Method and system for manipulating graphical objects

A method in a data processing system for efficiently manipulating a graphic object displayed within a graphic user interface in said data processing system, said graphic object being defined by a plurality of interrelated variables, said method comprising:

• associating said plurality of interrelated variables defining said graphic object with at least one data structure, said at least one data structure including a value for each said plurality of interrelated variables;
• displaying an editing object within said graphic user interface in response to a selection of said graphic object by a user;
• permitting said user to alter a value for one of said plurality of interrelated variables utilizing said editing object;
• automatically altering a value for at least one other variable in response to said user altering said value for one of said plurality of interrelated variables utilizing said editing object;
• automatically altering a display of said graphic object in response to an alteration of said value for said at least one other variable;
• and
• automatically updating said at least one data structure in response to said alteration of said value for at least one other variable, wherein said graphic object may be efficiently manipulated.

A data processing system for efficiently manipulating a graphic object displayed within a graphic user interface in said data processing system, said graphic object being defined by a plurality of interrelated variables, said data processing system comprising:

• display means for displaying an editing object within said graphic user interface in response to a selection of said graphic object by a user;
• means for permitting said user to alter a value for one of said plurality of interrelated variables utilizing said editing object;
• first alteration means for automatically altering a value for at least one other variable in response to said user altering said value for one of said plurality of interrelated variables utilizing said editing object;
• and
• second alteration means for automatically altering a display of said graphic object in response to an alteration of said value for said at least one other variable, wherein said graphic object is efficiently manipulated.

A program storage device readable by a data processing system and encoding data processing system executable instructions operable within a graphic user interface comprising:

• first instruction means for displaying an editing object within said graphic user interface in response to a selection of said graphic object by a user;
• second instruction means for permitting said user to alter a value for one of a plurality of interrelated variables utilizing said editing object;
• third instruction means for automatically altering a value for at least one other variable in response to said user altering said value for one of said plurality of interrelated variables utilizing said editing object;
• and
• fourth instruction means for automatically altering a display of said graphic object in response to said alteration of said value for said at least one other variable.

A computer comprising:

• a graphic user interface;
• a storage means for storing data;
• a graphic object displayed within said graphic user interface, wherein said graphic object is defined by a plurality of interrelated variables stored within said storage means;
• a processor coupled to said storage means, wherein said processor includes:
• first processor means for displaying an editing object within said graphic user interface in response to a selection of said graphic object by a user;
• second processor means for permitting said user to alter a value for one of said plurality of interrelated variables utilizing said editing object;
• third processor means for automatically altering a value for at least one other variable in response to said user altering said value for one of said plurality of interrelated variables utilizing said editing object;
• and
• fourth processor means for automatically altering a display of said graphic object in response to an alteration of said value for said at least one other variable.