Docking and floating menu/tool bar

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention generally relates to a programming development environment executed by a computer, and more particularly to a programming development environment for Internet and intranet applications.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Due to the rapid increase in the population of people who use the Internet and intranets, especially web-based networks, the demand for accessing databases through the Internet and intranets is rapidly increasing. However, using relational database management system (RDBMS) software with web-based networks is particularly difficult. One of the problems with using RDBMS software with web-based networks is the lack of a programming development environment that can be used to develop both web-based and RDBMS-based applications.

【0003】

For example, web-based networks operate using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). HTTP is a protocol used by web clients and web servers to communicate between them using these hyperlinks. HTML is the language used by web servers to create and combine documents containing these hyperlinks. This protocol and language results in the communication and display of graphical information that incorporates hyperlinks. Hyperlinks are network addresses embedded within words, phrases, icons, or pictures that are activated when the user selects a highlight item to be displayed within the graphical information.

【0004】

Most RDBMS software, on the other hand, uses a structured query language (SQL) interface. The SQL interface has evolved into a standard language for RDBMS software and has itself been adopted by both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

【0005】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

Therefore, there is a long-awaited way to access RDBMS software over the Internet or intranet, and especially over web-based networks. Furthermore, a simplified development environment for such a system is long-awaited.

【0006】

[Means for solving problems]

To overcome the limitations of the prior art described above, and to overcome other limitations identified throughout this specification, the present invention presents a menu / tool bar of windows displayed on a monitor connected to a computer. Discloses methods, devices and program storage media for selectively docking and floating. A menu tool / bar in the present invention refers to a bar that includes both a menu and a tool. The docking or floating nature of the menu / tool bar is user-selectable, typically by selecting either docking mode or floating mode from the menu displayed on the monitor. When floating mode is selected, the menu / tool bar automatically floats away from the window. When docking mode is selected, the menu / tool bar automatically docks adjacent to the window.

【0007】

In floating mode, selecting a window as the "active" window activates the menu / tool bar. When the menu / tool bar is activated, it comes to the "foreground" along with the active window (when hidden under other windows).

【0008】

In docked mode, selecting a window as the active window activates the menu / tool bar and immediately docks it. Any subsequent operation of the active window will then have the same effect on the menu / tool bar in docking mode. For example, the menu / tool bar is resized when the window is resized, moved when the window is moved, maximized when the window is maximized, and minimized when the window is minimized. The window.

【0009】

In both floating and docking modes, the menu / tool bar takes its title from the active window and the menu / tool bar title area is updated with the title of the active window. One aspect of the invention relates to a method of manipulating information. This method can be selectively set to docking mode or floating mode with the step of displaying multiple windows on the monitor, including a visual representation of the information, to manipulate the visual representation of the displayed information. A step of displaying a menu / tool bar containing the selectable function of is displayed on the monitor together with the display of the window, and a pop-up menu for selecting the docking mode or the floating mode is displayed on the monitor. In response to the step, the step of selecting the docking mode or the floating mode from the pop-up menu, and the selection of the active window from the plurality of windows when the docking mode is selected, A step of automatically docking the menu / tool bar to the active window and, when the floating mode is selected, the menu / tool bar automatically floats away from the window and floats. In response to the selection of the active window from the plurality of windows, the menu / tool bar is displayed together with the active window so as to appear in the foreground of the display on the monitor.

【0010】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to accompanying drawings that form part of a particular embodiment in which the present invention is realized. However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments are also used and structural and functional modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

【0011】

Summary: The present invention includes computer-enabled high-speed application development (RAD) tools for creating client-server applications in a three-tier computer network architecture. The RAD tool provides an integrated development environment (IDE) for designing, developing, deploying and debugging computer programming that quickly and easily accesses and displays data on a three-tier computer network. In addition, RAD tools are extremely easy to use and powerful.

【0012】

The RAD tool of the present invention is mainly intended for corporate customers. The fact that an application is created quickly does not mean that the application is not critical. Applications created using RAD tools are primarily aimed at data access, data manipulation, and data rendering, especially in relation to relational database management systems (RDBMS).

【0013】

Hardware environment: Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the three-tier architecture 100 of the present invention. Each of the three layers shown is running on a separate computer hardware platform shown in Figure 1, running on a single computer hardware platform, or a combination thereof. Will be done.

【0014】

The first layer includes a monitor 104 and a client computer 102 having one or more data storage devices 106. In a preferred embodiment, the client computer 102 runs an executable browser 108 that includes an applet such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Browser 108 communicates with programs on other layers via HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

【0015】

The second layer includes a network server 110 having one or more data storage devices 112. In a preferred embodiment, the network server 110 runs a plurality of computer programs, which are the web server 114, the persistent VAB-II run-time module 116, and the APP file 120 stored on the data storage device 112. Contains one or more application scripts 118 that are retrieved from. Web server 114 (such as IBM, Microsoft, or Netscape's HTTP daemon) communicates with browser 108 and Tier 3 over HTTP. The VAB-II runtime module 116 executes the application script 118 and communicates with the third layer. Application script 118 (such as LotusScript script) contains programming logic for communicating with browser 108 and layer 3. Preferably, the application script 118 includes basic programming instructions such as Java, ActiveX, or DLL applet control, embedded SQL and other known mechanisms.

【0016】

The third tier contains the database server 122 to which one or more data storage devices 124 are connected. In a preferred embodiment, the database server runs multiple computer programs, which are stored on a relational database management system (RDBMS) 126, a persistent VAB-II runtime module 128, and a data storage device 124. Contains a storage procedure (SP) and user-defined function (UDF) script 130 that is retrieved from the APP file 132. The RDBMS126 (such as IBM's DB2 product) either receives the request directly from the second tier or indirectly from the second tier via the VAB-II runtime module 128 to perform the desired database function. The VAB-II runtime module 128 executes the SP / UDF script 130. SP / UDF script 130 contains programming logic that accesses the database via RDBMS126 and communicates with second-tier computer programs.

【0017】

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the network server 110 according to the present invention. VAB-II run-time module 116 is retrieved from, for example, interface 200 to web server 114, dispatcher 202, caching subsystem 204, and one or more APP files 120 stored on data storage device 1121 Includes a script interpreter 206 that executes one or more application scripts 118. Interface 200 receives input from web server 114 via Common Gateway Interface (CGI), Netscape Server API (NSAPI), Internet Connection Server API (ICAPI), or other protocol and uses it by dispatcher 202. Convert to the format to be. The dispatcher 202 then allocates a thread for VAB-II runtime module 116 to each incoming request and executes the desired application script 118. Caching subsystem 204 exists to assist in managing the persistence of special purpose objects. The script interpreter 206 executes the application script 118 retrieved from the APP file 120 stored on the data storage device 112.

【0018】

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the components of the database server 122 according to the present invention. The VAB-II runtime module 128 is retrieved from, for example, interface 300 with RDBMS126, caching subsystem 302, and one or more APP files 132 stored on the data storage device 124. Includes a script interpreter 304 for executing script 130. No dispatcher is required for VAB-II runtime module 128 in database server 122. Interface 300 provides a mechanism for calling database server 122 from VAB-II runtime module 128 via a dynamic link library (DLL) or other protocol. As with network server 110, caching subsystem 302 exists to assist in managing the persistence of special purpose objects, but SP / UDF script 130 is generally not persistent. The script interpreter 304 executes the SP / UDF script 130 retrieved from the APP file 132.

【0019】

As mentioned above, the illustrated three-tiered computer program runs on separate computer hardware platforms, on a single computer hardware platform 134, or a combination thereof. Each of the computers includes, among other things, one or more processors, memory, keyboards or display devices, which may be locally or remotely connected to fixed and removable data storage devices and data communication devices. Each of the computers in each layer may be connected to other computers via a data communication device.

【0020】

Development environment: FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the development environment of the present invention. The development computer 400 runs a high-speed application development (RAD) tool consisting of many different computer programs or modules, which include browser 426, web server 428, VAB-II runtime module 430 and RDBMS432. In addition, create Graphical User Interface (GUI) 402, Project Manager 404 and Related Builders 406, Format Editor 408 to create HTML Format 410, Code Editor 412 to create Script 414, Debugger 416, and Query 420. Includes SQL Painter 418, RDBMS Extender Guide 422, and RDBMS Extender User Interface 424. The RAD tool displays the user interface on a monitor 434 connected to the development computer 400, which in addition to the browser window 452, among other things, the project window 436, the format editor window 438, the control pad 440, the code editor. Includes window 442, debugging window 444, extender user interface window 446, extender guide window 448, and SQL painter window 450.

