the use of secure networks,
unsecure networks, hybrid networks, and/or some other network or
combination of networks. By way of example, and not limitation, the
environment can include wired media such as a wired network or
direct-wired connection, and/or wireless media such as acoustic,
radio frequency (RF), infrared, and/or other wired and/or wireless
media and components. In addition to computing systems, devices,
etc., various embodiments can be implemented as a computer process
(e.g., a method), an article of manufacture, such as a computer
program product or computer readable media, computer readable
storage medium, and/or as part of various communication
architectures.
[0087] The term computer readable media as used herein may include
computer storage media. Computer storage media may include volatile
and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in
any method or technology for storage of information, such as
computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
or other data. System memory, removable storage, and non-removable
storage are all computer storage media examples (i.e., memory
storage.). Computer storage media may include, but is not limited
to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM),
flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile
disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic
tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or
any other medium which can be used to store information and which
can be accessed by a computing device. Any such computer storage
media may be part of device.
[0088] Communication media may be embodied by computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a
modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. A modulated
data signal may describe a signal that has one or more
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communication media may include wired media such as a wired network
or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic,
RF, infrared, and other wireless media.
[0089] The embodiments and examples described herein are not
intended to be limiting and other embodiments are available.
Moreover, the components described above can be implemented as part
of networked, distributed, and/or other computer-implemented
environment. The components can communicate via a wired, wireless,
and/or a combination of communication networks. Network components
and/or couplings between components of can include any of a type,
number, and/or combination of networks and the corresponding
network components include, but are not limited to, wide area
networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area
networks (MANs), proprietary networks, backend networks, etc.
[0090] Client computing devices/systems and servers can be any type
and/or combination of processor-based devices or systems.
Additionally, server functionality can include many components and
include other servers. Components of the computing environments
described in the singular tense may include multiple instances of
such components. While certain embodiments include software
implementations, they are not so limited and encompass hardware, or
mixed hardware/software solutions. Other embodiments and
configurations are available.
Exemplary Operating Environment
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 8, the following discussion is
intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
computing environment in which embodiments of the invention may be
implemented. While the invention will be described in the general
context of program modules that execute in conjunction with program
modules that run on an operating system on a personal computer,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may also
be implemented in combination with other types of computer systems
and program modules.
[0092] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
components, data structures, and other types of structures that
perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data
types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
invention may be practiced with other computer system
configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may
also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks
are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through
a communications network. In a distributed computing environment,
program modules may be located in both local and remote memory
storage devices.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 8, an illustrative operating
environment for embodiments of the invention will be described. As
shown in FIG. 8, computer 2 comprises a general purpose desktop,
laptop, handheld, or other type of computer capable of executing
one or more application programs. The computer 2 includes at least
one central processing unit 8 ("CPU"), a system memory 12,
including a random access memory 18 ("RAM") and a read-only memory
("ROM") 20, and a system bus 10 that couples the memory to the CPU
8. A basic input/output system containing the basic routines that
help to transfer information between elements within the computer,
such as during startup, is stored in the ROM 20. The computer 2
further includes a mass storage device 14 for storing an operating
system 24, application programs, and other program modules.
[0094] The mass storage device 14 is connected to the CPU 8 through
a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to the bus 10. The
mass storage device 14 and its associated computer-readable media
provide non-volatile storage for the computer 2. Although the
description of computer-readable media contained herein refers to a
mass storage device, such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, it should
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable
media can be any available media that can be accessed or utilized
by the computer 2.
[0095] By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable
media may comprise computer storage media and communication media.
Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,
EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology,
CD-ROM, digital versatile disks ("DVD"), or other optical storage,
magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other
magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to
store the desired information and which can be accessed by the
computer 2.
[0096] According to various embodiments of the invention, the
computer 2 may operate in a networked environment using logical
connections to remote computers through a network 4, such as a
local network, the Internet, etc. for example. The computer 2 may
connect to the network 4 through a network interface unit 16
connected to the bus 10. It should be appreciated that the network
interface unit 16 may also be utilized to connect to other types of
networks and remote computing systems. The computer 2 may also
include an input/output controller 22 for receiving and processing
input from a number of other devices, including a keyboard, mouse,
etc. (not shown). Similarly, an input/output controller 22 may
provide output to a display screen, a printer, or other type of
output device.
[0097] As mentioned briefly above, a number of program modules and
data files may be stored in the mass storage device 14 and RAM 18
of the computer 2, including an operating system 24 suitable for
controlling the operation of a networked personal computer, such as
the WINDOWS operating systems from MICROSOFT CORPORATION of
Redmond, Wash. The mass storage device 14 and RAM 18 may also store
one or more program modules. In particular, the mass storage device
14 and the RAM 18 may store application programs, such as word
processing, spreadsheet, drawing, e-mail, and other applications
and/or program modules, etc.
[0098] It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the
present invention can be implemented (1) as a sequence of computer
implemented acts or program modules running on a computing system
and/or (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit
modules within the computing system. The implementation is a matter
of choice dependent on the performance requirements of the
computing system implementing the invention. Accordingly, logical
operations including related algorithms can be referred to
variously as operations, structural devices, acts or modules. It
will be recognized by one skilled in the art that these operations,
structural devices, acts and modules may be implemented in
software, firmware, special purpose digital logic, and any
combination thereof without deviating from the spirit and scope of
the present invention as recited within the claims set forth
herein.
[0099] Although the invention has been described in connection with
various exemplary embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art
will understand that many modifications can be made thereto within
the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not
intended that the scope of the invention in any way be limited by
the above description, but instead be determined entirely by
reference to the claims that follow.
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