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Claims  |
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We claim:
1. A method of facilitating icon-based operations in a data processing
system graphical user interface having a plurality of icons representative
of either software objects or data-processing-implemented operations,
comprising the data processing implemented steps of:
(a) allowing at least one software object to remain open and active in a
visual display of said data processing system, said software object
displaying a plurality of data items;
(b) providing, in said graphical user interface, a operator-selectable
visual representation of an integrated operation association between (1)
said at least one software object which is open and active in said visual
display of said data processing system and (2) at least one of said
plurality of icons;
(c) monitoring for (1) operator selection of said visual representation of
an integrated operation association, and (2) operator utilization of a
graphical pointing device to select at least one of said plurality of data
items;
(d) recording operator selection of said at least one of said plurality of
data items; thereafter
(e) monitoring for operator utilization of said graphical pointing device
to select at least one of said plurality of icons;
(f) performing a particular data-processing-implemented operation involving
(1) recorded operator selection of said at least one of said plurality of
data items, and (2) said software object or data-processing-implemented
operation represented by the selected ones of said plurality of icons.
2. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 1,
wherein, during said step of performing said particular
data-processing-implemented operation, software objects represented by
said at least one of said plurality of icons which are selected are
maintained in a closed but active condition.
3. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 2,
wherein said particular data-processing-implemented operation is
determined by one of:
(a) a predetermined contextual relationship between said at least one
software object which is open and active in said visual display and said
at least one of said plurality of icons which is selected by said
operator; and
(b) operator selection of a menu item from a menu associated with said
operator-selectable visual representation of an integrated operation
association.
4. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 1,
further comprising:
(g) optionally displaying a menu responsive to operator selection of said
operator-selectable visual representation of an integrated operation
association.
5. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 4,
wherein said menu displays operator-selectable operation options which
define said particular data-processing-implemented operation.
6. A method of facilitating icon-based operations in a data processing
system graphical user interface having a plurality of icons representative
of either software objects or data-processing-implemented operations,
comprising the data processing implemented steps of:
(a) maintaining at least one software object in an open and active
condition in a visual display of said data processing system, said
software object displaying a plurality of data items;
(b) providing, in said graphical user interface, a operator-selectable
visual representation of an integrated operation association between (1)
said at least one software object which is open and active in said visual
display of said data processing and (2) at least one of said plurality of
icons;
(c) monitoring for (1) operator selection of said visual representation of
an integrated operation association, and (2) operator utilization of a
graphical pointing device to select at least one of said plurality of data
items;
(d) recording operator selection of said at least one of said plurality of
data items; thereafter
(e) monitoring for operator utilization of said graphical pointing device
to select at least one of said plurality of icons;
(f) automatically determining whether or not a single predetermined
contextual relationship exists between said at least one of said plurality
of data items and said at least one of said plurality of icons;
(g) if a single predetermined contextual relationship exists, performing a
particular data-processing-implemented operation involving (1) recorded
operator selection of said at least one of said plurality of data items,
and (2) said software object or data-processing-implemented operation
represented by the selected ones of said plurality of icons;
(h) if no single predetermined contextual relationship exists:
(1) automatically displaying a menu associated with said
operator-selectable visual representation of an integration operation
association, with a plurality of operator-selectable menu items;
(2) monitoring for operator selection of a particular one of said plurality
of operator-selectable menu items; and
(3) performing a particular data-processing implemented operation
identified with said particular one of said plurality of
operator-selectable menu items involving (a) recorded operator selection
of said at least one of said plurality of data items, and (b) said
software object or data-processing-implemented operation represented by
the selected ones of said plurality of icons.
7. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 6,
wherein, during said step of performing said particular
data-processing-implemented operation, any operator-selected software
objects represented by said at least one of said plurality of icons are
maintained in a closed but active condition.
8. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 6,
wherein said menu displays operator-selectable operation options which
define particular data-processing-implemented operations.
