Method and apparatus for data alteration by manipulation of representational graphs

• US 5,844,572 A
• Filed: 04/07/1997
• Issued: 12/01/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Binaryblitz
• Original Assignee: Binaryblitz
• Inventors: Schott, Eric G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Phu K.
• Application Number:
  US08/834,904
• Time in Patent Office: 603 Days
• Field of Search: 345/113, 345/114, 345/433, 345/435, 345/440
• US Class Current: 345/440
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/177 of tables; using ruled lines
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/18 of spreadsheets form-filling G06F40/174

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for altering data by manipulation of representational dynamic graphs. Specifically, a method and apparatus are provided for using dynamic graphs wherein the computer user is able to manipulate the graph shape directly, which in turn not only modifies the graph, but also alters the corresponding and underlying tabularized data, as well as any associated numeric representations of the data that may be presented to the computer user. The method and apparatus are provided for use with a computer system having a processing unit, system memory, a user manipulation device, and a video display, wherein a dynamic graph is created having at least one data representation element which may be focused or unfocused. Creation of the dynamic graph includes creating and saving graphical and statistical characteristics of the dynamic graph. Manipulation of a data representation element via the user manipulation device may include reconfiguring the dynamic graph to select a focused data representation element desired to be manipulated. Modification of the dynamic graph according to user manipulation includes altering not only the graphical display, but also the underlying graph data corresponding to the dynamic graph. The method and apparatus thereby provide a simple and easy way for users to alter their data and modify the interrelationship between associated data by intuitive manipulation of representational dynamic graphs.

Claims

1. A method for altering data for use with a computer system having a processing unit, system memory, a user manipulation device, and a video display, by manipulation of a dynamic graphical representation of the data, comprising:

(a) creating a dynamic graphical representation including graphical elements having at least one data representation element that may be focused or unfocused, wherein graphical elements are saved in system memory;

(b) determining focus information based on input received from the user manipulation device;

(c) if the focus information indicates an unfocused data representation element, reconfiguring the dynamic graphical representation to shift focus to the unfocused data representation element indicated by the focus information, thereby changing the unfocused data representation element to a focused data representation element;

(d) determining alteration information concerning the focused data representation element based on input received from the user manipulation device;

(e) modifying the focused data representation element according to the alteration information; and

(f) altering the data stored in system memory corresponding to the focused data representation element according to the alteration information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the data representation element may be protected or unprotected;

(b) the step of creating a dynamic graphical representation includes determining data representation element protection information based on initialization data;

(c) the step of determining focus information includes determining if the input received from the user manipulation device indicates a protected data representation element using data representation element protection information; and

(d) the step of reconfiguring the dynamic graphical representation includes if the focus information indicates a protected data representation element, maintaining the current status of the dynamic graphical representation.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

(a) the computer system further includes associated system components affected by manipulation of the dynamic graphical representation; and

(b) the step of determining focus information includes notifying the associated system components that the input received from the user manipulation device indicates a protected data representation element.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of creating the dynamic graphical representation comprises:

(a) determining initialization data;

(b) creating graphical elements using initialization data;

(c) saving created graphical elements in system memory; and

(d) displaying the dynamic graphical representation using created graphical elements on the video display.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the step of reconfiguring the dynamic graphical representation according to the focus information includes using graphical elements from system memory; and

(b) the step of modifying the focused data representation element includes using graphical elements from system memory.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein:

(a) the step of reconfiguring the dynamic graphical representation comprises;

(i) determining new graphical elements based on initialization data and focus information;

(ii) saving new graphical elements in system memory; and

(b) the step of modifying the focused data representation element includes using new graphical elements from system memory.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the computer system further includes associated system components affected by manipulation of the dynamic graphical representation;

(b) the dynamic graphical representation includes focus characteristics describing the focused and unfocused data representation elements within the dynamic graphical representation;

(c) focus information includes information indicating a change in the focus characteristics of the dynamic graphical representation; and

(d) the step of reconfiguring the dynamic graphical representation includes if the focus information indicates a change in the focus characteristics of the dynamic graphical representation;

(i) saving the focus characteristics of the dynamic graphical representation in system memory;

