Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Computer graphics processing – Graph generating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-20
2001-05-29
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2165)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Computer graphics processing
Graph generating
C345S441000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06239813
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This invention relates generally to the field of software for Computer Aided Design, or “CAD.” More specifically, it relates to software for use in a CAD system for creating two-dimensional diagrams, including but not limited to flow charts, electrical schematics, plant processes and the like.
In CAD systems, diagrams most often consist of representational graphical objects or symbols interconnected by straight, curved or serpentine lines, chains of lines, or other shapes such as arrows which illustrate the connectivity between symbols. Examples of such diagrams are electronic circuit diagrams or computer flow charts. Some kinds of diagrams, such as architectural space plans, do not require connecting lines and symbols may be connected directly to each other. The symbols are made up of individual graphical entities, such as lines, circles, arcs, text and images. Different software companies may refer to symbols using terminology such as “blocks” or “shapes.”
Software is widely available which automates the manipulation and interconnection of symbols, so that when an operator changes the position or other parameter of a symbol, all connections and/or symbols associated with that symbol reconfigure themselves to maintain that association. Such software is available from Visio Corp. under the name “Visio Technical”. Complex connections can be created between symbols by simply picking start and end points. Symbols and connections which provide this automatic behavior are referred to as “intelligent,” or “smart” symbols and connections.
Part of the definition of an intelligent symbol is made up of the locations of the connection points to which intelligent connections are to be attached. Existing graphical methods of displaying connection point locations for symbols on intelligent diagrams consist of a small symbol, such as an “X” which appears at each connection point location. These connection point symbols must be kept relatively small in order to prevent screen clutter, and are difficult to select and manipulate. Existing methods are therefore very cumbersome and do not permit easy editing of symbols, especially in cases where connectivity is relatively complex.
The present invention provides an efficient and easy-to-use method of defining and manipulating an intelligent symbol which facilitates the editing of symbols so that connections between symbols can be readily added and edited.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, to be used in a computer aided design system, is a method of defining an intelligent symbol. The method comprises the steps of defining a computer-generated symbol which is made up of a graphical entity and a connection point having a position in relation to a reference point. A connection point positioning symbol associated with the computer-generated symbol is defined. The connection point positioning symbol has a location and an angle. The coordinates of the location of the connection point positioning symbol are generated. These coordinates describe the position of the connection point in relation to a reference point. The angle of the connection point positioning symbol is generated. This angle describes a direction of the connection point positioning symbol in relation to a reference angle. A symbol definition for the computer-generated symbol is thus built. The definition comprises the coordinates of the location of the connection point positioning symbol and the angle of the connection point positioning symbol.
The present invention also comprises a method of editing an intelligent symbol by defining a connection point positioning symbol which indicates the angle and location of a connection to the intelligent symbol.
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Powell Mark R.
Rossi Jeffrey Allen
Schwarz Michael
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