| 摘要 |
<p>An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method and system for facilitating viewer navigation through online information utilizing a metaphorical representation of a periodic table of elements. The system comprises a server (104) in communication with at least one database; a link to an order fulfillment system; a link to a payment processing system; and a link to a client system. The system is executing software including web server and application server software; a commerce tool; and database management and security tools. The system is also executing a navigation tool (106) that includes a user interface displaying objects metaphorically simulating a periodic table of elements. The objects are linked to functions provided by the navigation tool. The invention also includes a method for navigating within a graphical user interface (107) of a computer system over a network. The method comprises providing a metaphorical representation of a periodic table of elements on a display device of the computer system, linking each of the elements to an item stored in a database and, upon selecting one of said elements, retrieving the item from storage and displaying it on the display device. The metaphorical representation includes arranging each of the elements in an asymmetric tabular form, and associating each of said elements with a two-letter abbreviation comprising an upper case alphabetic character followed by a lower case alphabetic character.</p> |
