Abstract: A method and computer graphics program executed by one or more processors is described for arranging regions which refer to various parts of a graphical layout such that changes to the original layout result in updates to the said regions. The regions themselves may be arranged by the user in patterns for various purposes, such as condensing graphical content spread over many parts of the original layout into a single output page in order to minimize the consumption of ink and paper when printing.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically producing arrangements of two-dimensional extents in a computer-based editing or animation environment is presented. The method consists of defining a set of objects having two or more dimensions, automatically calculating and presenting an arrangement of said objects, and optionally iterating to produce alternative arrangements. The arrangements may use templates to guide the selection of sizes, border colors and transparency, rotation, and other attributes of the contained regions.

Abstract: A method and computer graphics program executed by a processor for interactively subdividing a region in a computer controlled graphics display system is described. The user directly manipulates a control object (or “handle”) using a pointing device such as a computer mouse with the result that the region exposing the control object is evenly divided into an array or volume of smaller regions. The distance from the position of the start of interaction with the control object (the “click”) is continuously monitored to interactively update the number of divisions in the horizontal and vertical directions. Example displays during this interaction phase include overlaid grids representing the actual position of pending subdivisions, or a matrix of abstract subregions representing the count of subregions that will be created when the user indicates that the interaction is complete by releasing the control object.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically producing arrangements of two-dimensional extents in a computer-based editing or animation environment is presented. The method consists of defining a set of objects having two or more dimensions, automatically calculating and presenting an arrangement of said objects, and optionally iterating to produce alternative arrangements. The arrangements may use templates to guide the selection of sizes, border colors and transparency, rotation, and other attributes of the contained regions.

Abstract: A method and computer program executed by a processor is described for visually distributing a multiplicity of data objects within a visual computing environment. The user directly manipulates a cursor using a pointing device such as a computer mouse to sequentially indicate where a plurality of objects are to be positioned: these objects are presented as visual controls attached to the cursor, providing feedback as to the identification, order, and number of objects to be distributed. As the user indicates the desire to place the next-to-be dropped object (for example by clicking a button on the computer mouse), that object is dropped at the current cursor position, the representation of that object removed from the set of visual controls attached to the cursor, and the subsequent objects to be dropped advanced by one. The user may optionally re-order the objects to be dropped prior to actually dropping them, and may optionally exit and return to the dropping mode at any time.

Abstract: A method and computer graphics program executed by a processor for interactively subdividing a region in a computer controlled graphics display system is described. The user directly manipulates a control object (or “handle”) using a pointing device such as a computer mouse with the result that the region exposing the control object is evenly divided into an array or volume of smaller regions. The distance from the position of the start of interaction with the control object (the “click”) is continuously monitored to interactively update the number of divisions in the horizontal and vertical directions. Example displays during this interaction phase include overlaid grids representing the actual position of pending subdivisions, or a matrix of abstract subregions representing the count of subregions that will be created when the user indicates that the interaction is complete by releasing the control object.

Abstract: A method and computer graphics program executed by a processor is described for producing an optimal view of a graphical object within a containing framed region. The program includes instructions for interactively specifying the subset of a graphical object visible within a containing region; to specify the region, the user manipulates visual control objects, or handles, representing the extent of the source image visible within the containing region. The handles determine the position of the corners of the source image that are mapped to the containing region; the result of the manipulation is an apparent expansion or decimation of the contained image within the unchanging on-screen frame.

Abstract: A method and computer program executed by a processor is described for visually distributing a multiplicity of data objects within a visual computing environment. The user directly manipulates a cursor using a pointing device such as a computer mouse to sequentially indicate where a plurality of objects are to be positioned: these objects are presented as visual controls attached to the cursor, providing feedback as to the identification, order, and number of objects to be distributed. As the user indicates the desire to place the next-to-be dropped object (for example by clicking a button on the computer mouse), that object is dropped at the current cursor position, the representation of that object removed from the set of visual controls attached to the cursor, and the subsequent objects to be dropped advanced by one. The user may optionally re-order the objects to be dropped prior to actually dropping them, and may optionally exit and return to the dropping mode at any time.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically producing arrangements of two-dimensional extents in a computer-based editing or animation environment is presented. The method consists of defining a set of objects having two or more dimensions, automatically calculating and presenting an arrangement of said objects, and optionally iterating to produce alternative arrangements. The arrangements may use templates to guide the selection of sizes, border colors and transparency, rotation, and other attributes of the contained regions.

Abstract: A method and computer graphics program executed by a processor for interactively subdividing a region in a computer controlled graphics display system is described. The user directly manipulates a control object (or “handle”) using a pointing device such as a computer mouse with the result that the region exposing the control object is evenly divided into an array or volume of smaller regions. The distance from the position of the start of interaction with the control object (the “click”) is continuously monitored to interactively update the number of divisions in the horizontal and vertical directions. Example displays during this interaction phase include overlaid grids representing the actual position of pending subdivisions, or a matrix of abstract subregions representing the count of subregions that will be created when the user indicates that the interaction is complete by releasing the control object.