WO2014094895A1 - Method and system for visualizing and manipulating graphic charts - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein relates, in general, to visualizing and manipulating graphic charts. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method, a computer program product and a server for visualizing graphic charts to one or more users.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VISUALIZING AND MANIPULATING GRAPHIC CHARTS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein relates, in general, to visualizing and manipulating graphic charts. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method, a computer program product and a server for visualizing graphic charts and for manipulating these charts by one or more users.

BACKGROUND

Graphics are an extremely effective way to communicate information, and a variety of graphical charts have been developed to visualize data. Some of the more popular graphic chart types are pie charts, vertical bar charts, horizontal bar charts, data plot charts, line trend charts, bubble charts, and so on. Each of these chart types displays data in a different manner in an attempt to improve data visualization and user recognition of data relationships. Such graphical charts have been adopted by many different software systems that deal with data visualization.

Graphic charts are means to visually present categorical numeric values or data sets so that ratios and other relationships between them can easily be determined. Graphic charts are typically generated using computer spreadsheet programs where data sets are entered into an electronic spreadsheet of a computer spreadsheet program. The generated graphic chart can be modified by changing the information contained in the spreadsheet.

Document US 2005/0068320A1 discloses a method for creating and manipulating graphic charts, involving displaying graphic control devices that are controllable by user to change numeric values of devices, and displaying chart components to create graphic chart. The method involves displaying graphic control devices e.g. faders, that are controllable by a user to change numeric values of the devices.

The devices are related to a graphic chart, to be created so that the values correspond to chart components of the chart. The chart components are displayed to create the graphic chart. The displayed chart components visually represent the numeric values. However, there is a need of a better visualization of multiple graphic charts for data analysis. Data visualization should be more interactive. A user should be able to more easily create and modify the numeric values or data sets of graphic charts.

An additional concern is that it can be difficult for the user to recognize relationships between the data represented by the charts in real-time. Eventhough large data sets are provided to be analyzed. Visualizing graphic charts should be more transparent, clear and quicker interpretable. At the same time the visualizing display area should be more compact.

Another concern is that qualitatively analyzing graphic charts should take less time. A user should not switch back and forth repeatedly between different menu entries, tabs or windows in computer programs to create or manipulate data sets of graph charts.

In light of the above discussion, there is required a system and method that overcomes at least one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks in the prior art.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the invention concerns a method for visualizing graphic charts to one or more users, the method comprising :

- creating n variables, wherein n is three or more;

- creating multiple datasets, comprising data points representing a relation between a subset of said variables;

- creating one or more graphic charts each comprising a representation of one or more of said datasets;

- displaying said graphic charts on one or more display elements;

- manipulating a dataset in a graphic chart,

wherein a mathematical model is created, said relations between said datasets are determined by said mathematic model and said datasets and graphic charts are accordingly updated when manipulated.

It is advantageous that by manipulating a dataset in a graphic chart, all other datasets will be recalculated according to the mathematical model. The datasets and graphic charts will be directly updated. To manipulate graph charts it suffices to manipulate the datasets represented in the graph charts, whereby this manipulation will directly update all other represented datasets in the graph charts. The datasets are created and modified with in the graphic charts themselves. This is more user friendly. Also, this leads to more transparent, clear, less complex, more compact graphic charts. Therefore, analyzing or interpreting the data takes less time. It allows users to more quickly predict or interpret data, e.g. with what-if analyses.

An embodiment of the invention includes a computer program product using a computing device connected to a server via a network, the computer program product comprising at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portions comprising instructions to perform method steps for visualizing graphic charts and for manipulating these charts by one or more users.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a database server using a computing device connected to the server via a network, the server comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor configured to perform method steps for visualizing graphic charts and for manipulating these charts by one or more users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an environment required for functioning of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2.1 is a swimlane flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of a user log in to the application, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2.2 is a swimlane flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of data interaction of the application, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of drawing a dataset in a graph chart, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary method of visualizing and manipulating graphic charts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 (i.e. Figures 5.1 to 5.4) is an overview of exemplary graph charts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary method of visualizing and manipulating graphic charts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 (i.e. Figures 7.1 to 7.5) is an overview of exemplary graph charts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.