9. A method of facilitating icon-based operations in a data processing
system graphical user interface having a plurality of icons representative
of either software objects or data-processing-implemented operations,
comprising the data processing implemented steps of:
(a) allowing at least one software object to remain open and active in a
visual display of said data processing system, said software object
displaying a plurality of data items;
(b) providing, in said graphical user interface, a operator-selectable
visual representation of an integrated operation association between (1)
said at least one software object which is open and active in said visual
display of said data processing and (2) at least one of said plurality of
icons;
(c) monitoring for operator selection of said visual representation of an
integrated operation association;
(d) producing a visual indication of initiation of an integrated operation
association mode of operation;
(e) monitoring for operator utilization of a graphical pointing device to
select at least one of said plurality of data items;
(f) recording operator selection of said at least one of said plurality of
data items; thereafter
(g) monitoring for operator utilization of said graphical pointing device
to select at least one of said plurality of icons;
(h) performing a particular data-processing-implemented operation involving
(1) recorded operator selection of said at least one of said plurality of
data items, and (2) said software object or data-processing-implemented
operation represented by the selected ones of said plurality of icons.
10. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 9,
wherein, during said step of performing said particular
data-processing-implemented operation, any operator-selected software
objects represented by said at least one of said plurality of icons are
maintained in a closed but active condition.
11. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 10,
wherein said particular data-processing-implemented operation is
determined by one of:
(a) a predetermined contextual relationship between said at least one
software object which is open and active in said visual display and said
at least one of said plurality of icons which is selected by said
operator; and
(b) operator selection of a menu item for a menu associated with said
operator-selectable visual representation of an integrated operation
association.
12. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 9,
further comprising:
(i) optionally displaying a menu responsive to operator selection of said
operator-selectable visual representation of an integrated operation
association.
13. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 12,
wherein said menu displays operator-selectable operation options which
define said particular data-processing-implemented operation.
14. A method of facilitating icon-based operations according to claim 9,
further comprising:
(i) terminating said visual indication of initiation of said integrated
operation association mode of operation.
15. 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 data processing implemented method steps of:
(a) allowing operator selection of a source software object within said
data processing system;
(b) recording said operator selection; thereafter
(c) monitoring operator input from a graphical pointing device for
selection of items present in said source software object; and
(d) monitoring operator input for selection of a toolbar item in said
graphical user interface with said graphical pointing device;
(e) automatically initiating a data-processing implemented operation
involving (1) said items selected, and (2) said toolbar item, without
opening a software object represented by said toolbar item.
16. A method of facilitating operator integration of items between software
objects, according to claim 15, wherein said data-processing-implemented
operation comprises one of:
(a) copying said items to a software object represented by said toolbar
item;
(b) transferring said items to a software object represented by said
toolbar item;
(c) modifying items present in a software object represented by said
toolbar items in accordance with items selected from said source software
object;
(d) deleting selected items from said source software object;
(e) printing selected items from said source software object.
17. A method in a graphical user interface of a data processing system of
facilitating operator initiated integration of items between software
objects, comprising the data-processing-implemented method steps of:
(a) providing a visual representation in said graphical user interface of
an integrated operation association mode of operation;
(b) monitoring operator input for selection of said visual representation
in said graphical user interface of an integrated operation association
mode of operation and enabling said integrated operation association mode
of operation in response to said operator input;
(c) during said integrated operation association mode of operation,
monitoring operator input for selection of at least one source object;
(d) during said integrated operation association mode of operation,
monitoring operator input from a graphical pointing device for selection
of items present in said source object;
(e) monitoring operator input for selection of a toolbar item;
(f) automatically initiating a data-processor-implemented operation
involving (1) said items from said source software object, and (2) a
software object or operation represented by said toolbar item, while
maintaining any software object represented by said toolbar item in a
closed but active condition.
18. A data processing system which simultaneously displays a plurality of
software objects and facilitates operator integration of items between
software objects, comprising:
(a) means for allowing operator selection of a source software object;
(b) means for recording said operator selection;
(c) means for monitoring operator input from a graphical pointing device
for selection of items present in said source software object;
(d) means for monitoring operator input from a graphical pointing device
for selection of a toolbar item;
(e) means for initiating a data-processing-implemented operation involving
(1) said source software object, and (2) a software object or data
processing operation represented by said toolbar item. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/175,998, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Integration of
Software Objects Between workspaces in a Data Processing System Graphical
User Interface," filed of even date herewith by the inventors hereof and
assigned to the assignee herein, and incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to graphical user interfaces for
data processing systems, and in particular to techniques which facilitate
interaction between software objects in a graphical user interface.
2. Description of the Related Art
Graphical user interfaces are now widely utilized in software to facilitate
control over an ever-expanding set of software objects which are to be
manipulated and controlled. These software objects include operating
system programs, application programs such as word processing programs,
spread sheets, and personal information managers, but also include a
variety of databases as well as libraries of archived documents.
