CA2161507A1 - Method of invoking software application programs - Google Patents
Method of invoking software application programsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2161507A1 CA2161507A1 CA002161507A CA2161507A CA2161507A1 CA 2161507 A1 CA2161507 A1 CA 2161507A1 CA 002161507 A CA002161507 A CA 002161507A CA 2161507 A CA2161507 A CA 2161507A CA 2161507 A1 CA2161507 A1 CA 2161507A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- application programs
- toolbar
- icon
- application
- invoking
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
- G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
- G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
- G06F9/451—Execution arrangements for user interfaces
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Software Systems (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Stored Programmes (AREA)
- User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
- Digital Computer Display Output (AREA)
Abstract
A single toolbar application program is used, for displaying a toolbar on a computer display. This toolbar is displayed separate from displays created by the other application programs, and contains icons representing each of the application programs. None of the other application programs have toolbars which display icons that are linked to other application programs. Selection of an icon from the single toolbar causes operation of an application program corresponding to the selected icon. Multiple icons can be selected, and multiple application programs become operational as a result. In the event a new version of an existing application program is loaded into the computer in place of the existing program, only the toolbar program is affected.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of computer operation, and in particular to a method of invoking software application programs which can be linked.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Many computer application programs are written in accordance with standards that allow other application programs to be invoked from within one which is running.
For example, one such standard is the Microsoft OLE (object linking) standard. This is typically carried out by providing an icon on a toolbar within one application program that represents another application program.
A problem with this linking technique is that each program must have a pointer to every other program, in order that selection of an icon representing another program will invoke that other program. When a new application program is added to the group, then all of the existing application programs must change, to add a pointer to the new program, and to add an icon representing the new program. This can cause errors, which can be compounded if the programs are large and have many pointers to the new program, and if there are many programs in the linked group.
Further, each program must contain code to create the toolbar and the corresponding links to each of the programs of the group.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a single toolbar application program is used, for displaying a toolbar on a computer display. This toolbar is displayed separate from displays created by the other application programs, and contains icons representing each of the application programs. None of the other application programs have toolbars which display icons that are linked to other application programs.
Selection of an icon from the single toolbar causes operation of an application program corresponding to the 21615û7 selected icon. Multiple icons can be selected, and multiple application programs become operational as a result.
In the event a new version of an existing application program is loaded into the computer in place of the existing program, only the toolbar program is affected.
For example, an updated icon may be generated in place of the existing icon. It is not necessary to update the links and the icons in each of plural application programs, as was necessary in the prior art. As a result, the potential for introducing errors when loading a new or updated application program is significantly reduced.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method of invoking software application programs is comprised of storing in a memory a toolbar application program for displaying permanently in the foreground and controlling a toolbar on a computer display, separate from other application programs, storing in a memory other application programs which are devoid of any link to any other one of the application programs. operating the toolbar application program and displaying a toolbar comprising at least one icon over a display of the other applications, and invoking a toolbar function to cause operation of at least one of the other application programs. with parameters linked to an application program already in operation.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the invention will be obtained by reading the description of the invention below, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a personal computer, Figure 2 is a diagram of application programs in a memory of, and as displayed in, the personal computer in accordance with the prior art, Figure 3 is a diagram of application programs in a memory of, and as displayed in, the personal computer in accordance with the present invention, and Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating operation of a computer in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 illustrates a personal computer on which the present invention can be implemented. The computer is comprised of a microprocessor (CPU) 1 connected to an expansion bus 3. Random access memory (RAM) 5, a computer display 7, a hard disk drive 9, a floppy disk drive 10, and a keyboard 11 are connected to bus 3. In a typical system, a printer 15 and a modem 17 to which a telephone line 19 is connected, are also connected to bus 3. A system can have other configurations, such as including an additional high speed bus, a graphics circuit, etc.
The structure, operation, and programming of such a computer is well known, and is described for example in the text "Fundamentals Of Interactive Computer Graphics", by J.D. Foley and A. Van Dam, published by Addison-Westley Publishing Company, Inc. copyright 1982, and other publications.
It will be understood that application programs are typically stored in the hard drive 9, and upon invoking, are at least partly brought into RAM 5. When an application program is invoked, it typically creates graphics, text, etc., which is displayed on the computer display 7 under control of the microprocessor 1. The computer operating system typically allows plural application programs to be invoked, operation of which can be time shared either together or based on which application program is currently selected. In accordance with the sharing protocols such as the aforenoted OLE, one program can be invoked from within another, whereby parameters can be shared.
For example, a word processing program can be invoked from within a spreadsheet program. Part of the spreadsheet data can be cut and pasted or otherwise moved to the word processing file. In accordance with the linking protocol, data, and changes to the data in the spreadsheet,
This invention relates to the field of computer operation, and in particular to a method of invoking software application programs which can be linked.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Many computer application programs are written in accordance with standards that allow other application programs to be invoked from within one which is running.
For example, one such standard is the Microsoft OLE (object linking) standard. This is typically carried out by providing an icon on a toolbar within one application program that represents another application program.
A problem with this linking technique is that each program must have a pointer to every other program, in order that selection of an icon representing another program will invoke that other program. When a new application program is added to the group, then all of the existing application programs must change, to add a pointer to the new program, and to add an icon representing the new program. This can cause errors, which can be compounded if the programs are large and have many pointers to the new program, and if there are many programs in the linked group.
Further, each program must contain code to create the toolbar and the corresponding links to each of the programs of the group.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a single toolbar application program is used, for displaying a toolbar on a computer display. This toolbar is displayed separate from displays created by the other application programs, and contains icons representing each of the application programs. None of the other application programs have toolbars which display icons that are linked to other application programs.
Selection of an icon from the single toolbar causes operation of an application program corresponding to the 21615û7 selected icon. Multiple icons can be selected, and multiple application programs become operational as a result.
In the event a new version of an existing application program is loaded into the computer in place of the existing program, only the toolbar program is affected.
For example, an updated icon may be generated in place of the existing icon. It is not necessary to update the links and the icons in each of plural application programs, as was necessary in the prior art. As a result, the potential for introducing errors when loading a new or updated application program is significantly reduced.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method of invoking software application programs is comprised of storing in a memory a toolbar application program for displaying permanently in the foreground and controlling a toolbar on a computer display, separate from other application programs, storing in a memory other application programs which are devoid of any link to any other one of the application programs. operating the toolbar application program and displaying a toolbar comprising at least one icon over a display of the other applications, and invoking a toolbar function to cause operation of at least one of the other application programs. with parameters linked to an application program already in operation.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the invention will be obtained by reading the description of the invention below, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a personal computer, Figure 2 is a diagram of application programs in a memory of, and as displayed in, the personal computer in accordance with the prior art, Figure 3 is a diagram of application programs in a memory of, and as displayed in, the personal computer in accordance with the present invention, and Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating operation of a computer in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 illustrates a personal computer on which the present invention can be implemented. The computer is comprised of a microprocessor (CPU) 1 connected to an expansion bus 3. Random access memory (RAM) 5, a computer display 7, a hard disk drive 9, a floppy disk drive 10, and a keyboard 11 are connected to bus 3. In a typical system, a printer 15 and a modem 17 to which a telephone line 19 is connected, are also connected to bus 3. A system can have other configurations, such as including an additional high speed bus, a graphics circuit, etc.
The structure, operation, and programming of such a computer is well known, and is described for example in the text "Fundamentals Of Interactive Computer Graphics", by J.D. Foley and A. Van Dam, published by Addison-Westley Publishing Company, Inc. copyright 1982, and other publications.
It will be understood that application programs are typically stored in the hard drive 9, and upon invoking, are at least partly brought into RAM 5. When an application program is invoked, it typically creates graphics, text, etc., which is displayed on the computer display 7 under control of the microprocessor 1. The computer operating system typically allows plural application programs to be invoked, operation of which can be time shared either together or based on which application program is currently selected. In accordance with the sharing protocols such as the aforenoted OLE, one program can be invoked from within another, whereby parameters can be shared.
For example, a word processing program can be invoked from within a spreadsheet program. Part of the spreadsheet data can be cut and pasted or otherwise moved to the word processing file. In accordance with the linking protocol, data, and changes to the data in the spreadsheet,
- 2 1 6 1 507 whether entered on the spreadsheet or the word processing file, are reflected as data entered or changed on the other of the word processing file or spreadsheet. The spreadsheet program and word processing program are thus said to be linked in a group.
Figure 2 illustrates application program files for plural linked application programs, in accordance with the prior art. Blocks Al, A2, A3 and A4 represent four application programs, or more particularly files created by them, displayed on a screen, which is a reflection of storage of the equivalent in hard drive 9 and memory 5.
Each application displays, in a toolbar 21, icons each of which is specific to the other application programs.
As described earlier in this specification, each application program must both create icons relating to each of the other application programs, and also store pointers to each of the other application programs in order that when an icon related to another application program is selected from within a program, the operating application program can determine which other application program to invoke.
Thus each application program in the group must contain code for, and display its own toolbar containing icons identifying the other application programs of the linked group, as well as store the corresponding pointers.
Figure 3 illustrates an implementation of the present invention. The application programs 23 do not have toolbars containing icons representing other application programs to which they are linked, or pointers to other application programs. Instead, an application program 25 is devoted to a single toolbar for all application programs in the linked group. The single toolbar contains icons, each representing one of the application programs of the linked group.
Thus when a new or updated application program is loaded into the computer for inclusion into the group, record of it need only be made in the toolbar application program 25, and a new or updated icon included in the displayed toolbar.
In operation, when an application program is to be invoked during the operation of another application program, the icon from the single toolbar representing the program to be invoked is dragged and dropped over the file of the other application. For example, in the event a word processing program is in operation, and the user wants to send a file created by that word processing program to another person, the user would drag an icon representing a mail program from the single toolbar over the word processing file. As a result the mail program would become invoked, and open a dialog box asking the identity of the person to which the file is to be sent.
The same procedure is carried out in the event a new or updated application program has been loaded. In this case none of the group of application programs are affected by the loading of the new or updated program, and the new or updated icon from the single toolbar is dragged over the file of the application program with which its data is to be linked.
Turning now to Figure 4, examples of application programs represented in the single toolbar and operated by microprocessor 1 are shown as A1 and A2. The corresponding computer display is shown in Figure 4A. The user selects and drags an icon representing application A2 from the single toolbar over the A1 application, e.g. a word processing file, as shown by step (A). The toolbar application program 25, recognizes which application program has been dragged over which document by detecting the selected icon and the screen location where that selected icon has been dropped, and using OLE or an equivalent invokes application program A2 as shown by step (B).
It should be noted that instead of a toolbar, drop down or pop-up menus could be used. Instead of dragging and dropping, speech recognition or a touch screen can be used.
2l6~sa7 The use of the term toolbar in this specification is intended to be construed to include all such other techniques for displaying, dragging and dropping.
Further, new icons can be created for the toolbar by dragging one icon on top of another, to create a series of procedures. For example, a new icon could be created constituted by a mail function followed a telephone function by dragging a mail icon in the toolbar over a telephone icon. The toolbar application program, recognizing that there has been an icon over icon overlay, can present a dialog box asking whether a new icon representing the combination function should be created by the toolbar.
Assuming that one has been created, dragging and dropping the new combination icon over a word processor document would open up the mail application program followed by the telephone application program.
The present invention is not restricted for use with computer display screen based applications, but is similarly applicable to other systems, such as control systems, or user consoles of any type.
Tools for creating the display, the icons, for invoking the icons as active, and for enabling resulting operation of the application programs are well known to persons skilled in the art. For example, in the event that the computer used is the Apple Macintosh, a tool that can be used is Hypercard, as described in the text "The Complete Hypercard Handbook", by Danny Goodman, copyright 1987, published by Bantam 800ks Inc. In the event that the computer is an IBM compatible personal computer using a Windows 3.1 operating system, a tool that can be used is the programming techniques described in the text "Programming Windows 3.1", by Charles Petzold, copyright 1992, published by Microsoft Press.
A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above. All of those which fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto are considered to be part of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates application program files for plural linked application programs, in accordance with the prior art. Blocks Al, A2, A3 and A4 represent four application programs, or more particularly files created by them, displayed on a screen, which is a reflection of storage of the equivalent in hard drive 9 and memory 5.
Each application displays, in a toolbar 21, icons each of which is specific to the other application programs.
As described earlier in this specification, each application program must both create icons relating to each of the other application programs, and also store pointers to each of the other application programs in order that when an icon related to another application program is selected from within a program, the operating application program can determine which other application program to invoke.
Thus each application program in the group must contain code for, and display its own toolbar containing icons identifying the other application programs of the linked group, as well as store the corresponding pointers.
Figure 3 illustrates an implementation of the present invention. The application programs 23 do not have toolbars containing icons representing other application programs to which they are linked, or pointers to other application programs. Instead, an application program 25 is devoted to a single toolbar for all application programs in the linked group. The single toolbar contains icons, each representing one of the application programs of the linked group.
Thus when a new or updated application program is loaded into the computer for inclusion into the group, record of it need only be made in the toolbar application program 25, and a new or updated icon included in the displayed toolbar.
In operation, when an application program is to be invoked during the operation of another application program, the icon from the single toolbar representing the program to be invoked is dragged and dropped over the file of the other application. For example, in the event a word processing program is in operation, and the user wants to send a file created by that word processing program to another person, the user would drag an icon representing a mail program from the single toolbar over the word processing file. As a result the mail program would become invoked, and open a dialog box asking the identity of the person to which the file is to be sent.
The same procedure is carried out in the event a new or updated application program has been loaded. In this case none of the group of application programs are affected by the loading of the new or updated program, and the new or updated icon from the single toolbar is dragged over the file of the application program with which its data is to be linked.
Turning now to Figure 4, examples of application programs represented in the single toolbar and operated by microprocessor 1 are shown as A1 and A2. The corresponding computer display is shown in Figure 4A. The user selects and drags an icon representing application A2 from the single toolbar over the A1 application, e.g. a word processing file, as shown by step (A). The toolbar application program 25, recognizes which application program has been dragged over which document by detecting the selected icon and the screen location where that selected icon has been dropped, and using OLE or an equivalent invokes application program A2 as shown by step (B).
It should be noted that instead of a toolbar, drop down or pop-up menus could be used. Instead of dragging and dropping, speech recognition or a touch screen can be used.
2l6~sa7 The use of the term toolbar in this specification is intended to be construed to include all such other techniques for displaying, dragging and dropping.
Further, new icons can be created for the toolbar by dragging one icon on top of another, to create a series of procedures. For example, a new icon could be created constituted by a mail function followed a telephone function by dragging a mail icon in the toolbar over a telephone icon. The toolbar application program, recognizing that there has been an icon over icon overlay, can present a dialog box asking whether a new icon representing the combination function should be created by the toolbar.
Assuming that one has been created, dragging and dropping the new combination icon over a word processor document would open up the mail application program followed by the telephone application program.
The present invention is not restricted for use with computer display screen based applications, but is similarly applicable to other systems, such as control systems, or user consoles of any type.
Tools for creating the display, the icons, for invoking the icons as active, and for enabling resulting operation of the application programs are well known to persons skilled in the art. For example, in the event that the computer used is the Apple Macintosh, a tool that can be used is Hypercard, as described in the text "The Complete Hypercard Handbook", by Danny Goodman, copyright 1987, published by Bantam 800ks Inc. In the event that the computer is an IBM compatible personal computer using a Windows 3.1 operating system, a tool that can be used is the programming techniques described in the text "Programming Windows 3.1", by Charles Petzold, copyright 1992, published by Microsoft Press.
A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above. All of those which fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto are considered to be part of the present invention.
Claims (8)
1. A method of invoking software application programs comprising:
(a) storing in a memory a toolbar application program for displaying permanently in the foreground and controlling a toolbar on a computer display, separate from other application programs, (b) storing in a memory other application programs which are devoid of any link to any other one of said application programs.
(c) operating the toolbar application program and displaying a toolbar comprising at least one icon over a display of said other applications, and (d) invoking a toolbar function to cause operation of at least one of said other application programs. with parameters linked to an application program already in operation.
(a) storing in a memory a toolbar application program for displaying permanently in the foreground and controlling a toolbar on a computer display, separate from other application programs, (b) storing in a memory other application programs which are devoid of any link to any other one of said application programs.
(c) operating the toolbar application program and displaying a toolbar comprising at least one icon over a display of said other applications, and (d) invoking a toolbar function to cause operation of at least one of said other application programs. with parameters linked to an application program already in operation.
2. A method as defined in claim 1 in which said toolbar displaying step displays said toolbar transparently over at least one of an icon and a file related to a respective at least one of said other application programs.
3. A method as defined in claim 1 including linking the toolbar to at least selected ones of said other application programs, displaying icons associated with each one of said selected ones of said other application programs, and invoking a selected one of said other application programs by selecting one of said displayed icons from the toolbar.
4. A method as defined in claim 3 including displaying a file related to one of said other application programs, and invoking said selected one of said other application programs by dragging an icon associated with a selected one of said application programs over said file.
5. A method as defined in claim 3 including displaying a file related to one of said other application programs, and invoking said selected one of said other application programs by speaking at least one word associated with a selected one of said other application programs into a microphone.
6. A method as defined in claim 5 in which the toolbar display is acoustic, whereby no toolbar icons are visible on the screen.
7. A method as defined in claim 3 including displaying a file related to one of said other application programs, and invoking said selected one of said other application programs by touching a screen over a displayed toolbar icon which displayed toolbar icon is associated with a selected one of said other application programs.
8. A method as defined in claim 1 including creating a new combined application toolbar icon by dragging an existing toolbar icon over an application icon, and invoking a sequence invoking each of the application programs represented by the combined application toolbar icon over a file operated by another application program.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002161507A CA2161507A1 (en) | 1995-10-26 | 1995-10-26 | Method of invoking software application programs |
| SE9603827A SE9603827L (en) | 1995-10-26 | 1996-10-17 | Ways of producing software application software |
| DE19644212A DE19644212A1 (en) | 1995-10-26 | 1996-10-24 | Software handling method |
| GB9622279A GB2306870B (en) | 1995-10-26 | 1996-10-25 | Computer operation method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002161507A CA2161507A1 (en) | 1995-10-26 | 1995-10-26 | Method of invoking software application programs |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2161507A1 true CA2161507A1 (en) | 1997-04-27 |
Family
ID=4156856
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002161507A Abandoned CA2161507A1 (en) | 1995-10-26 | 1995-10-26 | Method of invoking software application programs |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2161507A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19644212A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2306870B (en) |
| SE (1) | SE9603827L (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE960668A1 (en) * | 1996-09-23 | 1998-03-25 | Sunbridge Limited | A method for operating a computer |
| WO1998019235A1 (en) * | 1996-10-29 | 1998-05-07 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Software linkage system for information processor |
| DE19911653A1 (en) * | 1999-03-16 | 2000-09-21 | Asea Brown Boveri | Method of selective import of data in a tabular estimation/calculation program for design of technical installations |
| US20010008402A1 (en) * | 2000-01-13 | 2001-07-19 | Pace Micro Technology Plc | Receiver user interface |
| EP1274233A1 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-01-08 | Pace Micro Technology PLC | Internet browser as part of a broadcast data receiver |
| GB2405304B (en) * | 2003-06-13 | 2006-09-06 | Canon Europa Nv | Draggable palette |
| DE102011115904A1 (en) * | 2011-06-14 | 2012-12-20 | Böwe Systec Gmbh | Graphical user interface |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5050105A (en) * | 1988-01-26 | 1991-09-17 | International Business Machines Corporation | Direct cursor-controlled access to multiple application programs and data |
| US5422993A (en) * | 1991-12-17 | 1995-06-06 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and system for performing direct manipulation operations in a computer system |
| AU712491B2 (en) * | 1995-04-07 | 1999-11-11 | Sony Electronics Inc. | Method and apparatus for improved graphical user interface with function icons |
-
1995
- 1995-10-26 CA CA002161507A patent/CA2161507A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1996
- 1996-10-17 SE SE9603827A patent/SE9603827L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-10-24 DE DE19644212A patent/DE19644212A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-10-25 GB GB9622279A patent/GB2306870B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2306870A (en) | 1997-05-07 |
| SE9603827L (en) | 1997-04-27 |
| SE9603827D0 (en) | 1996-10-17 |
| GB9622279D0 (en) | 1996-12-18 |
| DE19644212A1 (en) | 1997-04-30 |
| GB2306870B (en) | 2000-04-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20011026 |