JP2002528820A - Informatics system organization - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Summary The present invention is a method of visually presenting the relationship between data and action, including the dimension of time (if this is required). This is accomplished by representing the data items as "ribbons""netted" in a pattern suitable for the subject, and using different visual forms at the intersections of these ribbons to have different meanings. These configurations use the metaphor that one or two vertical slits are provided in one ribbon and the other ribbon is combined through the vertical slits, in addition to a simple intersection configuration in which one is lower and one is upper. By using a plurality of intersections with different symbolic meanings, it is possible to display in a two-dimensional form the level of complexity that would otherwise require three-dimensional visualization. Such reticulated diagrams are particularly useful for data handling and data storage applications in computers and can be used as a basis for graphical user interfaces.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is from the field of informatics, the correlation of various types of information, and the graphical display of the relationship between information types and categories. The present invention relates to a method and system for visually presenting relationships between data items or groups of data using the "ribbon""weaving" as a metaphor. And particularly, but not exclusively, to medical applications for the visual presentation of patient diagnosis, treatment planning, management, and monitoring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the following specification, the term “weave” refers to a “ribbon” used to visually present a data item or group of data,
Used to describe crossed two-dimensional graph lines. “Data” and “
The term "information" is used interchangeably and means individual items, groups, or classes of data.

[0003] Visualizing large amounts of information and the organization of complex relationships has always been problematic. In general, visualization was achieved by separating the information into a matrix table or a series of discrete groups small enough to be represented in a diagram. However, such diagrams were often insufficient tools to describe the complex set of interrelationships, especially when there were multiple associations between single elements of different groups or classes. Many standard diagram systems are widely used, but none have adequately solved this problem.

[0004] Separating data is not enough to illustrate the complex set of relationships between many elements. When a matrix is used, only the common points between two data at a certain time can be confirmed, but the relation between various other data cannot be illustrated at the same time. The problem becomes more complicated when time is an important factor that needs to be illustrated.

[0005] A large amount of data can be illustrated using the means of a three-dimensional diagram, but lacks clarity and can be displayed satisfactorily when used on a two-dimensional surface such as paper or a visual display screen. Have difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been developed in view of providing a method and system for visually presenting relationships between data items or data groups in a more easily understandable manner.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided the following method. That is, a method for visually presenting relationships between single data items or groups of data in a computer-generated graphic image, wherein the method is in a first visually distinctive form suitable for a graphic display. First
A first data item or group of data associated with the first ribbon, a second in a form suitable for a graphic display in a second visually distinctive manner.
Generating an elongated ribbon of the first and second ribbons by tying a second data item or group of data to the second ribbon and organizing the two ribbons in a visually prominent form suitable for a graphic display. Generating an intersection at a position where the two ribbons overlap, displaying the first and second ribbons on a display means with the intersection, wherein the intersection is a relation between the first and second data items or data groups. This is a method used to provide a visual display, and the relationship can be easily recognized by looking at the displayed graphic image.

[0008] In particular, the first ribbon is one of a plurality of ribbons forming a first ribbon group, and the first data item or data group is the first ribbon.
One of a plurality of first data items or data groups associated with each first ribbon in the ribbon group. In particular, the second ribbon is a second ribbon.
One of a plurality of ribbons forming a ribbon group, wherein the second data item or data group is a plurality of second data items associated with each second ribbon in the second ribbon group. Or one of the data groups
One. Conveniently, the intersection is one of a plurality of intersections that form a net of the first and second ribbon groups with the ribbon.

[0009] Preferably, the first ribbon is displayed in a different color from the second ribbon. Preferably, the first ribbon overlaps one or more of the second ribbons so as to be substantially orthogonal. Multiple ribbons of a particular ribbon group may be created by varying the degree of the width and height dimensions to have additional information about the data item or data group represented by the particular ribbon group. It is convenient.

[0010] In particular, the first ribbon is displayed on the display means in a substantially horizontal direction and the second ribbon is displayed in a substantially vertical direction.

Each intersection may be generated in one of a plurality of visually distinct forms to represent a plurality of unique relationships between the first and second data items or data groups. Is convenient. Preferably, in addition to the simple one-up and one-down configuration, the intersection is such that one ribbon passes through a single slit in the other ribbon (from top to bottom) and one ribbon is the other ribbon. And the passing ribbon is not visible between the two slits (passing from top to bottom, then passing up), one ribbon passing through the two adjacent slits of the other ribbon and the passing ribbon It can take one or more of the visually distinct forms that are only visible between the two slits (passing from bottom to top and then down). Also preferably, said plurality of slits are made substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the passing ribbon, each of said intersection forms representing a visual superordinate relationship of one ribbon. On the other hand, at the intersection, the single slit is made substantially diagonal to the longitudinal direction of both ribbons, and neither ribbon has a vertical relationship.

