Patent ID: 7505987
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for searching for a value to provide to a property of an element of a user interface, comprising: determining, using a computer comprising a processor and memory, whether a default property sheet is designated as important and contains a rule that provides a value to a property, then applying the rule to the property when the default property sheet is designated as important and contains the rule, wherein order of addition of rules to the default property sheet makes no difference, the order of addition of rules containing a rule-order independence allowing only two rule types, the two rule types comprising a first rule type comprising rules that have no tree selector and leftmost type is same as that of an element adding the rule, and a second rule type comprising rules that have a tree selector and where a last tree selector is a child selector rather than a descendant selector and where the last tree selector has a leftmost type that is same as an element adding the rule, and wherein the default property sheet increases in priority when designated as important; if the default sheet is not designated as important, searching for an in-line rule that provides a value to the property; if no in-line rule is found that provides a value to the property, then searching for a non-default property sheet that includes a rule that provides a value to the property; and if no non-default property sheet is found that includes a rule that provides a value to the property, then searching for a default property sheet not designated as important that includes a rule that provides a value to the property, wherein the default property sheet that includes a rule that provides a value to the property is promoted from non-important to important in response to a user input; if no default property sheet is found that includes a rule that provides a value to the property, then searching for a value inheritance rule that provides a value to the property; and