WO2005089258A2 - Method of exploring (arc) - Google Patents

Abstract

An investigative method, comprising a variety of strategic step controls to prevent user misuse including displaying the entire arc only when the second order implication stage is complete, allowing the option of timing from one assigned point of view only when timing was assigned, presenting third order nodes only when there is at least one positive and at least one negative second order implication, reminding the user to provide input if a predetermined amount of time has passed from the last receipt of input, permitting scoring of an arc only when scoring is assigned, disabling editability of implication text if scoring was assigned, directing a user to a scoring interface if only scoring was assigned, displaying desirability buttons and likelihood buttons when scoring, displaying a minority report interface when the minority report button is clicked, precluding acceptance of an incomplete minority report, precluding an option of time from all assigned points of view if time was not assigned and displaying options of open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view, time from all assigned points of view, and return completed arc.

Description

METHOD OF EXPLORING (ARC)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tools for exploring possibilities and more

particularly to tools used for exploring and evaluating the likelihood and significance of possible events.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People have long predicted the future. For instance, if a spouse presents flowers to their partner, they can predict that the reaction will be favorable. It is

possible that the partner could not react or react negatively. Other implications are

also possible. People are comfortable with predicting based upon the occurrence of an event. If "X" occurs then "Y" may be the result. From this very simplified methodology

there is a very substantial room for improvement.

A tool has been developed and sold under the trademark IMPLICATIONS

WHEEL® developed and sold by the current inventor, Joel A. Barker. This tool

essentially follows the format of If "X" occurs then "Y" may result. The tool, identifies

many of the different implications that may flow from "X." Then additional layers may

be followed out, separately treating each "Y" portion of the equation as a new "X" and

looking for the next round of implications. The process may be repeated as many times

as desired to reach out as far into the future as desired.

This tool has been important within corporate America due to the commercial

advantage of being extremely well positioned for the future. For instance, a company may wish to understand what could result from buying out another company. Some of

the immediate implications may include anti-trust problems, strategic partner benefits,

combining of research and development departments and other potentially readily discemable implications. Less discemable implications are more readily uncovered

with the aid of the IMPLICATIONS WHEEL® brand exploring tool. Subsequent layers of implications may also be uncovered or revealed by the tool. For instance, innovative

new product may result from cross-fertilization of ideas in a combined research and

development department. The IMPLICATIONS WHEEL® brand method of predicting the future has some

drawbacks until now. Previously, the tool used paper to record all the implications.

The pieces of paper could become very large, covering more than an entire wall of a

room. When an author desired to have arc completion groups complete the arcs, the

wheel would be rolled up and mailed from location to location. There the user could engage in activities that are hurtful of the process, including editing the first order

nodes, mistakes that if corrected would leave a mess on the otherwise crowded chart,

chaining, e.g. completing third, fourth and higher order nodes before completing the

second order nodes, failing to include both positive and negative nodes and other such

problems. Charts were easily damaged and destroyed in this uncontrolled system. Arc

completion groups would not always follow directions, scoring nodes when only

completion was desired. This regularly resulted in complete re-writing of the work

product, costing both time and money. What is needed is an improved tool for predicting events, normally in the future,

but potentially in the past. The tool should have controls to prevent errors and problems that result from failing to follow directions.. For instance, the first order nodes

should be protected from change. All second order nodes should be completed before third order nodes are made available for completion. Delivery should be performed

electronically with confirmation. Editing and scoring of nodes should be performed with

complete removal of any prior markings, avoiding the messes that otherwise clutter the

work. Scoring should be allowed only when assigned and then may be required once

assigned. Other features for the ease of use and comprehension should also be

included to enhance the usability and understandability of the tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An investigative method, which may generally be provided with the steps of determining

whether the stored subscription is valid on the local computer; if the subscription is

valid presenting options of downloading assigned arcs, selecting to update the

subscription to the status stored on the server side, and selecting a center; if the

subscription is expired presenting options of selecting to update the subscription to the

status stored on the server side, and selecting a center and precluding downloading of

assigned arcs; and If the subscription is not logged in, presenting the option of

selecting to update the subscription to the status stored on the server side until receipt of a communication of a valid subscription from the server side and precluding

downloading of assigned arcs and selection of a center.

The user may select a center and assigned arcs from the selected center are

then displayed. The method may determining if the arc was assigned for completion. Then

determine whether second order implication stage is complete, assuming the arc was

assigned for completion. The entire arc is displayed only when the second order

implication stage is complete. The method may determine if the arc was assigned for completion and if so directing the user to a completion interface.

The method may determine whether time was assigned. If time was assigned,

options may be presented at the completion interface of open another arc, complete

second order nodes, complete third order nodes, scoring from one assigned point of view, timing from one assigned point of view, spell check, return completed arc, and

quit. If time was not assigned, options may be presented of open another arc, complete

second order nodes, complete third order nodes, scoring from one assigned point of

view, spell check, return completed arc, and quit, while precluding an option of timing

from one assigned point of view.

The user may select an option of completing third order nodes. The method

determines whether there is at least one positive and at least one negative second

order implication. Presentation of third order nodes is precluded unless at least one

positive and at least one negative second order implications are present. That is, third order nodes are presented only when there is at least one positive and at least one

negative second order implication.

When the user selects to complete second order nodes or complete third order

nodes, a delay may occur for a period of time to allow a user to think about

implications. A clock may govern the delay. A second clock may be maintained to measure a period of time delay between user input. The user is reminded to provide

input if a predetermined amount of time has passed from the second clock.

The method may determine if scoring was assigned. Scoring may be permitted only when scoring is assigned. Editability of implication text may be disabled if scoring was assigned. The user is directed to a scoring interface.

When scoring, the method may display desirability buttons and likelihood

buttons with or without a minority report button. A minority report interface is displayed

when the user clicks the minority report button. The method verifies that the minority

report interface is fully prepared prior to accepting any data contained in the report and precludes acceptance of an incomplete minority report.

At the scoring interface, the method :may determine whether time was assigned.

