Abstract: A multicasting system for multicasting window events to various application programs running on a computer system, each such program having an application window. A global control program runs on the computer system and has a global control window. Through the global control program, a user selects one or more of the application programs to receive incoming window events. Later, when the global control window is active, any incoming window event is received in that window. The global control program automatically multicasts each such event to every application program that the user has selected to receive incoming window events. Events may be multicast directly to child windows of the various application windows. The global control window may have a global child window that receives incoming window events; such events are multicast directly to selected child windows of the application programs. The application programs may be resident locally or on a remote computer system.

Abstract: An object-oriented view system which displays a plurality of separate view areas on a computer display screen allows hierarchically arranged overlapping view areas. The views are controlled by a view hierarchy object which includes a tree structure of information associated with every view. The tree structure has multiple branches and supports recursive view support for views within views. The views are drawn directly in the screen buffer by application programs which retrieve view definition information from the view hierarchy object. The view hierarchy makes it possible for views of uncertain origin or implementation to function polymorphically within a display hierarchy.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for controlling the movement of a graphical pointer displayed within a display device of a data processing system having a graphical pointing device. According to the present invention, a widget, a predefined region within a graphical display, and a graphical pointer are displayed within the display device of the data processing system. When the graphical pointer is displayed at positions within the widget, a first relationship correlates manipulation of the graphical pointing device and movement of the graphical pointer within the display device. Conversely, when the graphical pointer is displayed at positions without the widget, a second relationship correlates manipulation of the graphical pointing device and movement of the graphical pointer within the display device.

Abstract: A user-directed method for operating a processor-controlled machine permits a user to operate on an object-based model data structure from which a first image has been produced in order to produce a second image for display in the spatial context of the first image, and then to interact with objects in the displayed second image. The method is cooperates as cooperating with the functionality of an application program, such as a graphical object editor. The user requests the display of a viewing operation region (VOR) coextensively with a first image segment of the first displayed image. In response to the user's request signal, a viewing operation associated with the VOR operates on the object-based model data structure that produced the first image to produce an output model data structure from which is produced a second view, or image, of the portion of the first image coextensively positioned with the VOR, displaying the second view in the VOR.

Abstract: A method of communicating information in a computer system. First generate a send set. The send set includes a first type indicator. The first type indicator corresponds to a send object. Next, define a drag site as being associated with the send set. Register the drag site with a first exchange manager. Generate a receive set. The receive set includes the first type indicator. Define a drop site as being associated with the receive set. Register the drop site with a second exchange manager. Drag from the drag site to the drop site. Drop on the drop site. In response to the drop on the drop site, the second exchange manager requests an object corresponding to the first type indicator. The first exchange manager communicates the information, the information corresponding to the send object.

Abstract: Navigation through application program operation, application window configuration, and application program symbol input is provided in a navigator function which executes in response to key strokes designating key representations of application programs and commands.

Abstract: A pictorial user interface for accessing information in an electronic file system provides a pictorial image which is linked to a file directory and which identifies the file directory. Objects in the pictorial image are icons linked to file objects and an animated character is overlaid on the pictorial image. User input causes movement of the animated character relative to the pictorial image. Input from the user is preferably through a limited input device such as a gamepad controller, a mouse, or by using a limited number of keys on a normal keyboard. Input signals are mapped according to keycode identical command sets, context arguments and selection arguments. Commands that can be invoked by the user include operating system commands, pictorial object commands, and interface utility commands. Using the pictorial object commands, the user can configure the interface so that different pictures and icons are associated with different directories and files.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating routines for controlling user actions in a computer-controlled display system. Each of a first of plurality of routines may be linked for controlling the computer-controlled display system when the system is in a first context. Each of the first plurality of routines may control different aspects of the functioning of the display system, such as the functioning of various user interface objects on the display. Further, a second plurality of routines may be linked for controlling the system when the system is in a second context. Each of the pluralities of routines are activated when the system is either in the first or second context.

Abstract: A method and system for grouping and manipulating windows in a window system is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of displayed windows are grouped into a project group. A project group has associated information regarding which windows belong to the project group, an associated project group appearance for differentiating the windows in the project group from other windows, and a set of project group commands for operating upon the project group. A window is designated as a project group folder, this window containing indicators to the other windows belonging to the project group. For each window belonging to the project group, project group commands are added to menus of the windows belonging to the project group. Later, when a window is activated and a project group command selected for operating upon the project group, certain behaviors occur.

Abstract: A layout table describing positions and types of a plurality of windows is used to manage a graphical user interface. At the time of initialization or when the layout table is changed, windows and associated window managing modules are generated or added in accordance with the contents of the layout table. The window managing module processes a user input event in accordance with its type and position, and displays appropriate information in the windows in accordance with the user's instructions. The user can describe the contents of the layout table in an external file or can specify layout information using a menu provided by the system when running the system. In this manner, the user can set the positions and types of windows as desired and improved ease of use can thus be enjoyed.

