User interface for a decision support system

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for navigation user interface mechanisms. According to one embodiment, a user interface mechanism enables period query generation. A period selection dialog configured to receive information indicative of multiple date groups to be compared is presented. The period selection dialog displays a graphical depiction of a calendar view from which the date groups may be selected. Information identifying one or more days representing a period associated with each date group is then received with reference to the graphical depiction. Each period is capable of being either asymmetrical or symmetrical with respect to the other periods to be compared. Finally, a query is generated to create a comparison among the date groups based upon the information identifying the period associated with each date group.

1 . A method of specifying period queries comprising: 
 presenting a period selection dialog configured to receive information indicative of a plurality of date groups to be compared, the period selection dialog displaying a graphical depiction of a calendar view from which the plurality of date groups may be selected;    receiving information identifying one or more days representing a period associated with each date group of the plurality of date groups with reference to the graphical depiction, each period of the plurality of periods capable of being either asymmetrical or symmetrical with respect to one or more other periods of the plurality of periods; and    generating a query to create a comparison among the plurality of date groups based upon the information identifying the period associated with each date group.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said receiving information identifying one or more days representing a period associated with each date group of the plurality of date groups with reference to the graphical depiction includes an end user interactively highlighting portions of the calendar view with a pointing device.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the graphical depiction of the calendar view includes a plurality of months.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of date groups comprise at least three date groups.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of date groups comprise two asymmetrical date groups in terms of number of days being compared to each other.  
   
   
       6 . A system comprising: 
 a period selection means for receiving information indicative of a plurality of date groups to be compared, the period selection means displaying a graphical depiction of a calendar view from which the plurality of date groups may be selected;    a day selection means associated with the calendar view for receiving information identifying one or more days representing a period associated with each date group of the plurality of date groups, each period of the plurality of periods capable of being either asymmetrical or symmetrical with respect to one or more other periods of the plurality of periods; and    a query generation means responsive to the period selection means or the day selection means for generating a query, which creates a comparison among the plurality of date groups based upon the information identifying the period associated with each date group.    
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the graphical depiction of the calendar view includes a graphical depiction of a plurality of months.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of date groups comprise at least three date groups.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of date groups comprise two asymmetrical date groups in terms of number of days being compared to each other.