Options are displayed of open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view

and return completed arc. An option of time is precluded from all assigned points of

view if time was not assigned. If time was assigned, options of open another arc, quit,

score from all assigned points of view, time from any assigned points of view, and

return completed arc are displayed. Several advantages are provided from these methods, including allowing users to complete the work which was initiated during the subscription period and yet

preclude perpetuation of the options available to valid accounts when the subscription expires.

As yet another advantage, the user can select a center for completion or scoring without allowing their own personal bias toward the particular arcs they have been

assigned to steer them toward or away from working on a particular center.

As still yet another advantage, the user is required to determine implications

based upon a parent node before the user can begin identifying higher order

implications, since the entire arc is displayed only when the second order implication

stage is complete. Yet another advantage is that users who have been assigned to complete an arc

are directed to a completion interface, revealing only those completion options available within the scope of their assignment.

As an example of the preceding advantage, a user that was assigned time may

be presented options at the completion interface of open another arc, complete second

order nodes, complete third order nodes, scoring from one assigned point of view,

timing from one assigned point of view, spell check, return completed arc, and quit.

As still another advantage, if time was not assigned the user is presented with

options of open another arc, complete second order nodes, complete third order nodes,

scoring from one assigned point of view, spell check, return completed arc, and quit

and precluded from an option of timing from one assigned point of view. As an additional advantage, linear chaining of implications and rushing through

thought is avoided, since presentation of third order nodes is precluded unless at least one positive and at least one negative second order implications are present. That is, third order nodes are presented only when there is at least one positive and at least

one negative second order implication. As still another advantage, progress is encouraged by maintaining a clock for a

period of time measuring delay between user input and reminding the user to provide

input if a predetermined amount of time has passed from the last receipt of input.

As yet another advantageous control scoring of an arc may be permitted only

when scoring is assigned. Another control advantage is that editability of implication text is disabled if

scoring was assigned.

As still another advantage a user is directed to a scoring interface if scoring was

assigned, permitting only options available to those who have been assigned scoring.

Yet another advantage is that desirability buttons and likelihood buttons are

displayed when scoring.

A further advantageous feature is that a minority report button is displayed when

scoring.

Still yet another advantage is that a minority report interface is displayed when

the minority report button is clicked. Another control advantage is that the minority report interface is required to be

fully prepared prior to accepting any data contained in the report and precludes acceptance of an incomplete minority report. As another control feature that is advantageous is that options are displayed for

open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view and return completed arc

and the user is precluded from the option of time from assigned all point of view if time

was not assigned. Yet, when time is assigned that user is displayed the options of open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view, time from all assigned

points of view, and return completed arc. These and other advantages are further explained in the description, shown in

the drawings and illustrate in the appendix.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a flowchart showing a preferred logic for launch and registration;

Figure 2 is a flowchart for opening a file and showing the initial screens;

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the completion interface;

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing editing of nodes;

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process for adding currently unidentified implications;

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing scoring in completion mode;

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing timing;

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing spell check; Figure 9 is a flowchart showing scoring interface;

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing scoring in timing mode;

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing timing;

Figure 12 is a screen shot showing an introductory screen, listing the assigned arcs when the subscription is not current; Figure 13 is a screen shot showing an introductory screen, listing the assigned arcs when the subscription is current; Figure 14 is a screen shot that may appear to acquire subscription log-in data;

Figure 15 is a screen shot that may appear to acquire subscription log-in data;

Figure 16 is a screen shot that may appear to acquire subscription log-in data;

Figure 17 is a screen shot that may appear to acquire subscription log-in data;

Figure 18 is a screen shot showing an introductory screen, listing the assigned arcs when the subscription is current;

Figure 19 is a screen shot showing the center and background with first order implication;

Figure 20 is a screen shot providing for entry of the second order implications;

Figure 21 is a screen shot showing the full arc and entry of a third order implication;

Figure 22 is a screen shot showing the center, background and points of view assigned;

Figure 23 is a screen shot showing the full arc in detailed scoring mode;

Figure 24 is a screen shot showing the full arc in fast scoring mode;

Figure 25 is a screen shot showing an interface window; Figure 26 is a screen shot showing an interface window;

Figure 27 is a screen shot an interface window;

Figure 28 is a screen shot showing a reminder window;

Figure 29 is a screen shot showing the full arc in timing mode;

Figure 30 is a screen shot showing the first and second order implications with a second order implication being entered;

Figure 31 is a screen shot showing two timers and a rule reminder;

Figure 32 is a screen shot showing a progress reminder;

Figure 33 is a screen shot showing a reminder to include both positive and negative implications;

Figure 34 is the screen shot showing first and second order implications;

Figure 35 is a screen shot showing the minority report interface;

Figure 36 is a screen shot showing a reminder to complete the minority report interface;

Figure 37 is a screen shot showing the full arc in timing mode;

Figure 38 is a screen shot showing the full arc in spell check mode;

Figure 39 is a screen shot showing a portion of the scoring interface; and

Figure 40 is a screen shot showing a portion of the scoring interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Definitions

An applicant is entitled to be his own lexicographer. Accordingly, applicant

chooses the following definitions to apply to the description, claims and abstract,

except as may otherwise be augmented in the detailed description:

Ancestor - An ancestor of a first or subsequent order implication or node is the center

and any implication/node between the center and the reference implication/node.

Arc - An arc is a portion of a wheel, the data from which can be combined with existing

data into a wheel. An arc is made up of one first order implication followed by up to

preferably 10 second order implications followed by up to preferably ten third order implications off of each second order implications. In a sense it is a fractal of the

complete wheel, but its presented shape may be a wedge instead of a wheel. An example of an arc is shown in Figure 34.

Center - The main or princip e issue being explored with a wheel. Possible category

centers include: an innovation, an emerging trend, a new policy, a new product brought

out by a competitor; or a significant event, i.e. 9/11.

Center node - The node in a wheel that represepts the center of the wheel and the

starting point of the discussion. Child (Children) - Any implication that has the reference implication as its parent is a

child of the reference implication. Any implication that has the center as its parent is a

child of the center.