Preferably, the network is one of a plurality of networks, each network representing a set of relationships between each of a first data item or data group of the respective network, The net forms a map for the set of relationships.

Preferably, the plurality of selected ribbons pass from one net to another, and in the same map, each ribbon represents a same data item or group of data from each net, so that each ribbon represents the same data item or group of data in each net. Pass to another net.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the following system. That is, a system for visually presenting relationships between single data items or groups of data in a computer-generated graphic image, wherein the system is in a first visually distinctive form suitable for a graphic display. First
Means for generating an elongated ribbon of a first data item or group of data to the first ribbon; and a second form in a form suitable for a graphical display in a second visually distinctive manner. 2
Means for producing an elongated ribbon of the second ribbon; means for binding a second data item or group of data to the second ribbon; and organizing the two ribbons in a visually prominent form suitable for a graphic display. A means for generating an intersection at a position where the first and second ribbons overlap, and a means for displaying the first and second ribbons together with the intersection as a graphic image on a display means. The intersection is used to provide a visual indication of the relationship between the first and second data items or data groups so that the relationship can be more easily recognized by looking at the displayed graphic image. System.

In particular, the means for generating the first ribbon can generate a plurality of the first ribbons to form a first ribbon group and link the first data items or data groups. Means for linking a plurality of first data items or data groups to each first ribbon in the ribbon group. More particularly, the means for generating the second ribbon is capable of generating a plurality of the second ribbons to form a second ribbon group, and for linking the second data item or data group. The means may associate a plurality of second data items or data groups with each second ribbon in the second ribbon group.

[0016] The means for generating the intersection comprises the first and second together with the ribbon.
Advantageously, a plurality of intersections can be generated to form a network of ribbon groups.

Preferably, the system comprises means for querying a knowledge base for data represented by one of the ribbons. Also preferably,
The system comprises means for a user to register a relationship between the first and second data items or data groups.

Preferably, the system also comprises means for a user to input information to be represented by one of the ribbons. Also preferably, the system comprises means for querying a knowledge base for a relationship between the first and second data items or data groups.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS To facilitate a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, preferred embodiments of a method and system for visually presenting relationships between data items or groups of data are provided. Will be described in detail only by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides an improved method for visualizing the relationship between a set of information and individual parts in a computer generated image or map. It is particularly useful for detecting significant intersections between data items or groups of data, and is therefore particularly useful in demonstrating computerized data handling and data storage applications, for example, applications in the medical field, such as diagnostics and treatment planning, management, and monitoring. Are suitable. Throughout the following description, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the medical field, however, the methods and systems of the present invention are not limited to these applications, and various levels of information-based systems (eg, complex It should be understood that it is generally applicable to industrial plants, algorithms or device data flows, ecology, event planning, geophysical monitoring). Computer generated images or maps generated according to the present invention may also be used based on a graphical user interface (GUI).

The method includes visualization of each data item (or each data group) as a ribbon, which is coded in a representative color to detect existing groups or classes of data. The orientation of each ribbon is adjusted to properly intersect the ribbons of other data. The intersection between the various data ribbons is
Using the "knitting" analogy, the "net-like" pattern of the multicolor ribbon shown in FIG. 1 is generated. For this reason, the method of visually presenting the relationships between data items or data groups in computer-generated images is hereinafter conveniently referred to as a mesh data organization method.

FIG. 1 shows a mesh pattern or map that visually presents a portion of a patient record in a clinical system developed using a preferred embodiment of the mesh data organization method according to the present invention. The generation of all patient records is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. For the moment, it is sufficient to state that the reticulated pattern is displayed in a first visually distinct manner and comprises a first group of extending ribbons 10 displayed on a screen of the display in a substantially horizontal direction. In this case, the two ribbons of the first group 10 each represent two presenting symptoms ("spitting and bleeding" and "shortness of breath"), together with the accompanying signs of the patient's illness. Used to aid diagnosis.

