Method and apparatus for concurrent graphical visualization of a database search and its search history

On a computer system having a display means and coupled to a database, a method for displaying the results of a query to said database on said display means, said method comprising the steps of:

• a) displaying a first query window having a first search scope, said first query window having a query entry area, a results display area and a history indicator area;
• b) executing a provided query from a user, said query comprised of a plurality of expressions entered in to said query entry area of said first query window;
• c) displaying an information visualization of the set of results of said query in said results display area of said first query window, said information visualization displaying a plurality of selectable disjoint subsets;
• d) determining that said user has selected one or more of said selectable disjoint subsets;
• e) creating a second query window having a second search scope comprised of said selected one or more disjoint subsets, said query window having a query entry area, a results display area and a history indicator area;
• and
• f) displaying said second query window concentric with said first query window so that the history indicator area of said first query window and the history indicator area of said second query window are concurrently displayed.