Patent ID: 6449617
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for editing content data associated with an electronic file, while the electronic file is being viewed in a viewing application program operable for viewing the electronic file but not operable for editing the content data, comprising the steps of:installing an edit command delegation utility operative for launching the creator application program, in a computer system, wherein the step of installing the edit command delegation utility comprising the steps of: determining whether a first location in a computer system contains an entry associated with a default application program, the default application program being associated with the electronic file; in response to determining that the first location in a computer system contains an entry associated with the default application program, copying the entry to a second computer system location; deleting the entry from the first location in the system and disassociating the default application program with the electronic file, and inserting an entry in the first location in the computer system associated with the edit command delegation utility; in response to determining that the first location in a computer system does not contain an entry, inserting an entry in the first location in the computer system associated with the edit command delegation utility; receiving a user command to edit the content data; reading an identification tag within the electronic file indicating a creator application program that is operable for editing the content data; launching the creator application program; opening the electronic file in the creator application program; displaying the content data in a window controlled by the creator application program; and receiving user commands to edit the content through commands associated with the creator application program.