JP3713216B2 - Computer system having a graphical user interface with inline tree filtering - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computer systems, and more particularly to computer systems having a graphical user interface with inline tree filtering.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the data processing field, resources have traditionally been arranged in a hierarchical format. A hierarchical arrangement is a multi-level arrangement in which a particular level of resources is considered to contain or “own” one or more resources one level below. Conversely, owned resources may be contained or owned within resources one level above.
[0003]
Perhaps the easiest way to understand a hierarchical system is by comparing it to a filing system conventionally used to store paper documents. Most companies include at least one filing room that includes a plurality of filing cabinets. Each of these filing cabinets has several drawers. Each of these drawers can hold several accordion holders. Each of these accordion holders can hold a number of individual project holders. Filing rooms, filing cabinets, drawers, accordion holders, and individual project holders form a multi-level hierarchy. Starting from the lowest level, individual project holders are contained within or owned by accordion holders. All accordion holders in a drawer are considered "owned" by the drawer. All drawers in a particular filing cabinet are “owned” by that cabinet (and so on).
[0004]
In a data processing environment, the most ubiquitous example of a hierarchical system is a file system used as a program or data file within a computer system. Computer systems often include multiple physical or logical storage drives. Each of these storage drives is logically divided into a number of folders, sometimes called directories. With one exception, every folder at every level in the hierarchical file system contains only folders or contains folders and one or more programs or data files. One exception is that the lowest level of the file system hierarchy includes, by definition, only program or data files.
[0005]
Another example of a hierarchical data processing system is a distributed system. The highest level in a distributed system is a basic network or an extranet consisting of multiple individual networks. Each individual network in turn includes a smaller network, such as a local area network or LAN. Individual “end user” devices such as workstations or printers may be connected directly to the LAN medium. Alternatively, individual “end user” devices are connected to a server, and the server is connected to a LAN medium.
[0006]
When describing a hierarchical system within a data processing environment, it is convenient to refer to the hierarchy as a tree and each object on the tree as a node. The highest level object on the tree is called the root node. Nodes other than the root node are said to be on the branches of the tree. Other objects on the tree are identified as parent nodes or child nodes depending on their relationship to other nodes in the tree. A parent node is any node that contains other lower level nodes (child nodes). The same node can be both a child node (of a higher level parent node) and a parent node (of a lower level node).
[0007]
Except for the simplest systems, the size of the tree can be very large, making it difficult to find individual nodes. User interface designers may choose to limit the display of tree information to a relatively small window at one end of the display screen, which makes it more difficult for the user to find the nodes of interest in the tree. . The user must scroll the tree both vertically and horizontally to locate the node of interest, and the process is tedious and frustrating. This is because it is difficult for the user to find the start node and understand the logical relationship between a given node and the rest of the tree, since only a few of them are displayed at a given time. .
[0008]
Many different tree representations have been proposed to facilitate the efficient handling of complex trees by users. Most of these representations require that the entire display screen be committed to a tree representation, which can take a nested representation of the tree structure, a pseudo three-dimensional representation, or even an exaggerated representation. Any tree representation that requires use of the entire display screen is obviously not of practical value and limits the space available for tree representation to a relatively small window at one end of the work area on the display screen. As such, decisions have already been made. When the space available for tree display is limited, there are significantly fewer tools available for system users to navigate the tree structure.
[0009]
A well-known tool for working with trees is the use of a zoom control, also known as a “twistie” control, which is visually represented by a +/− icon or an arrow icon indicating direction. Selecting a twisty “expand” icon in the vicinity of a particular parent node expands the display to include the parent node and all direct child nodes. Selecting a twisty “reduction” icon in the vicinity of a parent node in the already enlarged display erases all displayed child nodes and leaves only the original parent node.
[0010]
There are at least two problems with scaling control that limit their usefulness when moving through the tree structure. First, this control must act to select the current parent node and then enlarge the display of only the immediate child nodes. Second, this control works in an all-or-nothing manner. When the extended control associated with a particular parent node is selected, every direct child node is displayed on the display screen, even if the system user is interested in locating only one or a few direct child nodes. Shown above.
