Patent ID: 6133914
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of interfacing graphically with a user of a computer system having selecting means, and display means, the steps comprising:(A) identifying a relationship structure between physical objects and activities external to the computer system which are related to the information to be manipulated in the computer system;(B) creating at least one data structure which corresponds to the identified relationship structure;(C) displaying on said display means a plurality of on-screen objects which correspond to information and processes identified in the physical objects and activities external to the computer system;(D) detecting a user selection among the displayed on-screen objects, where each on-screen object has initial size and position states;(E) preparing intermediate and final size and positions states for each on-screen object according to said data structures;(a) calculating the final size of the on-screen objects;(b) calculating the final position of the on-screen objects;(c) determining which of said special rendering routines is required;(d) applying said special rendering routine to said size and position states of said on-screen objects where required;(F) animating on the display means the on-screen objects in their intermediate size and position states; and(G) displaying on a display means the on-screen objects in their final size and position states according to said data structure.