Method and apparatus for displaying and updating structured information

摘要

A system for displaying structured information such that the information is filtered and displayed mixed with structural indicators. Plural interrelated tables, which form the structured information, are stored such that each of the tables includes at least one join field which links that table to at least one other of the plural tables. Two kinds of maps are stored: a structural map and plural display maps. The structural map is based on the join fields in the plural tables and describe interrelationships and pathing among the plural tables. Each of the plural display maps corresponds to one user-selectable display of information from the plural tables and defines the manner and placement of information on display means. Each display map includes an information display part which designates how information from the tables is to be displayed, with at least some of the display maps including a structural display part which designates when structural indicators rather than information is to be displayed. Information from the plural tables is displayed mixed with structural indicators in accordance with a user selection of one or more of the plural display maps and in accordance with the information display part and the structural display part. In addition to this mixed display of structure and information, when information is displayed the information is filtered in accordance with the interrelationships and pathing defined in the structural map such that not all information designated in the information display part is necessarily displayed.