Seamless application interface manager

• US 5,878,258 A
• Filed: 05/06/1996
• Issued: 03/02/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bank of America Corp.
• Original Assignee: Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Incorporated (Bank of America Corp.)
• Inventors: Pizi, Anthony C., Kanevsky, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Banankhan, Majid A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Courtenay, III, St. John
• Application Number:
  US08/642,212
• Time in Patent Office: 1,030 Days
• Field of Search: 395/680, 395/712, 395/652, 395/653, 395/682
• US Class Current: 719/320
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/451 Execution arrangements for user interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/542 Event management; Broadcasting; Multicasting; Notifications

Abstract

A novel computer workstation interface program provides for subordination of select operating system and application commands. The system permits a seamless integration of distinct applications with a common context controller that permits inter-application communication regarding the operating environment. System resources are managed to insure critical operations retain priority, while permitting access to resources as they are freed by the system.

The workstation enhances user productivity by creating a work environment orchestrated around task and function rather than specific application and file paradigms.

Claims

1. In combination, a system for a workstation data processing system integrating the control and operating characteristics of a plurality of applications functioning under a host operating system, comprising:

a user input device for manipulation by said user for entering commands and selections relating to the operation of said workstation and applications thereon and for entering a user identification code;

a memory for storing programs for controlling a user interface shell and a Configuration Database for storing data relating to the operating characteristics of said shell;

a shell controlling means for imparting to said plurality of applications a set of operating parameters including resource allocation, context, and display features effective to subordinate the command and control functions of said plurality of applications from said applications and said host operating system to the shell controlling means;

wherein said shell controlling means further comprises;

an Event Manager for communicating the occurrence of an event among said plurality of applications;

a Context Manager for providing distribution and storage of data among said plurality of applications, for identifying a change in the data as an event and for providing configuration information to said plurality of applications as a function of said user identification; and

a Resource Manager for managing resources set forth in said Configuration Database which are required by said plurality of applications, each of said Event Manaoer, Context Managers, and Resource Manager having a configuration dependent upon the user identification code, and

a data display for displaying information related to said plurality of applications in accordance with a plurality of context determining parameters and said user identification code.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said Event Manager implements a plurality of event categories including events by subscription and forced events.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said event is selected from the group consisting of subscribed events, implicit events, forced events, and combinations thereof.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising dedicated applications.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a remote link to a remote computer.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said data display further comprises a graphical user interface.

7. The system of claim 2 wherein said Event Manager further implements implied events.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein said remote computer provides database information to said link.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said database information is available in real-time.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein said database information is available on a time-delayed basis.