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Browser for hierarchical structures

  • US 20010042063A1
  • Filed: 07/02/2001
  • Published: 11/15/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/22/1997
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of displaying and interacting with links to data, which data is organized in a hierarchical data structure, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) sending a first request from a graphical user interface on a computer to provide a first set of data, said first set of data being in said hierarchical data structure and having a position in said hierarchical data structure and having a level associated with said position of first set of data in said hierarchical data structure;

    (b) receiving in said computer said first set of data in response to said first request;

    (c) converting said first set of data to a graphical representation for visual display;

    (d) displaying said graphical representation for visual display of said first set of data in a first lens displayed by said graphical user interface;

    (e) sending a second request from said graphical user interface to provide a second set of data, said second set of data being in said hierarchical data structure and having a position in said hierarchical data structure and having a level associated with said position of second set of data in said hierarchical data structure;

    (f) receiving in said computer said second set of data in response to said second request;

    (g) comparing said level of said second set of data with said level of said first set of data to determine which level is deeper within said hierarchical data structure;

    (h) converting said second set of data to a graphical representation for visual display based upon said comparing said level of said second set of data with said level of said first set of data; and

    (i) displaying said graphical representation for visual display of said second set of data in a second lens displayed by said graphical user interface stacked within and on top of said first lens only when said level of said second set of data is deeper than said level of said first set of data in said hierarchical data structure.

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