Non-ambiguous graphics selection

Details Non-ambiguous graphics selection Non-ambiguous graphics selection

1998-07-17

2001-03-20

Bayerl, Raymond J. (Department: 2173)

Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system

Display driving control circuitry

Controlling the condition of display elements

C345S215000, C345S215000, C345S215000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06204849

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to graphical user interfaces, and in particular, to a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for providing a non-ambiguous method for selecting graphical components in computer-aided design applications.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) application programs is well known in the art. Different approaches have been made with each successive generation of CAD modeling software to address the problem of selecting graphical elements (geometry or topology) from a two-dimensional representation of a complex three-dimensional scene. Early systems provided a mechanism that selected the closest graphical element to the cursor. Subsequent systems offered a linear, single-pass selection list with no means of previewing the multiple graphical element selections or to change the selection during the selection process. Newer systems have provided a mechanism that requires the user to recognize ambiguous graphical element selection scenarios prior to choosing the selection tool.
Other systems automatically provide the user with a device that allows the user to select graphical elements from a matrix displaying every possible graphical element selection. The user is free to traverse the matrix until the desired graphical element is located and a selection is made. While this device allows users to move freely amongst selection possibilities, it consumes valuable screen real estate, often occluding critical graphics.
Consequently, there is a need in the art for an improved interface to allow for selecting graphical elements from a two-dimensional representation of a complex three-dimensional scene. Further, there is a need in the art for an interface that allows for unambiguous graphical element selection that does not occupy large portions of screen real-estate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To address the requirements described above, the present invention discloses a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for selecting a single graphical element from a group of graphical elements that converge or overlap at a point on a two-dimensional scene representation. The selection tool uses icons to represent the graphical images, and highlights the graphical image that corresponds to each icon of the selection tool. To prevent large on-screen real estate usage, the selection tool uses well icons (icons that differ in appearance from the icons that represent the graphical images) to represent stacks of graphical elements that can be managed through mouse clicks, keyboard strokes, or Intellimouse™ wheel movement. By pushing and popping the stacks, the user can traverse the entire selection of graphical elements to select the desired graphical element for modification or deletion from the displayed file.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 5461709 (1995-10-01), Brown
patent: 5892512 (1999-04-01), Donnelly et al.
patent: 318154A2 (1988-10-01), None
patent: 480570A2 (1991-08-01), None
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