Graphics systems and method having data fields and shape placement control
AssigneeMicrografx, Inc.
InventorsScott Schanel, Gerald R. Hogsett, II
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computer graphics program executed by a processor (12) for generating a graphics chart on a computer display (26) are provided. The program includes instructions for controlling the placement of objects on the chart and for relating data to the objects in the chart. The program also includes instructions for generating cause and effect diagrams directly onto the computer display (26).
Claims56
A computer graphics system for generating graphics charts on a computer display, the system comprising:
- a computer-readable medium;
- and
- a computer program encoded on the computer-readable medium, the computer program further comprising:
- means for placing a plurality of shapes in a chart on the display,
- means for maintaining positioning coordinates for each shape in the chart,
- means responsive to a move command for moving one of the shapes with respect to the stationary shapes in the chart,
- means for comparing the distance between each of the stationary shapes and the moving shape as the moving shape is moved in the chart, and
- means for setting release coordinates for the moving shape with respect to at least one stationary shape when the moving shape is brought within a predetermined offset to a first distance from the at least one stationary shape.
A method performed by a computer for controlling the placement of a shape on a graphics chart generated with the computer, the method comprising the steps of:
- maintaining positioning coordinates for each shape in the chart;
- maintaining positioning coordinates for a moving shape with respect to the stationary shapes while the moving shape is moving in the chart;
- comparing the distance between each of the stationary shapes and the moving shape as the moving shape is moved in the chart;
- and
- setting release coordinates for the moving shape with respect to at least one stationary shape when the moving shape is brought within a predetermined offset to a first distance from the at least one stationary shape.
A computer graphics system for generating graphics charts on a computer display, the system comprising:
- a computer-readable medium;
- and
- a computer program encoded on the computer-readable medium, the computer program further comprising:
- means for placing a plurality of shapes in a chart on the display,
- means for maintaining positioning coordinates for each shape in the chart,
- means responsive to a move command for moving one of the shapes with respect to the stationary shapes in the chart,
- means for comparing the location between each of the stationary shapes and the moving shape as the moving shape is moved in the chart,
- means for determining when the coordinates for the moving shape coincide at least in part with the coordinates for at least one of the stationary shapes, and
- means for setting release coordinates for the moving shape with respect to the at least one stationary shape to align with a channel extending from the at least one stationary shape so that the moving shape aligns with the at least one stationary shape when the moving shape is released.
A method performed by a computer for controlling the placement of a shape on a graphics chart generated with the computer, the method comprising the steps of:
- maintaining positioning coordinates for each shape in the chart;
- maintaining positioning coordinates for a moving shape with respect to the stationary shapes while the moving shape is moving in the chart;
- comparing the positioning coordinates between each of the stationary shapes and the moving shape as the moving shape is moved in the chart;
- determining when the coordinates for the moving shape coincide at least in part with the coordinates for at least one stationary shape;
- and
- setting release coordinates for the moving shape with respect to the at least one stationary shape to align with a channel extending from the at least one stationary shape so that the moving shape aligns with the at least one stationary shape when the moving shape is released.
A computer graphics system for generating a cause and effect chart on a computer display, the system comprising:
- a computer-readable medium;
- and
- a computer program encoded on the computer-readable medium, the computer program further comprising:
- means for generating a cause and effect chart template containing a plurality of cause lines and cause text on the display, and
- means for entering customized text onto the cause and effect chart template on the display.
A method performed by a computer for generating a cause and effect chart on a computer display, the method comprising the steps of:
- generating on the display a cause and effect chart template containing a plurality of cause lines and cause text;
- and
- displaying customized text entered directly into the cause and effect chart template.
A computer graphics system for generating a graphics chart containing objects and data on a computer display, the system comprising:
- a computer-readable medium;
- and
- a computer program encoded on the computer-readable medium, the computer program further comprising:
- means for placing a plurality of objects on the chart,
- means for accepting data, and
- means for relating data for each object to the object.
A method performed by a computer for generating a computer graphics chart containing objects and data on a computer display, the method comprising the steps of:
- generating on the display a plurality of objects;
- receiving data for the chart;
- and
- relating the data for each object to the object.
A computer readable medium encoded with program instructions to execute, on a computer, the following steps:
- displaying a first shape and a second shape;
- maintaining a location for each shape;
- moving the first shape with respect to the second shape;
- comparing the location of the first shape to the location of the second shape;
- determining release coordinates for the first shape with respect to the second shape;
- and
- repositioning the first shape according to the release coordinates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.