The second group of extending ribbons 12 is displayed in a substantially vertical direction and is arranged to overlap the first group of ribbons 10. In the illustrated example, the second group of ribbons 12 represents various possible diagnoses of the patient's condition.
According to the reticulated data organization method, visually distinct intersections occur at each point where a ribbon from the first group 10 overlaps a ribbon from the second group 12. Using the knitting analogy, each intersection gives only the simple option of "A" over "B" or "B" over "A". This simply gives each intersection two meanings, one of which may typically be "unrelated". However, some meshy complications can immediately result in the confusion of the priority of these two options (ie, one of which has the meaning of "unrelated"). Thus, the mesh data organization method preferably extends the ribbon analogy by making longitudinal slits at appropriate locations on one ribbon and allowing the other ribbon to pass through the slit. This provides many ways in which intersections can occur and thus provide a range of distinct meanings. The preferred practice maintains the metaphor of the physical ribbon, although other icons containing question marks may be used to inform the user that the missing information may be useful.

Examples of the meanings that can be given to different forms of intersections are represented in FIG. 2 as follows.

Intersection 14 Relevant: A has a slit in the center of B and B passes through the slit (from top to bottom).

Intersection 16 Not relevant: simply one above and one below.

Intersection 18 Present (eg, symptom): A has two equally spaced slits, B
Passes through the two slits. At this time, the ribbon (B) passes through the two slits so as to be invisible between the two slits (passes from top to bottom, then passes up)
.

Intersection 20 None (eg, symptom): A has two equally spaced slits, B
Passes through the two slits. At this time, the ribbon (B) passes through the two slits (passes from bottom to top and then down) so that it can be seen only between the two slits
.

Intersection 22 Investigation required: The two ribbons intersect diagonally and have no vertical relationship.

With the exception of the last example, intersection 22, each of these intersection configurations visually dominate one ribbon at the point of overlap. For example, intersection form 1
8 (with), the vertical ribbon is visually enhanced to be visible between the two slits, whereas in the intersection configuration 20, the horizontal ribbon is between the two slits. It is visually superior so that it can be seen. Therefore, when the knitting through the slit is consistently organized, the visual "flow"
It is easily recognizable and provides an additional dimension of information. Where intersection indicators with and without are used, for example, for medical conditions, a clear passage down the center of the dominant ribbon presenting a possible diagnosis is directly evident and therefore the data Send clear messages about the pattern of relationships, increasing the likelihood of accurate diagnosis. In contrast, the no-crossing indicator blocks the passage of the center along the dominant ribbon, and a negative message is provided by a visual "flow" block.

The height and width of a particular data ribbon are also used to represent size or relative probabilities, as in the case of differential diagnosis. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the ribbons of the second ribbon group 12 are generated with varying degrees of thickness, and are drawn in order of decreasing probability. Thus, based on the diagnosis so far, the illness of the individuals examined appears to be most likely to be bronchial carcinoma and least likely to be Goodpasture's syndrome.

The software embodying the mesh data organization method has been created as a general one of reusable graphic elements (ie areas, maps, nets, ribbons, ribbon groups, intersections and time boxes). . The global map is constructed by connecting these elements and connecting them to "information" and "action" objects based on the application process and logic. This map gets its flow direction from the application process / logic. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 shows how this map is constructed using the elements described above. In the example of FIG. 3, three separate ribbon groups and their intersections have been created. Here, a "net" is where many ribbons belonging to at least two ribbon groups intersect. "Map" is such a ribbon,
A collection of ribbon groups, intersections and nets. “Information object”
Contains information about the object to which it is attached and its behavior when clicked with the left or right mouse button. An "action object" can be used to stop dialog boxes, add ribbons,
Contains details of the action performed when the left or right mouse button is clicked.

According to the mesh data organization method, the computer software creates a map object in step 50 and obtains data of ribbon groups 1, 2 and 3 in steps 100, 200 and 300. As illustrated, the map created is designed to allow visualization of the relationships between the data items or data groups represented by ribbon groups 1 and 2 and the relationships between the data represented by ribbon groups 1 and 3. Is done. These relationships are predetermined in the database from which the information is obtained or are entered by the user. The steps required to obtain the details of the intersection of ribbon groups 1 and 2 and ribbon groups 1 and 3 are shown in FIG. 3 as 400 and 500, respectively.

At step 100, the data of ribbon group 1 is obtained, and at step 102, the mesh data organization software creates an appropriate number of ribbon objects of ribbon group 1 corresponding to each data item or each data group. An information object for each of the ribbons of ribbon group 1 is created at 104 and the information objects are bound at 106 to each of the ribbons of ribbon group 1. A similar process follows for ribbon groups 2 and 3.

