Education and demonstration – Computer logic – operation – or programming instruction
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-30
2001-05-01
Cheng, Joe H. (Department: 3711)
Education and demonstration
Computer logic, operation, or programming instruction
C434S365000, C434S379000, C446S901000, C345S904000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224382
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the development of computer screen layouts and more particularly to a method and apparatus for assisting in the development of a computer screen layout.
Computer software developers often have to optimize or customize the layout of the computer screen. For example, when customizing a computer database program, the computer software developer often must design several data entry and/or data output screens. Each screen contains a plurality of objects of many different types arranged on the screen. The computer software developer optimizes the location, placement and selection of those screen objects on the screen. For example, screen objects include data entry fields, data output fields, buttons, pulldown menus, pop-up menus, toolbars, etc.
The objects on the screen are arranged by the computer software developer based upon both ergonomics and aesthetics, but the final approval of the computer screen layout must be made by the client of the computer software developer. Thus, the computer software developer typically develops the computer screen layouts on the computer program and submits them to the client for approval. If the client does not approve, the computer software developer must go back to the computer and revise the computer screen layout. The computer screen layout may go through several iterations of revisions. Generally, this process is time consuming and inefficient.
Computer software has been developed which permits the computer software developer to manipulate “dummy” objects on a computer screen in a separate computer program. These screens may be printed and submitted to the customer for approval. After approval, the computer software developer recreates the approved screen in the final product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for developing a computer screen layout without the use of a computer. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide a simple, quick and efficient manner for finalizing a computer layout.
The present invention provides a plurality of physically manipulable pieces, each independently movable relative to a surface representing a computer screen. Each piece includes indicia representing one of a plurality of computer screen object types, such as input fields, output fields, buttons, toolbars, pulldown menus, pop-up menus, etc. Preferably, there are a plurality of pieces of each computer screen object type. Preferably, each of the pieces is removably secured to the surface, such as by magnetics, velcro, adhesive, etc.
The surface may comprise a magnetic board which is bound with a plurality of other boards, such as in a three ring binder. Preferably, the binder includes containers for storing the pieces. Further, a frame overlay is preferably bound adjacent each board.
According to the method of the present invention, a computer screen layout is developed by arranging a plurality of the pieces, each representing one of a plurality of computer screen object types, on one of the surfaces. Upon presentation of the computer screen layout to the client, the computer software developer can quickly and efficiently make major or minor revisions to the computer screen layout simply by moving the pieces on the surface or by adding or removing pieces to the surface. When a computer screen layout is approved, the computer software developer recreates the layout in the computer program. The plurality of surfaces can be utilized to develop a plurality of computer screen layouts.
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Boatright David
Steele Richard H.
Carlson & Gaskey & Olds
Cheng Joe H.
Prosoft, Inc.
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