(ii) if an associated system component alters the dynamic graphical representation, modifying the saved focus characteristics of the dynamic graphical representation; and

(iii) displaying the dynamic graphical representation according to the focus characteristics on the video display.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the user manipulation device includes a pointer and a button capable of manipulation used to indicate position within the dynamic graphical representation;

(b) the step of determining focus information comprises;

(i) monitoring the position of the pointer;

(ii) monitoring the button of the user manipulation device; and

(iii) if the button is manipulated, determining the position of the pointer within the dynamic graphical representation.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation includes a bar graph;

(b) the data representation element includes a bar element having a minimum and maximum point; and

(c) the step of creating the bar graph comprises;

(i) determining initialization data including bar graph parameters and bar data;

(ii) determining a minimum bar value using initialization data and a scaling factor required to display the minimum point of the bar element within the parameters of the bar graph;

(iii) determining a maximum bar value using initialization data and a scaling factor required to display the maximum point of the bar element within the parameters of the bar graph;

(iv) creating bar display characteristics of the bar element using the minimum bar value, the maximum bar value, and the bar data; and

(v) displaying the bar graph and corresponding bar elements using the bar display characteristics on the video display.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein:

(a) the user manipulation device includes a pointer indicating through its position the bar data of the corresponding focused bar element within the parameters of the bar graph;

(b) the step of determining the alteration information concerning the focused bar element comprises;

(i) monitoring the position of the pointer within the parameters of the bar graph;

(ii) determining new bar data based on the position of the pointer;

(iii) creating new bar display characteristics of the bar element using the minimum bar value, the maximum bar value, and the new bar data; and

(c) the step of modifying the focused bar element according to the alteration information includes altering the bar graph and corresponding bar elements according to the bar display characteristics.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation includes a line graph;

(b) the data representation element includes a line dataset having a minimum and maximum line data point; and

(c) the step of creating the line graph comprises;

(i) determining initialization data including line graph parameters and line data;

(ii) determining a minimum line value using initialization data and a scaling factor required to display the minimum point of the line dataset within the parameters of the line graph;

(iii) determining a maximum line value using initialization data and a scaling factor required to display the maximum point of the line dataset within the parameters of the line graph;

(iv) creating line display characteristics of the line dataset using the minimum line value, the maximum line value, and the line data; and

(v) displaying the line graph and corresponding line dataset using the line display characteristics on the video display.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein:

(a) the user manipulation device includes a pointer indicating through its position the line data of the corresponding focused line dataset within the parameters of the line graph;

(b) the step of determining the alteration information concerning the focused line data point comprises;

(i) monitoring the position of the pointer within the parameters of the line graph;

(ii) determining new line data based on the position of the pointer;

(iii) creating new line display characteristics of the line element using the minimum line value, the maximum line value, and the new line data; and

(c) the step of modifying the focused line data point according to the alteration information includes altering the line graph and corresponding line dataset according to the line display characteristics.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation includes a line graph;

(b) the data representation element includes a line dataset including at least two line data points, a focused line data point that may be manipulated and an unfocused line data point, and a line section spanning the distance between the two line data points;

(c) the user manipulation device includes a pointer indicating position within the parameters of the line graph;

(d) the step of determining the alteration information concerning the focused line data point comprises;

(i) monitoring the position of the pointer within the parameters of the line graph;

(ii) determining new line data based on the position of the pointer;

(iii) creating a new line section using the minimum line value, the maximum line value, and the new line data; and

(e) the step of modifying the line graph according to the alteration information comprises;

(i) removing the line section between the two line data representation points; and

(ii) displaying the new line section on the video display.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation includes a line graph;

(b) the data representation element includes a line dataset including at least two line data points, a focused line data point and an unfocused line data point;

(c) the focused line dataset includes a focus indicator corresponding to the focused line data point; and

(d) the step of reconfiguring the line graph according to the focused information comprises;

(i) removing the focus indicator from the focused line data point; and

(ii) adding the focus indicator to the unfocused line data point.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation includes a pie graph;

(b) the data representation element includes at least one pie element having at least one user manipulable edge; and