Once all of the intersection details for ribbon groups 1 and 2 have been obtained at 400, the intersection objects for ribbon groups 1 and 2 are created at 402 with an indication of the type of intersection. Information objects for each intersection are created at 404 and these information objects are associated at 406 with the intersection objects. Once the intersection details of ribbon groups 1 and 3 are obtained at 500, a similar process is employed. Once the information objects are tied to the group 1 and 2 ribbons and intersection objects, the mesh data organization software creates a net object at 600 and ties the group 1 ribbon horizontally to the net at 602. The ribbons of group 2 are tied vertically to the net at 604 and the intersection objects of ribbon groups 1 and 2 are 606
Is tied to the net. The completed net of ribbon groups 1 and 2 is 8
At 00, the map and its location relative to the other networks on the displayed map are tied. Once the information objects are tied to the ribbon and intersection objects of ribbon groups 1 and 3, a similar process of creating a net object is employed at 700. In this particular mesh map, the ribbons of Group 1 always appear horizontal, whereas the ribbons of Group 2 and Group 3 appear vertically in the completed map. The nets are arranged to determine their absolute position on the map at 802, and the map is ready for display on a display screen at 804.

The reticulated data organization method not only serves as a static depiction tool to depict the context of multiple relationships and particular intersections, but also to use a graphical user interface (GUI) for computer programs that deal with information. Also helps. The nature of the graphic image is consistent with the way the program architecture is built. This helps prepare the program architecture and facilitates the integration of the superstructure with the underlying structure. The particular program architecture used will depend to some extent on the particular application for which the mesh data organization method is embodied.

To further illustrate the essence of the invention, reference will be made to the medical field, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, which illustrate the process by which clinical data and patient encounters with specialized health care systems are managed. A preferred specific example of the mesh data organization method will be described. In this embodiment, the reticulated data organization software is embodied in a graphical user interface used in conjunction with other known software in clinical knowledge databases, patient records, and the like. The mesh data organization method is not embodied in software based on a real graphical user interface (GUI) structure, but follows the operation of standard professional software. FIG. 5 shows the mesh data organization as GU
1 shows a typical client / server clinical system to be set up for use as a front end at I. The reticulated data organization front end is
It exchanges information with local (close) clinical objects or remote (remote) clinical objects and stores or retrieves information from database 34 via server 32.

FIG. 4 illustrates an ideal software architecture for a clinical system with a client / server relationship between the layers and using a mesh data organization typically of five layers. The layered approach is chosen to build the system to modularize the composition of the mesh map and decouple it from the basic clinical system. The first layer of the front end is a GUI that embodies a mesh data organization method.
40. The second layer builds the map and the corresponding clinical domain control layer 44
A GUI / domain control layer 42 that exchanges information with the map and provides data and control logic to the map. This second layer defines the feel, semantics, and appearance of the map (e.g., what the intersection means, what icons are used, the areas in the map, etc.). The domain and services layer 44 consists of various domain objects and services implemented as components that can be distributed to several machines (eg, patient records, treatment planning engines, log retention and access control, etc.). The persistent treatment layer 46 handles the storage and retrieval of information on the platform as well as proprietary vendors. The last layer 48 consists of the backend database. The above layered approach decouples the method of organizing reticulated data from the underlying clinical system, and as well as various other complex business, planning, engineering or scientific environments outside the medical field, Ensure reusability of reticulated data organization products (widgets) in applications.

Various events that occur when a patient visits a hospital for medical help form a clinical encounter. The patient is treated through a series of steps and his / her various conditions are monitored. Fundamentally, there is a work flow (a series of processes), and there is data included in this practice. The most common steps are as follows:

(A) Register a patient.

(B) Interview with the patient or responsible party.

(C) Obtain data on various precursors and symptoms.

(D) Diagnose based on the obtained data.

(E) Treating the patient based on the diagnosis / symptom.

(F) Monitor various states / parameters.

FIGS. 6 to 10 show how the GUI uses the described embodiment of the method of organizing the mesh data, this sequence of processes, the relevant data and the relationships being represented by a video display unit (VDU). ) Is displayed as a one-page map above. If necessary, a hard copy of the screen can be printed in full color on paper. The map is dynamically configured by the interaction between the user and the clinical object. However, the overall topology and trends in the process flow are determined early in the program. The map shown in FIG. 6 is a fully developed map developed in the order of A to E described below. The map is composed of an area (a portion surrounded by a dotted line, and may not be a portion actually displayed) and a net. An area contains a network associated with several processes. The net is a collection of two groups of ribbons, their intersection, and related "information" and "action" objects. The information object displays information, and the action object performs a predefined action (eg, collecting data, certifying, dynamically generating more networks, etc.). These are activated by clicking on intersections or ribbons. The ribbons themselves are categorized based on their class (eg, in a symptom group, each group of ribbons represents a symptom). Ribbon groups or individual ribbons may be included in more than one net.

