1. A system to display and control vision system operating parameters comprising: a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays an image view of a field of view of a vision system imager, the GUI including a location thereon that displays at least one operating parameter in a non-numeric graphical format that includes a scale having a pre-determined 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 that is 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 in a manner that free of entry of numeric data with respect to the operating parameter.