One principle advantage of graphical user interfaces is that they allow
operators to perform tasks on a large variety of software objects,
notwithstanding the fact that the operators may have infrequent occasion
to use all the software objects. This is true because most graphical user
interfaces are designed with ease of use as the predominant design
criteria. To the maximum extent possible, graphical user interfaces will
utilize symbology and command structures which are consistent with an
operator's intuition; that is: to the maximum extent possible graphical
user interfaces provide a mirror-image of the real world. This is a
significant advantage since programs can be learned quickly and with
little effort.
One significant disadvantage of the utilization of graphical user
interfaces is that many operations which are performed are slowed down
significantly by the requirement that a graphical pointing device be
manipulated in a manner which interacts with menus, buttons, and
iconographic representations of software objects. Graphical user interface
operations such as "pointing and clicking" and "dragging and dropping"
necessarily require a greater amount of time than that required of
interfaces which are predominantly activated through utilization of the
data processing system keyboard.
It is now one industry-wide objective to maintain the advantageous
"intuitive" nature of graphical user interfaces while allowing for
increased speed in performing common or routine tasks within the graphical
user interface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one objective of the present invention to provide a method of
facilitating icon-based operations in a data processing system graphical
user interface, wherein the operator's selection of data items from an
active and open software object is recorded for automatic inclusion in a
data processing implemented operation upon detection of the operator's
selection of a particular icon which is representative of either a
software object or a data processing implemented operation.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method of
facilitating icon-based operations in a data processing graphical user
interface, wherein the operator's selection of data items is recorded in
memory and utilized to perform a particular data processing implemented
operation when the graphical pointing device of the data processing system
is utilized to select an icon which is representative of a software object
or data processing implemented operation, wherein the data processing
system automatically determines whether or not a single predetermined
contextual relationship exists between the plurality of data items and the
icon, and performs that operation if it exists, but if no predetermined
contextual relationship exists, the data processing system responds by
automatically displaying a menu associated with an operator-selectable
visual representation of an integration operation association which
provides a plurality of data processing operations which can be performed
which involve selected data items and the selected icon.
These and other objectives are achieved as is now described. The present
invention is directed to a method of facilitating icon-based operations in
a data processing system graphical user interface. The graphical user
interface has a plurality of icons representative of either software
objects or data processing implemented operations. In accordance with the
present invention, at least one software object in the graphical user
interface is allowed to remain open and active in a visual display. This
open and active software object displays a plurality of data items. In the
graphical user interface, a visual representation is provided of an
integrated operation association between (1) the software object active in
the visual display of data processing system, and (2) at least one of the
plurality of icons which are representative of either software objects or
data processing implemented operations. Preferably, the plurality of icons
are provided in a toolbar in the graphical user interface of the data
processing system. In accordance with the present invention, the data
processing system continually monitors for operator selection of the
visual representation of the integrated operation association. Once the
data processing system detects operator selection of the visual
representation of the integrated operation association, the data
processing system monitors and records the operator's utilization of a
graphical pointing device to select at least one of the plurality of data
items which are present in the software object which is open and active in
the visual display. In accordance with the present invention, the operator
may select one or many of the data items from the open and active software
object. The data processing system also continuously monitors for operator
utilization of the graphical pointing device to select at least one of the
plurality of icons. The operator selection of an icon causes the automatic
initiation of the performance of a particular data processing implemented
operation which involves (1) the recorded operator selection of the data
items from the open and active software object in the visual display of
the data processing system, and (2) the software object or data processing
implemented operation which is represented by the selected icon.
In accordance with the present invention the particular data processing
implemented operation which is initiated is determined in two ways. In
some cases, a predetermined contextual relationship exists between the
software object which is open and active in the visual display and the
icon which has been selected by the operator. For example, if a plurality
of data items are selected from a personal address book, and the operator
utilizes the graphical pointing device to select a printer icon, it is
clear that the contextual relationship identifies that a printing
operation is desired, and such operation is initiated. However, in some
situations there is no single predetermined contextual relationship
between the data item selected by the operator and the icon selected by
the operator. In those cases, the data processing system automatically
provides and displays a menu which is associated with the operator
selectable visual representation of the integrated operation association.
This menu includes a plurality of operator menu items. The data processing
system then monitors for operator selection of a particular one of the
plurality of menu items, and then performs the data processing implemented
operation which is identified with the particular menu item which has been
selected by the operator. The particular data processing implemented
operation will include the recorded operator selection of the plurality of
data items and the software object or data processing implemented
operation represented by the icon which has been selected by the operator.