【0021】

As mentioned above, the present invention is typically implemented using multiple computer programs, each of which runs under the control of an operating system such as OS / 2, Windows, DOS, AIX, UNIX, MVS, etc. The development computer 400 is instructed to perform the desired function described herein. Thus, using current specifications, the present invention is realized as a machine, process, or program storage medium by using standard programming and engineering techniques to generate software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. Can be done.

【0022】

In general, all computer programs and operating systems are substantially implemented within computer-readable devices or media, such as memory and data storage devices, and data communication devices. The terms "manufactured" and "computer program product" include computer programs accessible from such computer readable devices or media.

【0023】

Further, the computer program and operating system include instructions that are read and executed by the development computer 400 and instruct the computer 400 to perform the steps necessary to realize and utilize the present invention. Under the control of the operating system, computer programs are loaded from memory, data storage, and data communication equipment into the memory of the development computer 400 and used during actual operation.

【0024】

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications to this configuration are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any combination of the above components, or any number of different components, peripherals and other devices may be used with the present invention.

【0025】

Docking and Floating Format Editor: The present invention selectively docks or floats the menu / tool bar of a window displayed on a monitor 434 connected to the development computer 400. The menu tool / bar in the present invention refers to one bar that includes both the menu and the tool, and in a preferred embodiment, the menu / tool bar is an editor menu / tool bar that includes selectable editing functions. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that this is applicable to any type of menu / tool bar with any type of selectable function.

【0026】

The docking or floating nature of the menu / tool bar is user-selectable, generally by selecting either docking mode or floating mode from the menu displayed on the monitor. The menu / tool bar is controlled as a whole. When floating mode is selected, the menu / tool bar automatically floats away from the window. When docking mode is selected, the menu / tool bar automatically docks adjacent to the window.

【0027】

In floating mode, selecting a window as the active window activates the menu / toolbar. When the menu / tool bar is activated, it comes to the "foreground" along with the active window (when hidden under other windows).

【0028】

In docked mode, selecting a window as the active window activates the menu / tool bar and immediately docks it. Any subsequent operation of the active window will then have the same effect on the menu / tool bar in docking mode. For example, the menu / tool bar is resized when the window is resized, moved when the window is moved, maximized when the window is maximized, and minimized when the window is minimized. The window.

【0029】

In both floating and docking modes, the menu / tool bar takes its title from the active window and the menu / tool bar title area is updated with the title of the active window.

【0030】

Flowchart: FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the general logic of the development computer 400 to perform the steps required to process the user interface of the development computer 400 in order to perform the steps of the present invention. In the development computer 400, an operation is executed when a transition from the current state to a new state occurs based on an input event.

【0031】

Block 500 represents that the development computer 400 is waiting for an input event (eg, mouse button click). During this time, it will be appreciated that other system tasks, such as file, memory and video tasks, may also be performed. When an input event occurs, control shifts to block 502 to identify the input event. A new state is determined in block 506 based on the input event and the current state of the development computer 400 determined in block 504. In block 508, a transition to a new state is made and any action required for the transition is performed. In block 510, the current state is set to the previously determined new state, control returns to block 500, and further waits for an input event.

【0032】

When transitioning between states, the particular operation performed by block 508 changes depending on the current state and the input event. The various operations required to realize the present invention represent a particular event processed by the development computer 400. However, it will be understood that these events merely represent a subset of all the events processed by the development computer 400.

【0033】

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the general logic for realizing docking and floating of menus / tool bars according to the present invention. In this example, the menu / tool bar is the format editor used with the format window, and Figure 6 shows "Open Format (Select Format)", "New Format (Display Menu)" in the Development Computer 400. , "Format window selection (format display)", and "Docking or floating selection (pop-up menu display)" show the logic executed for the event. 7 to 10 are block diagrams of a computer-generated display showing the routine operations of FIG. 6, FIG. 7 shows a format editor docked in the format window for format 1, and FIG. 8 shows the format for format 2. Shows a format editor docked in a window, Figure 9 shows a format editor that floats without being docked in any format window, and Figure 10 allows you to choose between docked and floating modes. Shows the format editor's pop-up menu.

【0034】

In a preferred embodiment, the logic of FIG. 6 is "Format Open (Format Display)" 600, "New Format (Menu Display)" 602, "Format Window Selection (Format Display)" 604, or "Format Display" in the development computer 400. "Docking or floating selection (pop-up menu display)" 606 Executed each time an event occurs. These events can occur in response to different user inputs, for example with different combinations of mice and keyboards for invoking functions.

【0035】

Following block 600 or 602, in block 608, the development computer 400 creates a format window. The format window contains the usual user interface mechanisms such as title bar, border, scroll bar, minimize button, maximize button, and close button. The content area is defined in the format window.

【0036】

In block 610, the development computer 400 retrieves format information (if any) from the APP file stored in the data storage device connected to the development computer 400 (locally or remotely). The "Open Format (Select Format)" event means that the format information is searched from the APP file, and the "New Format (Menu Display)" event means that such a format exists in the APP file because the format is new. Means not.

【0037】

At block 612, the development computer 400 formats the retrieved format information (if any) for display within the content area of the format window. Otherwise, the content area is blank.

【0038】

At block 614, the development computer 400 displays a format window and formatted format information (if any) on the monitor, as shown in FIG. This completes opening or creating the format window.

【0039】

In block 616, the development computer 400 sets the displayed formatting window as the "active" window. This block is also the entry point for the "Format Window Selection (Format Display)" 604 event.

【0040】

Block 618 is a decision block, and the development computer 400 determines whether the format editor is docked. This block is also the entry point for the "Docking or Floating Selection (pop-up menu display)" 606 event, and the next active format window is identified in block 620. If the format editor is set to dock, control moves to block 622, otherwise to block 624.

【0041】

Block 622 is a judgment block, and the development computer 400 judges whether or not the format editor is displayed on the monitor. If so, control transitions to block 626, otherwise to block 628.

【0042】

Block 624 is also a decision block, and the development computer 400 determines whether the format editor is displayed on the monitor. If so, control goes to block 626, otherwise to block 628.

【0043】

In block 628, the development computer 400 formats the format editor and displays it on the monitor.

【0044】

At block 626, the development computer 400 positions the format editor to dock with the active format window. In Figure 7, the format editor docks with the format window for format 1, and in Figure 8, the format editor docks with the format window for format 2. When the format editor docks with the format window, any operations performed on it, such as move, size, minimize, or maximize, are also performed on the format editor while the format window is the active window.

【0045】

Finally, block 630 ends the logic.

【0046】

CONCLUSIONS: Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, in another embodiment of the invention, for example, with the present invention, any type of computer, such as a mainframe, minicomputer, or personal computer, or Computer configurations such as time-split mainframes, local area networks, or stand-alone personal computers can be used.

【0047】

In short, the present invention discloses a method, apparatus and program storage medium of selectively docking and floating a menu / tool bar of a window displayed on a monitor connected to a computer. The docking or floating nature of the menu / tool bar is user-selectable, typically by selecting either docking mode or floating mode from the menu displayed on the monitor. When floating mode is selected, the menu / tool bar automatically floats away from the window. When docking mode is selected, the menu / tool bar automatically docks adjacent to the window. In docked mode, selecting a window as the active window immediately docks the menu / toolbar to that window. Any operation in the active window will then have the same effect on the docking menu / tool bar.

【0048】

【0049】

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram which shows the three-layer architecture of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a block diagram which shows the component of the network server in this invention.

[Fig. 3]

It is a block diagram which shows the component of the database server in this invention.

[Fig. 4]

It is a block diagram which shows the development environment of this invention.

[Fig. 5]

It is a figure which shows the flow chart of the general logic of a development computer in performing the step of this invention, more specifically, the step necessary to process the user interface for a development computer.

[Fig. 6]

Achieve "Open Format (Select Format)" function, "New Format (Menu Display)" function, "Select Format Window (Display Format)" function, and "Select Docking or Floating (Display Pop-up Menu)" function. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the general logic.

[Fig. 7]

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer-generated display showing the routine operations of FIG. 6, showing the format editor docked in the format window for format 1.

[Fig. 8]

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer-generated display showing the routine operations of FIG. 6, showing the format editor docked in the format window for format 2.

[Fig. 9]

It is a block diagram of a computer-generated display showing the operation of the routine of FIG. 6, showing a format editor that floats without being docked in any of the format windows.

[Fig. 10]

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer-generated display showing the operation of the routine of FIG. 6, showing a pop-up menu in the format editor that allows the choice of either docking mode or floating mode.