Multi-layer path explorer
First Claim
1. A method in a computer system for displaying a representation of a path between two nodes of a multi-layer network, said path comprising a plurality of nodes interconnected by links in a sequential order, 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 respective node of a first node layer of the network;
displaying any logical link between two nodes in the path that traverses nodes of a second node layer, the logical link being indicated by a layer icon that bisects a link line that represents the logical link;
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 respective node of the second node layer of the network, said second line being parallel to, and offset from the first line;
wherein the 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.
47 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A method in a computer system for displaying a representation of a path between two nodes of a multi-layer network, said path comprising a plurality of nodes interconnected by links in a sequential order, 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 respective node of a first node layer of the network; displaying any logical link between two nodes in the path that traverses nodes of a second node layer, the logical link being indicated by a layer icon that bisects a link line that represents the logical link; 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 respective node of the second node layer of the network, said second line being parallel to, and offset from the first line; wherein the 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 between two nodes of a multi-layer network, said path comprising a plurality of nodes interconnected by links in a sequential order, 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 respective node of a first node layer of the network; display any logical link between two nodes in the path that traverses nodes of a second node layer, the logical link being indicated by a layer icon that bisects a link line that represents the logical link; 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 respective node of the second node layer of the network, said second line being parallel to, and offset from the first line; wherein the 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 between two nodes of a multi-layer network, said path comprising a plurality of nodes connected by links in a sequential order, 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 respective node of a first node layer of the network; displaying any logical link between two nodes in the path that traverses nodes of a second node layer, the logical link being indicated by a layer icon that bisects a link line that represents the logical link; 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 respective node of the second node layer of the network, said second line being parallel to, and offset from the first line; wherein the 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