The data represented by the ribbon may apply to the particular entity being treated, such as a patient, ward, x-ray facility, and the like. Alternatively, it may be derived from a general knowledge base such as a knowledge base that indicates a relation between a symptom and a disease and a relation between time and a quality required for a specific X-ray examination. These are referred to as subject and knowledge base, respectively. Information about the subject may be derived from a subject file (eg, by electronically transferring a previous record of the patient at the other system) or may be entered by user-system interaction. . With reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, the clinical processes in the reticulated data organization map, the data contained in the map, and how they appear in the map will be described.

The complete mesh map shown in FIG. 6 is the end result of the patient-physician encounter,
The patient enters the clinic (900) and is registered with the administrative department (910,
920). The administrative user registers the patient by recording new patient demographic registration information (for epidemiological purposes) in the system. That information is stored for the particular patient at the clinic and for later use. The admin user interviews the patient / responsible stakeholder and discusses the current symptoms (910, 9) along with the facts of other conditions such as known allergies, drug sensitivities, current medications, pregnancy.
30, 940). A ribbon indicating the current symptom occurs on the mesh map, and the current symptom is linked to the ribbon from a list searched by the user using the keyword. Thereafter, a preliminary disease / possibility list is created.

The patient / doctor encounter proceeds to a second stage, including the first diagnosis for the patient's condition, represented in area 1000 on the mesh map. By further conversing with the patient, the clinical user was saved while interacting (1010, 102
0, 1030, 1040) Acquire and evaluate all information, symptoms, symptoms, images (scans), genetic and environmental factors of the patient. The auxiliary knowledge base serves to elicit relevant symptoms and symptoms. If it is useful or necessary, a hierarchical grouping of symptoms is taken into account. For example, a disease name ribbon (104
The height and width of 0) indicate the relative probability of the disease name. One diagnosis presented by the system may be reversed by the clinician. Net 1030
And 1130 are composed of intersections indicating specific symptoms or symptoms related to the name of the disease. Judging from the knowledge base, all symptom groups are selected, where the main symptom presented is the main symptom for some specific disease names. The symptom groups are classified by disease name or disease name group in which the system is closely related. You can click on any disease name to review possible symptoms, symptoms, and other relevant factors. The disease name ribbon is right-clicked to create a diagnosis. Question marks also appear at points where ribbons overlap in a particular net (not shown), where the symptoms associated with each disease group have not yet been checked. The mesh map works like a GUI for the knowledge base. In other words, it works to help clinicians ask the right questions to find the symptoms that are indicated according to the speculation of the name of the disease.
The visualization of the intersecting relationship between noticed symptoms, possible disease names, and suspected symptoms is illustrated by the net in area 1000.

Here, in order to confirm the diagnosis, the patient's personal record is further examined, including a personal record (social and environmental factors, genetic predisposition to be ill). , Medical history, drug side effects, and other physical examination data). A clear passage below the diagnostic column, at the diagnosis / symptom intersection, indicates that the condition is present (if the condition is not necessary for diagnosis, the net will indicate
Pass under the diagnostic ribbon to indicate irrelevance).

An area 1200 on the reticulated map shows a consultation process for a reference document, a past case, and another case (1220). Various relevant literature and past cases are retrieved from the database. The patient is also educated about the disease name and related information to be passed to the patient from the database.

[0052] Once the diagnosis is made (1360), the disease name ribbon is clicked to retrieve a list of treatment plans available for the disease name from the database. Allergy, to choose the best strategy (1210, 1320, 1330, 1340)
Contrary to patient conditions such as pregnancy, cost and patient preferences, each treatment plan is dynamically analyzed. Patient education for treatment and rehabilitation continues (ribbon 1230 extending to area 1354). Once a treatment plan is selected (1330)
, Individual items are changed due to dosage, management mechanism, etc. All of the changes are sent to the patient record to manage the treatment (therapies presented by three ribbons) and the ribbon presenting a daily plan of medications and therapies (1410, 1420, 1410, 1420, 1430). Once a case has been classified as a current study benefit, the monitored parameters and status are saved for the clinician.

