Abstract: A multilayer data animation program is provided that controls the simultaneous display of objects that represent complex or interrelated data, where the appearance of the objects may change over time to reflect changes in the data. The multilayer data animation program layers the objects in an indicator having a hierarchy of layers based on the importance of the data that each object represents relative to the data that the other objects represent. The objects are periodically updated to reflect changes in the data, and the multilayer data animation program alters the display of the objects in accordance with the layer hierarchy when the display of objects on one layer conflicts with objects on another layer.

Abstract: A data animation program (11) is provided that alters the appearance of an animated object (39) to reflect a percentage change in data represented by the animated object. The data is provided to the data animation program by a data source (20) such as a temperature sensor or an Internet web site. The percentage change in data is converted to a rate of motion for the animated object. The appearance of the animated object is then altered in accordance with the rate of motion. For example, if the animated object is a propeller, the rate of motion will be expressed in revolutions per minute (RPMs) and the propeller then spins at the determined rate of motion so as to indicate the percentage change in data represented by the animated object.