Completion mode - A mode of operating the program where new implications may be added, existing implications, except for the first order implications may edited and

scoring and timing may be permitted.

Diminished node - A condensed node, opposite of enlarged node.

Descendent - Any implication that has the reference implication as its ancestor is a

descendent of the reference implication. Any first or subsequent order implication is a

descendent of the center.

First (and subsequent) order implication - A direct possible implication of the center. A

second order implication is an immediate possible implication resulting from the

occurrence of a first order implication. Subsequent levels of implications, third order,

fourth order, etc., are direct possible implications resulting from the occurrence of the

immediate preceding order of implication. I.e. parent implication.

First (and subsequent) order node - The graphic form that holds the text of a first order

implication. Second order, third order, fourth order, etc. nodes correspond to similarly numbered implications.

Implication - A possible result or consequence that is triggered by a previous event.

Implications Wheel® - A brand of a team tool that help users discover possible future

events in an orderly yet divergent pattern. An Implications Wheel® brand wheel is built

using a disciplined methodology and a non-linear thinking process. Preferably, a wheel

is displayed as a grouping of all desired orders of all identified possible implications

flowing out of a single event.

Lead - A portion of a line extending partially between two nodes. A lead is displayed

when one of the two nodes is not displayed. A lead is shown as part 572 in Figure 24,

e.g. four lines to a fourth order node with part of the line and the fourth order node not

showing.

Lines - A connector between two nodes. A line may be paired with one or more lines as

described below.

Magnified Node - An enlarged node, opposite of diminished node. Minority opinion - A scoring opinion or a potion of a group that constitutes less than a

majority.

Minority report - The scoring result as prepared by those holding a minority opinion.

N (Nth) - A mathematical variable.

Node - An area in which data concerning an implication may be recorded or displayed.

Preferably, a node is displayed in the shape of a circle or oval, with certain very special

nodes displayed in the shape of a star or other non-circular shape. A node may be

displayed as diminished, normal or enlarged.

Order - The number of ancestors of the reference implication.

Parent - The parent of some implication is the immediate ancestor of the reference

implication. That is, the ancestor that is connected to the reference implication without intervening implications.

Point of View - The perspective used for scoring of a node, arc, or wheel done by one

entity, person or group. Any wheel can be scored from multiple points of view, e.g.,

legal, engineering, marketing, staff, natural and/or other. Reference implication - The implication being discussed or chosen. Syn. Selected

implication.

Scoring mode - The mode of operating the program where implications may not be

added or edited, but may be scored and timed.

Sibling implications - Children of the same parent implication.

Significant node - A node that is scored a +4 or greater score or -4 or lesser score.

Strand - The chain of implications II being ancestors of the same implication, including

that reference implication and reaching all the way back to include the center.

Time Diamond - An area in which judgements concerning the amount of time between

implications is indicated.

Timing mode - A mode of operating the program where time diamonds may be entered

or edited. Timing is a subset of completion mode or scoring mode.

Wheel - A graphical representation of all identified implications that may directly or

indirectly flow from a given center. Implications Wheel® is the preferred brand of a

wheel. An example of a wheel is shown in Figure 41. Launch and Registration

Figures 1-11 are flowcharts demonstrating a preferred methodology for making

and using the present invention, arc completion and scoring. Referring to Figure 1 ,

ovals, such as oval 100, demonstrate a terminal point in the method. Oval 100 indicates the starting point for the future exploration method, which may be initiated in

any manner known in the art, including those manners known in the art of computer

software. This flow chart discussed in reference to Figure 1 may connect into other

parts of the overall process with the user entering through pentagon 101. (A pentagon,

such as pentagon 101 , indicates a point of connection to other parts of the flowchart

having the same letter disposed within the pentagon. An upright pentagon, such as

pentagon 101 indicates a point of entry and an inverted pentagon, such as pentagon

136 indicates a point of departure.)

Diamonds, such as diamond 102, indicate a methodology decision making point. Diamond 102 determines whether the subscription for the use of the methodology is

current. Remuneration models other than subscription may be used, however, the

present inventor opines that subscriptions are the best manner of offering the present

invention for use. The determination at diamond 102 checks the local computer to see

if the subscription is current and valid. Three possible outcomes to this decision are

"valid," "expired," and "never logged in." "Never logged in" occurs the first time an

instance of the program is executed on a given local computer and thereafter until a

valid subscription is confirmed with the server. Expired - If the subscription has expired the next step is indicated by oval-arrow

104. Oval-arrows, such as oval-arrow 104 , indicate a display of particular information

to the user. In the case of oval-arrow 104 each center 500 of each previously

downloaded arc that has not been sent back to the data server is displayed in field 502,

perhaps as shown in Figure 12. Buttons 504, 506 and 508 may present options available to the user as will be described shortly. At oval-arrow 106, the user is notified

that only active subscriptions can download arcs, perhaps as shown on line 510 of

Figure 12, and the method hides the download button 512 as may be seen by

comparing Figure 12 and 13. The encircled number touching on oval-arrow 106 encases indicia with such indicia being a referenced figure number of the drawings.

(Similar circles throughout this application having different indicia refer to different figures with a corresponding number to that shown in the circle.) The user may

selecting to update the subscription, button 506 of Figure 12 and 13 and parallelogram

108 of Figure 1 , which directs the user to the step indicated in parallelogram 1 10, which

will be described in a moment. A parallelogram, such as parallelogram 110, is a point

in the method seeking user input.

