Method for reanchoring branches within a directory tree

• US 6,271,846 B1
• Filed: 09/30/1998
• Issued: 08/07/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Martinez, Anthony Edward, Rahn, Michael David
• Primary Examiner(s): Bayerl, Raymond J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Luu, Sy D.
• Application Number:
  US09/163,919
• Time in Patent Office: 1,042 Days
• Field of Search: 345/357, 345/356, 345/348, 345/339
• US Class Current: 715/854
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus

Abstract

A system and method for reanchoring logical objects or members of a directory tree within a graphical user interface. First, at least one anchored logical object is designated for reanchoring. Logical objects which have a predetermined relationship with the selected logical object may be placed into a group with the at least one designated logical object. Next, the user selects a reanchor command and the selected group is reanchored. In an illustrative implementation, reanchoring moves the selected group to a location closer to a left margin of the display screen. Reanchoring allows a user to customize the directory tree. Customizing the graphic directory tree allows a user to increase the usability of the directory tree and decrease complexity of existing directory trees.

Claims

1. A method for re-anchoring a tree object within a graphical user interface (GUI) by selectively modifying a directory tree view, wherein said directory tree view provides a user-viewable display of a directory tree in which said tree object resides, said method comprising the steps of:

displaying said directory tree as a first directory tree in which said tree object is anchored to a first location within said GUI;

in response to a selection of said tree object within said first directory tree, replacing said first directory tree with a second directory tree, wherein said tree object is a root node within said second directory tree, and wherein said replacing step further comprises inputting a user specified re-anchoring location; and

re-anchoring said tree object to a second location within said GUI corresponding to a relative position of said tree object within said second directory tree from which a user can more easily interact with said tree object.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a tree object group that includes other tree objects having an organizational relationship with said tree object.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein members of said logical tree object group are visually coupled to a linking line.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said second location is at a left margin of said GUI.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of replacing said first directory tree with a second directory tree is performed in response to selection of an icon within said GUI.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

positioning a graphical pointing device proximately to said tree object within said first directory tree view, wherein said graphical pointing device includes primary selection means for selecting said tree object in accordance with said first display mode, and wherein said graphical pointing device further includes alternate selection means; and

upon said positioning of said graphical pointing device, selecting said tree object from within said first directory tree utilizing said alternate selection means.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said selecting step further comprises the step of displaying a re-anchor menu utilizing said alternate selection means, wherein said re-anchor menu includes a re-anchor command that initiates said replacement of said first directory tree with said second directory tree.

8. A computer program product stored in a signal bearing media providing a graphical user interface (GUI) to manage a directory tree, said computer program product comprising:

instruction means for displaying a directory tree as a first directory tree in which said tree object is anchored to a first location within said GUI;

instruction means for replacing said first directory tree with a second directory tree in response to user selection of said tree object, wherein said instruction means for replacing said first directory tree with said second directory tree further comprises instruction means for receiving a user specified reanchoring location; and

instruction means for, in response to said replacement of said first directory tree with said second directory tree, re-anchoring said tree object to a second location within said GUI corresponding to a relative position of said tree object within said second directory tree from which a user can more easily interact with said tree object.

9. The computer program product of claim 8, further comprising the step of generating a tree obiect group that includes other tree objects which have an organizational relationship with said tree object.

10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein members of said tree obiect group are visually coupled to a vertical linking line.

11. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein said second location is at a left margin of said GUI.

12. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein said instruction means for replacing said first directory tree with said second directory tree further comprises instruction means for performing said replacement in response to selection of an icon.