Genealogical analysis tool

A three dimensional computerized genealogical chart comprising:

• means for storing a family space in a computer memory, said family space containing an X axis, a Y axis, a Z axis defining respectively coordinate directions consisting of an X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in said space, said family space also containing a set of person objects representing members of a family;
• means for connecting said person objects as siblings in said X direction;
• means for connecting said person objects as parents/children in said Y direction;
• means for connecting said person objects by marriage in said Z direction;
• means for providing a view of said family space on a computer output device, said view showing said person objects and said connections between said person objects;
• means for controlling said view on said output device according geometrical and family relationships.

A three dimensional computerized genealogical chart comprising:

• a family space containing an X axis, a Y axis, a Z axis defining respectively coordinate directions consisting of an X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in said space, said family space containing a set of person objects representing members of a family, said family space and person objects stored in a computer memory;
• said person objects displaying specific identification and historical information about a person;
• said person objects connected as siblings in said X direction;
• said person objects connected as parents/children in said Y direction;
• said person objects connected by marriage in said Z direction;
• a view of said family space displayed on a computer output device, said view showing said person objects and said connections between said person objects;
• a set of computer commands for controlling said view on said output device according geometrical and family relationships, said set of computer commands including commands for translation, rotation, and zooming.

A method for displaying a family tree comprising the steps of:

• entering family relation data into a computer, said computer containing a output device;
• displaying on said output device geometrical shapes representing persons in said family, said geometrical shapes displaying identification information concerning a person represented;
• connecting said geometrical shapes in a virtual 3-dimensional display on said computer screen where different virtual dimensions represent different family relationships;
• manipulating said virtual 3-dimensional display with a predetermined set of commands to display different aspects of said family tree.