Visual connectivity of widgets using event propagation

A method, system and computer program product receive a set of objects for connection, create a moving object within the set of objects, display visual connection cues on objects in the set of objects, adjust the visual connection cues of the moving object and a target object in the set of objects, identify event propagation precedence, and connect the moving object with the target object.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to connectivity in a data processing system and more specifically to visual connectivity of objects using event propagation in the data processing system. Self-service mash-up and dashboard environments have gained attention in recent years. This type of environment enables users to address specific business needs to aide in solving business problems. An important and common feature in mash-up environments is widget connectivity. Widget connectivity is often used by users to send information using a type of event mechanism from one widget to another specific widget or broadcast an event to all other widgets on the dashboard.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to embodiments of the invention, methods, system and computer program products receive a set of objects for connection, create a moving object within the set of objects, display visual connection cues on objects in the set of objects, adjust visual connection cues of the moving object and a target object, identify event propagation precedence, and connect the moving object with the target object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although an illustrative implementation of one or more embodiments is provided below, the disclosed systems and/or methods may be implemented using any number of techniques. This disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary designs and implementations illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

A computer-readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with the computer-readable program code embodied therein, for example, either in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to electro-magnetic, optical or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wire line, optical fiber cable, RF, etc. or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

In some examples, establishing one or more events may be a challenging experience for an average business user. For example, establishing events may require a level of technical knowledge and users have to deal with complex dialogs, understand an event mechanism and payloads passed between the widgets to create own custom mash-ups.

Some mash-up environments have tried to address the issue by connecting all widgets together automatically as soon as the widgets are added to a mash-up. Although simple cases are typically addressed the approach still has major shortcomings. For example, as soon as users need to perform minor customization in the connectivity of the widgets, the users still have to deal with complex settings and dialogs. In another example, auto connectivity is typically only useful for applications using a broadcast style of communication. Auto connectivity does not satisfy requirements of applications that rely on point-to-point style communication and also applications in which the order events are passed between widgets is important. Prior solutions have typically coupled widgets using only metadata associated with the widgets. While some previous solutions provided a good mashup environment that not only allowed widgets to be connected but also allowed data from different widget to be transformed the wiring task in environment and wiring infrastructure was difficult to work with.

Turning now toFIG. 1a block diagram of an exemplary data processing system operable for various embodiments of the invention is presented. In this illustrative example, data processing system100includes communications bus102, which provides communications between processor unit104, memory106, persistent storage108, communications unit110, input/output (I/O) unit112, and display114.

Memory106and persistent storage108are examples of storage devices116. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storing information, such as, for example without limitation, data, program code in functional form, and/or other suitable information either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Memory106, in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage108may take various forms depending on the particular implementation. For example, persistent storage108may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage108may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage108also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage108.

Communications unit110, in these examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit110is a network interface card. Communications unit110may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links.

Input/output unit112allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system100. For example, input/output unit112may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable input device. Further, input/output unit112may send output to a printer. Display114provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for the operating system, applications and/or programs may be located in storage devices116, which are in communication with processor unit104through communications bus102. In these illustrative examples the instructions are in a functional form on persistent storage108. These instructions may be loaded into memory106for execution by processor unit104. The methods of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit104using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory106.

These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit104. The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or tangible computer readable media, such as memory106or persistent storage108.

Program code118is located in a functional form on computer readable media120that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system100for execution by processor unit104. Program code118and computer readable media120form computer program product122in these examples. In one example, computer readable media120may be in a tangible form, such as, for example, an optical or magnetic disc that is inserted or placed into a drive or other device that is part of persistent storage108for transfer onto a storage device, such as a hard drive that is part of persistent storage108. In a tangible form, computer readable media120also may take the form of a persistent storage, such as a hard drive, a thumb drive, or a flash memory that is connected to data processing system100. The tangible form of computer readable media120is also referred to as computer recordable storage media. In some instances, computer readable media120may not be removable.

Alternatively, program code118may be transferred to data processing system100from computer readable media120through a communications link to communications unit110and/or through a connection to input/output unit112. The communications link and/or the connection may be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples. The computer readable media also may take the form of non-tangible media, such as communications links or wireless transmissions containing the program code.

In some illustrative embodiments, program code118may be downloaded over a network to persistent storage108from another device or data processing system for use within data processing system100. For instance, program code stored in a computer readable storage medium in a server data processing system may be downloaded over a network from the server to data processing system100. The data processing system providing program code118may be a server computer, a client computer, or some other device capable of storing and transmitting program code118.

As another example, a storage device in data processing system100may be any hardware apparatus that may store data. Memory106, persistent storage108and computer readable media120are examples of storage devices in a tangible form.

Using data processing system100ofFIG. 1as an example, an illustrative embodiment provides the computer-implemented method stored in memory106, executed by processor unit104, for visual connectivity of objects using event propagation. Processor unit104receives a set of objects for connection from storage devices116, communications unit110, or input/output unit112. Processor unit104creates a moving object within the set of objects and displays visual connection cues on objects in the set of objects using display114. Processor unit104further adjusts visual connection cues of the moving object and a target object, identifies event propagation precedence and connects the moving object with the target object.

In an alternative embodiment, program code118containing the computer-implemented method for visual connectivity of objects using event propagation may be stored within computer readable media120as computer program product122. In another illustrative embodiment, the method for visual connectivity of objects using event propagation may be implemented in an apparatus comprising a communications bus, a memory connected to the communications bus, wherein the memory contains computer executable program code, a communications unit connected to the communications bus, an input/output unit connected to the communications bus, a display connected to the communications bus, and a processor unit connected to the communications bus. The processor unit of the apparatus executes the computer executable program code to direct the apparatus to perform the method.

With reference toFIG. 2, a block diagram of a visual connection system, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention is presented. Visual connection system200is an exemplary illustrative embodiment of the disclosed method.

In contrast with previous solutions, embodiments of the invention address the problems previously described by providing an easy method for average business users to connect the widgets together. Illustrative embodiments of the disclosed method typically enable business users to customize connectivity between widgets very easily without considering how communication is performed and specification of the order in which widgets communicate in a visual interaction.

Illustrative embodiments exploit physical connectivity and proximity of widgets using a visual environment. When users physically connect two widgets capable of communicating with each other (for example, one widget is a publisher of an event and the other widget is a subscriber of the event), the widgets will communicate immediately and automatically without any further setup required by the user. The communication is point-to-point between the two widgets. Other widgets can also be connected to the just established group and depending on where the widgets are connected the order in which the widgets receive the event differs. Illustrative embodiments of the disclosed method also provide visual aids for users.

Visual connection system200is supported by a foundation of components of a data processing system such as data processing system100ofFIG. 1. Visual connection system200enhances an underlying data processing providing components including visual cue builder202, precedence manager204, proximity detector206, connection manager208and object metadata210. Embodiments of visual connection system200may exist in various forms including a collection of components as shown or a monolithic composition of functions without limiting the capability of the disclosed method.

Visual cue builder202provides a capability to generate or select previously created elements depicting a visual cue representing a communication or connectivity capability of an object. For example, an input connection capability may be provided in a user interface representation of an object as a form of receiving handle or connection. In another example a visual cue representing an output connection may be formed in the shape of an arrowhead, pointing outward from the body of a widget image. Visual cue builder202accesses information from object metadata210associated with an object; in the current example the object represents a widget. The accessed information of object metadata210contains a number of properties including a description the type of connectivity supported by the object and location of connections. The location of connections is used to determine where to place the visual cue generated by visual cue builder202on a respective object. For example, location may be determined as one of top, bottom, left side or right side of the image representing the widget of the current example.

Precedence manager204provides a capability to determine and select in which order an object connection is performed. Determination of precedence includes whether ordering is required and when order is required to establish a connection in conformance with a prescribed order. For example, precedence manager204uses information from object metadata210associated with an object to determine whether precedence support is required. When required, an ordering is identified and performed. When a predetermined order cannot be fulfilled an error is raised. Order may be determined by an event type or predetermined specification using precedence or dependency information derived from information in object metadata210.

Proximity detector206provides a capability to determine a spatial location of an object relative to another object. For example, using the widget example previously described, when a user selects a widget and drags the selected widget toward another widget, proximity detector206monitors the changing position of the widgets in relation to each other. When a predetermined distance between widgets is attained proximity detector206provides a signal. For example, visual cue builder202alters the visual cue created for a moving widget and a target widget to indicate a potential connection point being ready and active using the signal.

Connection manager208provides a capability to form a connection between objects or widgets in the current example. Specific operation of connection manager208is beyond the scope of the present disclosure. Connection manager208has capability to form connections according to connection type, event type, and precedence order and to transform of convert between disparate connections. Objects to be connected are presumed to have a connectivity capability. Connection manager208cannot create a connection in situations where an object does not provide a connectivity capability.

