Computer system and method for generating and manipulating charts and diagrams
First Claim
1. A system for automatically generating and positioning a new drawing element, the system comprising:
- a display device having an input;
an input device having an output;
a memory, having inputs and outputs, for storing data includinga plurality of element records including an element type record,routines for creating and manipulating drawing elements, anda means for automatically generating and positioning a drawing element using an automatic generation user interface havingrepresentations of control buttons; and
a processing unit responsive to the means for automatically generating, the processing unit coupled to the display device, the input device, and the memory.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A central processing unit (CPU) is coupled to a display device, an input device, a data storage device and a memory with charting and diagramming tools, element records, connector records, and display routines. The memory is used by the CPU to present a user interface on the display and for generating chart elements in response to inputs from the user. The CPU displays a user interface that allows automatic generation and connection of new drawing elements. Methods are disclosed for creating drawing elements of a flowchart, creating drawing elements of a flowchart at a selected position, creating drawing elements of an organizational chart, and displaying a portion of the display in a visually distinct manner.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A system for automatically generating and positioning a new drawing element, the system comprising:
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a display device having an input; an input device having an output; a memory, having inputs and outputs, for storing data including a plurality of element records including an element type record, routines for creating and manipulating drawing elements, and a means for automatically generating and positioning a drawing element using an automatic generation user interface having representations of control buttons; and a processing unit responsive to the means for automatically generating, the processing unit coupled to the display device, the input device, and the memory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. In a computer system for creating and manipulating drawings formed of drawing elements, a method for automatically generating and positioning a new drawing element, the method comprising the steps of:
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displaying, about a selected element, an automatic generation user interface having representations of control buttons; determining whether an automatic generation command is active; and if an automatic generation command is active, then generating and positioning the new drawing element. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. In a computer system for creating and manipulating drawings formed of drawing elements, a method for automatically generating and positioning a new drawing element, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving a selection of an element; displaying an automatic generation user interface about the selected element; determining whether an automatic generation command has been input; identifying the position of a cursor on a display device; displaying a phantom element at the identified cursor position and a connecting line coupled between the phantom element and the selected element; determining whether a drop element command has been input; and
, if the drop element command was input, thengenerating the new drawing element; and generating a connecting line between the new drawing element and the selected element.
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23. In a computer system having an input device and a processor, a computer implemented method for displaying drawing elements associated with an active frame in a visually distinct manner, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving as input a point on the display device of interest; determining a position corresponding to the point; identifying a frame that extends over the determined position; determining vertical and horizontal bounds of the identified frame; and displaying a boundary around the identified frame. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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Specification