Parallelogram 110 is reachable from a different set of steps. For instance, if the

locally stored subscription is "valid", see diamond 102, the center is displayed of each

previously downloaded arc that has not yet been sent back to the data server, oval-

arrow 114, as shown in field 502 of Figure 13. At this point the user may also select to

update the subscription, parallelogram 108 of Figure 1 , which leads the user to the step

indicated in parallelogram 1 10. One or more prompts for subscription login data may be presented such as that

shown in Figures 14 and 15, parallelogram 11 of Figure 1. In the prompt shown in Figure 14, a user may record various identifying information, perhaps as suggested in

field 514 (organization name), field 516 (Group/user name), field 518 (password), field

520 (new password if a change is desired) and/ or other identifiers. A description of the group may be written in field 522 of Figure 15. Selecting "cancel", button 524, from either prompt shown in Figures 14 or 15 directs the method back to the step indicated

and previously discussed with regard to diamond 102. Upon completion of the fields

the user may select "o.k.", button 526 directing the method to write the data to the

preferences file, cylinder 112. A cylinder in a flowchart, such as cylinder 112, is a point in the method where data is either written to or read from storage.

The server side computer is checked based upon stored data, an asynchronous

process, wherein three potential results may occur, expired, valid, or invalid, rectangle 114. If the account is expired, the user may be notified and directed to previously

described diamond 102, allowing the user to engage in those activities permitted to

expired accounts. If the submitted subscription data is valid, the user is directed to

previously described diamond 102, allowing the user to engaged in those activities

permitted to valid accounts. If the submitted data is invalid, the method moves to the

step indicated by parallelogram 118, also reachable from diamond 102 with a "never

logged in" result. A prompt similar to that described in regard to parallelogram 110 is

presented, see Figures 16 and 17. The user has the option to enter subscription data

and moving to the sequence of steps starting with the step previously described in regard to cylinder 112 or quitting. Selection of quitting, causes the methodology to terminate, oval 120.

If the subscription is valid, diamond 102, two other option are available to the

user following the previously described display, oval-arrow 115. The user may

download additional assigned arcs, parallelogram 122. The system logs into the data server over a secure channel with the locally stored login information and a request is made for a list of assigned arcs, rectangle 124. This may be an asynchronous process.

The system then logs into the data server over a secure channel with locally stored

login information and downloads each arc, confirming each download when complete,

rectangle 126. The also may be an asynchronous process. Upon completion of the

download, the method is directed to the display step previously, described in regard to

oval-arrow 115. The flowchart indicator 128 is a symbol showing that the option of

downloading assigned arcs is not an option available to expired subscriptions.

Valid and expired subscriptions also have the option of selecting a center,

parallelogram 130. Any visible first order implications are hidden and then any

assigned first order implications from the selected center are displayed in field 528,

oval-arrow 132, as shown in Figure 18. The user may then select a first order

implication, parallelogram 134 and, as indicated by pentagon 136, the method is

directed to the method steps for opening the file and showing the initial screens as set

forth in Figure 2, pentagon 138. Opening Files and showing initial screens

Referring now to Figure 2 and entering through pentagon 138 the file associated

with the selected arc is loaded into memory, cylinder 140. A decision is made as to whether the file is encrypted, diamond 142. Note, that files preferably are always

encrypted prior to sending through the server, but after it is loaded into the memory,

each subsequent save may not be encrypted. If encrypted, the data from the file is

decrypted, rectangle 144. The decrypted data, recently or previously, is used to

generate a data structure based upon data read from the file, rectangle 146. A

decision is made as to whether the arc was assigned for completion or scoring,

diamond 148. For those assigned for completion, a process step is performed. Particularly, the implication text edit-ability is enabled, rectangle 150. The text in the first order node is

not made editable at anytime during the process shown in Figures 1 -11. This is a

control process as this method is generally used in conjunction with a wheel method,

which allows the sending out of arc assignments. Those sending out the arc

assignments are allowed to control the assignment as specified in the first order nodes,

which are non-editable to those receiving the assignments. A decision is made as to

whether any arc from the wheel associated with the selected arc been opened during

the current program session, diamond 152. If no, the center is displayed together with

the background in field 530 and assigned first order implications may be shown in field

532, oval-arrow 154, as shown in Figure 19. This allows the user to fully understand

the purpose and goals of the wheel, and hence the arc the user has selected. The method then waits for user interaction with the completion interface as set forth in

Figure 3, rectangle 156 and pentagon 158.

Another decision is made, diamond 160, if an arc from the wheel associated with

the selected arc has been opened during the current program session. See diamond 152. In particular a decision is made as to whether the second order implication stage is complete, diamond 160. If no, the second order completion stage is displayed, oval-

arrow 162 and Figure 20. Note that the first order implication 534 and second order nodes 536 together with any second order implications are displayed. A portion of the center node 538 may also be shown. If yes, the complete arc is displayed in

completion mode oval-arrow 164 and Figure 21. The center node 538, first order node

534, second order nodes 536 and third order nodes 540 may all be displayed. The method then waits for user interaction with the completion interface as set forth in

Figure 3, rectangle 156 and pentagon 158.

If the arc was assigned for scoring, diamond 148, implication text edit-ability is disabled, rectangle 166. A decision is made as to whether any arc from the wheel

associated with the selected arc has been opened during the current program session,

diamond 168. If no, the center and background, shown in field 542 and assigned

point(s) of view, shown in field 544 are displayed, oval-arrow 170, perhaps as shown in

Figure 22. (Note, the text in the figures is merely offered to aid in identification of the

location and is not presented as an implication or description relative to a particular issue being examined with the methodology.) If yes, the complete arc is displayed in

scoring mode with un-scored implications displayed with indicia marking the nodes as un-scored, perhaps blurry lines or other indicator, oval-arrow 172. See Figures 23 and

24. Following either the step described in regard to oval-arrow 170 or oval-arrow 172,

the method waits for user interaction with the scoring interface, rectangle 174 and pentagon 176, as described with regard to Figure 9 starting at pentagon 376.

Completion Interface

The completion interface may be entered either at pentagon 178 from pentagon 158 of Figure 2 or pentagon 180 from Figure 4 (pentagon 263), 5 (pentagon 298), 6

(pentagon 320), or 7 (pentagon 350). Assuming the completion interface is entered from pentagon 178, a decision, diamond 182, is made as to whether time was

assigned. If no, the interface is displayed with the options to open another arc 546, quit

or exit 548, complete second order implications 550, complete third order implications

552, score from all assigned points of view 554, spell check 556, and return the completed arcs 558, oval-arrow 184. Figures 25 and 26 are examples of what the

display may show. Note, that the user is precluded from having the option of entering

time as such option is not presented whether user enters from pentagons 178 or later

180 as the methodology recalls the decision at diamond 182. If time was assigned, the

interface is displayed with the options to open another arc 546, quit or exit 548,

complete second order implications 550, complete third order implications 552, score

from all assigned points of view 554, time from all assigned points of view 560, spell

check 556, and return the completed arcs 558, oval-arrow 186. Figures 25 and 27 are

examples of what the display may show. Whether reaching the present point in the method from oval-arrow 184, oval-

arrow 186 or pentagon 180, the user is presented with several options, except as

otherwise noted At parallelogram 188, the user may select to open another arc

wherein the method follows the step previously described starting with diamond 102 on Figure 1 See pentagons 190 Figure 3 and pentagon 101 of Figure 1 The user may select to complete second order implications, parallelogram 192,

whereupon the second order implications are displayed, oval-arrow 194, as shown in

Figure 20 A portion of the center 538, the first order node 534 and second order

nodes 536 are displayed The user is then directed, pentagon 196, to the node editing

procedure shown starting at pentagon 236 of Figure 4

The user may select to complete third order implications, parallelogram 198, which invokes a decision as to whether there is at least one positive and one negative

second order implication, diamond 200 If no, the user is notified, perhaps in window 562, that they must have at least one positive and one negative second order

implication, oval-arrow 202, and is directed to select another option That is, the user

cannot enter implications of a new order until there is at least one positive and one

negative implication of the current order If yes, the full arc is displayed in completion

mode, oval-arrow 204 as shown in Figure 21 and has been previously described The

user is directed via pentagon 196 to the method descπbed in reference to pentagon

236 of Figure 5

The user may select to score from one assigned point of view, parallelogram

208 The full arc is then displayed in scoring mode with un-scored implications bearing indicia, perhaps blurry or jagged lines 564 defining the node, such indicia indicating the unscored nature of such node, oval-arrow 210 such as found in Figures 23 and 24.

Scored nodes that are not scored as being significant may have indicia such as solid

lines 266, indicating that the nodes have been scored. Nodes scored as significant

may have indicia such as stars 268 disposed about the node. Nodes scored with a high likelihood may bear indicia such as a second circle 270. Leads 272 may indicate the presence of non-displayed higher order implications. The user is then directed,

pentagon 212, to the steps concerning scoring in completion mode at pentagon 300 of Figure 6. The user may select timing from an assigned point of view, parallelogram 214. The full arc is displayed in timing mode, oval-arrow 216, as shown in Figure 29. This

option may not be made available if timing has not been assigned. The user is then

directed, pentagon 218, to the method step concerning timing, pentagon 334 of Figure

7.

The user may select spell check, parallelogram 220. The full arc is displayed in

completion mode and spell check is started, oval-arrow 222 as shown in Figure 21.

The user is then directed, pentagon 224, to the steps concerning spell checking as set

forth at pentagon 352 of Figure 8.

The user may select to return a completed arc, parallelogram 226. A process

step, rectangle 228, of logging in to the data server over a secure channel with locally

stored login information. The arc data is encrypted and returned to the server. This may be an asynchronous process. The user is then directed, pentagon 230, to the

method steps following from pentagon 101 of Figure 1. Alternatively, the user may select quit or exit, parallelogram 232. The program

then terminates, oval 234. Note, at various points in the display if any implication has more than a predetermined number of implications, perhaps five, a "next page" button 592 will be

presented for any additional implications and if any implication has a multiple of the

predetermined number, perhaps five, a "new page" button 592 will be displayed for

allowing additional implications to be placed on a new page.

Editing nodes

The user may reach the editing nodes function through pentagon 236.

Thereafter, the user may click a second or third order node 536,540, parallelogram

240. Completing third order nodes 540 is precluded if there are not at least one positive and one negative second order node 536 as previously described, diamond

200 of Figure 3. A decision is made as to whether the selected node corresponds to an

implication that has already been generated, diamond 242. If no, the user is directed,

pentagon 244, to pentagon 264 of Figure 5.

If the selected node corresponds to a previously generated implication, the text

entry display 574 is presented over the selected node containing the implication text,

oval-arrow 248, as shown in Figure 30. The user may edit the text and submit the

changes, perhaps with the «enter» key, «tab» key or clicking on the screen in a location unrelated to the node, rectangle 250. Positive and negative scoring may be

changed on the implication, preferably by changing the plus or minus indicator near the

beginning of the text display. A decision is made, diamond 252, as to whether there are four or more sibling

nodes, e.g. children of the current parent node. If no, the method is directed to the step described in regard to the step set forth in rectangle 254, which will be described in a moment. If yes, a decision is made as to whether there is at least one positive child of

the current parent node, diamond 256. If no, the user is reminded to include at least

one positive implication, parallelogram 258, and directed to the step indicated in

rectangle 254. If there is at least one positive child of the current parent node, a

decision is made as to whether there is at least one negative child implication of the

current parent implication, diamond 260. If no, the user is reminded to include at least one negative implication, parallelogram 262, and is directed to the step described in

regard to rectangle 254. If there are four or more children nodes of the current parent

node and at least one is positive and one is negative, the user moves directly to the

process step set forth in rectangle 254.

At rectangle 254, the text of the selected implication is changed in the data

structure representing the arc. The arc is written to permanent storage, cylinder 261.

The user has the option of repeating the afore described steps in editing another

implication or returning to pentagon 180 of the completion interface described with

reference to Figure 3, pentagon 263. Currently unidentified implications This process has been found to inspire users to be aggressive on sharing

implications and less aggressive on forethought. Accordingly, the process may include a step to relax the user and allow them time to think. After reaching pentagon 244 of Figure 4, the user is directed to pentagon 264 of Figure 5. There a decision is made as

to whether the user has had the thirty second timer displayed, diamond 266. A pause

window 576, perhaps thirty-seconds in duration may be presented together with a

display of rule reminders 578, which can vary as to which rules are presented, and the

text of the parent implication of the selected node, oval-arrow 268. This pause may include a delay override button 580 and visible countdown indicator 582, preferably analog clock style, oval-arrow 268.

