Patent ID: 9293117
Filing Date: 2016-03-22
CPC Classification: G06F,G06T,G09G

Claim Text:
1. A method of rendering graphical objects on a display, the method comprising: rendering a first graphical object in a first layer, the first graphical object having a peripheral edge that defines a shape of the first graphical object; prior to rendering a second graphical object, receiving user input, effective to position a cursor external to the first graphical object and within a predetermined distance of the peripheral edge of the first graphical object and to cause the second graphical object to connect to the first graphical object, the second graphical object comprising a first connector with a first end that is connected to a first connection point on the peripheral edge and a second end opposite the first end; receiving user input identifying a terminal location of the second end of the second graphical object; in response to receiving the user input identifying the terminal location, presenting on a display a set of representations of graphical objects for use as a third graphical object; receiving user input including a selection of a representation of the third graphical object from the set of graphical objects, the third graphical object being rendered in a second layer that includes a second connection point; rendering the second graphical object that is directly connected to the first graphical object at the first connection point and to the third graphical object at the second connection point; receiving user input manipulating the first graphical object in a manner that affects a position of the first connector; and maintaining a direct connection between the first connector and the peripheral edge of the first graphical object regardless of where the first end connects along the peripheral edge of the first graphical object.