Smart tab interface controls

A method of displaying information using a graphical user interface (GUI), the method comprising:

• displaying, on a GUI page that displays a primary function, a plurality of top-level tabular control elements in a row on the GUI page, wherein each top-level tabular control element provides a shortcut to one of a plurality of critical or frequently used vehicle systems accessible via the GUI;
• displaying, on the GUI page responsive to selection of one of the top-level tabular control elements, one or more second-level tabular control elements adjacent to the selected top-level tabular control element and a first outline that encompasses the selected top-level tabular control element and the one or more second-level tabular control elements but not subsequent level tabular control elements, wherein the first outline is highlighted with respect to the selected top-level tabular control element and the one or more second-level tabular control elements it encompasses but not subsequent level tabular control elements;
• displaying, on the GUI page responsive to selection of a second-level tabular control element, one or more third-level graphical control elements adjacent to the selected second-level tabular control element and a second outline that encompasses the selected second-level tabular control element and the one or more third-level graphical control elements, wherein the second outline is highlighted with respect to the tabular and graphical elements it encompasses;
• wherein upon selection of the second-level tabular control element, the first outline and the second outline are simultaneously displayed;
• receiving a data entry value for affecting the state of a system parameter for one of the plurality of vehicle systems via a second-level tabular control element or a third-level graphical control element while simultaneously providing access to one or more unselected top-level tabular control elements and one or more unselected second-level tabular control elements that continue to be displayed on the GUI page and that are actuatable for causing the state of other system parameters to change;
• and
• transferring the entered data value to appropriate equipment on the vehicle for implementation;
• wherein the display size of the top-level tabular control elements, the second-level tabular control elements, and third-level graphical control elements allows the display device to continue to allow access to underlying functionality and display the primary function.

Non-transitory computer readable media encoded with programming instructions configurable to cause a controller to perform a method, the method comprising:

• displaying, on a GUI page that displays a primary function, a plurality of top-level tabular control elements in a row on the GUI page, wherein each top-level tabular control element provides a shortcut to one of a plurality of critical or frequently used vehicle systems accessible via the GUI;
• displaying, on the GUI page responsive to selection of one of the top-level tabular control elements, one or more second-level tabular control elements adjacent to the selected top-level tabular control element and a first outline that encompasses the selected top-level tabular control element and the one or more second-level tabular control elements but not subsequent level tabular control elements, wherein the first outline is highlighted with respect to the selected top-level tabular control element and the one or more second-level tabular control elements it encompasses but not subsequent level tabular control elements;
• displaying, on the GUI page responsive to selection of a second-level tabular control element, one or more third-level graphical control elements adjacent to the selected second-level tabular control element and a second outline that encompasses the selected second-level tabular control element and the one or more third-level graphical control elements, wherein the second outline is highlighted with respect to the tabular and graphical elements it encompasses;
• wherein upon selection of the second-level tabular control element, the first outline and the second outline are simultaneously displayed;
• receiving a data entry value for affecting the state of a system parameter for one of the plurality of vehicle systems via a second-level tabular control element or a third-level graphical control element while simultaneously providing access to one or more unselected top-level tabular control elements and one or more unselected second-level tabular control elements that continue to be displayed on the GUI page and that are actuatable for causing the state of other system parameters to change;
• and
• transferring the entered data value to appropriate equipment on the vehicle for implementation;
• wherein the display size of the top-level tabular control elements, the second-level tabular control elements, and third-level graphical control elements allows the display device to continue to allow access to underlying functionality and display the primary function.