Once the pause is initiated, previously or currently, the text entry display 574

may be presented over the selected node with positive and negative selection buttons

584, 586, oval-arrow 270, as shown in Figure 30. A progress reminder may be used to

keep progress moving, essentially another clock that determines whether the user

taken more than a predetermined amount of time between entry of data. A decision is

made as to whether the progress reminder delay passed, diamond 272. If the delay

passed, the user is reminded, perhaps with window 588, that the progress should

continue, oval-arrow 274 as shown in Figure 32. Once reminded or if the delay did not

pass, the user may enter an implication and designating the implication as positive or

negative with buttons 584 and 586, parallelogram 276. Positive or negative may be

selected using the tab key to highlight the correct button followed by the «enter» key or via clicking with a mouse. A decision is made as to whether there are four or more

children of the current parent node, diamond 278. If not, the method is directed to the

step identified in rectangle 288, which will be discussed in a moment. When four or more children of the selected parent node are present, a test is initiated to determine that both positive and negative implications are present. At

diamond 280, a decision is reached as to whether there is at least one positive child of

the select parent node. If no, the user is reminded, perhaps with window 590 of Figure 33, to include at least one positive implication, oval-arrow 282 and is directed to

rectangle 288. If there is a positive implication, a decision is made as to whether there

is at least one negative implication, diamond 284. If no, the user is reminded to include

at least one negative implication, perhaps in window 590 of Figure 33, oval-arrow 286

and is directed to rectangle 288. The method proceeds to rectangle 288 if there is both

a positive and a negative implication. At rectangle 288, an implication is created in the arc data structure as a child of

the selected parent implication with a positive or a negative value corresponding to the

selected button and text corresponding to the user entered text. The arc is then written

to permanent storage, cylinder 290.

A decision is then made as to whether there is a multiple of a predetermined

number of children, perhaps five, of the selected parent implication, diamond 292. If

so, an option 592 is displayed for another page of the predetermined number of

children as shown in Figures 21 and 34, oval-arrow 294. Either after such display or if

there is not a multiple of the predetermined number, the user is presented with two options. The user may exit this portion of the methodology through pentagon 298,

bringing the user back to the completion interface, pentagon 180 of Figure 3.

Alternatively, the user may have the method automatically select the next empty node,

i.e. a node without a corresponding implication, rectangle 296. After such selection, the method resumes the course previously described starting with oval-arrow 270.

Scoring in Completion Mode

Upon entering, pentagon 330 of Figure 6, the function for scoring in completion

mode, un-scored existing implications are displayed in the scoring mode with an un- scored visual indicator, such as blurriness or jagged edges 564 defining the node

together with the other previously described scoring indicators 566, 568 and 570 as

shown in Figures 23 and 24, oval-arrow 302. The user may select a node that

corresponds to an existing implication, parallelogram 304. Next, diamond 306, a

decision is made by the method as to whether the scoring is "fast" mode or "detailed"

mode. The fast mode gathers less precise information then the detailed mode. An

appropriate scoring interface is displayed for the particular scoring mode as described

below.

The "detailed" scoring interface, such as that shown in Figure 23 and indicated

in oval-arrow 308, shows the buttons 594 for indicating desirability, buttons 596 for

indicating likelihood, and a minority report interface button 598. Preferably, the

buttons 594 for desirability include a wide range of numerical indicators such as +50,

+5, +4, +3, +2, +1 , 0, -1 , -2, -3, -4, -5, and -50. The desirability buttons 594 are used to indicate the preference of the occurrence of the implication. Such desirability buttons

594 may be color coded, perhaps in a gradient manner, perhaps with blue positive

numbers with white or pale tones representing more neutral numbers and red

representing the negative numbers. Preferably, the likelihood buttons 596 include a

wide range of numerical indicators such as 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%,

20%, and 10%o or 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. For instance somebody may identify

world peace as an implication of a summit meeting. Desirability may be marked as +50

according to a scoring method, but likelihood may be scored as 10% or 1. The node

may be displayed, perhaps as a magnified node, together with any indicators showing its existing score.

The "fast" scoring interface, such as that shown in Figure 24 is displayed, oval-

arrow 310, showing the buttons 600 for indicating desirability, buttons 602 for indicating

likelihood, and a minority report interface 604. Preferably, the buttons 600 for desirability include a smaller number of options of numerical indicators such as +50, +5

or +4, +3 to -3, -4 or -5, and -50. The desirability buttons are used to indicate the

preference of occurrence of the implication. Such desirability buttons 600 may be color

coded, perhaps in a gradient manner, perhaps with blue positive numbers with white or

pale tones representing more neutral numbers and red representing the negative

numbers. Preferably, the likelihood buttons 602 include a smaller number of options of

numerical indicators perhaps being "greater than 70%" and "less than or equal to 70%".

The node may be displayed, perhaps as a magnified node, together with any indicators

showing its existing score. From the steps described in regard to oval-arrows 308 and 310, the method

seeks input from the user, parallelogram 312. The user assigns desirability and

likelihood to the implications by clicking on the scoring buttons 595 and 596 or 600 and

602. A response including both desirability and likelihood is required before the

process can continue, except perhaps in fast scoring mode where a desirability of +3 to-3, e.g. neutral, does not require a likelihood scoring.

Next, rectangle 314, the scored nodes are colored and shaped to visually

indicate the desirability and likelihood combinations. Any prior scoring or non-scored,

e.g. un-scored, indicators are removed in this process. Figures 23 and 24 are examples of different visual indicators that may be used to depart information about

scored and un-scored nodes. For example, nodes that have not been scored remain

blurry or with jagged edges 564. Nodes that are not a child of the selected node may

be presented in a small or abbreviated manner. Scored nodes may be shown with a smooth non-jagged outer perimeter such as nodes 566. Significant nodes may be

identified with stars such as nodes 568. Nodes with a high likelihood, e.g. greater than

70% may be visually identified with a second ring 570 about the node. That is, those

with a significant desirability score and significant likelihood may be made more

prominent so as to draw the viewer's attention to those nodes of the greatest impact

and those of less impacting and less likely implications are displayed less prominently.

