Patent ID: 7253823
Filing Date: 2007-08-07
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for automatically providing a connector in a connected diagram, comprising: retrieving a connector definition, wherein retrieving the connector definition includes retrieving information associated with a shape of the connector from a connector database, wherein the user is provided an opportunity to modify the shape of the connector, retrieving information associated with an at least one connector property from a connector properties database, wherein the user is provided an opportunity to modify the at least one connector property, and retrieving information associated with content of the connector from a content database, wherein the user is provided an opportunity to modify the content of the connector, wherein the shape of the connector includes one member of a group comprising: a 1D shape and a 2D shape, and wherein the user is provided an opportunity to switch the shape of the connector from at least one member of a group comprising: 1D to 2D and 2D to 1D; determining connection points associated with two objects; applying the at least one property associated with the connector; positioning the connector on a canvas between the connection points, wherein a shape and a position of the connector is determined based on an optimal routing, on a global positioning of objects and connectors on the canvas, and the connector definition; inserting connector content; retrieving an object definition based on another user selection; displaying the object on the canvas according to an assignment of a relation to the object by the user; and storing the connected diagram.