Method and apparatus for providing automatic layout capabilities for computer forms
US6243721A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0486
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for providing automatic capabilities in creating a computer form containing control items. Upon selecting a control item to place on a computer form, preferred coordinates to position the control item is automatically determined. Next, the size of the new control item is automatically selected based on properties of the new control item and the size and location of surrounding control items. The new control item, and any intersecting control items, are then automatically adjusted to accommodate the new control item at the preferred coordinates. The adjustments include: (1) setting the width and height of the new control item; (2) identifying the space available to above and to the right of the preferred coordinates; and if the width or height of the new control item exceeds the space available, (3) adjusting the other control items to obtain additional space for the new control item. Alignment properties for the new control item are also automatically determined and assigned. Thus, when other control items on the computer form either moved or re-sized, the control item is adjusted in accordance with the alignment properties. Labels to identify the new control item may be a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.