[0011]
To solve some of the problems associated with twisty, efforts have been made to use filters to limit the tree display to only those nodes that meet the filter criteria. Known filter mechanisms have their own set of problems. Generally, filters use dialog boxes that overlay some or all of the work area of the display screen. Also, known filters apply only to the immediate children of a particular parent node. These types of problems limit the flexibility and usefulness of known filter mechanisms.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter that overcomes the problems of the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a graphical user interface with inline filtering.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a method for selecting and displaying one or more graphic objects in a set of graphic objects that occupy a predetermined position in a hierarchical object tree. At least a portion of the hierarchical object tree is initially displayed. User inputs are monitored to determine when these inputs have identified graphic objects in the display portion of the tree and a set of object selection criteria. When such user input is detected, the display is limited to identified graphic objects and all graphic objects that satisfy the identified object selection criteria and are subordinate to the identified graphic object.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention is a method for performing inline filtering of object information displayed on a workstation or console 10, which includes a system unit 12 and a monitor 14 having a display screen. Including. The display screen is logically divided into a window 16 that displays the object tree 18 and a work area 20 that typically displays a video screen generated during the execution of one or more application programs.
[0015]
The system 12 includes a number of conventional components, including a central processing unit (CPU) 22, a mass storage device 24 that conventionally takes the form of one or more hard drives located within the system unit, a random number. An access memory 26 and an optical disk drive 28 that implements an optical storage technology such as CD-R, CD-RW or DVD are included. Depending on the technology implemented in the optical disc drive 28, such a drive is used to store the application to be executed and the data resulting from the execution of the application. The system unit generally further includes an input device such as a keyboard 30, a pointing device 32, and most commonly a computer mouse. Finally, the system unit includes an input / output adapter 34 which drives devices such as the monitor 14 and printer (not shown) shown in FIG. The system unit can of course include many other types of adapters. The components shown in FIG. 2 represent virtually only the most basic components commonly found within any system unit.
[0016]
FIG. 3 shows details of a small part of a known type of object tree. In the tree shown, the root or highest node in the tree is node 36. Since root node 36 has child nodes 40a, 40b and 40c, it is also referred to as a parent node, all of which are identified as network gateway devices by an icon such as icon 38 and further text describing the device.
[0017]
Twisty controls are associated with nodes on the object tree. The reduced state is represented by a right-pointing triangle such as the triangle 42. If a particular node is collapsed, the tree displays only that node and does not display subordinate nodes. On the other hand, the enlarged state is represented by a downward triangle such as the triangle 44. In the expanded state, the highest level node in the branch is shown with each of the immediate child nodes in that branch. For example, the expanded state of the node 40b displays the node 40b itself and the subordinate nodes 46 (Main Site and RPL) defined to be included in the node 40b. Gateway nodes 40a and 40c may include the same or more subordinate nodes, but subordinate nodes do not appear in the object tree display. This is because their parent nodes are defined as being in a reduced state, not in an enlarged state.
[0018]
The tree representation shown in FIG. 3 is familiar to users of e-mail programs and network management programs. Perhaps a more well-known similar tree representation is used in the Windows® operating system product sold by Microsoft Corporation. In such a system, enlargement / reduction control is represented by a +/− button. Depending on how the system is configured, individual nodes are represented primarily by icons with normal descriptive text labels.
[0019]
Most networks limit the number of higher level nodes, such as gateway nodes. However, the number of lower level nodes, including end nodes, may be quite large. Traditionally, when the twisty control of a particular node is expanded, the system attempts to display every node that is included in the next lower level. Since the number of nodes is very large, it is impossible to show them all in the tree display window, which makes a moving operation such as scrolling difficult.
[0020]
For example, referring to FIG. 4, if the branch node 48 (Main Site) is expanded, the next lower or subordinate level may contain so many nodes that all are displayed simultaneously in the tree window. It is not possible. This is unsatisfactory for system administrators, especially when the system administrator is not interested in all subordinate nodes and instead has completed a specified task or has encountered an error condition. Such dissatisfaction occurs when we are only interested in nodes that meet certain criteria. Even though the icon used to represent a node can have an appearance that indicates an operation in a particular state, for many nodes that are displayed, the system administrator is limited to meeting specified criteria. It is difficult to quickly extract a large number of nodes.
[0021]
The present invention is a filter tool that facilitates system users, such as administrators, to limit the tree display to only those nodes that are currently of interest to them. The filter tool includes a number of pull-down menus and at least one dialog box used to select, create, modify and delete filters. The structure and use of these pull-down menus and dialog boxes will be described after the results of performing tree filtering operations with them.
