Abstract: The present invention provides a method for a developer to create and display a “dialog definition”, i.e., a description of the dialog that has the position and size of its constituent elements expressed in relative layout rules. These layout rules include expressions of alignment and/or justification of the elements within a container, rather than expressions of the coordinate positions of the elements. In addition, a set of text strings is provided for each language in a separate language file. The user may identify an operating system and a language in which the dialog will be displayed, and the size of the elements in the identified operating system and language will be determined by the computer. The description is interpreted in the computer to lay out the dialog.

Abstract: A method and system for refining the function performed by a drag operation during the drag operation. After a drag operation begins, a “Drag Toolbar” appears with controls that change the current function of the drag operation when the cursor is moved over a selected control. In the preferred embodiment, the controls are mutually exclusive “radio buttons”. However, the controls may be cumulative “check boxes”, or incrementing/decrementing, or allow navigation, or otherwise permit object manipulation. The Drag Toolbar may be fixed in place or be a floating palette, may be of various shapes and forms. Selection of a control from the Drag Toolbar may be indicated in any of various manners. The depiction of the cursor may be changed as controls are selected during the drag operation to further indicate which control has been selected.

Abstract: A method and system for refining the function performed by a drag operation during the drag operation. After a drag operation begins, a "Drag Toolbar" appears with controls that change the current function of the drag operation when the cursor is moved over a selected control. In the preferred embodiment, the controls are mutually exclusive "radio buttons". However, the controls may be cumulative "check boxes", or incrementing/decrementing, or allow navigation, or otherwise permit object manipulation. The Drag Toolbar may be fixed in place or be a floating palette, may be of various shapes and forms. Selection of a control from the Drag Toolbar may be indicated in any of various manners. The depiction of the cursor may be changed as controls are selected during the drag operation to further indicate which control has been selected.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) for use in a graphical display on a computer monitor includes a cursor that allows a user to point to an area of interest in the graphical display. The GUI also includes an information element that provides a first level of information in the graphical display when the user first points to the area of interest and then provides a subsequent level of information in the graphical display if the user continues to point to the area of interest or presses a selected keystroke.