Connection manager208ensures a precedence order when such an order has been determined by information in object metadata210or during a connection operation performed by a user using the described method.

With reference toFIG. 3, a block diagram of a connection procedure using the visual connection system ofFIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is presented. Visual connection procedure300is an example of a method using visual connection system200ofFIG. 2.

In exemplary visual connection procedure300a series of operations for connecting three widgets, widget302, widget304and widget306together in a specific order is presented. In this example, the three widgets are contained in a mashup environment, but more widgets or fewer widgets can be considered equally well by the disclosed method. Visual connection procedure300progresses along a time line of time316through a series of operations S0, S1, S2, S3and S4. The procedure commences when the three widgets are received for processing as at time316of S0.

Initially a user has no information whatsoever on how the widgets can communicate with each other. In a common mashup environment typically the only way to determine how communication is accomplished requires the user to view a properties dialog of widgets or some other dialog specifically designed for communication with another widget. Widgets of the procedure in the example are processed using a movement from top to bottom and right to left as indicated by movement direction308.

Using visual connection procedure300at time316of S1, as soon as the user starts moving one of the widgets, for example widget304visual indications are made visible on the widgets that can publish or subscribe to the events published or subscribed by the moving widgets. For example when widget304both publishes and subscribes an event a visual indication is exposed in the form of head and tail represented by visual connection expose cue310. Widget302only publishes and presents only a head portion represented by visual connection expose cue310. Widget306only subscribes to the same event and therefore only presents a tail portion represented by visual connection expose cue310.

As seen at time316of S2when widget304is moved closer to widget302the connectors previously represented by visual connection expose cue310become active and ready to be connected to each other and are represented by visual connection proximate cue312. The visual representation may be configured to suit an installation and serve notice to a user of the impending connectivity.

At time316of S3the user has dropped widget304and the mouse has been released widget302and widget304are connected. Visual connection cues are no longer shown on widget306. The enlarged visual representation of visual connection proximate cue312is not used and has been replaced by visual connection connected cue314.

At time316of S4the user further connects widget306to widget304following the same operations just described. The example illustrates a set of three widgets connected linearly but other numbers of widgets can be connected in other arrangements as shown in further examples.

Using visual connection procedure300, widget302, widget304and widget306did not have previous communications with each other are connected using only two drag gestures on a user interface while the user is guided with visual indications of available connectivity capability on each the widget.

Furthermore, the widgets of the example ofFIG. 3are connected in a specific order. Therefore when an application requires an order of communication between widgets, a business user can typically perform the task of connecting widgets properly. In another example, widget1is a filter widget enabling a user to pick a data item (for example, a product line or year), widget2is another filter widget, using the data item received as an event payload, displays available values for that data item (for example displaying years of: 2010, 2009, and 2008 and product lines of: home hardware and furniture) and widget3is a report widget filtering the data based on filter values received as a result of a filter event (for example, when year value2010is received, data related to year 2010 is displayed and when the product line furniture is received, data related to furniture products and not all the products is displayed.

Users typically connect or put near one another, widgets believes to be connected in some manner. The technique described in visual connection procedure300connects widgets automatically through events or other communication channel without the user having detailed knowledge of communication protocols. An embodiment of visual connection procedure300therefore enables a user to put widgets together while the application makes the widgets work together.

With reference toFIG. 4a block diagram of connection orientation using the connection procedure ofFIG. 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is presented. Connection orientation400and connection orientation402are examples of using visual connection procedure300to achieve different connection results.

In another illustrative embodiment, considering a location in which widgets are connected together for different purposes enhances visual connection procedure300ofFIG. 3. For example a scenario depends upon the order an event is fired. Connection orientation400depicts widget404having widget406on the right side with widget408on the bottom of widget404, and widget410on the bottom of widget406. Visual connection connected cue312as previously seen in visual connection procedure300ofFIG. 3represents a connection has been made connecting each widget to two other widgets.

When an interaction with widget440causes an event to be fired, widget406first receives the event and widget408receives the event afterwards. Widget410receives event information from widget406and408. The specific order can have a potentially different effect on the end result in widget410when the event is fired in a reverse order.

Connection orientation402depicts widget404having widget406on the right side with widget408on the bottom of widget406, and widget410on the bottom of widget404. Visual connection connected cue312as previously seen in visual connection procedure300ofFIG. 3represents a connection made connecting each widget to two other widgets.

