Multiple theme engine graphical user interface architecture
First Claim
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1. In a graphical user interface, a method for rendering objects and handling behavior of said objects comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of themes, each theme controlling an appearance and behavior of objects rendered on said graphical user interface, wherein at least one of said appearance and said behavior is controlled differently for an object when said graphical user interface is operated in accordance with one theme than when said graphical user interface is operated in accordance with another theme;
providing a plurality of theme engines, each theme engine associated with a different theme type, wherein at least one of said theme engines is hard-coded and at least one of said theme engines is a data-driven, parametric engine;
selecting a theme from among said plurality of themes;
identifying one of said plurality of theme engines associated with said selected theme; and
loading, by said identified theme engine, theme data for operating said graphical user interface in accordance with said selected theme.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be invoked by calling a corresponding theme engine. Theme engines can be hard-coded or data-driven.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. In a graphical user interface, a method for rendering objects and handling behavior of said objects comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of themes, each theme controlling an appearance and behavior of objects rendered on said graphical user interface, wherein at least one of said appearance and said behavior is controlled differently for an object when said graphical user interface is operated in accordance with one theme than when said graphical user interface is operated in accordance with another theme;
providing a plurality of theme engines, each theme engine associated with a different theme type, wherein at least one of said theme engines is hard-coded and at least one of said theme engines is a data-driven, parametric engine;
selecting a theme from among said plurality of themes;
identifying one of said plurality of theme engines associated with said selected theme; and
loading, by said identified theme engine, theme data for operating said graphical user interface in accordance with said selected theme. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
providing a plurality of theme data files, each associated with a different theme and each accessible by said data-driven theme engine.
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3. The method of claim 1, wherein said hard-coded theme engine can manage only one theme.
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4. A computer system comprising:
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a processor for performing control functions and processing data;
a display for outputting data received from said processor and for receiving input from a user of said computer system via a graphical user interface; and
a plurality of theme engines each capable of rendering a theme by drawing an object on said graphical user interface, wherein a selected one of said theme engines is commanded to draw said object based upon a theme selection coordinated by said processor. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for selecting themes operable to control appearance and behavior of objects rendered on a graphical user interface comprising the steps of:
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providing an appearance control panel;
providing a plurality of theme engines, including a default theme engine and at least one other theme engine;
selecting, by said appearance control panel, a theme;
loading said selected theme using one of said plurality of theme engine, unless a valid theme data file cannot be retrieved for said selected theme; and
otherwise, loading a default theme using said default theme engine. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable information for performing the steps of:
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providing a plurality of theme engines, each theme engine capable of rendering objects according to at least one theme;
selecting, by one of a user and a program, a current theme; and
using a theme engine associated with said current theme to render objects in a graphical user interface according to said current theme. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
providing a hard-coded theme engine and a data-driven theme engine.
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15. The computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein said step of selecting further comprises the step of:
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creating a appearance control panel on said graphical user interface; and
receiving input from said user in said appearance control panel as an indication of said selected current theme.
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16. The computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein said step of using a theme engine associated with said current theme further comprises the steps of:
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loading, by said theme engine, a data table indicating said object geometries and fill patterns for said current theme; and
drawing, by a graphics subsystem, objects on said graphical user interface using information in said data table.
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Specification