(c) the step of creating the pie graph comprises;

(i) determining initialization data including pie graph parameters and pie data;

(ii) determining the pie element value for each pie element using initialization data and a scaling factor required to display the pie element within the parameters of the pie graph;

(iii) creating pie display characteristics of the pie element using the pie element value and the pie data; and

(iv) displaying the pie graph and corresponding pie element using the pie display characteristics on the video display.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein:

(a) the pie graph further includes a focused pie element having a corresponding focus indicator;

(b) the user manipulation device includes a pointer indicating the position of the edge of the pie element within the parameters of the pie graph;

(c) the size of the pie element within the parameters of the pie graph represents the value of the corresponding pie data;

(d) the step of determining the alteration information concerning the focused pie element comprises;

(i) monitoring the position of the pointer within the parameters of the pie graph;

(ii) determining new pie data based on changes in the size of the pie element corresponding to the position of the pointer;

(iii) creating new pie display characteristics of the pie element using the pie element value and the new pie data; and

(e) the step of modifying the focused pie element according to the alteration information comprises altering the pie graph and corresponding pie elements according to the pie display characteristics.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein:

(a) the pie graph includes at least two pie elements, a focused pie element and at least one unfocused pie element;

(b) the step of determining new pie data based on the position of the pointer includes determining the alteration in size of the focused pie wedge;

(c) the step of altering the pie graph and corresponding pie elements according to the pie display characteristics comprises;

(i) if the pie display characteristics indicate an increase in the size of the focused pie element, increasing the size of the focused pie element; and

(ii) if the pie display characteristics indicate a decrease in size of the focused pie element, reducing the size of the focused pie element by increasing the size of the unfocused pie wedge.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein:

(a) the pie graph includes at least two pie elements; and

(b) the step of altering the data stored in system memory includes altering the pie data corresponding to at least two pie elements.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of altering the data stored in system memory comprises altering the pie data such that change to the pie data corresponding to one pie element offsets exactly the change to the pie data corresponding to a different pie element.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of altering the data stored in system memory comprises altering the pie data such that the net change in pie data corresponding to the at least two pie elements is zero.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation includes a pie graph;

(b) the data representation element includes at least two pie elements, a focused pie element having a corresponding focus indicator, and an unfocused pie element;

(c) the step of reconfiguring the pie graph according to the focus information comprises;

(i) removing the focus indicator from the focused pie element; and

(ii) adding the focus indicator to the unfocused pie element.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein:

(a) the step of creating the pie graph further includes saving the pie elements of the pie graph without the corresponding focus indicators in system memory; and

(b) the step of removing the focus indicator from the focused pie element includes using the saved pie elements of the pie graph.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the user manipulation device comprises;

(i) a pointer indicating a position within the dynamic graphical representation; and

(ii) a pointer indicator displayed on the video display, corresponding to the position of the pointer, having at least one active image and at least one inactive image;

(b) the dynamic graphical representation has at least one active region corresponding to a data representation element capable of manipulation; and

(c) manipulation of the pointer comprises;

(i) monitoring the active region for pointer activity;

(ii) if there is no pointer activity within the active region, displaying the inactive image of the pointer indicator on the video display; and

(iii) if there is pointer activity within the active region, displaying the active image of the pointer indicator on the video display.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the step of creating a dynamic graphical representation includes determining initialization data including dynamic graphical representation parameters;

(b) the step of modifying the focused data representation element according to the alteration information comprises;

(i) determining whether the alteration information will cause the focused data representation element to exceed the dynamic graphical representation parameters;

(ii) if the dynamic graphical representation parameters will be exceeded, creating data representation element display characteristics according to a scaling factor required to display the focused data representation element within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of creating the dynamic graphical representation comprises:

(a) determining initialization data including dynamic graphical representation parameters and data representation element data describing the actual underlying data corresponding to the data representation element;

(b) determining the data representation element value for each data representation element using initialization data, wherein the data representation element value describes the scaling factor required to display the data representation element within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation;

(c) creating data representation element display characteristics of the data representation element using the data representation element value and the data representation element data;

(d) saving the data representation element display characteristics in system memory; and

(e) displaying the dynamic graphical representation and corresponding data representation element using the data representation element display characteristics on the video display.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein:

(a) the user manipulation device includes a pointer indicating through its position the data representation element data of the corresponding focused data representation element within the dynamic graphical representation;

(b) the step of determining the alteration information concerning the focused data representation element comprises;

(i) monitoring the position of the pointer within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation; and

(ii) calculating alteration information based on the position of the pointer.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein:

(a) the computer system further includes associated system components affected by manipulation of the dynamic graphical representation; and

(b) the step of monitoring the position of the pointer includes notifying the associated system components of the start of manipulation of the dynamic graphical representation.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein:

(a) the computer system further includes associated system components affected by manipulation of the dynamic graphical representation; and

(b) the step of monitoring the position of the pointer includes notifying the associated system components of the end of manipulation of the dynamic graphical representation.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein:

(a) the data representation element includes a manipulation region defining the boundaries within which manipulation of the focused data representation element to alter data can occur;

(b) the step of calculating alteration information includes saving the focused data representation element display characteristics prior to manipulation of the focused data representation element in system memory; and

(c) the step of modifying the focused data representation element includes if the position of the pointer exceeds the manipulation region, restoring the focused data representation element using the saved focused data representation element display characteristics.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein if the position of the pointer is within the manipulation region, the step of determining the alteration information concerning the focused data representation element comprises:

(a) monitoring the position of the pointer within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation; and

(b) calculating alteration information based on the position of the pointer.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein:

(a) the computer system further includes associated system components affected by manipulation of the dynamic graphical representation; and

(b) the step of restoring the focused data representation element includes notifying the associated system components of the restoration of the pre-manipulation focused data representation element display characteristics.

32. The method of claim 25, wherein:

(a) the user manipulation device includes a button capable of manipulation used to indicate the position of a data representation element display characteristic of the focused data representation element within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation;

(b) the position of the focused data representation element within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation represents the value of the corresponding data representation element data;

(c) the step of creating the dynamic graphical representation further includes determining an increment value using initialization data, wherein the incremental value defines the incremental movement of the position of the data representation element display characteristic of the focused data representation element within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation corresponding to manipulation of the button; and

(d) the step of determining the alteration information concerning the focused data representation element comprises;

(i) monitoring the button; and

(ii) if the button is manipulated, calculating alteration information using the increment value based on the position of the data representation element display characteristic of the focused data representation element within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation.

33. A computer-readable memory that can be used to direct a computer system to perform a method for altering data, comprising:

(a) creating a dynamic graphical representation including graphical elements having at least one data representation element that may be focused or unfocused, wherein graphical elements are saved in system memory;

(b) determining focus information based on input received from the user manipulation device;

(c) if the focus information indicates an unfocused data representation element, reconfiguring the dynamic graphical representation to shift focus to the unfocused data representation element indicated by the focus information, thereby changing the unfocused data representation element to a focused data representation element;

(d) determining alteration information concerning the focused data representation element based on input received from the user manipulation device;

(e) modifying the focused data representation element according to the alteration information; and

(f) altering the data stored in system memory corresponding to the focused data representation element according to the alteration information.

34. A method for creating a dynamic graphical representation of data having a background and at least one data representation element for use with a computer system having a processing unit, system memory having a first and a second system memory location, and a video display, comprising:

(a) determining initialization data including dynamic graphical representation parameters and data representation element data describing the actual underlying data corresponding to the data representation element;

(b) creating the background of the dynamic graphical representation without the data representation element using the dynamic graphical representation parameters;

(c) saving the background in a first system memory location;

(d) copying the background from the first system memory location to a second system memory location;

(e) creating the data representation element on the background at the second system memory location; and

(f) displaying the dynamic graphical representation at the second system memory location having the background and the data representation element on the video display.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation of data further includes dynamic graphical representation type identifier; and

(b) the step of creating the data representation element further includes creating on the background at the second system memory location the dynamic graphical representation type identifier.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of creating the data representation element on the background at the second system memory location comprises:

(a) determining the data representation element value for each data representation element using initialization data, wherein the data representation element value describes the scaling factor required to display the data representation element within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation;

(b) creating data representation element display characteristics of the data representation element using the data representation element value and the data representation element data; and

(c) saving the data representation element display characteristics in system memory; and

(d) creating the data representation element using the data representation element display characteristics on the background.

37. A method for altering data of a dynamic graphical representation of data having a background and at least one data representation element for use with a computer system having a processing unit, system memory having a first and a second system memory location, associated system components involved in monitoring and providing information about the dynamic graphical representation, and a video display, comprising:

(a) creating a dynamic graphical representation by;

(i) determining initialization data including dynamic graphical representation parameters and data representation element data describing the actual underlying data corresponding to the data representation element;

(ii) creating the background of the dynamic graphical representation without the data representation element using the dynamic graphical representation parameters;

(iii) saving the background in a first system memory location;

(iv) copying the background from the first system memory location to a second system memory location;

(v) creating the data representation element on the background at the second system memory location; and

(vi) displaying the dynamic graphical representation at the second system memory location having the background and the data representation element on the video display; and

(b) modifying the dynamic graphical representation by;

(i) copying the background from the first system memory location to the second system memory location;

(ii) creating a new data representation element according to information received from the associated system components on the background at the second system memory location; and

(iii) displaying the dynamic graphical representation at the second system memory location having the background and the new data representation element on the video display.

38. A method for creating a dynamic graphical representation of data having at least one data representation element for use with a computer system having a processing unit, system memory, a user manipulation device, and a video display, comprising:

(a) determining initialization data including dynamic graphical representation parameters, data representation element data describing the actual underlying data corresponding to the data representation element, and manipulation information indicating the manipulability of the dynamic graphical representation by the user manipulation device; and

(b) if the manipulation information indicates that the dynamic graphical representation cannot be manipulated by the user manipulation device, creating an output dynamic graphical representation.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation of data further includes a background and a dynamic graphical representation type identifier;

(b) memory includes a first and a second system memory location; and

(c) the step of creating an output dynamic graphical representation comprises;

(i) creating the background of the dynamic graphical representation without the data representation element using the dynamic graphical representation parameters;

(ii) saving the background in a first system memory location;

(iii) copying the background from the first system memory location to a second system memory location;

(iv) creating the data representation element on the background at the second system memory location;

(v) creating the dynamic graphical representation type identifier on the background at the second system memory location; and

(vi) displaying the dynamic graphical representation at the second system memory location having the background, the data representation element, and the dynamic graphical representation type identifier on the video display.

40. Apparatus for use with a computer system having a processing unit, system memory, a user manipulation device, and a video display, for altering data by manipulation of a dynamic graphical representation of the data, comprising:

(a) a video display for displaying a dynamic graphical representation of data;

(b) a system memory for storing program instruction, data, and video display information;

(c) a user manipulation device for manipulating the dynamic graphical representation; and

(d) a processing unit, coupled to said video display, system memory, and user manipulation device, for altering data according to the manipulation of the dynamic graphical representation displayed on the video display according to the user manipulation device by;

(i) creating a dynamic graphical representation including graphical elements having at least one data representation element that may be focused or unfocused, wherein graphical elements are saved in system memory;

(ii) determining focus information based on input received from the user manipulation device;

(iii) if the focus information indicates an unfocused data representation element, reconfiguring the dynamic graphical representation to shift focus to the unfocused data representation element indicated by the focus information, thereby changing the unfocused data representation element to a focused data representation element;

(iv) determining alteration information concerning the focused data representation element based on input received from the user manipulation device;

(v) modifying the focused data representation element according to the alteration information; and

(vi) altering the data stored in system memory corresponding to the focused data representation element according to the alteration information.

41. Apparatus for use with a computer system having a processing unit, system memory having a first and a second system memory location, and a video display, for creating a dynamic graphical representation of data, comprising:

(a) a video display for displaying a dynamic graphical representation of data;

(b) a system memory having a first and a second system memory location for storing program instruction, data, and video display information; and

(c) a processing unit, coupled to said video display, and system memory, for creating the dynamic graphical representation of data for display on the video display by;

(i) determining initialization data including dynamic graphical representation parameters and data representation element data describing the actual underlying data corresponding to the data representation element;

(ii) creating the background of the dynamic graphical representation without the data representation element using the dynamic graphical representation parameters;

(iii) saving the background in a first system memory location;

(iv) copying the background from the first system memory location to a second system memory location;

(v) creating the data representation element on the background at the second system memory location; and

(vi) displaying the dynamic graphical representation at the second system memory location having the background and the data representation element on the video display.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation of data further includes dynamic graphical representation type identifier; and

(b) the processing unit creates the data representation element by creating on the background at the second system memory location the dynamic graphical representation type identifier.

43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the processing unit creates the data representation element on the background at the second system memory location by:

(a) determining the data representation element value for each data representation element using initialization data, wherein the data representation element value describes the scaling factor required to display the data representation element within the parameters of the dynamic graphical representation;

(b) creating data representation element display characteristics of the data representation element using the data representation element value and the data representation element data; and

(c) saving the data representation element display characteristics in system memory; and

(d) creating the data representation element using the data representation element display characteristics on the background.

44. Apparatus for use with a computer system having a processing unit, system memory having a first and a second system memory location, associated system components involved in monitoring and providing information about the dynamic graphical representation, and a video display, for altering data of a dynamic graphical representation of data having a background and at least one data representation element, comprising:

(a) a video display for displaying a dynamic graphical representation of data;

(b) a system memory having a first and a second system memory location for storing program instruction, data, and video display information;

(c) associated system components for monitoring and providing information about the dynamic graphical representation; and

(d) a processing unit, coupled to said video display, system memory, and associated system components, for altering data according to the information provided by the associated system components by;

(i) creating a dynamic graphical representation by;

(A) determining initialization data including dynamic graphical representation parameters and data representation element data describing the actual underlying data corresponding to the data representation element;

(B) creating the background of the dynamic graphical representation without the data representation element using the dynamic graphical representation parameters;

(C) saving the background in a first system memory location;

(D) copying the background from the first system memory location to a second system memory location;

(E) creating the data representation element on the background at the second system memory location; and

(F) displaying the dynamic graphical representation at the second system memory location having the background and the data representation element on the video display; and

(i) modifying the dynamic graphical representation by;

(A) copying the background from the first system memory location to the second system memory location;

(B) creating a new data representation element according to information received from the associated system components on the background at the second system memory location; and

(C) displaying the dynamic graphical representation at the second system memory location having the background and the new data representation element on the video display.

45. Apparatus for use with a computer system having a processing unit, system memory, a user manipulation device, and a video display, for creating a dynamic graphical representation of data having at least one data representation element, comprising:

(a) a video display for displaying a dynamic graphical representation of data;

(b) a system memory for storing program instruction, data, and video display information;

(c) a user manipulation device for manipulating the dynamic graphical representation; and

(d) a processing unit, coupled to said video display, system memory, and user manipulation device, for creating the dynamic graphical representation of data for display on the video display by;

(i) determining initialization data including dynamic graphical representation parameters, data representation element data describing the actual underlying data corresponding to the data representation element, and manipulation information indicating the manipulability of the dynamic graphical representation by the user manipulation device; and

(ii) if the manipulation information indicates that the dynamic graphical representation cannot be manipulated by the user manipulation device, creating an output dynamic graphical representation.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein:

(a) the dynamic graphical representation of data further includes a background and a dynamic graphical representation type identifier;

(b) memory includes a first and a second system memory location; and

(c) the processing unit creates an output dynamic graphical representation by;

(i) creating the background of the dynamic graphical representation without the data representation element using the dynamic graphical representation parameters;

(ii) saving the background in a first system memory location;

(iii) copying the background from the first system memory location to a second system memory location;

(iv) creating the data representation element on the background at the second system memory location;

(v) creating the dynamic graphical representation type identifier on the background at the second system memory location; and

(vi) displaying the dynamic graphical representation at the second system memory location having the background, the data representation element, and the dynamic graphical representation type identifier on the video display.