Apparatus and method for filtering data using nested panels

1. A computer implemented method, comprising:

receiving a data filter from a first panel of filtering categories displayed in a graphical user interface of a computer, wherein the filtering categories are displayed as a list;

applying the data filter to a dataset to produce a data subset;

displaying next to the first panel a second panel of filtering categories for the data subset, wherein the second panel of filtering categories are selected for the data subset and are displayed as a list; and

repeating the applying and displaying such that each successive filter panel selects filtering categories for each new data subset and displays the filtering categories as a list, wherein all previous filter panels are displayed to establish an observable filter path.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first panel of filtering categories is selected from a head panel and a nested panel.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising changing a data filter of a previous panel.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving a second data filter from the second panel and forming a third panel of filter categories next to the second panel.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising selecting the data filter by clicking on a filter or typing the filter into a panel header.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying the data subset in a visualization selected from a chart and a graph.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving a plurality of data filters.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the plurality of data filters is received from one of a textbox, a set of checkboxes, a select list and the first panel of filtering categories.

9. A computer readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions to:

present a first panel of filtering categories displayed as a list in a graphical user interface of a computer;

receive a selection of a first set of one or more data filters from the first panel;

apply the first set of one or more data filters to a dataset to form a data subset;

display next to the first panel a second set of one or more available data filters within a nested second panel of filtering categories, wherein the second set of one or more available data filters is selected based upon the data subset and is displayed as a list; and

invoke the executable instructions to apply and display such that each successive filter panel displays as a list a different subset of filter categories relevant to each new data subset, while states of all previous filter panels are maintained to establish an observable filter path.

10. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein a representative data filter from the one or more available data filters is a filter selected from a first plurality of previously unapplied data filters and a second plurality of filters that resolves subsets within the dataset.

11. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9 further comprising executable instructions to display the data subset in a visualization selected from a chart and a graph.

12. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the first panel of filtering categories is selected from a head panel and a nested panel.

13. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9 further comprising executable instructions to change the data filter of a superior panel.

14. The computer readable storage medium of claim 13 wherein the dataset is refreshed and all inferior nested panels are maintained.

15. The computer readable storage medium of claim 13 wherein the dataset is refreshed and an inferior nested panel containing a filter that is no longer applicable is removed.

16. The computer readable storage medium of claim 13 wherein the dataset is refreshed and an inferior nested panel containing a filter that is no longer applicable and a set of subsequent nested panels that stem from the inferior nested panel are removed.

17. A method of displaying a plurality of data filter panels within a window of a graphical user interface on a computer, the method comprising:

displaying a first data filter panel including a first plurality of data filters displayed as a list;

receiving a data filter from the first plurality of data filters;

applying the data filter to a dataset to create a data subset;

displaying a view of the data subset;

displaying a second data filter panel, wherein:

the second data filter panel is adjacent to the first data filter panel; and

the second data filter panel includes a list of a second plurality of data filters that are available to filter the data subset; and

repeating the applying and displaying such that each successive filter panel displays a different subset of filter categories relevant to each new data subset, while states of all previous filter panels are maintained to establish an observable filter path.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the second plurality of data filters includes a second data filter selected from a previously unapplied data filter, a previously unselected data filter and a filter that resolves categories within the data subset.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein displaying a view of the data subset maintains a previously displayed third data filter panel.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

receiving a second data filter from the first plurality of data filters; and

applying the second data filter to the dataset.