For example, if the operator selects data items from a personal address
book, selects the icon which is representative of a shared address book,
it is not clear what particular operation, if any, the operator desires to
accomplish. Therefore, a menu which is associated with the visual
representation of the integrated operation association is provided and
displayed. This menu will include a plurality of operator-selectable menu
items such as copy, delete, and search. The operator chooses one of these
commands, such as the "copy" command, which will automatically initiate
the data processing implemented operation of copying the data items
selected by the operator in the personal address book to the shared
address book.
The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth
in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a
preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will
best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of
an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a data processing system which may
be programmed in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 2 depicts a display of the data processing system of FIG. 1 with a
visual representation of the integrated operation association of the
present invention;
FIG. 3 depicts the display of FIG. 2 with a software object (a personal
address book) open and active in the visual display;
FIG. 4 depicts the graphical user interface of FIG. 3 with a pop-up menu
displayed in association with the visual representation of the integrated
operation association;
FIG. 5 depicts the graphical user interface of FIG. 2 with two active and
open software objects in overlapping positions;
FIGS. 6A-6D are a high level flowchart representation of the integrated
operation association mode of operation, in accordance with the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a more detailed flowchart representation of the integrated
association mode of operation of the present invention; and
FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are flowchart representations of operational subroutines
of the flowchart of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference now to the figures and in particular with reference to FIG.
1, there is depicted a pictorial representation of data processing system
10 which may be programmed in accordance with the present invention. As
may be seen, data processing system 10 includes processor 12 which
preferably includes a graphics processor, memory device and central
processor (not shown). Coupled to processor 12 is video display 14 which
may be implemented utilizing either a color or monochromatic monitor, in a
manner well known in the art. Also coupled to processor 12 is keyboard 16.
Keyboard 16 preferably comprises a standard computer keyboard which is
coupled to the processor by means of cable 18.
Also coupled to processor 12 is a graphical pointing device, such as mouse
20. Mouse 20 is coupled to processor 12, in a manner well known in the
art, via cable 22. As is shown, mouse 20 may include left button 24 and
right button 26, each of which may be depressed, or "clicked", to provide
command and control signals to data processing system 10. While the
disclosed embodiment of the present invention utilizes a mouse, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that any graphical pointing device such
as a light pen or touch sensitive screen may be utilized to implement the
method and apparatus of the present invention. Upon reference to the
foregoing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that data processing
system 10 may be implemented utilizing a so-called personal computer, such
as the Model 80 PS/2 computer manufactured by International Business
Machines Corporation of Armonk, N.Y.
FIG. 2 is a depiction of display screen 30 of video display 14 of data
processing system 10. Display screen 30 includes cursor 32 which is moved
about display screen 30 through operation of graphical pointing device 20
(of FIG. 1). Display screen 30 also includes software buttons 34,
including button 36, and button 38 (which represent conventional software
buttons), and integration button 40. Cursor 32 may be utilized to select a
function represented by buttons 34. In the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, cursor 32 may be utilized to select the integration
button 40, which may be utilized by the operator to initiate the
integrated association mode of operation in accordance with the present
invention.
As is also shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of icons 55 are disposed along the
lowermost portion of display screen 30, and include personal address book
icon 56, shared address book icon 58, printer icon 60, mail drawer icon
61, and trash can (delete) icon 62. As is conventional, cursor 32 may be
positioned through actuation of graphical pointing device 20 to overlie a
particular one of icons 55 to (1) select or "open" the document which is
represented by a particular one of icons 55 during a "point and click"
operation, or (2) initiate a particular data processing operation which is
represented by a particular one of icons 55.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an integrated
association mode of operation is selected by the operator through
utilization of cursor 32 to select integration button 40 in a "point and
click" operation. The selection by the operator of the integrated
association mode of operation may occur either while one or more
workspaces are active and open in the display 30, or prior to the opening
of any software object. In the example of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, these
variations are discussed. Preferably, when the integrated association mode
of operation is selected by the operator, a visual indication is provided
in display 30 to remind the operator that this particular mode of
operation has been selected. In the preferred embodiment, integration
button 40 may be highlighted or accentuated to emphasize to the operator
that the utilization of cursor 32 will result in functions associated with
the integrated association mode of operation. This can be accomplished by
displaying the objects in a different color, a different grayscale value,
or as a flashing object. This is especially useful when a plurality of
workspaces are provided in overlapping relation within the graphical user
interface, crowding the interface and making it difficult for the operator
to keep track of his or her interaction with the interface.