[0022]
The object filtering operation performed in response to the selection of a branch level or tree level filter differs from conventional object filtering operations in several important respects. First of all, the filtering operation is applied to all nodes subordinate to the selected parent node, not just the next lower level node in the hierarchy. Second, as a result of the filtering operation, only nodes that meet the filter criteria are displayed in the tree. Third, the filter control is a directly displayed inline control that can be used from within the tree itself. Finally, a unique twisty is used as part of the tree representation to ensure that the filtering operation is not a known global expansion or reduction type operation.
[0023]
These features are shown in FIG. 5, which shows the object tree when a selective filter is applied to the highest level root node, and thus to every node at every subordinate level of the entire system. Represent. For purposes of explanation, assume that the system user has selected a tree level filter to search for nodes that have encountered certain error conditions while attempting to complete a specified task.
[0024]
When such a filter is applied to the root node 59, its immediate child nodes 60a, 60b and 60c are selectively automatically expanded, and so on for all subordinate nodes. However, only the objects that are displayed are those that meet the filter criteria. Thus, the enlargement of gateway 60a results in displaying only a few workstations shown in set 64. When gateway 60b is expanded, the expansion extends to directly connected nodes and all nodes subordinate to those nodes. Thus, the tree shows one user at the Main Site with a workstation that has encountered an error condition and one user at the RPL facility. Similarly, the enlargement of gateway 60c shows one workstation that has encountered an error condition.
[0025]
To ensure that the system user understands that the tree representation is not a full tree representation but a limited tree representation resulting from a selective filter, a new control element 62, a right triangle, Used to indicate the expansion of filtering application, not global expansion. The new control is called half-twisty according to existing naming conventions and is applied to every node subordinate to the highest level node in the selection filtering process. Of course, other types of visual representation for twisty control are possible.
[0026]
Such twisty control can cycle through more than two states. For example, in the pictograms described above, the twisty can cycle through three states: full reduction, filtering application expansion, and full expansion. These three states are also considered “full view”, “partial view”, and “no display” of the tree. Each click of the currently active twisty control cycles the twisty to the next of the three states.
[0027]
FIG. 6 shows a basic filter pull-down menu 70 that is selected along with a cascading menu 72, such as from an application toolbar, when performing a tree filtering operation, which performs a particular filter selection operation. Selected for. Several filter maintenance steps are performed directly from the basic menu 70. The basic menu includes a selection step 74, a customization step 76, and a deletion step 78, all of which are performed through a secondary menu such as menu 72. In addition, the basic menu is also used to invoke specific tree level or branch level operations. The field includes standard controls, such as global expansion control 80, and when selected, every node in the tree or branch is displayed. The standard control further includes an overall reduction control 82 which, when selected, deletes all objects except the root object (or multiple root objects in the case of multiple root trees) from the tree or branch display. In accordance with the present invention, the basic menu further includes a filtering application expansion control 84 that, when selected, expands the display tree to include only objects that satisfy the selection criteria for the currently selected filter. The filtering application enlargement operation is called from the menu 70. Alternatively, if the system user wants to invoke the filter apply expansion operation using the tree twisty control, the control 84 designates the currently selected filter in the third twisty representation (eg, the right triangle described above). Includes a check box that allows you to Once the current filter is assigned to the third twisty representation, the system user can use the twistie to switch between full closing of the object tree, expansion of the filtering application, and full expansion state.
[0028]
The secondary menu 72 is selected when the user wants to select an existing filter, ie a user-defined or custom filter, or a standard predefined filter. Predefined filters vary as a function of the intended use of the filtering tool. The predefined filters shown in the secondary menu 72 are typically used in network management applications and are used when the user wants to track pending, current or completed tasks that encounter an error condition during execution. Is done. Although not specifically shown, “Select Custom Filter” displays a tertiary menu that lists the available predefined filters.
[0029]
Referring to FIG. 7, if the user wants to customize the filter, the secondary menu 86 is selected from the basic menu 70. The secondary menu preferably provides the user with an opportunity to create a new filter, change the currently selected filter, or change an existing filter other than the currently selected filter.
[0030]
Referring to FIG. 8, when the user wants to delete an existing filter, the secondary menu 88 is called by selecting the filter deletion control on the basic menu 70. The secondary menu 88 preferably includes a complete list of all existing filters that can be deleted under user control. If the complete list appears to occupy a large screen area, standard moving techniques such as vertical or horizontal scroll bars may be used.
[0031]
We have already mentioned that users can define new filters. A dialog box as shown in FIG. 9 is used for that task. The dialog box is preferably a text box 90 for the user to insert the name of the new filter, an array of check boxes and radio buttons 92 used to define that the filter is valid, It includes an array 94 of simple filter settings of the type described in connection with the secondary menu, and an array 96 of drop-down lists used to define filters from predefined list entries and logical operators. Preferably, the array 96 is supplemented by a script box 98 that is used by the user to define the desired filter using a suitable scripting language.
[0032]
FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the steps for performing a selective filtering operation that results in a tree display of the type described in connection with FIG. Initially, a default representation of the object tree is generated at step 100. In general, the default display shows a fully reduced tree. If the user wishes to invoke a filter operation, the highest level tree object to which the filtering is applied is selected at step 102 and then filter selection is initiated at step 104. Filter selection includes selecting an existing filter, changing an existing filter, or defining a new filter. The exact sequence of steps performed to select a suitable filter is not necessary for understanding the present invention. Completion of the filter selection operation is detected at step 106. Once the desired filter is set, at step 108, the object selection criteria associated with the selection filter are identified by the system and the actual filtering operation begins.
[0033]
In step 110, a level tree branch subordinate to the level of the initially selected object is selected. Objects in the branch are identified at step 112 and step 114 is performed to determine if the selected object meets the previously identified selection criteria. If the object under consideration meets the selection criteria, the object is added to the display set at step 116 and at step 118 it is determined whether there are any more objects or nodes to be considered on the same branch. Is done. If, at step 114, the object does not meet the selection criteria, step 116 is bypassed. At step 118, the program repeats the loop starting at step 112 and ending at step 118 until every node in the selected branch has been tested.
[0034]
When every node in the selected branch has been tested, the program determines in step 120 whether there are more branches at a level dependent on the level of the first selected node in the tree. If so, the program begins with an input operation 110 and starts a second loop leading to step 120 until every branch at the subordinate level is selected. When all branches at a level subordinate to the level of the first selected node have been tested, a tree display showing only objects that satisfy the selection criteria along with labels associated with their parent nodes is shown at step 122. Generated.
[0035]
As already mentioned, by associating a predefined custom or standard filter with a “half twisty” symbol, such as the right triangle described in connection with FIG. It is desirable to do so. The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 shows that system operations are performed when the user selects a twisty associated with a particular object in the tree. The current twisty state is read to determine whether the current twisty currently indicates an overall reduced state, a filtering application enlarged state, or an overall enlarged state (step 124). The system is then tested to determine if a filtering application expansion state has been defined and whether the filtering application is associated with a twisty representation (step 126).
[0036]
If the filtering application magnification state is not defined, or if no association has been established between the existing filter and the twisty, then by definition, the twisty represents only the entire expansion or reduction state. In test 128, if the twisty indicates an overall enlarged state, the twisty is switched to the next available state, ie, the overall reduced state. If the twisty is not in the overall enlarged state, it is in the overall reduced state and is therefore switched to the overall enlarged state.
[0037]
If it is determined at step 126 that the filter is associated with a twisty, the twisty represents one of three states: an overall reduced state, a filtering application enlarged state, or an overall enlarged state. First, in step 130, it is determined whether or not the twisty is in an overall reduced state. Next, in step 132, it is determined whether or not the twisty is in a filtering application expansion state, and thus the next usable twisty state is defined.
[0038]
As described above, the filter is applied at the branch level as well as the tree level, and the filter is set and then overridden by switching the twisty control associated with the tree or specific branch. An indicator of the type shown in FIG. 12 is included in the object tree display to provide visual feedback to the user as to whether the filter is set and where the filter is set. It is. A small packed circle 140 can be used to indicate that the filter has been applied to an object in the tree, or to a particular branch in the tree. A hollow circle or “doughnut” 142 may be used if the branch's filter set is overridden by switching the twisty associated with a particular branch. The twisty next to the indicator 142 indicates that the associated branch has been fully reduced, which can be achieved by the user switching the twisty control. “Donut” reminds the user of an original filter and an overriding filter.
