Radial view for display of temporal data

Abstract

A method for displaying temporal data via a graphical user interface in a manner designed to facilitate easy review and comprehension includes displaying, to a user via a display screen of an electronic device, a radial graphical user interface element configured to display the return of results, the radial graphical user interface element displaying a plurality of icons positioned in one or more circumferential rings of the radial graphical user interface element, the icons representing abnormal readings or measurements having an associated time falling over a displayed twelve hour period, and an indication, in a central area of the radial graphical user interface element, of a total number of abnormal readings or measurements falling over a certain period; wherein each of the icons is displayed on the radial graphical user interface element in a position corresponding to the time associated with the icon it represents.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for displaying temporal data via a graphical user interface in a manner designed to facilitate easy review and comprehension, the method comprising:
 (a) displaying, to a user via a display screen of an electronic device, a radial graphical user interface element configured to display the return of results, the radial graphical user interface element displaying
 (i) a plurality of icons positioned in one or more circumferential rings of the radial graphical user interface element, the icons representing abnormal readings or measurements having an associated time falling over a displayed twelve hour period, and 
 (ii) an indication, in a central area of the radial graphical user interface element, of a total number of abnormal readings or measurements falling over a certain period; 
   (b) wherein each of the icons is displayed on the radial graphical user interface element in a position corresponding to the time associated with the icon it represents.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the certain period comprises a day. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the certain period comprises twelve hours. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the certain period comprises the displayed twelve hour period. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the displayed indication comprises a number. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises displaying the radial graphical user interface element as part of a nursing dashboard. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method additionally comprises displaying, to the user via the display screen of an electronic device, a second radial graphical user interface element configured for use as a medication clock, the second radial graphical user interface element displaying a plurality of icons representing tasks having an associated time falling over a displayed twelve hour period. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the display screen comprises a touchscreen. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the display screen comprises a monitor. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a desktop computer. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a laptop. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a workstation. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the display screen comprises a television. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a mobile device. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a smart phone. 
     
     
         16 . A method for displaying temporal data via a graphical user interface in a manner designed to facilitate easy review and comprehension, the method comprising:
 (a) after midnight, displaying, to a user via a display screen of an electronic device, a first radial graphical user interface element comprising
 (i) a plurality of icons positioned in one or more circumferential rings of the radial graphical user interface element, the icons representing abnormal readings or measurements having an associated time falling between midnight and noon, and 
 (ii) an indication, in a central area of the radial graphical user interface element, of a total number of abnormal readings or measurements falling over a first certain period 
   (b) after noon, displaying, to a user via a display screen of an electronic device, a second radial graphical user interface element comprising
 (i) a plurality of icons positioned in one or more circumferential rings of the radial graphical user interface element, the icons representing abnormal readings or measurements having an associated time falling between noon and midnight, and 
 (ii) an indication, in a central area of the radial graphical user interface element, of a total number of abnormal readings or measurements falling over a second certain period 
   (c) wherein each of the icons is displayed on its respective radial graphical user interface element in a position corresponding to the time associated with the icon it represents.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second certain periods both comprise a day. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first certain period comprises the period between midnight and noon, and the second certain period comprises the period between noon and midnight. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein each displayed indication comprises a number. 
     
     
         20 . A computer readable medium containing computer executable instructions for performing a method for displaying temporal data via a graphical user interface in a manner designed to facilitate easy review and comprehension, the method comprising:
 (a) displaying, to a user via a display screen of an electronic device, a radial graphical user interface element configured to display the return of results, the radial graphical user interface element displaying
 (i) a plurality of icons positioned in one or more circumferential rings of the radial graphical user interface element, the icons representing abnormal readings or measurements having an associated time falling over a displayed twelve hour period, and 
 (ii) an indication, in a central area of the radial graphical user interface element, of a total number of abnormal readings or measurements falling over a certain period; 
   (b) wherein each of the icons is displayed on the radial graphical user interface element in a position corresponding to the time associated with the icon it represents.