Multi-layer path explorer
First Claim
1. A method in a computer system for displaying a representation of a path, said path comprising a plurality of nodes in a sequential order, each of said nodes being part of a first node layer or a second node layer, said method comprising:
- displaying in a path explorer view, a path representation comprising a first line of node icons, each of said first line node icons representing a node of the first node layer;
displaying a selectable layer expander icon; and
upon a first selection of the layer expander icon, displaying in the path representation, a second line of node icons each representing a node of the second node layer, said second line being parallel to, and offset from the first line;
wherein the said node icons are positioned in sequential order along the path representation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides an improved method of exploring paths having multiple layers. Such paths may be through any of a number of types of networks, such as transportation networks, distribution networks, business structure networks, or telecommunication networks. The method initially displays in a path explorer view, the nodes and links of a first layer of the path in a linear configuration. Upon selection/deselection of a layer expander icon located near the first layer node at which the path traverses to the second layer, the method expands/collapses the second layer of nodes and links in a linear configuration which is parallel to, but offset from the first layer. The method further contemplates the display of a topology view which, in conjunction with the path explorer view, graphically displays a structure of a selected layer of the path, with the path visually distinguished therein.
43 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A method in a computer system for displaying a representation of a path, said path comprising a plurality of nodes in a sequential order, each of said nodes being part of a first node layer or a second node layer, said method comprising:
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displaying in a path explorer view, a path representation comprising a first line of node icons, each of said first line node icons representing a node of the first node layer;
displaying a selectable layer expander icon; and
upon a first selection of the layer expander icon, displaying in the path representation, a second line of node icons each representing a node of the second node layer, said second line being parallel to, and offset from the first line;
wherein the said node icons are positioned in sequential order along the path representation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon, instructions for a computer system to display a representation of a path, said path comprising a plurality of nodes in a sequential order, each of said nodes being part of a first node layer or a second node layer, said instructions causing said computer system to:
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display in a path explorer view, a path representation comprising a first line of node icons, each of said first line node icons representing a node of the first node layer;
display a selectable layer expander icon; and
upon a first selection of the layer expander icon, display in the path representation, a second line of node icons each representing a node of the second node layer, said second line being parallel to, and offset from the first line;
wherein the said node icons are positioned in sequential order along the path representation. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A path explorer computer system for exploring a path, said path comprising a plurality of nodes in a sequential order, each of said nodes being part of a first node layer or a second node layer, said computer system comprising:
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a database containing information for the path;
a processor connected to said database operable to retrieve path information from the database;
a display connected to said processor for displaying path information; and
path information display means associated with said processor operable to cause said processor to;
display in a path explorer view, a path representation comprising a first line of node icons, each of said first line node icons representing a node of the first node layer;
display a selectable layer expander icon; and
upon a first selection of the layer expander icon, display in the path representation, a second line of node icons each representing a node of the second node layer, said second line being parallel to, and offset from the first line;
wherein the said node icons are positioned in sequential order along the path representation. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification