1. A machine vision system to display and control vision system operating parameters comprising: a vision system imager; and a processor that operates a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays an image from within a field of view of the vision system imager, the GUI including: an automated locator graphic image applied to a particular location to a selected image by a user clicking on an edge of the image selected and dragging the edge to a desired orientation, the selected image selected by a user from a window on the GUI containing a plurality of captured images, the captured images varying slightly as a result of relative motion, at least one user definable operating parameter located in a separate control box displayed on the GUI further defining the locator graphic image, the operating parameter being in a non-numeric graphical format that includes a scale having a predetermined area and a moving region that has a distinct appearance with respect to the scale wherein an edge of the moving region defines a level of the operating parameter, and a user-movable setting graphic of the locator graphic image, the user-movable setting graphic located with respect to the area and that allows a desired level of the operating parameter, at which the vision system responds, to be set by allowing the user to move the user-movable setting graphic to the desired operating parameter.