The network is programmed to interact in different ways. Each web is designed to interact from a small number of ribbons and intersections to the required complete set. With any ribbon group, right-clicking on any ribbon will open a dialog box (dialog box). The dialog box can add a new ribbon with a keyword search list that can be added in a tree structure. Right-clicking on an intersection opens a dialog box by updating the intersection properties so that the user's profile specifies permissions. On the other hand, when the user left-clicks, the authorized user can read the information presented by the intersection.

Network 1030 is an example of this type and is a ribbon network arising from disease names and symptom groups. Initially, there is only a placeholder ribbon for symptoms, which disappears as soon as at least one particular symptom is manifested. Right-clicking on this will bring up a tree-structured dialog box that can be searched by keyword, disease name, etc. to add more symptoms. The selected symptom or symptom is added to the net as a ribbon in the direction of the placeholder ribbon. If the displayed symptom set is sufficient, the user generates a disease name ribbon by right-clicking on each symptom ribbon and the previous diagnosis selected. The reticulated data organization queries a diagnostics engine connected to an engine (which may be any suitable software) that retrieves a list of possible disease names or disease groups along with the relative probabilities of each disease name. The user selects these benefits or, starting from the most likely, causes the system to select the unfulfilled portion.
The type of intersection of a particular symptom ribbon and disease name ribbon indicates whether the symptoms and disease name are related to each other. The user clicks on the intersection indicating the relevance to change the icon type of the intersection to the "present" type of intersection indicating the patient's current symptoms. By repeating the previous diagnosis, more accurate results can be obtained.

The screen visualizes more information than the relevance or presence indicated by the intersection. The relative probability of the disease name is also visibly displayed by changing the width and order of the disease name ribbon and other criteria entered by the user and system administrator.

The net at 1130 in FIG. 8 shows another crossing mechanism, where the horizontal ribbon belongs to the “symptom” ribbon and the vertical ribbon belongs to the “disease” ribbon. The relationship between disease names / conditions and symptoms is presented here. Left-clicking on a specific disease name ribbon will display relevant symptoms on the left for searching. The net shows the relationship between symptoms and disease names / states as intersections with a relevance "Yes".

This mesh logic can provide an illustration of the interaction of many other types of networks, in either a “build-up” or “post-build analysis” strategy.

This mesh map allows the creation of specialized zones that display synchronized special properties of information for direct comparison. In this case, a temporal movement of an index which is very important for health care is given specially during the treatment period. This helps doctors and nurses monitor the patient's response to the course of treatment and change treatment accordingly. This GUI enlarges the box in area 1400 (monitoring area). In this box, primary and dynamic indicators are displayed in the familiar form of the physician, and typically a graph of the indicators against time (1440, 1450, 1470, 1480,
1490 and 1495). The dynamic movement association between the different indicators can be seen in the form of the well-known pie chart. Various parameters and conditions of the patient can be viewed over time to provide necessary modifications to the treatment plan. Elements of the generated patient chart are stored. This time box (1400) acts as a visual and interactive progression table. You can click to get information and zoom in and out on different scales. For other ribbon groups, additional ribbons can be added by right-clicking. This time box zone can be hidden to restore long-term visibility, and the patient can be clinically monitored for further treatment.

The value of this meshed data organization approach is to quickly incorporate multiple data streams for research and discovery purposes. For example, if similarities are recognized on a reticular map, and the disease associated with the condition is suitable for improved treatment, the physician may consider this as a new form of drug discovery, even if the underlying cause is different. Can be used with By displaying the statistical number of the symptom group using the net, a new disease (such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) can be recognized as an initially common symptom group. In the survey box (1500), various forms of knowledge are traversed, and the reticule shows diagonal scan lines to indicate that different levels of embedded knowledge are being tracked. When cased, search locations, parameters and status are added and captured for clinical research (1510 and 1515). The research information is retrieved from the database, ie stored in it. The correlation of research information in several individual networks is an example of constructing a map.

The above description of the preferred embodiment of the method of organizing reticulated data and GU in a clinical context
From the performance of the method on the front, the visual representation of the data allows the user to interrelate between the various data items and data groups by means of a "ribbon" with different significance, where the intersection is indicated by its arranged part. Obviously, the ability to verify is greatly enhanced. The significance of the intersection group is readily apparent because its placement creates a visual analog of distinct flow or blockage along the longitudinal axis of a particular ribbon or ribbon group. Changes in parameters (or other measurements) over time are illustrated by the passage of the associated ribbon through a synchronous "time box", while allowing a clear comparison at first glance. When the mesh map becomes crowded in the available display area, the selected part of the diagram is
In particular, it is reduced in a dynamic relationship such as a computer VDU. The use of colors to define groups or classes of data, and the use of ribbon width changes to indicate the magnitude (eg, probability) of the data represented by the ribbon, are part of this reticulated data organization method Enhance the user-friendly nature. Further advantages include the use of intersections as points for extracting and applying data by means of a left or right mouse click on a computer mouse. This mesh map allows mimicking the representation of the flow of progress without limiting the exact sequence.

