Patent ID: 7716578
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A display method comprising: displaying a labeled column chart on a graphical user interface, the column chart having a plurality of labels and at least a first column and a second column, each column having at least one column segment and each label being assigned to one of the column segments; entering a first modification of one of the plurality of labels via the graphical user interface; starting execution of labeling instructions that implement a labeling algorithm for generating a first modified labeled column chart in response to entry of the first modification, wherein the labeling instructions are adapted to perform labeling to satisfy constraints of: a) a label that is placed on its assigned column segment does not intersect with another label, b) a label that has a size and shape completely covering its assigned column segment is not placed on its assigned segment but next to its column or above its column, c) a first and a second of the labels of a same one of the columns can only be staggered horizontally if none of the first and second labels is wider than half a column width of one of the columns, d) a label can only be placed between the first and second columns if a space between the first and second columns is wider than that of the label, e) if a first label that is assigned to a first column segment has been placed above its column no second label being assigned to a second column segment that is located above the first segment can be placed between the first and second columns; connecting the first label that is placed above its column to its assigned segment by a line or connector symbol crossing a top portion of that column, the labeling instructions being adapted to perform the labeling such that the following constraints are satisfied with respect to labels being assigned to segments within the top portion: (f) labels assigned to column segments within the top portion must not be staggered horizontally, (g) a label being assigned to one of the segments of the top portion that is wider than its assigned segment is placed above its column regardless of its height; and