Any scored node that was previously visually marked as un-scored loses its visual "un-

scored" indicator when it is scored. The arc data is written to permanent storage, cylinder 316. The method waits for

either of three inputs, the user may submit a minority report, parallelogram 318, the

user may score another node, as was described starting at parallelogram 304, or the

user may go to the completion interface, pentagon 320 of Figure 6 and pentagon 180 of Figure 3.

When the user clicks the minority report button 598 or 604, parallelogram 318,

the minority report interface 605 is displayed, oval arrow 320. The minority report interface 605, shown in Figure 35 preferably has fields for identification of the

reporter(s) 606, minority score 608 and reason for minority report 610. The user may

click "o.k." on button 612 or "cancel" on button 614 (or similar indicators of action), parallelogram 322. If "cancel" is selected, button 614, the minority report interface 605

is hidden, oval-arrow 324, and the method waits for user selection of one of the three

choices identified with regard to cylinder 316. If "O.k" button 612 was selected, a

decision is made as to whether all required fields, perhaps 606, 608, and 610 of the

minority report interface 605 are completely filled. Preferably all fields are required,

diamond 326. If not, the user is notified, perhaps with window 616 of Figure 36 that

only complete minority reports will be submitted, oval-arrow 328, and the method is

redirected to the point previously described with reference to parallelogram 322. If

complete, the minority report is recorded in the current implication and a visual

indicator for a minority report, such as a subscript or superscript "M", may be displayed

next to the node that has a minority report, rectangle 330. Completion of the process

step in rectangle 330, is followed with hiding of the minority report entry interface, oval- arrow 332. The arc data is written to permanent storage as previously described in

regard to cylinder 316 and resumes the method as previously described with regard to

cylinder 316.

Timing Timing allows for users to estimate the amount of time that it may take to pass

from the occurrence of one implication on through to a higher order implication directly resulting therefrom. The timing function, entered through pentagon 334 of Figure 7,

accessible from pentagon 218 of Figure 3, first displays diamonds 618 between

ancestral implications, oval-arrow 336, as shown in Figures 29 and 37. The user may

select a diamond that corresponds to an existing implication, parallelogram 338. A magnified time diamond 620 may be displayed with any existing time assignment along

with magnified nodes 622, 624 between which the time diamond is preferably

positioned in the wheel, oval-arrow 340, as shown in Figure 37.

The user may switch between days, weeks and years and any pre-existing time

units automatically convert to the newly selected units of time measure, parallelogram

342. The user may enter a number and submit the information, perhaps through

clicking, using the «enter» key or «tab» key or other method, parallelogram 344.

The magnified time diamond 620, two magnified nodes 622, 624, assigned time and any indicator as to time units are hidden, oval-arrow 346, as shown in Figure 29. The

data is written to permanent storage for later retrieval and use, cylinder 348. The user may repeat the process, starting at parallelogram 338 or return to the completion

interface, pentagon 350 of Figure 7 and pentagon 180 of Figure 3.

Spell check Figure 8 discloses the process whereby a user may spell check the text within

the nodes, entered from pentagon 352. A decision is made as to whether an

implication has already been selected, diamond 354. If not, then the method selects the first second order implications, rectangle 356. Since the first order implication is

not editable, it cannot be spell checked. Once an implication has been selected, either via the user or the method, the currently selected implication identification is saved in a

variable for comparison, rectangle 358. The implication is then evaluated to determine

if it has a misspelled word, diamond 360.

Implications that have a misspelled word are displayed in a magnified node 626 in an editable mode with the misspelled words marked with indicia 628, oval-arrow 362

as shown in Figure 38. The user may submit the text, edited or otherwise, perhaps by

pressing «enter», «tab» or clicking, parallelogram 364. The arc is written to

permanent storage, cylinder 366. The next implication in the data structure is selected,

rectangle 368. The step at rectangle 368 is also directly reachable from diamond 360 if

the implication has not misspelled words. The process repeats the steps between

diamond 360 and rectangle 368 until all implications have been spell checked, diamond

370, or until the user selects cancel, parallelogram 372. Upon completion or termination, the user is directed to the completion interface through pentagon 374 of Figure 8 and pentagon 180 of Figure 3.

Scoring interface The scoring interface, entered through pentagon 376, accessible through pentagon 176 of Figure 2, i.e. only if scoring was assigned, first determines whether

time was assigned, diamond 378. Note, that the flow chart diamonds and time

diamonds are different in nature with flow chart diamonds indicating a decision making point and time diamonds recording an estimated time that would elapse between two implications if such implications do occur. If time was not assigned, the interface is

displayed with options to open another arc 546 (Fig. 25), quit/exit 548 (Fig. 25), score

from all assigned points of view 638 (Fig. 39), and return the completed arc 640 (Fig.

39), oval-arrow 380. If time was assigned, the user has the options of open another arc 546 (Fig. 25), quit/exit 548 (Fig. 25), score from all assigned points of view 638 (Fig.

39), time from all assigned points of view 642 (Fig. 39) and return the completed arc

640 (Fig. 39), oval-arrow 382. Presentation of these options may also occur through

pentagon 384. (See pentagon 414 of Figure 10).

The user has the option to open another arc, parallelogram 386, which if

selected directs the user back to diamond 102 of Figure 1 via pentagons.388 and 101.

The user has the option to score from all assigned points of view, parallelogram

390. If selected, the full arc is displayed in scoring mode as shown in Figures 23 and

24. Un-scored implications are marked with indicia 564, such as blurry lines or jagged edges, to designate the nodes as un-scored, oval-arrow 392. The user is directed to

Figure 10 via pentagon 394 (Figure 9) and pentagon 412 (Figure 10). Between the

pentagons 412 and 414 on Figure 10, the flowchart is preferably identical to that in

Figure 6 with the difference being the entrance and exit points.

