US5392389A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Graphical method for creating an object
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1994-06-30
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Granted: 1995-02-21
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Expires: 2014-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for creating objects in a computer system having a display screen and a device for manipulating objects on the screen. The method includes displaying an object dispenser icon on the screen and a dispensable object mini-icon on the object dispenser icon. Objects may be created by dragging dispensable object icons out of the object dispenser icon, or by opening the dispensable object mini-icon. The objects dispensed by the dispenser may be modified by opening the object dispenser icon or by "dropping" a modified object icon on the dispenser icon. The dispenser icon may be moved about the display screen.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen S. Fleming
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 01:32
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0481; G06F3/04817; G06T; G06T1/00; G06F3/0484; G06F3/0486
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A graphical method of creating an object in a computer system having a display screen and means for manipulating objects on said display screen, which comprises the steps of: displaying an object dispenser icon on said screen; dropping a dispensable object icon representative of a single identified object on said object dispenser icon; displaying a dispensable object mini-icon on said object dispenser icon; dragging said dispensable object mini-icon to another location on said display screen; automatically replacing said dragged dispensable object mini-icon with a dispensable object icon in response to dropping of said dragged dispensable object mini-icon; and displaying said dispensable object mini-icon on said object dispenser icon in response to dropping of said dragged dispensable mini-icon wherein multiple copies of said dispensable object icon may be graphically created.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A graphical method of creating an object in a computer system having a display screen and means for manipulating objects on said display screen, which comprises the steps of: displaying an object dispenser icon on said screen; dropping a dispensable object icon representative of a single identified object on said object dispenser icon; displaying a dispensable object mini-icon on said object dispenser icon; dragging said dispensable object mini-icon to another location on said display screen; automatically replacing said dragged dispensable object mini-icon with a dispensable object icon in response to dropping of said dragged dispensable object mini-icon; and displaying said dispensable object mini-icon on said object dispenser icon in response to dropping of said dragged dispensable mini-icon wherein multiple copies of said dispensable object icon may be graphically created.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, including the steps of: opening said dispensable object icon; and automatically displaying a window having contents represented by said dispensable object icon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 2, including the steps of: modifying the contents of said window represented by said dispensable object icon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, including the steps of: opening said object dispenser icon; automatically displaying a window represented by said dispensable object mini-icon; and, revising the object represented by said dispensable object mini-icon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as claimed in claim 4, including the steps of: closing said window.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as claimed in claim 5, including the steps of: dispensing a dispensable object icon from said object dispenser, said dispensable object icon representing the revised object.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-02-20 | 1998-08-22 | 1999-02-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-02-20 | 2002-08-22 | 2003-02-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-02-20 | 2006-08-22 | 2007-02-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |