INDEXING/COMPRESSION SCHEME FOR SUPPORTING GRAPHICS AND DATA SELECTION

A method for interactively selecting and displaying a distribution of all data fields in a selected database. The primary function of the methodology is to allow a user to view the data contained within a selected database in a graphical format. Additionally, the user has the capability of selecting specific sets of data for more detailed display as well as determining the effect of the selection on all remaining data fields which comprise the selected database. The first step in the process is the accessing of the particular database from the host system. Once the selected database has been accessed, a distribution matrix for each field in the selected database is constructed from the data contained within the selected database. The distribution matrix is then graphically displayed on any type of graphical display unit. From this initial graphic display, the user can make various selections for detailed graphical display and study and analyze the data structure and data content of the database.