There may be additional structures described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a structure is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes apparatus components and method steps to describe systems and methods for visualizing graphic charts and for manipulating these charts by one or more users. Accordingly, the apparatus components and the method steps have been represented, wherever appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention. Only the specific details are shown so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with an ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. While the specification concludes with the claims defining the features of the present invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ variously the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, rather they provide a better understanding of the description of the present invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "another", as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. In a first aspect, the invention concerns a method for visualizing graphic charts to one or more users, the method comprising :

- creating n variables, wherein n is three or more;

- creating multiple datasets, comprising data points representing a relation between a subset of said variables;

- creating one or more graphic charts each comprising a representation of one or more of said datasets;

- displaying said graphic charts on one or more display elements;

- manipulating a dataset in a graphic chart,

wherein a mathematical model is created, said relations between said datasets are determined by said mathematic model and said datasets and graphic charts are accordingly updated when manipulated.

It is advantageous that by manipulating a dataset in a graphic chart, all other datasets will be recalculated according to the mathematical model. The datasets and graphic charts will be directly updated. To manipulate graph charts it suffices to manipulate the datasets represented in the graph charts, whereby this manipulation will directly update all other represented datasets in the graph charts. The datasets are created and modified with in the graphic charts themselves. This is more user friendly. Also, this leads to more transparent, clear, less complex, more compact graphic charts. Therefore, analyzing or interpreting the data takes less time. It allows users to more quickly predict or interpret data, e.g. with what-if analyses.

An embodiment of the invention includes a computer program product using a computing device connected to a server via a network, the computer program product comprising at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portions comprising instructions to perform method steps for visualizing graphic charts and for manipulating these charts by one or more users.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a database server using a computing device connected to the server via a network, the server comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor configured to perform method steps for visualizing graphic charts and for manipulating these charts by one or more users.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises adding or deleting a dataset. This allows a user to dynamically change and modify datasets form graph charts.

In a preferred embodiment, creating or adding a dataset, comprises drawing a line on a displayed graphic chart by touch, mouse, sound, gestures or speech. This allows the user a more user friendly and quicker way of creating or adding datasets.

In a preferred embodiment, said mathematic model meets the following requirements:

- v conditions are imposed between said n variables;

- (n-v) is the maximum amount of free variables;

- any of said (n-v) free variables can be chosen out of said n variables;

- and the other v variables can be calculated on a 1-to-l correspondence according the v conditions.

With the term "free variable", it is meant that in said mathematical model, a maximum number of free variables can be freely chosen at the same time independently from the other variables. In an exemplary embodiment, said mathematical model is a linear model of n variables, where it is known that v linear independent conditions give rise to (n-v) free variables.

In a preferred embodiment, each data set of a graphic chart represents a relation between two variables. It is advantageous as two-dimensional charts are common and easy and quickly interpretable.

In a preferred embodiment, a dataset in a graphic chart is manipulated by moving a data point of a graphic chart to a desired position on said graphic chart by touch, mouse, sound, gestures or speech. This allows the user to manipulate graph charts in an easier, more user friendly, quicker and simpler way.

In a preferred embodiment, nearby data points of said manipulated data point are manipulated by an extrapolation method. A multiple of datapoints, by preference neighbouring datapoints, can be manipulated at once.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more datasets in a graphic chart are manipulated by a multi-touch operation. A multiple of datasets or datapoints can be manipulated at once. This allows for a faster and more user friendly manipulation of datasets of graph charts.

In a preferred embodiment, a display element is provided by a computing device which is connected to a database server via a network. In a more preferred embodiment, a display element consists of an area on a screen of said computing device. It is advantageous as multiple users can view and/or manipulate remotely, in any place and at the same time. This increases user comfort and decreases analysis time. In an even more preferred embodiment, two or more display elements are displayed on said screen. This allows for a user to get a better overview on all variables and relations between them.

In a second aspect, the invention concerns a computer program product for visualizing graphic charts to one or more users using a computing device connected to a server via a network, the computer program product comprising at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portions comprising instructions for:

- creating n variables, wherein n is three or more;

- creating multiple datasets, comprising data points representing a relation between a subset of said variables;

- creating one or more graphic charts each comprising a representation of one or more of said datasets;

- displaying said graphic charts on one or more display elements;

- manipulating a dataset in a graphic chart,

wherein a mathematical model is created, said relations between said datasets are determined by said mathematic model and said datasets and graphic charts are accordingly updated when manipulated.

In a third aspect, the invention concerns a database server using a computing device connected to the server via a network, the server comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor configured to perform method steps for visualizing graphic charts and for manipulating these charts by one or more users.

FIGURE DESCRIPTION

The following description refers to the figures presented earlier in this document. This description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents. Figure 1 schematically shows an environment required for functioning of the present invention in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The highest level is illustrated (i.e. the least level of detail). The interactive graphing tool (101) can be accessed by multiple users (104), simultaneously and independently through a computer (103) or a touch device (102), like a tablet. Users access the tool over a network, like an intranet or the internet. The tool is presented to the user in a browser, which is a standalone browser or one integrated into the device. The browser preferably is Javascript enabled to be able to work with the invention. The tool is preferably built of HTML and Javascript, served by a webserver (105). The webserver accesses a database server (106) which can be on the same physical server or in the cloud . The database server delivers data for the application from a database (107). Figure 2.1 and 2.2 show swimlane flowcharts illustrating the data exchange between the database server (106), web server (105) and client device (102, 103) initiated by a user (104). Each vertical swimlane represents an actor in the model. The communication between these actors are illustrated. Figure 2.1 illustrates an exemplary method of a user log in to the application, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The upper part of the flowchart of Figure 2.1, including the 'login correct' decision, shows a relative standard login process. When the user has successfully authenticated himself, he is presented a screen in which he can choose a model to use. The HTML ("hypertext markup language"), CSS ("cascading style sheets") and JS ("Javascript") is served to the client device by the webserver. The client device renders this information to the screen.

Figure 2.2 illustrates an exemplary method of data interaction of the application, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It shows the data flows of model interactions caused by the user. The user is able to draw data with his input device (e.g. IE mouse, finger(s), sound, gestures). This data can be a single point that is inserted, changed or deleted, or a series of points at once. The client devices registers this input and pushes this data (via e.g. AJAX, Asynchornous Javascript And XML) to the webserver. The webserver in turn will request data from the database server to calculate changes to the model and then combines this data, generates updated HTML/CSS/JS and serves this to the client as a response to the original AJAX request. The client device renders this updated data (HTML/CSS/JS) to the screen. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of drawing a dataset in a graph chart, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Once the application is rendered to the client devices' screen (301), the application is ready to receive mouse and/or touch events. In this process we explain how a user can enter data in the graph area by using his input device. Once the mouse cursor is positioned over the area where the graph can be drawn (302), the application triggers a process once the user clicks (303) the primary mouse button. This action can also be performed on a touch device by touching (touchstart event) the screen in the same area (303). The application calculates the x and y values for the axis relative to the clicked (or touched) position. If the mouse button is released, without moving at least 1 step on the x axis, a single point is entered en visualised in the graph (304 and 305). Related data, tables and graphs in the application are immediately updated (307). If the mouse button is not released, but instead the user moves the cursor, new x and y values for the current position are calculated and entered into the graph area (306). This action is terminated when all possible points on the x axis are entered or when the mouse button is released (mouseup or touchend event). Again all related data, tables and graphs in the application are immediately updated (307).

EXAMPLE 1

A first example to illustrate an embodiment of the invention, concerns a template for an advertisement model.

In prior art an advertisement model such as Google Adwords (GA) is known. GA is using different parameters to calculate the cost for a campaign. By making a combination of statistics, the history, auctions and other parameters they are able to offer advertisements who are reasonable in price and who are effective. The price can also vary in price depending the demand of the market, the behavior of the visitors, etc. This model for the users is still very complex en not really user friendly. Their advertisement template is built in a very static way and cannot called interactive. The services gives feedback or provided extra information so you can determine which kind of campaign would give you the highest ROI ("return on investment"), but this is always a one way direction. If the user wants to adjust their campaign they have to follow it carefully. There is not an easy and certainly not an interactive way to do this.

