Method and apparatus for facilitating integration of software objects between workspaces in a data processing system graphical user interface

In a data processing system graphical user interface which simultaneously displays a plurality of software objects, a method of facilitating operator integration of items between software objects, comprising the comprising the data processing implemented steps of:

• allowing operator selection of a source software object and a target software object within said data processing system;
• recording said operator selection;
• thereafter
• monitoring operator input from a graphical pointing device for selection of items present in said source software object;
• automatically copying items selected by said operator to said target software object, while said graphical pointing device is maintained within said source software object;
• and
• automatically providing a visual indication within said data processing system which is representative of said step of automatically copying.

A method in a graphical user interface of a data processing system of facilitating operator initiated integration of items between software objects, comprising the method steps of:

• providing a visual representation in said graphical user interface of an accelerated integration mode of operation;
• monitoring operator input for selection of said visual representation of said accelerated integration mode of operation and enabling said accelerated integration mode of operation in response to said operator input;
• during said accelerated integration mode of operation, monitoring operator input for selection of a source object and at least one target object;
• during said accelerated integrated mode of operation, monitoring operator input from a graphical pointing device for selection of items present in said source object, thereafter automatically:
• (a) copying said items to said at least one target object;
• and
• (b) providing a dynamic representation in said graphical user interface of each step of copying;
• while said graphical pointing device is maintained within said source object;
• monitoring operator input for selection of deactivation of said accelerated integration mode of operation and deactivating said accelerated integration mode of operation in response to said operator input.

A data processing system which simultaneously displays a plurality of software objects, and facilitates operator integration of items between software objects, comprising:

• means for allowing operator selection of a source software object and a target software object;
• means for recording said operator selection;
• means for monitoring operator input from a graphical pointing device for selection of items present in said source software object;
• means for automatically copying items selected by said operator to said target object, while said graphical pointing device is maintained within said source software object;
• and
• means for automatically providing a visual indication representative of said automatic copying.