Object-oriented system for selecting a graphic image on a display
AssigneeTaligent, Inc.
InventorsJohn Peterson, Rajiv Jain, Robert Seidl
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for defining customizable pick, hit or find detection criteria for geometric types and using the results of the search as a basis for determining whether to perform an action. According to the inventive method, a search protocol is defined for geometric types. The search criteria is compared with graphic objects to determine whether the object matches the criteria. Based on the results of the comparison, an output is produced. In addition to allowing customized hit criteria for primitive geometric types, the hit object framework allows hit criteria to be specified for geometric types created by the application developer.
Claims34
An apparatus for selecting a graphic image displayed on a graphic display utilizing a plurality of objects organized in an object-oriented operating system, each of said objects containing one or more geometric attributes of a graphic image, match criteria and an action to be taken if a match occurs, comprising:
- (a) an object-oriented operating system;
- (b) a data processor controlled by said operating system;
- (c) a display device controlled by said data processor for displaying a plurality of pixels to form a graphic image, each of said plurality of pixels having pixel data for :controlling said display device to display an appearance for each of said plurality of pixels;
- (d) storage means with a plurality of locations for storing said pixel data;
- (e) an object of said object-oriented operating system including a class containing one or more geometric attributes of a graphic image, match criteria and an action to be taken if a match occurs defining a search protocol;
- (f) means for detecting a graphic image which matches said one or more geometric attributes and satisfies said match criteria utilizing a geometry matrix and said one or more geometric attributes to determine if said match criteria is satisfied;
- (g) means for producing an output based on said action to be taken if a match occurs;
- and
- (h) means for modifying an image of said graphic image.
A computer implemented method for selecting a graphic image displayed on a graphic display utilizing a plurality of objects organized in an object-oriented operating system, each of said objects containing one or more geometric attributes of a graphic image, match criteria and an action to be taken if a match occurs, comprising the steps of:
- (a) defining a search protocol for a geometric type utilizing a plurality of objects organized in an object-oriented operating system, each of said objects containing one or more geometric attributes of a graphic image, match criteria and an action to be taken if a match occurs;
- (b) detecting a graphic image which matches said one or more geometric attributes and satisfies said match criteria utilizing a geometry matrix and said one or more geometric attributes to determine if said match criteria is satisfied;
- (c) producing an output based on said action to be taken if a match occurs;
- and wherein said output producing step includes modifying an image of said graphic image.
An apparatus for selecting a graphic image displayed on a display utilizing a cursor positioning device for specifying coordinates on said display, with a plurality of objects organized in an object-oriented operating system, each of said objects containing one or more geometric attributes of a graphic image, match criteria and an action to be taken if a match occurs, comprising:
- (a) an object-oriented operating system;
- (b) a data processor controlled by said operating system;
- (c) a display device controlled by said data processor for displaying a plurality of pixels to form a graphic image, each of said plurality of pixels having pixel data for controlling said display device to display an appearance for each of said plurality of pixels;
- (d) a cursor positioning device for specifying coordinates on said display device;
- (e) storage means with a plurality of locations for storing said pixel data;
- (f) an object of said object-oriented operating system including a class containing one or more geometric attributes of a graphic image, match criteria and an action to be taken if a match occurs defining a search protocol;
- (g) means for responding to selection of a location on said display by said cursor positioning device and storing said location in said storage;
- (h) means for detecting a graphic image which matches said one or more geometric attributes and satisfies said match criteria utilizing said location on said display, a geometry matrix and said one or more geometric attributes to determine if said match criteria is satisfied proximal to said location;
- (i) means for producing an output based on said action to be taken if a match occurs;
- and
- (j) means for modifying an image of said graphic image.
A computer implemented method for selecting a graphic image displayed on a graphic display utilizing a cursor positioning device for specifying a coordinate on said display with a plurality of objects organized in an object-oriented operating system, each of said objects containing one or more geometric attributes of a graphic image, match criteria and an action to be taken if a match occurs, comprising the steps of:
- (a) defining a search protocol for a geometric type utilizing a plurality of objects organized in an object-oriented operating system, each of said objects containing one or more geometric attributes of a graphic image, match criteria and an action to be taken if a match occurs;
- (b) utilizing a cursor positioning device for specifying a starting search coordinate on said display;
- (c) detecting a graphic image which is proximal to said starting search coordinate on said display, matches said one or more geometric attributes and satisfies said match criteria utilizing a geometry matrix and said one or more geometric attributes to determine if said match criteria is satisfied;
- (d) producing an output based on said action to be taken if a match occurs;
- and
- (e) modifying an image of said graphic image.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.