[0039]
Since different filters may be applied to different branches in the object tree, it may be desirable to use different indicators to indicate different filtering application states. A red dot or donut of the aforementioned type may be suitable as an error indication filter. A small triangle 144 of a different color, such as yellow, may be appropriate if the filter is used to identify a branch or object that is operating in a warning state.
[0040]
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the process described above is initially initiated by selecting the highest level object to which the filter is applied, but those skilled in the art will first trigger the process by invoking the filter dialog box. It will be understood that this is also within the scope of the present invention. That is, through this dialog box, by selecting the desired filter and then selecting the root node to which the selection filter is automatically applied. Accordingly, the present invention includes the preferred embodiments and variations described above, as well as all other variations and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0041]
In summary, the following matters are disclosed regarding the configuration of the present invention.
[0042]
(1) A method for selecting and displaying one or more graphic objects in a set of graphical objects having a predetermined position in a hierarchical object tree comprising:
Displaying at least a portion of the hierarchical object tree;
Monitoring object selection criteria and user input identifying graphic objects in the display portion;
In response to the user input, all the graphic objects that satisfy the identified graphic object and that satisfy the identified object selection criteria and occupy subordinate positions in the hierarchy of the identified graphic object Step to limit the display to show only
Including a method.
(2) The method of (1), wherein the object selection criteria is selected from a set of predefined selection criteria.
(3) The method of (1) or (2), wherein the user input is monitored in response to a user selection of a control associated with the identified graphic object.
(4) The method according to (3), including the step of changing the appearance of the control to indicate that only the selected graphic object is being displayed.
(5) The method according to (4), further including a step of adding an indicator indicating characteristics of the object selection criterion in the vicinity of the selected control.
(6) A computer system that allows a user to select a graphic object in a hierarchical object tree for visual representation,
A processor;
A memory connected to the processor;
A display device connected to the processor and having a display screen for visual representation of a graphic image;
Graphical user interface logic loaded into the memory to control a visual representation on at least a portion of the display screen;
Display logic that provides an initial visual representation of the hierarchical object tree;
Input logic for monitoring user input identifying object selection criteria and graphic objects included in the initial visual representation;
And the display logic is
Responsive to the monitored user input, the visual representation satisfies the identified graphic object and the object selection criteria and occupies a dependent position within the hierarchy of the identified graphic object A computer system that restricts all graphic objects to
(7) The computer system of (6), including selection logic that allows a user to predefine a set of object selection criteria, wherein each of the sets is identifiable by monitored user input.
(8) the display logic provides a visual representation of the control associated with the identified graphic object, and the input logic allows one of the predefined set of selection criteria to be selected by the user repeatedly selecting the control; The computer system according to (7) above, which makes it possible to select one.
(9) The computer system of (8), wherein the display logic provides a visual indicator in the vicinity of the selected control that reflects an attribute of an object selection criterion associated with the control.
(10) A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program executed on a computer, wherein the computer readable program comprises:
Generating a representation of at least a portion of the hierarchical object tree, wherein each object in the hierarchical object tree is represented by a graphic object having a predetermined position in the tree;
Monitoring user input identifying object selection criteria and graphic objects appearing in the generated display;
In response to user input, only the identified graphic object and all graphic objects that satisfy the identified object selection criteria and occupy subordinate positions in the identified graphic object hierarchy To change the display to include
Including computer program products.
(11) The computer of (10), wherein the computer readable program further allows a user to predefine a set of object selection criteria, each of the sets being selectable in response to user input. -Program products.
(12) The computer program product according to (10) or (11), wherein the computer-readable program further includes a step of generating a graphic control object associated with the identified graphic object.
(13) The computer program product according to (12), wherein the computer-readable program includes a step of changing an appearance of the graphic control object to indicate that only the selected graphic object is displayed. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows a workstation in which the present invention is implemented.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing basic components of a workstation.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a conventional hierarchical object tree in a most contracted state.
FIG. 4 shows the same object tree showing the appearance of the tree when a conventional enlargement operation is performed.
FIG. 5 shows an object tree subject to filtering according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a pull-down menu of the type used to select a filter.
FIG. 7 illustrates a type pull-down menu used to create or modify a filter.
FIG. 8 shows a pull-down menu of the type used to delete an existing filter.
FIG. 9 illustrates a type of dialog box used to define a custom filter.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed to implement a filtering operation.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the steps performed to expand the twisty control functionality to include a user selection filter.
FIG. 12 shows an object tree representing a filter status symbol used to indicate the presence of a filter, the type of filter, and when a set filter is overridden by a twisty control switch.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 workstations
12 System unit
14 Monitor
16 windows
18 Object Tree
20 work areas
22 Central processing unit (CPU)
24 Mass storage device
26 Random access memory
28 Optical disk drive
30 keyboard
32 pointing devices
34 Output adapter
36 nodes
40a, 40b, 40c, 60a, 60b, 60c Child nodes
38 icons
42, 44 triangle
46 subordinate nodes
48 branch nodes
59 Root Node
62 Control elements
64 sets
70 Basic filter pull-down menu
72 Cascade menu
74 selection steps
76 Customization Step
78 Deletion Step
80 Overall expansion control
82 Overall reduction control
84 Filtering application expansion control
88 Secondary menu
90 text box
92 Array of check boxes and radio buttons
94 Array of filter settings
96 Array of drop-down lists
98 Script Box
140 sign (small packed circle)
142 Sign (Donut)
144 sign (small triangle)

Claims (13)

A method for selecting and displaying one or more graphic objects in a set of graphic objects having a predetermined position in a hierarchical object tree comprising:
And displaying at least a part amount of the hierarchical object tree,
Steps of monitoring a user input to identify object selection criteria, and one of the graphic objects of the displayed portion, a
In response to the user input, the year display for graphic objects of the hierarchical object tree, the the identified graphical object, said identified the satisfied identified object selection criteria and within the hierarchical and it occupies a position subordinate to the graphic object, including all of the graphic objects, and a step of limiting the display only, method. The method of claim 1, wherein the object selection criteria is selected and identified from a set of predefined selection criteria by the user input . In response the tree representation control associated with said identified the graphic object to the user to select, the user input is monitored, according to claim 1 or claim 2 method according. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising changing the appearance of the tree in response to the tree representation control to indicate that only the selected graphic object is being displayed. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of adding an indicator indicating characteristics of the object selection criteria in the vicinity of the graphic object with which the selected tree representation control is associated . A computer system that allows a user to select a graphic object in a hierarchical object tree for visual representation,
A processor;
A memory connected to the processor;
A display device connected to the processor and having a display screen for visual representation of a graphic image ;
A graphical user interface logic means to be loaded into the memory for controlling the visual representation on at least a part amount of the display screen,
Display logic means to provide an initial visual representation of the hierarchical object tree;
Wherein the object selection criteria, and the input logic means for monitoring a user input identifying one of the graphic objects, a contained in the initial visual representation, wherein the display logic means, responsive to user input which is the monitor Te, the visual representation, the graphic object identified, and all graphic objects occupy the position that is dependent on the identified graphic object in the satisfied object selection criteria and in the hierarchy, only Graphical user interface logic means to limit the representation of
A computer system. User a selection logic means making it possible to predefine a set of object selection criteria, each of said sets is identified by selecting from the set of predefined selection criteria by monitored user input it is possible, select logic means computer system of claim 6, further comprising a. The display logic means provides a visual representation of the tree corresponding to the tree representation control associated with the identified graphic object, and the input logic means allows the user to repeatedly select the tree representation control so that the The computer system according to claim 7, wherein the computer system makes it possible to select one of a set of predefined selection criteria. 9. The computer of claim 8, wherein the display logic means provides a visual indicator that reflects an attribute of an object selection criteria associated with the tree representation control in the vicinity of the graphic object with which the selected tree representation control is associated. ·system. Generating a representation of at least a portion of the hierarchical object tree, wherein each object in the hierarchical object tree is represented by a graphic object having a predetermined position in the tree;
Monitoring user input identifying object selection criteria and a graphic object appearing in the generated display;
In response to user input, only the identified graphic object and all graphic objects that satisfy the identified object selection criteria and occupy subordinate positions in the identified graphic object hierarchy A computer program for causing a computer to execute the step of changing the display so as to include: User it possible to pre-define a set of object selection criteria, each of the sets, it is possible to be identified by selecting from the set of predefined selection criteria in response to user input, wherein Item 11. The computer program according to Item 10 . The computer program according to claim 10 or 11, further causing the computer to execute a step of generating a graphic control object associated with the identified graphic object . 13. The computer program product of claim 12, further causing the computer to perform a step of changing the appearance of the graphic control object to indicate that only the selected graphic object is being displayed .

Images