Sanavigator, Inc.

Kenneth M Turner

Louis Arquie

David Brooks Hamilton

A method of displaying nodes within a network topology. Using a processor coupled to a display screen, the method involves forming a first layer of a multi-layer representation wherein at least two nodes are represented separately; and grouping the nodes of the first layer into group nodes to form a second layer in the multi-layer representation. In addition, the method groups the group nodes of the second layer into a third layer, the third layer having at least one connected-superset node containing group nodes with nodes connected to each other, and at least one isolated-superset node containing group nodes having nodes isolated from each other. The method displays the superset nodes in the third layer so the connected-superset node is separate from the isolated-superset node and such that the connected-superset node is selectively expandable to display group nodes and connections between the nodes, and the isolated-superset node is selectively expandable to display group nodes of the second layer.

Method for displaying supersets of node groups in a network

A computer user interface to display connections in a network topology display. Different visual representations are used for a single and multiple connection types. If there is only a single connection between nodes then a simple line is used. If there are multiple connections between nodes then a line that terminates in a &ldquo;fork,&rdquo; or small U-shape symbol, is used to indicate a multiple connection line. The termination symbol, or &ldquo;connection endpoint symbol,&rdquo; is adjacent to a node at each end of the line. In general, many types of symbols can be used. For example, a square, diamond, or other basic shape can be used as the connection endpoint symbol. Also, the invention provides for a symbol to be adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, a node. For example, the number of connections represented by a line can be shown near the node, or connection, to which the number relates. A feature of the invention provides for details of the multiple connection line to be displayed upon user selection. If a user moves a pointer in the vicinity of a multiple connection line then a text box appears that describes the actual number of connections represented by the multiple connection line. Other information can be provided by the text box.

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Boulder Creek, CA, United States of America

Kenneth M Turner