GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE SYSTEM

摘要

A software-based system to facilitate user interaction with graphical arrangements of information displayed on a computer screen. In one embodiment of the invention, the system establishes an arrangement of displayed information, such as a digital map, a first control panel for manipulating the display, and a second command panel for manipulating the display based upon information selection. The displayed information, and the first and second panels are configured such that when information queries are initiated and results generated, those events are presented on the computer screen without blocking the information as displayed. Query tabs of the second panel are arranged to facilitate information access, management and presentation. In a second embodiment of the invention, the system is configured to enable the user to selectively display the information at successive levels of magnitude. The system is further configured to enable the user to display the information of a particular level of magnitude into levels of sub-magnitudes. The system enables such selection while displaying on the screen information that is neither too sparse nor too dense for the particular levels of magnitude/sub-magnitude selected. This capability is particularly advantageous in the display of digital maps.