Method and apparatus for processing commands generated by user interface controls in an atomic manner
First Claim
1. A system for processing, in an atomic manner, commands generated by user interface control objects in order to modify data values corresponding to the user interface control objects in response to the activation of a group acceptance control object having a group acceptance graphic displayed on a display screen, the system comprising:
- (a) memory means for storing a command data structure;
(b) processor means for saving a parameter value in the command data structure for each of the data values, each of the user interface control objects having a graphic displayed on the display screen for displaying one of the parameter values;
(c) processor means for modifying one of the saved parameter values in response to a command generated by a user interface control object during a group session as a user manipulates a user interface control graphic to cause a desired change in one of the data values;
(d) processor means for executing a command using the command data structure in response to the activation of the group acceptance control object caused by a user manipulation of the group acceptance graphic in order to change the data values to the parameter values; and
(e) storage means for storing all commands generated by user interface control objects during the group session until the group session is completed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An object-oriented user interface utilizes object-oriented controls that operate together as a single, atomic group to change data values and are affected as a group by conventional editing "undo" and "redo" actions. In accordance with one embodiment, each control in the group generates a command which modifies a stored control value when the control is manipulated by a user. In response to user activation, a group acceptance control generates a command which causes the data values to be changed to the stored control values. In accordance with another embodiment, each control in the group generates a command which modifies the group acceptance control command. When the group acceptance control command is finally activated, the modified command causes the data values to be changed. The entire control group can also be undone and redone in a single atomic operation which is implemented by placing a mark on an undo stack when an interface session involving a control group is started. When the session ends, all of the commands executed since the mark was placed on the undo stack are collected together into a single command group which can be undone or redone as a unit.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system for processing, in an atomic manner, commands generated by user interface control objects in order to modify data values corresponding to the user interface control objects in response to the activation of a group acceptance control object having a group acceptance graphic displayed on a display screen, the system comprising:
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(a) memory means for storing a command data structure; (b) processor means for saving a parameter value in the command data structure for each of the data values, each of the user interface control objects having a graphic displayed on the display screen for displaying one of the parameter values; (c) processor means for modifying one of the saved parameter values in response to a command generated by a user interface control object during a group session as a user manipulates a user interface control graphic to cause a desired change in one of the data values; (d) processor means for executing a command using the command data structure in response to the activation of the group acceptance control object caused by a user manipulation of the group acceptance graphic in order to change the data values to the parameter values; and (e) storage means for storing all commands generated by user interface control objects during the group session until the group session is completed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for processing, in an atomic manner, commands generated by user interface control objects in order to modify data values corresponding to the user interface control objects in response to the activation of a group acceptance control object having a group acceptance graphic displayed on a display screen, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) storing a command data structure; (b) saving a parameter in the command data structure for each of the data values, each of the user interface control objects having a graphic displayed on the display screen for displaying one of the parameter values; (c) modifying one of the parameter values in response to a command generated by a user interface control object as a user manipulates the user interface control object graphic to cause a desired change in one of the data values; (d) executing a command using the command data structure in response to the activation of the group acceptance control object caused by a user manipulation of the group acceptance graphic in order to change the data values to the parameter values; and (e) storing all commands generated by user interface control objects during a group session until the group session is completed. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification