Data processing: database and file management or data structures – Database design – Data structure types
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-31
2001-04-24
Feild, Joseph H. (Department: 2172)
Data processing: database and file management or data structures
Database design
Data structure types
C707S793000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223189
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a method for generating chart definitions on a computer and more particularly to a method in which the instructions needed for generating the chart includes information about the appearance of the chart. This information can be interpreted by programs running on different platforms such as OS/2®, Windows MacIntosh®, and Unix® platforms.
BACKGROUND ART
Current charting packages are very user intensive. When transferring a chart between computers, a user must frequently redesign and/or customize the chart before using it. This is time consuming and tedious for large numbers of charts, with no guarantee of consistency between similar charts. What is needed is a way to completely and uniquely describe a chart in a format that can be transferred between different computers.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention comprises a system and method for creating a chart based on a metalanguage file that completely defines the chart. The metalanguage file comprises a plurality of keywords that specify the major characteristics of the chart. For example, the keywords specify the type of chart to be created (pie chart, bar chart etc.), the title of the chart, the titles of the axes in the chart, the footnotes to be used with the chart and the types of fonts and colors to be used in the chart. Where relevant, the keywords are followed by data entries that denote specific information to be listed in connection with the major characteristic of the chart, such as the actual name of the chart. Additionally, subkeywords can follow the keywords to further define features of the characteristic designated by the keyword.
The metalanguage file is stored on a first computer. When a user at a second computer needs to generate the chart, the metalanguage file is downloaded from the first computer to the second computer. A charting program on the second computer parses the metalanguage file to determine the characteristics of the chart and then generates a chart with the exact style and content specified by the metalanguage file.
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Steffens Susan H.
Yonts Richard
Feild Joseph H.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Kindred Alford W.
Pagel Donald J.
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