The invention offers a possible solution for the lack of interactivity that is inherent on the present system used by the GA model. This example uses graphic charts that represent the different values and make them interactive to each other. If you change a value in one graphic chart or table the values in the other graphic charts or tables adjust their values accordingly. This works in a 2 way direction. The example that we use is a simplified advertisement model of an adword like system. The advertisement model uses 3 variables as basis for the advertisement campaign : budget, CPC ("cost per click") and word position. Figure 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of the exemplary advertisement model for visualizing and manipulating graphic charts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows an overview of graph charts, in accordance with the diagrammatic illustration.

Graphic chart A (401) shows:

• x-axis days of the week • y-axis daily budget

• black line is daily budget

Graphic chart B (402) shows:

· x-axis days of the week

• y-axis is CPC value

• black line is CPC for specific word choice/combination

• the relation between CPC and Word Position is generated by historical statistics.

Graphic chart C (403) shows:

• x-axis days of the week

• y-axis word position

· black line is Word Position for specific word choice/combination

• the Word position is depending of the CPC

• the Word Position decreases if the budget is exceeded

Graphic chart D (404) shows:

· x-axis days of the week

• y-axis daily budget

• black line is campaign line

• dashed line is daily Clicks for specific word choice/combination or the analytics of the history

Graphic chart A (401): daily budget (See Figure 5.1)

E.g. the users want to spent 300 USD over a period of 30 days, the monthly budget is spread equally per day. In this example this equals 10 USD per day. After the monthly and therefore the daily budget has been set, it can be modified per day by manipulation the line of the graphic chart by finger or mouse. The values after the point of manipulation will be adjusted accordingly. If the values are being raised in such a way that the maximum budget is reached before the end of the period (30 day's) the max value of raising is limited to a value that is a summation of the daily budgets on this day and before. The result is that the days after which the maximum has been reached the daily budget is set on zero.

Graphic chart B (402): CPC (Cost per Click) (See Figure 5.2)

This determines the cost per click of the advertisement itself. The cost of the advertisement has been determined by things such as the position (on top, as a banner, etc) and the position compared to the other advertisers. If the CPC is e.g. 1 USD per click the daily budget gets reduced by 1 USD every 5 times a viewer clicks on the advertisement. In this example the number of possible clicks on the advertisement is max 10 per day. If the CPC is raised to 2 USD, only 5 clicks per day are possible for the advertisement.

Graphic chart C (403): word position (See Figure 5.3)

This chart shows the position of the word in the results list of the search engine. This is the result of module 405. The influence of the budget is limited to the fact that the influence of the CPC and the auction stops from the moment the budget for that day is completely consumed.

Graphic chart D (404): campaign line (See Figure 5.4)

This is the average of graphic charts A, B and C. In the same graphic chart (404) a second line is integrated that represents the analytics of the previous days. This is an historical viewers line only and therefore a static line that cannot be manipulated.

By manipulating the campaign line one of the other 2 graphic charts will be manipulated according to user preference (only Graphic chart A (401) or only graphic chart B (402) or both.

If the campaign line has been raised and graphic chart A (401) is selected this means that only the daily limits are being raised for the days that the campaign line has been raised accordingly. In this case it's been programmed that the total budget will be raised in the same proportion as the total adjustment. E.g. if the budget line has been raised under influence of the campaign line 2 days in a row for a total of 10 USD the total budget will be raised with 10 USD. In this case the total budget will be raised up to 310 USD. The campaign line can be lowered again to the original value of 30 by manipulating the line in graphic chart A (401). In case the preference has been set for the budget to be locked this means that graphic chart B (402) will be adjusted if the campaign line is manipulated. If in this case the campaign line has been raised this means that only the value of the CPC's is being raised for the days that the campaign line has been raised accordingly. The result is that number of possible clicks is reduced for the same budget. Within this example the present day is Saturday. All info before this day cannot be adjusted any more. All info on this day and for days after can be manipulated. This applies to all involved graphic charts. In this model the line in graphic chart C is the result of the calculation of module (405). This module is a combination of a calculator, database and auction . This module receives information from graphic chart B in one way in combination with the basic settings of the campaign. The model's output provides the information for graphic chart C (403). i variables comprise :

• A = Budget (401)

• B = Max CPC (402)

• C =Clicks (403)

• D = Word Position (404)

• E = Conversion P. Click/Roi (405)

