Graphical forecasting interface

Abstract

A system, method, apparatus, and technique for gathering and providing information forecasts is disclosed. An example of a system according to the technique includes a graph module having at least and interactive portion and an optional static portion. The interactive portion of the graph can be capable of plotting future data points provided by a user. The static portion of the graph can contain a plot of past data points. The graphical forecasting interface provides a simple mechanism for a user to make one or a plurality of future predictions as to an information item using a graphical input.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 719,704 filed on 22 Sep. 2005, entitled GRAPHICAL FORECASTING INTERFACE by inventors Craig Kaplan and Calen Lopata which application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention pertains generally to systems and methods for using a graphical interface for both presenting an output and receiving an input of data, and more particularly to a system and method for providing and using a graphical forecasting interface (GFI) for accepting data predictions and forecasts for a future information or event based on a user interaction with a graph and the underlying database and algorithmic elements associated with the graphical display. BACKGROUND [0003] Forecasting is often a difficult and cumbersome task. Typically forecasting involves substantial and complicated research. After the research is complete, the forecaster must input the f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the technique incorporates a graphical user interface in which clicking on a graph replaces more time-consuming typing. The interactive graph results in fewer typographical errors and allows forecasts to be generated faster. Further, in certain embodiments, the submission module can analyze a prediction line drawn the user and send the data to a database for storage. In some embodiments, the submission module can incorporate interpolation and / or extrapolation algorithms in order to generate a large number of forecasts from a relatively small number of direct inputs from the user. In some embodiments, the submission module can rather than analyzing a line drawn by the user, analyze a user mouse click, a user touch-screen or touch pad or pen input, or another user input graphical interaction using a pointing device, key stroke, voice input, or other interaction on or relative to the interactive portion of the graph to determine the user input.

[0015] The proposed system, method and device can offer, among other advantages, an improved forecasting mechanism. This can be accomplished in an efficient and robust manner compared to other forecasting mechanisms. Advantageously, the proposed system, method and device can gather information from users regarding future performance and optionally but advantageously display past performance on a single graph. The proposed system, method and device can generate and display a composite prediction based on previous user input. By using a graph, a large amount of user information is easily collected, stored and displayed.

Problems solved by technology

Forecasting is often a difficult and cumbersome task.

Typically forecasting involves substantial and complicated research.

The input of a large amount of forecast data is tedious and wastes valuable time and resources.

Given the daunting task of having to input a large number of forecasts individually, forecasting systems usually lack the requisite amount of information necessary to generate an accurate prediction.

As such, current forecasting systems are inadequate.

In addition, forecasting systems are usually not integrated with the research that must be performed.

The lack of an integrated research and forecast tool generates numerous errors and frustration on the part of the user.

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