摘要:
A method of graphically customizing menu displays. A selected menu or pulldown menu display having multiple menu entries is displayed. An operator then graphically designates a particular menu entry and thereafter elects a customizing option. In the depicted embodiment of the present invention the customizing options are displayed as elements of a customizer screen and include options such as: copy; cut; paste, restore; clear; and file. By utilizing this method the operator may move or delete a menu entry or alter the textual appearance of a menu entry. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operator may also elect to identify a particular menu entry with a single selected keystroke for accelerated selection of that menu entry during operation.
摘要:
A method of graphically customizing menu displays. A selected menu or pulldown menu display having multiple menu entries is displayed. An operator then graphically designates a particular menu entry and thereafter elects a customizing option. In the depicted embodiment of the present invention the customizing options are displayed as elements of a customizer screen and include options such as: copy; cut; paste, restore; clear; and file. By utilizing this method the operator may move or delete a menu entry or alter the textual appearance of a menu entry. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operator may also elect to identify a particular menu entry with a single selected keystroke for accelerated selection of that menu entry during operation.
摘要:
A method of transferring data between files within an application program or between multiple, independent, simultaneously active application programs appearing concurrently on a computer display screen is disclosed. Data to be transferred from a first location is marked on the computer display screen. Subsequent optional selection of either a Cut or Copy function causes a distinctive border to appear around the mrked data. An input device may then be used to move the bordered area to a new location on the computer display screen without alteration or movement of the originally marked data. A data transfer symbol appears within the bordered area during the data transfer operation to signify that such an operation is in progress. Further selection of a Paste function causes the marked data to be inserted at its new location and deletion from the computer display screen of the distinctive border and of the data transfer symbol. Additionally, the originally marked data is deleted from the computer screen display if the Cut function was chosen, while, if the Copy function was chosen, the originally marked data is unmarked and left unaltered at the conclusion of the data transfer operation.
摘要:
A method for employing a preferred external object handler program with an integrated computer application program is described. The programs are operated simultaneously and the preferred object handler can be employed with the integrated program, rather than employing a similar object handler included in the integrated program. Data is inputted into the preferred object handler program and then, if necessary, automatically converted into a format that is compatible with the default handler.
摘要:
A method is disclosed for providing a dynamic tutorial display for assisting a computer operator in the utilization of a selected interactive software application. A tutorial processing program is provided and is resident between the operating system and a selected interactive software application, acting as a filter therebetween. A sequence of desired operator inputs, such as keystrokes or mouse movements, is recorded by the tutorial processing program along with an indication of the elapsed time between each input. In response to an operator request for assistance, the tutorial processing program couples each recorded input in a selected sequence to the interactive software application, in sequence in accordance with the recorded elapsed time indications. In practice, the software application will then respond in a manner identical to the response generated by human inputs. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tutorial processing program also includes a provision for recording a plurality of textual or audible descriptive elements within the sequence of operator inputs.
摘要:
A method is disclosed which permits the user of a computer system to directly manipulate iconic representations of software applications by automatically controlling the communications link between each icon and its associated source application. Upon receiving an indication that a user intends to move an icon displayed within a first client application, communications between the first client application and the icon's source application are automatically terminated. The icon is placed within a second client application and communications between the second client application and the source application are automatically initiated. In the disclosed embodiment of the present invention a conversational data structure designed to support communication between a client application and a source application is automatically created in response to an initiate communications message from a client application to a source application, after a determination has been made that the icon in question is appropriately served by the source application. Client applications containing multiple icons may be simply and easily duplicated by graphically copying each icon and automatically initiating communication between the source application and the application containing the copied icon.
摘要:
A method is disclosed for providing a dynamic tutorial display for assisting a computer operator in the utilization of a selected interactive software application. A tutorial processing program is provided and is resident between the operating system and a selected interactive software application, acting as a filter therebetween. A sequence of desired operator inputs, such as keystrokes or mouse movements, is recorded by the tutorial processing program along with an indication of the elapsed time between each input. In response to an operator request for assistance, the tutorial processing program couples each recorded input in a selected sequence to the interactive software application, in sequence in accordance with the recorded elapsed time indications. In practice, the software application will then respond in a manner identical to the response generated by human inputs. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tutorial processing program also includes a provision for recording a plurality of textual or audible descriptive elements within the sequence of operator inputs.
摘要:
A method for employing a preferred external object handler program with an integrated computer application program is described. The programs are operated simultaneously and the preferred object handler can be employed with the integrated program, rather than employing a similar object handler included in the integrated program. Data is inputted into the preferred object handler program and then, if necessary, automatically converted into a format that is compatible with the default handler.