Conditions of the mathematical model comprise :

• (406) If the budget is zero no CPC is given

Budget = Click x Max CPC (by estimate)

Click is a historical element

• (407) Estimated Word Position, given CPC

• (408) Given Word Position, Conversion per Click is generated

Campaign result versus forecast, budget or CPC can be changed

• (409) Campaign budget limits the ROI

• (410) Campaig n budget multiplied by clicks is limited budget

• (411) a given CPC estimates the probability of the Word Position (C) given the word history and statistics

The advantage of this model compared to systems such as adwords is the interactivity and simplicity for the users. If graphic chart D is shown on a portal site the user can evaluate and modify his campaign in real time. If the user wants to adjust his campaign in detail he can manipulate the graphic charts A, B and C individually e.g . after login.

EXAMPLE 2

A second example to illustrate an embodiment of the invention, concerns a retirement planning model for the financial service sector.

Retirement planning is complex, as there is frequent interaction between multiple factors, such as investments, life expectancy, savings, retirement payments, and capital gains. Through careful planning, capital gains are built up over a number of years (normally during years of employment) sufficiently enough to allow for ongoing (monthly) payments during the years of retirement.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of the exemplary retirement planning model for visualizing and manipulating graphic charts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 shows an overview of graph charts, in accordance with the diagrammatic illustration.

Figure 6 shows the relationship between the main factors or variables. These variables are:

• AA (501) = Annual Savings

• BB (502) = Stock Prices

• CC (503) = Annual pension premium payment

• DD (504) = Life Expectancy (Male)

· EE (505) = Pension Capital/Return on Investment

All variables AA (501), BB (502), CC (503), and DD (504) have a relation with EE (505). This means that any change in any of these variables impacts EE (505). Optimizing EE (505) as part of retirement planning can be done by changing either AA (501), BB (502), CC (503), DD (504) or any combination. Modifying EE (505) (505) is possible, however a choice must be made to what extend one or more of the other variables will be adjusted. When using retirement planning model, the user can select which variables need to be displayed in a graph. Once these graphs have been set up in the screen, the user can start to optimize retirement planning.

Graph AA (501): Annual Savings. (See Figure 7.1)

The user can reflect his assumption on the level of (annual) premium to be paid by one stroke with the mouse or finger movement in the graph.

By a simple movement of the mouse or finger the premium can be set first time (from scratch) or later adjusted in either one direction, up or down, or backwards or forwards. Any change in AA (501) automatically impacts EE (505) and as such this is directly reflected in graph EE (505) .

Graph BB (502): Stock Prices. (See Figure 7.2)

The user can reflect his assumption on the level of (annual) stock price fluctuations by one stroke with the mouse or finger movement in the graph. By a simple movement of the mouse or finger the premium can be set first time (from scratch) or later adjusted in either one direction, up or down, or backwards or forwards. Any change in BB (502) automatically impacts EE (505) and as such this is directly reflected in graph EE (505) .

Graph CC (503): Annual pension payment. (See Figure 7.3)

The user can reflect the level of annual pension premium to be paid by one stroke with the mouse or finger movement in the graph. By a simple movement of the mouse or finger the payments can be set first time (from scratch) or later adjusted in either one direction, up or down, or backwards or forwards. Any change in CC (503) automatically impacts EE (505) and as such this is directly reflected in graph EE (505).

Graph DD (504): Life Expectancy (Male). (See Figure 7.4)

The user can reflect the level of mortality by one stroke with the mouse or finger movement in the graph. By a simple movement of the mouse or finger the Life Expectancy (mortality) can be set first time (from scratch) or later adjusted in either one direction, up or down, or backwards or forwards. Any change in DD (504) automatically impacts EE (505) and as such this is directly reflected in graph EE (505) .

Graph EE (505): Pension Capital/Return on Investment. (See Figure 7.5)

As a result of any change/update in graphs AA (501), BB (502), CC (503), and/or DD (504) the application automatically generates a graph for the Pension Capital/Return on Investment (EE (505) ). This provides the user with immediate insight whether or not the reached level of capital is sufficient enough to reach his goals of retirement planning. Correcting the level of EE (505) can be achieved by changing AA (501), BB (502), CC (503), and/or DD (504). A simple example is given of how the scenario testing works.

