Patent · US Active

Context-based display technique with hierarchical display format

US7457818B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
15References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 14, 2006
Grant dateNov 25, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 22, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S707/99943
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A system that includes a graphical user interface that may be used to access information contained in a database is provided. The graphical user interface includes a matrix of icons that correspond to elements in the database. Also hierarchical relationships are used for more compactly displaying multiple matrices associated with different subject categories. Moreover, by minimizing the size of the icons, a sufficient number of icons may be displayed in the matrix so as to establish an overall context of the elements in the database. Various techniques may be employed to highlight individual icons within the matrix while still preserving the overall context. In this manner, additional insight into the nature of the database may be gained. Further, the system can use translucence to allow detailed data to be superimposed on the matrix without impairing the viewing of the matrix's contents.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.