In addition, an overview of the user is provided to control the movement and appearance of the GUI according to the user's role and selection. Users of each category (receptionists, nurses, doctors, medical system administrators, etc.) receive an existing outline on the initial registration of a system whose settings can be changed according to the category. For example, a user can adjust the size of an existing color or zoom lens to visually and effectively optimize for that user. The receptionist can limit the interactive network that guides entry data acquisition to less than the network that assists in treatment selection. The physician can modify the symptom / disease relationship in a personal copy of the knowledge base that validates the display generated for the physician. The healthcare system administrator can modify the knowledge base or image generation rules that affect all users. (The healthcare system administrator is aware that evidence acquired under the general policy is likely to be present. If not, the patient is selected or instructed to bring the condition to a condition that would be of particular interest to the clinician.)

The medical embodiments described above are “patient-oriented” that show actual or potential symptoms for one patient (or patient group in a study), but such patients The adjustments used or considered for the administrator regarding available beds, test schedules, quarantine requirements, etc., require a "resource-oriented" indication. This can be similarly configured using a knowledge base of resources and resource requirements, along with data from current patient charts.

While the preferred embodiments of the mesh data organization method and system have been described in detail, those skilled in the art of computer systems, in addition to those already mentioned, depart from the basic inventive concept. Obviously, various changes and modifications can be made to the method without departing from the invention. For example, the manner in which the intersections between intersecting ribbons are represented in a mesh map can vary considerably from those described under special application contexts. In the above-mentioned example, the method of inputting information by the user is a mouse. It is conceivable to use speech recognition instead of or in addition to using a mouse. All such changes and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is determined from the foregoing description and the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates a computer-generated “net-like” pattern of a first ribbon group and a second ribbon group according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates some of the different forms that ribbon intersections can take and the specific meanings given to them.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred method of generating a mesh map similar to that depicted in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing an ideal software architecture for a typical medical application using the mesh data organization method and system according to the present invention.

5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary medical computer system that can use the software architecture of FIG.

FIG. 6 depicts a single page display graphical user interface (GUI) that embodies a method of organizing reticulated data.

7 is an enlarged view of the upper left portion of the single page display GUI of FIG. 6, showing a disease name and symptoms.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the lower left portion of the single page display GUI of FIG. 6, showing features relating to diagnostic information and patient information.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the lower right portion of the single page display GUI of FIG. 6, showing the lower portion of the treatment and monitoring features;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the lower right portion of the single page display GUI of FIG. 6, showing the upper portion of the treatment and monitoring features.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID , IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72 ) Inventor Poston Timothy Singapore 138822 Whitchurch Road Singapore 14 (72) Inventor Lag Heaven Lagoon United States of America Maryland 21210, Baltimore Somersat Place 4203 (72) Inventor Lapel James Colenchery Singapore 640812, 04-154 Jurong West Street Port 81 Block 812 F-term (reference) 5B050 AA02 BA07 BA18 CA07 FA02 FA05 5E501 AA01 AA25 BA03 CA02 FA14

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A method for visually presenting relationships between single data items or groups of data in a computer-generated graphic image, the method being suitable for a graphic display in a first visually distinctive manner. The first of the form
A first data item or group of data associated with the first ribbon, a second in a form suitable for a graphic display in a second visually distinctive manner.
Generating an elongated ribbon of the first and second ribbons by tying a second data item or group of data to the second ribbon and organizing the two ribbons in a visually prominent form suitable for a graphic display. Generating an intersection at a position where the two ribbons overlap, displaying the first and second ribbons on a display means with the intersection, wherein the intersection is a relation between the first and second data items or data groups. A method used to provide a visual indication, wherein the relation can be easily recognized by looking at the displayed graphic image. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first ribbon is one of a plurality of ribbons forming a first ribbon group, and wherein the first data item or data group is a first ribbon in each of the first ribbon groups. 2. The method of visually presenting data according to claim 1, wherein the data is one of a plurality of first data items or data groups tied to a ribbon. 3. The second ribbon is one of a plurality of ribbons forming a second ribbon group, and the second data item or data group is a first ribbon in each of the second ribbon groups. 3. The method of visually presenting data according to claim 2, wherein the data is one of a plurality of second data items or data groups tied to the two ribbons. 4. The method of visually presenting data according to claim 3, wherein the intersection is one of a plurality of intersections that form a network of the first and second ribbon groups with the ribbon. 5. The method of visually presenting data according to claim 4, wherein the first ribbon is displayed in a different color than the second ribbon. 6. The method of visually presenting data according to claim 5, wherein the first ribbon overlaps one or more of the second ribbons so as to be substantially orthogonal. 7. A plurality of ribbons of a particular ribbon group have varying width and height dimensions to have additional information about the data item or data group represented by the particular ribbon group. 7. The method of visually presenting data according to claim 6, which can be generated by the following. 8. The data of claim 7, wherein said first ribbon is displayed on said display means in a substantially horizontal direction, and said second ribbon is displayed in a substantially vertical direction. Visual presentation method. 9. Each intersection is generated in one of a plurality of visually distinct forms to represent a plurality of unique relationships between said first and second data items or groups of data. A method for visually presenting data according to claim 1 to be obtained. 10. In addition to the simple one-up and one-down configuration, the intersection is such that one ribbon passes through a single slit in the other ribbon (from top to bottom), and one ribbon is Passing through two adjacent slits of the ribbon, the passing ribbon is not visible between the two slits (passing from top to bottom, then passing up), one ribbon passing through two adjacent slits of the other ribbon 10. The method of visually presenting data according to claim 9, wherein the ribbon can take one or more of the following visually distinctive forms: the ribbon is only visible between the two slits (passing from bottom to top and then down). . 11. The data of claim 10, wherein the plurality of slits are formed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a passing ribbon, and each of the intersection configurations represents a visual superordinate relationship of one ribbon. Visual presentation method. 12. The data of claim 10, wherein at the intersection, the single slit is made substantially diagonal to the longitudinal direction of both ribbons, and neither ribbon has a vertical relationship. How to present. 13. The network according to claim 13, wherein the network is one of a plurality of networks, each network representing a set of relationships between each of a first data item or group of data in each of the networks. 5. The method of visually presenting data of claim 4, wherein forming a map for the set of relationships. 14. A plurality of selected ribbons pass from one net to another, and in the same map, each ribbon represents another data item or group of data from one net to the other so as to represent the same data item or group of data in each net. 14. The method of visually presenting data of claim 13 passing through a network. 15. A system for visually presenting relationships between single data items or groups of data in a computer-generated graphic image, the system being suitable for a graphic display in a first visually distinctive manner. The first of the form
Means for generating an elongated ribbon of a first data item or group of data to the first ribbon; and a second form in a form suitable for a graphical display in a second visually distinctive manner. 2
Means for producing an elongated ribbon of the second ribbon; means for binding a second data item or group of data to the second ribbon; and organizing the two ribbons in a visually prominent form suitable for a graphic display. A means for generating an intersection at a position where the first and second ribbons overlap, and a means for displaying the first and second ribbons together with the intersection as a graphic image on a display means. The intersection is used to provide a visual indication of the relationship between the first and second data items or data groups so that the relationship can be more easily recognized by looking at the displayed graphic image. System. 16. The means for generating a first ribbon may generate a plurality of the first ribbons to form a first ribbon group and link the first data items or data groups. 16. The system for visually presenting data according to claim 15, wherein the means for linking a plurality of first data items or data groups to each first ribbon in the ribbon group. 17. The means for generating a second ribbon may generate a plurality of the second ribbons to form a second ribbon group and link the second data items or data groups. 17. The system for visually presenting data according to claim 16, wherein the means for operable to associate a plurality of second data items or data groups with each second ribbon in the second ribbon group. 18. The data of claim 17, wherein the means for generating an intersection is capable of generating a plurality of intersections with the ribbon to form a net of the first and second ribbon groups. System to do. 19. The system for visually presenting data according to claim 18, comprising means for querying a knowledge base for data represented by one of said ribbons. 20. The system for visually presenting data according to claim 19, comprising means for querying a knowledge base for data represented by another ribbon to be added to the network. 21. The system for visually presenting data according to claim 20, comprising means for a user to enter information to be represented by one of the ribbons. 22. The system for visually presenting data according to claim 21, comprising means for a user to enter information represented by another ribbon to be added to the network. 23. The system for visually presenting data according to claim 20, comprising means for a user to register a relationship between said first and second data items or data groups. 24. The system for visually presenting data according to claim 21, comprising means for querying a knowledge base about a relationship between said first and second data items or data groups.