The user may select timing from one assigned point of view, parallelogram 396. The full arc is displayed in timing mode as shown in Figure 29, oval-arrow 398, and the

user is directed to the steps identified on the flowchart in Figure 11 , see pentagons 400

(Figure 9) and 416 (Figure 11 ).

The user may select to return the completed arc, parallelogram 402. A process,

rectangle 404, occurs such as logging in to the data server over secure channels with

locally stored login information. The content data is encrypted and the arc is returned

to the server. This may be an asynchronous process. The user is directed to the step

previously described in regard to diamond 102 of Figure 1 via pentagons 406 (Figure 9) and 101 (Figure 1 ).

The user may select to quit/exit the process, parallelogram 408, which

terminates the methodology, oval 410.

Scoring in scoring mode

The flowchart in Figure 10 denotes that the process is preferably substantially

the same as that shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is the scoring process that occurs when

the user accesses scoring from the completion interface of Figure 3 and Figure 10 is

the scoring process that occurs when the user accesses scoring from the scoring interface of Figure 9. While the scoring process remains substantially unchanged, the interface where the user starts is the interface to where the user should be returned

upon completion of scoring. The user is returned to the interface from where they

initiated the scoring process as indicated by the pentagons 180, 212 of Figures 3

corresponding with pentagons 300 and 320 of Figure 6 as compared with pentagons 384 and 394 of Figure 9 corresponding with pentagons 412 and 414 of Figure 10.

Timing A user may select to enter time from the scoπng interface, Figure 9, wherein the

user was directed from pentagon 400 of Figure 9 to pentagon 416 of Figure 11. Time

diamonds are made visible between implications and their parent, oval-arrow 418 as

shown in Figure 29. The user may click a diamond that corresponds to an existing

implication, parallelogram 420. The time diamond 618 may be displayed as a magnified diamond 620 together with and existing time assignment, along with

magnified versions of the two implications 622, 624 between which the time diamond

620 appears, oval-arrow 422, as shown in Figure 37.

The user may select the units of time measure, e.g. days, weeks, and years,

parallelogram 424, and any pre-existing time assignment is converted to the newly

selected units of time measure. The user may enter a number of units, e.g. three days

or four weeks, etc., and submit the information preferably via pressing the «enter»

key, «tab» key or clicking, parallelogram 426. Upon submission, the magnified time

diamond 620, the two implications 622, 624 and the indicator as to units of measure are removed from display as shown in Figure 29, oval-arrow 428. The arc is then written to

permanent storage, cylinder 430. The user may select another time diamond,

parallelogram 420, or return to the scoring interface, pentagon 432 (Figure 11 ) and pentagon 384 (Figure 9).

The appended computer program coding is offered as a further description to

those skilled in the art of computer programming to more fully understand the present

invention and further explain the subject matter described herein. Although the present invention has been described with reference to

preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize changes may be made

in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For

instance, different indica and shapes may be used to impart information concerning the

nodes and scoring thereof.

Claims

I claim:

1 ) A method of investigating, comprising the steps of: selecting an option of complete third order nodes; determining whether there is at least one positive and at least one negative second order implications; and precluding presentation of third order nodes until at least one positive and at least one negative second order implications are present.

2) The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: determining if the arc was assigned for completion; determining whether second order implication stage is complete if the arc was assigned for completion; and displaying the entire arc only when the second order implication stage is complete.

3) The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: selecting an option of complete third order nodes; determining whether there is at least one positive and at least one negative second order implications; and presenting third order nodes only when there is at least one positive and at least one negative second order implication.

4) The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: determining if the arc was assigned for completion; and directing the user to a completion interface when the arc was assigned for completion.

5) The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of: determining whether time was assigned: and if time was assigned presenting options at the completion interface of open another arc, complete second order nodes, complete third order nodes, scoring from any assigned point of view, timing from one assigned point of view, return completed arc, and quit.

6) The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of: determining whether time was assigned: and if time was not assigned presenting options of open another arc, complete second order nodes, complete third order nodes, scoring from any assigned point of view, return completed arc, and quit and precluding an option of timing from all assigned points of view. 7) The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: determining the status of the subscription; if the subscription is valid presenting options of downloading assigned arcs, selecting to update the subscription to the status stored on the server side, and selecting a center; if the subscription is expired presenting options of selecting to update the subscription to the status stored on the server side, and selecting a center and precluding downloading of assigned arcs; and if the subscription is not registered, presenting the option of selecting to update the subscription to the status stored on the server side until receipt of a communication of a valid subscription from the server side and precluding downloading of assigned arcs and selection of a center.

8) The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: selecting a center; and displaying arcs assigned from a selected center after selection of the center.

9) A method of investigating, comprising the steps of: selecting one of complete second order nodes and complete third order nodes; delaying for a period of time to allow a user to think about implications; maintaining a clock for a period of time measuring delay between user input; and displaying a reminder to the user to provide input if a predetermined amount of time has passed from the last receipt of input.

10) A method of investigating, comprising the steps of: determining if scoring was assigned; and disabling editability of implication text if only scoring was assigned.

1 1 ) The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: permitting scoring of an arc only when scoring is assigned.

12) The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: directing a user to a scoring interface if scoring was assigned.

13) The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: displaying desirability buttons and likelihood buttons when scoring.

14) The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of displaying a minority report button.

15) The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: displaying a minority report interface when the minority report button is clicked. 16) The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of: verifying that the minority report interface is fully prepared prior to accepting any data contained in the report; and precluding acceptance of an incomplete minority report.

17) The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: determining whether time was assigned at a scoring interface; displaying options of open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view and return completed arc; and precluding an option of time from assigned all point of view if time was not assigned.

8) The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: determining whether time was assigned at a scoring interface; displaying options of open another arc, quit, score from all assigned points of view, time from all assigned points of view, and return completed.