Abstract: Program code is executed in a data processing system in order to display a plurality of items so that each of the items is displayed as a different layer with respect to each of the other items and so that at least portions of items in lower layers are obscured by items in upper layers. Items may be, for example, icons, tool bars, directories, documents, notes, and/or the like. Program code is also executed in the data processing system in order to select an item so that each of the other items, which is displayed in a layer above the selected item and which would otherwise obscure the selected item, is cut out in order to expose at least a portion of the selected item and so as to reveal an otherwise obscured portion of an item which is layered below the selected item. A cut-out border may be provided around the selected item so that an item layered below the selected item is revealed.

Abstract: A method, system and program for simultaneously specifying a first and a second range for a first and a second parameter respectively. A control window whose axes represent the two parameters and a control element movable therein, typically by means of a pointing device, are presented on a display coupled to a computer system. The coordinates of a first and a second position of the control element are determined. The first range is adjusted according to the first components of the coordinates of the first and second positions and the second range according to the second components of the coordinates of the first and second positions. After the ranges are specified, a first operation is designated which will be executed if a data stream of the first and second parameters satisfies the first and second ranges. The data stream is monitored to determine if the first and second ranges are satisfied. The first operation is executed on the computer system if the first and second ranges are satisfied.

Abstract: A method to easily draw a graphic having many control points using graphical icons. The control points necessary for defining a graphic are displayed on an icon display screen together with a graphical icon. Information on the operation sequence for the control points is also displayed on the screen by blinking the control points. The state of the control points specified by the user is displayed in the form of animation by a control-point moving and displaying apparatus and is displayed on a graphical display screen in the form of drawing points. When a user draws a graphic, he or she can quickly and clearly tell which points at which positions of a graphic should be specified in what sequence, and the present step of the drawing process.

Abstract: An editing process and device for modifying images in the structured image (SI) format. The image editor can perform image processing operations, transparency and geometric transform to objects. The underlying SI format allows the image editor to be memory efficient with unlimited undo capability.

Abstract: An iconic data editing environment and a method of editing data in such an environment. The environment includes: (1) a working area capable of receiving icons and symbols thereon, (2) a first icon capable of being placed on the working surface and symbolizing a data transformation process, the first icon having a first input portion representing a first process input and an output portion representing a process output and (3) a first data flow symbol capable of being placed on the working surface, symbolizing a communication of data between icons, the first icon and the first symbol freely movable on the working area to symbolize a flow of the first datum as a function of a relative location of the first icon and the first symbol on the working area. A user may therefore establish a process for transforming data by manipulating symbols. In one embodiment, the first datum is a portion of a single frame of a video stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning windows on a display screen in a computer environment in which a user perceives that multiple operations can be executed simultaneously. The method and apparatus for positioning windows is based upon the number of existing windows and the arrangement of previously-created windows. Preferably, a computer system incorporating the invention includes a one or more dam structures, herein called "window slots", each window slot retaining location information and indicating, either explicitly or implicitly, availability of the window slot. Window slots can be organized into a window slot structure. If a window is being opened, then a window slot is assigned to the window being opened and a window slot structure having zero or more window slots is updated. The assigning and updating is based upon the availability of a window slot and the number of in-use window slots in the window slot structure.

Abstract: A technique for producing a second image for display in the context of an original image uses a model data structure, in contrast to an image-based data structure, and a model-based operation, called a viewing operation, in contrast to an image-based operation, to produce the second image. The second image is displayed in the spatial context of the original image, as that context is defined by a viewing operation region, or VOR, at the same time as the original image is being displayed, giving the perception to a machine user of providing information related to the original image in the spatial context of the original image. The VOR functions as a type of "visual filter", binding the second view of the original image to the display area defined by the VOR. In one illustrated embodiment, the method operates within the environment of a rendering application executing in a graphical user interface environment.

Abstract: In method of displaying items of information organized in a hierarchical structure, a hierarchical tree of nodes is displayed, which are items of information, classified based on a specified concept. The user selects an intended node from among the nodes on the displayed hierarchical tree and enters a concept for classifying nodes of sub-concepts of the selected nodes. The selected node and a partial hierarchical tree that is created based on the entered; concept are displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing computer-assisted implicit and explicit assistance. If no implicit assist actions are desired or indicated, a logical process is initiated to determine whether explicit assistance should be undertaken. If implicit assistance is indicated, a list of action alternatives is displayed for the user. If explicit assistance is desired by the user, particular object(s) from which the assistance may be inferred are entered into an assistance operation. An attempt is made to recognize possible intents expressed by the objects entered into the assistance process. If no user intent is, in fact, recognized, the assist operation is usually terminated. If a possible intent is recognized, the actual intent is hypothesized. A check is further undertaken, to determine whether a hypothesis is in fact available. If no hypothesis is found, the process permits the user to supply a proposed action. If no hypothesis is found and no user action is proposed, assistance efforts terminate.

Abstract: An application programmer may choose from several alternative different methods for placing dynamically added icons in a graphical user interface (GUI) environment. The application program can pick the appropriate method depending on the situation, which often may involve reacting to a particular user action. The method is implemented in a graphical user interface environment on a computer. The application program selects one of the alternative choices for the placement of dynamically added icons. The selection by the application program is based on particular circumstances as determined by an application programmer of the application program. The dynamically added icon is placed on the display screen according to a procedure corresponding to a selected one of the alternate choices. The dynamically added icons may represent containers holding objects, such as executable programs, database records, graphic images, word processing files, or another container which itself can hold objects.