By drawing a line in Graph AA (501), Annual Savings is assumed to be the shape and the volume presented by this line: Scenario(l)

By drawing a line in Graph BB (502) : Stock Prices is assumed to be the shape and the volume presented by this line: Scenario(l)

Now you can look at Graph EE (505) and interpret the effect of given annual savings by given stock returns (or portfolio).

By drawing a line in Graph CC (503) : Annual pension payments is assumed to be the shape and the volume presented by this line: Scenario(l) Now you can look at Graph EE (505) and interpret the effect of given annual savings by given stock returns (or portfolio) and given annual pension payments. A result of the scenario test is when the presented line in Graph EE (505) is under the level of zero that there is a possibility of a shortage in the expected retirement scheme.

By a simple movement of the mouse or finger in Graph AA (501) the premium can be adjusted in either one direction, up or down, or backwards or forwards: Scenario(n)

By a simple movement of the mouse or finger in Graph BB (502) the Stock Prices can be adjusted in either one direction, up or down, or backwards or forwards: Scenario(m). The risk of the portfolio can be adjusted. By a simple movement of the mouse or finger in Graph CC (503) the annual pension payments can be adjusted in either one direction, up or down, or backwards or forwards: Scenario(t).

All scenarios can be tested and the effects of changing one or more of the input variables are immediately presented. Through continuous scenario testing with miscellaneous assumptions related to investment risk, premium level, retirement payments and longevity the user can find the optimum in easy, quick, visual and reliable way, without the need for extensive number crunching nor need for subject matter expertise.

While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but it is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law. All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

Method for visualizing graphic charts to one or more users, the method comprising :

- creating n variables, wherein n is three or more;

- creating multiple datasets, comprising data points representing a relation between a subset of said variables;

- creating one or more graphic charts each comprising a representation of one or more of said datasets;

- displaying said graphic charts on one or more display elements;

- manipulating a dataset in a graphic chart, characterized in, that a mathematical model is created, said relations between said datasets are determined by said mathematic model and said datasets and graphic charts are accordingly updated when manipulated.

The method according to claim 1 further comprising :

- adding or deleting a dataset.

The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein creating or adding a dataset, comprises drawing a line on a displayed graphic chart by touch, mouse, sound, gestures or speech.

The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said mathematic model meets the following requirements:

- v conditions are imposed between said n variables;

- (n-v) is the maximum amount of free variables;

- any of said (n-v) free variables can be chosen out of said n variables;

- and the other v variables can be calculated on a 1-to-l correspondence according the v conditions.

The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each data set of graphic chart represents a relation between two variables.

6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a dataset in a graphic chart is manipulated by moving a data point of a graphic chart to a desired position on said graphic chart by touch, mouse, sound, gestures or speech.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein nearby data points of said manipulated data point are manipulated by an interpolation method.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or more datasets in a graphic chart are manipulated by a multitouch operation.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein a display element is provided by a computing device which is connected to a database server via a network.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein a display element consists of an area on a screen of said computing device.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein two or more display elements are displayed on said screen.

12. A computer program product for visualizing graphic charts to one or more users using a computing device connected to a server via a network, the computer program product comprising at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portions comprising instructions for:

- creating n variables, wherein n is three or more;

- creating multiple datasets, comprising data points representing a relation between a subset of said variables;

- creating one or more graphic charts each comprising a representation of one or more of said datasets;

- displaying said graphic charts on one or more display elements;

- manipulating a dataset in a graphic chart,

characterized in, that a mathematical model is created, said relations between said datasets are determined by said mathematic model and said datasets and graphic charts are accordingly updated when manipulated.

13. A database server for visualizing graphic charts to one or more users using a computing device connected to the server via a network, the server comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor configured to:

- creating n variables, wherein n is three or more;

- creating multiple datasets, comprising data points representing a relation between a subset of said variables;

- creating one or more graphic charts each comprising a representation of one or more of said datasets;

- displaying said graphic charts on one or more display elements;

- manipulating a dataset in a graphic chart,

characterized in, that a mathematical model is created, said relations between said datasets are determined by said mathematic model and said datasets and graphic charts are accordingly updated when manipulated.