The connection orientation in connection orientation402represents a clockwise orientation. The specific orientation may be the result of orientation precedence or dependency information specified in object metadata210of visual connection system200ofFIG. 2associated with the set of widgets. In another example, a user positioned the widgets in a specific arrangement to determine whether the arrangement was permitted and the outcome was as desired. Metadata can specify whether manual override of a predetermined orientation is permitted. Default arrangements can also be configured in addition to information specifying location by event type.

With reference toFIG. 5a flowchart of a high level view of a visual connection method using the visual connection system ofFIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is presented. Method500is an example of using an embodiment of visual connection system200ofFIG. 2with visual connection procedure300ofFIG. 3. The terms object and widget are used interchangeably throughout the example, as before.

Method500begins (act502) and receives a set of objects for connection (act504). A set of objects for connection contains one or more widgets wherein each widget has a capability of connecting with at least one other widget in the set. Widgets that are not capable of communicating are filtered out of the set.

Responsive to a user moving an object in relation to other objects in the set of objects method500creates a moving object (act506). Object movement typically occurs using a mouse when performing a drag and drop operation in a graphical user interface. Moving an object with intent to connect with another object initiates processing of the visual connection system.

Responsive to the movement of the moving object method500displays visual connection cues on objects in the set of objects (act508). Visual cues representative of the connection supported by a widget are displayed in association with a respective widget. For example where a widget supports an input type event and output type event visual cues indicative of both types are displayed with the widget in the user interface.

As the moving object continues to move method500adjusts the visual cues of the moving object and a target object to indicate active and ready state visual connection cues (act510). A target object or widget is typically determined by proximity detection. The closer a widget is to a moving object the more likely the widget is a target. For example, proximity sensitivity can be adjusted using proximity detector206of visual connection system200ofFIG. 2.

Method500identifies event propagation precedence (act512). Propagation precedence is typically determined by information contained in metadata associated with the set of objects. Propagation precedence may be specified in the metadata of widgets but may be superseded by user provided position ordering. Responsive to detecting a release of the moving object, method500connects the moving object with the target object (act514). Method500sets visual cues for remaining objects in the set of objects to non-display (act516) and terminates thereafter (act518).

With reference toFIG. 6a flowchart of a detail view of the visual connection method ofFIG. 5, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is presented.

Method600is a further detailed example of using an embodiment of visual connection system200ofFIG. 2with visual connection procedure300ofFIG. 3.

Method600begins (act602) and receives a set of objects for connection (act604). A set of objects for connection contains one or more widgets wherein each widget has a capability of connecting with at least one other widget in the set.

Responsive to a user moving an object in relation to other objects in the set of objects method600creates a moving object (act606). Object movement typically occurs when a user using a mouse drags and drops an object in a graphical user interface. Moving an object with intent to connect with another object typically initiates processing in the scope of the visual connection system.

Responsive to the movement of the moving object method600displays visual connection cues on objects in the set of objects (act608). Visual cues representative of the connection supported by a widget are displayed with a respective widget. For example where a widget supports an input type event and output type event visual cues indicative of both types are displayed with the widget in the user interface. Typically visual connection cues for a widget are displayed about the circumference of the widget. Other forms of associative display may also be used; for example, when a list of possible connections is present the list may be collapsed to indicia, which flare out when rolled over by a mouse to display members.

Method600monitors proximity of the moving object to a target object (act610). A target object or widget is typically determined by proximity detection. The closer a widget is to a moving object the more likely the widget is a target. For example, proximity sensitivity can be adjusted using proximity detector206of visual connection system200ofFIG. 2. Method600determines whether the moving object is within a predefined distance of the target object (act612). A predefined distance is typically provided using metadata for the graphical user interface of the method of the visual connection system. When a determination is made that the moving object is not within a predefined distance of the target object a “no” result is obtained and method600loops back to perform act610as before.

When a determination is made that the moving object is within a predefined distance of the target object a “yes” result is obtained and as the moving object continues to move method600adjusts the visual cues of the moving object and a target object to indicate active and ready state visual connection cues (act614).

Method600determines whether event propagation is permitted (act616). Propagation precedence and permission is typically determined by information contained in metadata associated with the set of objects. Propagation precedence may be specified in the metadata of widgets but may be superseded by user provided position ordering. When a determination is made that the event propagation is not permitted (order is contrary to event precedence or produces an error) method600loops back to perform act606as before.

When a determination is made that the event propagation is permitted method600, responsive to detecting a release of the moving object, connects the moving object with the target object using event propagation precedence (act618). Method600sets visual cues for remaining objects in the set of objects to non-display (act620) and terminates thereafter (act622).

The description of embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.