Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides a graphical user interface which can use a hierarchical form or style of presentation to depict and display hierarchical and non-hierarchical relationships and objects. In one configuration, the system of the invention displays icons on a graphical user interface on a display of a computer system and receives a user selection of an icon and receives a relationship selection selected by the user that corresponds to the icon selected by the user. The system then performs a relationship function identified by the relationship selection selected by the user. The relationship function is performed upon a descriptor in the memory system that is related, according to the relationship selection, to the icon selected by the user. The relationship function produces a display result that can convey the relationship selection made by the user and that includes an arrangement icon that conveys at least one newly displayed relationship within the graphical user interface and that relates to the icon selected by the user. The system then displays a representation of the display result in the graphical user interface on the display. The system allows a single entity represented by an icon to be displayed in multiple places on the same display of a computer system. Also, certain relationship functions can be used to condense the view of a large number of icons into a shorter sub-list of icons. This provides a more concise view for the user and allows more relationship information to be displayed in a smaller display area.

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First Claim