Abstract: A data processing controlled display system for the interactive control of a variety of production operations is provided which offers to an operator or to a production supervisor the means for simplifying complex interactive display interfaces, thereby significantly reducing the number of production operations properties over which the operator has control. In this reduction, all of the operator controllable properties are displayed to the user or operator, and means for selecting a plurality of these controllable properties for interactive operator control of variable property values during said production operations are provided. Upon such a selection, there are further means for maintaining the nonselected properties at constant values during said production operations. These constant value properties remain hidden from the interface and the operator is presented with a simplified interface showing only the properties of which the values are controllable.

Abstract: The invention is carried out in the following environment. The computer system has at least a visual operator interface, an operating system for operating applications within the computer system, and memory for storing at least part, preferably all, of an application. The present invention is of an application, apparatus, and method for selecting multiple container objects whose contents are to be viewed, and displaying in one window the contents of all of the selected container objects, as opposed to displaying one window for objects associated with each selected container object.

Abstract: A method apparatus and application is provided for displaying wells containing objects related to objects initially displayed. The computer system has at least a visual operator interface, an operating system for operating applications within the computer system, and memory for storing the application. A new display control function called Expand to Wells is provided. The Expand to Wells function opens all the wells for any object on which it is dropped. The function applies to all objects shown. A separate one is not required for each well.

Abstract: A graphical user interface may used to construct a list from pre-defined and user-defined printer values. Predefined values may be added or removed through a dialog box by selecting or deselecting values. New user-defined values may added by filling in a value in the add value dialog. An existing value may be modified by selecting a modify push-button. In response to selecting the modify push-button, a value may be edited in a modify value dialog. Adding, removing, modifying, and deleting printer values may be performed by user interaction with various push-buttons and dialog boxes.

Abstract: The invention is carried out in the following environment. The computer system has at least a visual operator interface, an operating system for operating applications within the computer system, and memory for storing at least part, preferably all, of an application. The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and application for constructing in a graphical user interface a list of values from pre-defined and user-defined values. Also disclosed is a means for adding, modifying, and deleting values. Additionally disclosed is a means for copying selected values from one entry to another entry in the list of values.

Abstract: The invention is carried out in the following environment. The computer system has at least a visual operator interface, an operating system for operating applications within the computer system, and memory for storing at least part, preferably all, of an application. The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and application for constructing in a graphical user interface a list of values, with each value having multiple components. Also disclosed is a means for adding, modifying, and deleting values or components of values. Additionally disclosed is a means for copying selected values or components of values from one entry to another entry in the list of values.

Abstract: An application, method and apparatus for revision of attributes of selected objects as controlled by a computer system. The computer system has at least a visual operator interface, an operating system for operating applications within the computer system, and memory for storing the application therein. Selected objects, such as other applications, parts of applications such as cells in a spread sheet, or real objects such as printers, are designated for selected attribute revision. A global change operation for all of the designated objects having properties to be revised is selected. The attributes are revised as desired and the revised attributes are propagated to the designated objects. Also disclosed is a method, apparatus and application for indicating the desired revisions to the attributes using a model object. The model object method, apparatus and application is an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: An application, method and apparatus for revision of a title of a window containing objects as controlled by a computer system. The computer system has at least a visual operator interface, an operating system for operating applications within the computer system, and memory for storing the application therein. A title is generated for the window containing a list of all of the parent objects, either in the window or represented by child objects in the window. The title is revised dynamically to correspond with modifications in the parent objects. The title revision is done while the window is displayed. Also a means for retaining in the title the name of a parent object even if the parent object becomes temporarily unavailable while the window is displayed. Also a means for saving the revised title so that when the window is opened again in the future, the objects are displayed. Additionally a means for closing the window if all of the objects are deleted.

Abstract: A subset list is created from a superset list in a graphical user interface. The subset list is presented in a vertical format with each item on the list on a separate line. Vertical and horizontal scrollbars make the list easy to use. The subset list items selected on the superset list continue to show as selected and appear each time the superset list window is opened. Thus, only additions or deletions from the subset list must be addressed. Those entries on the subset list that are to remain the same do not have to be re-selected on the superset list.

Abstract: The invention is carried out in the following environment. The computer system has at least a visual operator interface, an operating system for operating applications within the computer system, and memory for storing at least part, preferably all, of an application. An application apparatus, and method is provided for selecting all objects in a window or area. The Select All function also can be applied to wells. Also provided is an application, apparatus, and method for refreshing all objects in a window or area. The Refresh Function also can be applied to wells.

Abstract: An application, method and apparatus is disclosed by which a user selects an object and then drags and drops the object onto a window containing multiple possible target objects. The system generates a selection window listing all of the possible target objects. The user then selects one or more of the possible target objects on which the selected object is to operate.