Graphics image generation and data analysis

9) A data analysis apparatus for analyzing a set of data stored in a database, comprising:

• an aggregation unit for aggregating, according to given aggregation criteria, attributes of data classified in a give category system having a hierarchical structure;
• a filtering unit for filtering said category system according to given filtering criteria by using the result of aggregation by said aggregation unit to select valid categories according to said filtering criteria;
• and
• an analysis result output unit for generating and displaying a graphics image that includes said valid categories selected by said filtering unit and represents attributes of data included in said valid categories with visual elements.

13) A graphics image generation method for visualizing a hierarchical structure of hierarchical data and presenting the visualized data, comprising:

• a first step of performing aggregation of attributes of pieces of data in said hierarchical data according to given aggregation criteria and storing the result of said aggregation in given storage means;
• a second step of filtering the result of the aggregation according to given filtering criteria to select nodes be displayed from said hierarchical data and storing information about said selected nodes in given storage means;
• and
• a third step of generating a graphics image that includes said nodes selected by said filtering unit and reflects the hierarchical structure of said hierarchical data.

15) A data analysis method for analyzing a set of data stored in a database, comprising:

• a first step of aggregating, according to given aggregation criteria, attributes of data classified in a give category system having a hierarchical structure and storing the result of the aggregation in give storage means;
• a second step of filtering said category system according to given filtering criteria by using the result of the aggregation to select valid categories according to said filtering criteria and storing information about said selected valid categories in given storage means;
• and
• a third step of generating and displaying a graphics image that includes said valid categories and represents attributes of data included in said valid categories with visual elements.

17) A program in a graphics image generation apparatus for visualizing a hierarchical structure of hierarchical data and presenting the visualized data, said program causing a computer to function as:

• aggregation means for performing aggregation of attributes of pieces of data in said hierarchical data according to given aggregation criteria;
• filtering means for filtering the result of aggregation performed by said aggregation means according to given filtering criteria to select nodes to be displayed from said hierarchical data;
• and
• visualization means for generating a graphics image that includes said nodes selected by said filtering means and visualizes the hierarchical structure of said hierarchical data.

20) A program for causing a computer to function as:

• aggregation means for aggregating, according to given aggregation criteria, attributes of data classified in a give category system having a hierarchical structure;
• filtering means for filtering said category system according to given filtering criteria by using the result of aggregation by said aggregation means to select valid categories according to said filtering criteria;
• and
• visualization means for generating and displaying a graphics image that includes said valid categories selected by said filtering means and represents attributes of data included in said valid categories with visual elements.