With reference to FIG. 2, cursor 32 may be utilized to select the
integrated association mode of operation by placing cursor 32 over
integration button 40, and depressing one or both of the mouse buttons.
Preferably, the integration button 40 is highlighted or accentuated to
identify to the operator that this integrated association mode of
operation has been selected. Next, the operator may utilize cursor 32 to
select a particular one of the plurality of icons 55. As is conventional,
selection of an icon in a "point-and-click" operation results in "opening"
of a particular software object. For example, cursor 32 may be utilized to
select for opening personal address book 56 by placing cursor 32 over
personal address book icon 56 and clicking one or more of the mouse
buttons. This software object is "opened" as is depicted in FIG. 3. In
accordance with the present invention, if integration button 40 has
previously been selected, then an integration "association" is developed
between data items which are selected from the personal address book which
is represented by personal address book icon 56 and a subsequently
selected software object or data processing operation. For example, cursor
32 can be utilized to select one or more address book entries from
personal address book 56. Then, cursor 32 may be utilized to select
another one of the plurality of icons 55, such as a shared address book
which is represented by shared address book icon 58 or a printer which is
represented by printer icon 60. For each set of (1) data items selected
from a software object and (2) icon which is representative of either a
software object or data processing operation, a definite contextual
relationship either exists or does not exist. For example, for (1) data
items selected from the personal address book which is represented by
personal address book icon 56 and (2) printer which is represented by
printer icon 60, the contextual relationship is clear. The data items
selected from personal address book 56 are to be printed on printer 60.
However, should the data item selected from personal address book 56 be
associated with the shared address book which is represented by shared
address book icon 58, the contextual relationship is unclear. It is not
clear what, if anything, is to be done with the data items selected from
personal address book 56 with regard to shared address book 68. In these
situations, a menu is automatically provided which allows the operator to
select a particular operation which must be performed utilizing the data
items selected. This feature will be discussed in greater detail below.
As is shown in FIG. 3, personal address book viewport includes title bar 66
which identifies the document as a "personal address book", but also
includes menu bar 68 which includes a number of user-selectable commands,
and buttons (including add button 72, find button 74, and close button 76)
which can be manipulated or actuated through utilization of cursor 32
during a "point and click" operation to perform the functions of adding
data items to the personal address book, finding a particular data item in
the personal address book, or closing the personal address book. As is
shown in FIG. 3, personal address book viewport 64 further includes a
visual representation of a page 78 from a physical address book. Personal
address book viewport 64 further includes a simulation of stacking 79 as
well as tab portion 92 which includes alphabetical tabs.
The operator may navigate through the personal address book by moving
cursor 32 to a particular alphabetic tab, and then performing a "clicking"
operation to turn the address book to that page. In response to the
operator selection, data processing system 10 will immediately display a
simulation of a page with data on it which corresponds to the alphabetic
tab. For example, operator selection of the "S" tab will display an
address book page which includes entries which identify individuals which
have last names which begin with the letter "S". In the view of FIG. 3, a
plurality of data items are shown. Each data item includes a plurality of
data fields, including name field, telephone number field, and building
address field. Each data item further includes an icon which provides a
visual representation of the information contained in the data fields.
In the view of FIG. 3, the page containing listing of individuals having
last names beginning with the letters "A" or "B" is displayed. As is
shown, this page includes a plurality of data items 110, with each data
item representing an entry in the shared address book. Data item 112
identifies "Dinah Art", and includes a plurality of data fields 128 for
name, telephone number, building address, and network identification, as
well as icon 120 which is representative of the entry. Data items 110
further includes data item 114 which identifies "Denise Bates", and
includes a number of data fields 130 for name, telephone number, building
address, and network identification, as well as icon 122 which is
representative of the entry. Data item 110 further includes data item 116
which identifies "Dick Bergman" and includes data fields 132 such as
address field, telephone number field, building address field, and network
identification, but also includes icon 124 which represents this entry.
Finally, data items 110 includes data item 118 which identifies "Ted
Broker", and includes data fields 134 such as name field, a telephone
number field, a building address, and a network identification, as well as
icon 126 which is representative of this entry.
FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 will now be utilized to exemplify the operation of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. As is shown in FIG. 3,
personal address book viewport 64 is open and active within display 30 of
the data processing system. Cursor 32 may be utilized to initiate the
integration association mode of operation by selecting integration button
40 in a point-and-click operation. In accordance with the present
invention, integration button 40 is then highlighted or otherwise
accentuated to identify to the operator that the integration association
mode of operation has been initiated. Thereafter, the operator may utilize
cursor 32 to navigate through personal address book viewport 64 and select
one or more of the data items displayed therein in a point-and-click
operation. The data processing system 10 records these selections for
later use. The operator may select one or a very large number of the data
items displayed in personal address book viewport 64. Then, cursor 32 may
be utilized to select a particular one of icons 55. The selection of a
particular one of icons 55 will not open that particular icon when the
integration association mode of operation has been initiated.
In accordance with the present invention, cursor 32 can be utilized to
navigate through personal address book viewport 64, after the integration
association mode of operation is selected by performing a point-and-click
operation with integration button 40. Cursor 32 can be utilized to select
one or more of the data items from personal address book viewport 64 by
performing a point-and-click operation with cursor 32 placed over the
iconographic representation of the data item. In one particular embodiment
of the present invention, the content of all the fields associated with
any particular data item selected by the operator are recorded in memory
in data processing system 10. Therefore, one or more of the address book
entries may be selected through utilization of the graphical pointing
device 20. After the operator has made all of his or her selections,
cursor 32 may be placed over a particular one of the icons 55. For
example, cursor 32 may be placed upon printer icon 60, and one or more of
the mouse buttons depressed to select that icon for interaction with the
data item selected from personal address book viewport 64. In accordance
with the present invention, data processing system 10 includes a truth
table recorded in memory which identifies the one or more possible actions
between particular types of data and particular icons, such as printer
icon 60. The truth table, for example, may indicate that only one
operation is possible: that is, for example, printing the data items on
the printer associated with printer icon 60.
Another example of the operation of the present invention is provided in
FIG. 4. In this view, cursor 32 has been utilized to select one or more
data items from personal address book viewport 64. Thereafter, the mail
drawer icon 61 has been selected in a point-and-click operation utilizing
cursor 32. Since the relationship between the data items in personal
address book viewport 64 and the potential actions of mail drawer 61 is
unclear, data processing system 10 automatically provides and displays
pop-up menu 201 which displays a plurality of operator options
specifically identifying the types of action allowed between the data item
selected from the personal address book and the mail drawer associated
with mail drawer icon 61. The pop-up menu 201 includes a plurality of menu
items, such as "mail", "enclosure" and "close". The operator then utilizes
cursor 32 to select one of these menu items. For example, by selecting the
"mail" menu item, the operator ensures that the data item selected from
personal address book window 64 are utilized as mailing addresses for
particular documents defined before or after this particular operation.
Yet another example of the operation of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention is depicted in FIG. 5. In this view, the graphical user
interface of display screen 30 of data processing system 10 includes a
plurality of software objects which are active and open. More
specifically, in this view, personal address book viewport 64 is open and
active in display 30, and shared address book viewport 94 is also open and
active in the display 30. In FIG. 5, these software objects are shown in
overlapping relation. Cursor 32 may be utilized to navigate through the
data items presented in personal address book viewport 64, and one or more
data items may be selected in a conventional point-and-click operation
utilizing the graphical pointing device 20, and cursor 32.
Suppose that such data items have been selected, and further suppose that
the operator has selected the shared address book as the software object
with which an integration association operation is to be performed. Since
there is no clear single contextual operation which can be performed with
data items from the personal address book and the shared address book,
pop-up menu 203 is provided and displayed in display 30 of data processing
system 10. This particular pop-up menu 203 includes a plurality of menu
items such as "add", "delete", "modify", "close", and "cancel". The
operator may utilize cursor 32 to select a particular one of these menu
items. For example, should the operator utilize cursor 32 to select the
"add" menu item in a conventional point-and-click operation, the data
items previously selected from personal address book viewport 64 are
automatically added to the shared address book which is displayed in
shared address book viewport 94. If, alternatively, should the operator
select the "delete" menu item, the particular data items in shared address
book which correspond to those data items selected from personal address
book viewport 64 would be eligible for modification, and further menu
screens would be provided to allow such modification. In this manner, one
or more cascading pop-up menus may be provided to facilitate the
operations which are possible in the integrated asso | | |
