Object-oriented framework for menu definition

Patent 5119475 Issued on June 2, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date:

August 29, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Schlumberger Technology Corporation

Application

No. 754366 filed on 08/29/1991

US Classes:

715/866, Miscellaneous customization or adaptation706/922, Computer program preparation715/810, Menu or selectable iconic array (e.g., palette)715/853Hierarchy or network structure

Examiners

Primary: Clark, David L.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Huston; Charles D., Olsen; Kenneth, Riter; Bruce D.

International Class

G06F 003/153

Abstract

A declarative object-oriented approach to menu construction provides a mechanism for specifying the behavior, appearance and function of menus as part of an interactive user interface. Menus are constructed from interchangeable object building blocks to obtain the characteristics wanted without the need to write new code or code and maintaining a coherent interface standard. The approach is implemented by dissecting interface menu behavior into modularized objects specifying orthogonal components of desirable menu behaviors. Once primary characteristics for orthogonal dimensions of menu behavior are identified, individual objects are constructed to provide specific alternatives for the behavior within the definitions of each dimension. Finally, specific objects from each dimension are combined to construct a menu having the desired selections of menu behaviors.

Other References

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