Patent ID: 7505965

Claim:
A computer implemented method comprising a processor for providing a hierarchical view of menu items, said method comprising: searching a hierarchical structure based on at least one character of a search word entered by a user, the searching comprising: identifying in the hierarchical structure, a first element containing the at least one character; and searching the hierarchical structure for a parent element of the first element; displaying a first tree of matches that includes if existent, the parent element of the first element, and further includes other elements existing above and below the first element in the first tree of matches; displaying the first element as a root element of the first tree of matches if the parent element of the first element does not exist; identifying in the hierarchical structure, a second element containing the at least one character; searching the hierarchical structure for a parent element of the second element; displaying along with the first tree of matches, a second tree of matches that includes if existent, the parent element of the second element, and further includes other elements existing above and below the second element in the second tree of matches; and displaying the second element as a root element of the second tree of matches if the parent element of the second element does not exist.