Abstract: A computer graphics program embodied in a computer-readable medium displays a template having a boundary and a plurality of regions, displays an object that can be associated with the template, and moves the object with respect to the template in response to a user command. The program may detect the proximity of the object to a region of the template and display the object in the region using an adjustment while the object is detected in the proximity of the region. Also, the program may modify the shape of a region in response to movement of a region control point located within the boundary of the template and conform an object associated with the region with the modification to the region. Further, the program may modify the template and its regions in response to movement of a two axes template control point and conform an object associated with a region in response to the modification to the region.

Abstract: Dynamic content is transformed for use on the Internet by receiving an object and a feature for the object in a non-Internet format. The feature specifies an event and an action to be performed in connection with the object in response to the event. The object and the feature are converted into an Internet format. The object and the feature are encapsulated in the Internet format in an Internet file operable in an Internet environment to perform the action in connection with the object in response to the event.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the conversion of a file from an input format to an output format is provided. The method includes a computer-implemented method for controlling the conversion of a computer file from an input format to an output format by determining the best path for converting the file from the input format to the output format using family objects. The method includes the steps of receiving the input format and the output format, and generating a node in memory for each family object that can read the input format. The method further includes the step of generating successful branches of nodes in memory that include one or more nodes such that each successful branch includes a first node that can read the input format and a last node that can write the output format. Finally, the method includes calculating a best path through the successful branches of nodes.

Abstract: A method for inserting an object into (77) and deleting an object from (100) a computer-generated graphics chart (26 or 58) is provided. The method includes responding to a command indicating a new object (40) is to be inserted into the chart (26) by determining whether the new object (40) is pierced by a line (32) in the chart (26). If the new object (40) is pierced by a line (32) in the chart (26) then the line (32) piercing the object (40) is redefined to be two lines, including a line entering (32) the new object (40) and a line exiting (54) the new object. The two lines are appropriately routed to source and destination points of the original line so that the two lines maintain the flow of the chart (26). The method also responds to a command indicating an object (64) is to be deleted from the chart (58) by determining whether the deleted object (64) has a first line (66) entering it and a second line (72) exiting it.

Abstract: A system for simulating a depth of field of an image includes a microprocessor coupled to a graphics input device, an input device, an output device, and a memory. The microprocessor executes a camera simulation application to accomplish depth of field "focusing" of the image in a two dimensional space by simulating defocusing and light fall-off effects similar to those generated by a camera lens. The input device specifies a variety of camera-like controls and parameters in response to user instruction.

Abstract: An interactive vector object (56, 76, 102) operable to be downloaded over a network (16) may comprise data (58, 104) to render an image of the vector object (56, 76, 102) and an active area defined by the vector object (56, 76, 102). A vector graphics network file (88) may in connection with the data (58, 104) render the image of the vector object (56, 76, 102) on a client system (14) connectable to the network (16).

Abstract: A system for generating graphics charts includes a microprocessor, a memory, input devices, and output devices, such as a display. The microprocessor executes a computer graphics program to generate graphics charts on the display. The program includes instructions for generating an adjustable grid associated with each type of graphics chart. Each grid provides placements for text and shapes for each type of graphics chart. The present invention further includes instructions for generating snap zones associated with each grid for controlling the orientation of the shapes and text placed within the grid.

Abstract: A method and system for producing graphical images includes a computer-readable medium and a computer program encoded on the computer-readable medium. The computer program is operable to access an external shape stored outside the computer program. The external shape comprises external capabilities. The computer program is further operable to delegate the production of a graphical image of the external shape to the external capabilities.

Abstract: A method for automatically routing a line (54) through a graphics chart (28) from a starting point (70) to an ending point (71) in the chart is provided. The method includes collecting data for the chart (28) representing the location of each symbol (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, & 42) in the chart (28) and the starting (70) and ending (71) points for the line. The method further includes determining a number of paths for the line (54) from the starting point (70) to the ending point (71) and scoring each of the lines. The method also includes selecting the line (54) with the best score as the line to route from the starting point (70) to the ending point (71).

Abstract: A system (12) operating on a computer (14) creates an executable flowchart (26). The system (12) includes a constructor (24) that generates objects (28) that define the executable flowchart (26). The objects (28) include a first shape (40) and a second shape (40). A data structure (30) stores information associated with the objects (28). An entity (60) located at the first shape (40) accesses the data structure (30) to accumulate information associated with the first shape (40). The entity (60) advances from the first shape (40) to the second shape (40) to associate at least a portion of the accumulated information with the second shape (40) in response to advancing.

Abstract: A computer graphics program executed by a processor (12) for generating a plurality of types of graphics charts on a computer display (26) is provided. The program includes instructions for generating an adjustable grid associated with each type of graphics chart. Each grid provides placements for text and shapes for each type of graphics chart. The present invention further includes instructions for generating snap zones associated with each grid for controlling the orientation of the shapes and text placed within the grid.

Abstract: A method for inserting an object into (77) and deleting an object from (100) a computer-generated graphics chart (26 or 58) is provided. The method includes responding to a command indicating a new object (40) is to be inserted into the chart (26) by determining whether the new object (40) is pierced by a line (32) in the chart (26). If the new object (40) is pierced by a line (32) in the chart (26) then the line (32) piercing the object (40) is redefined to be two lines, including a line entering (32) the new object (40) and a line exiting (54) the new object. The two lines are appropriately routed to source and destination points of the original line so that the two lines maintain the flow of the chart (26). The method also responds to a command indicating an object (64) is to be deleted from the chart (58) by determining whether the deleted object (64) has a first line (66) entering it and a second line (72) exiting it.

Abstract: A computer graphics program executed by a processor (12) for generating a graphics chart on a computer display (26) are provided. The program includes instructions for controlling the placement of objects on the chart and for relating data to the objects in the chart. The program also includes instructions for generating cause and effect diagrams directly onto the computer display (26).

Abstract: The program provides the user with chart templates that may be used in generating different types of graphics charts. Each template may be modified by the user and each template has associated with it a set of shapes and predetermined positions for those shapes so that the user can create professional, clean graphics.