Ulllted States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,959,633
`
`McFarland et al.
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`Sep. 28, 1999
`
`US005959633A
`
`[54] METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING
`GRAPHICAL IMAGES
`
`5,805,160
`5,812,131
`
`....................... .. 345/339
`9/1998 Yoshida et al.
`9/1998 Bertram ................................ .. 345/339
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Kevin E. McFarland, Coppell; Rodney
`T- Whisnanta P131110, b0th Of T339
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Developing Visio Solutions, Version 4, 1995, pp. 1-163.
`
`[73] Assignee: Micrografx, Inc., Richardson, Tex.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/726,091
`[22]
`Ffled:
`Oct‘ 4’ 1996
`[51]
`Int. Cl.“ .................................................... .. G06F 15/00
`[52] U.S. Cl.
`............................................................ .. 345/441
`[58] Field of Search ................................... .. 345/440, 441,
`345/442, 443’ 113, 114
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`Primary Examiner—Phu K. Nguyen
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Bal<er & Botts, L.L.P.
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`images
`A method and system for producing graphical
`includes a computer-readable medium and a computer pro-
`gram encoded en the computer-readable medium» The com-
`Pater Pregrarrr 15 eperabre to aeeess arr external Shape Stored
`outside the computerprogram. The external shape com-
`prises external capabilities. The computer program is further
`operable to delegate the production of a graphical image of
`the external shape to the external capabilities.
`
`5,790,117
`
`8/1998 Haviatti et al.
`
`....................... .. 345/333
`
`28 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`122
`
`SYMBOL
`
`
`
`330
`
`324
`
`4/
`334
`
`‘/320
`
`INTERNAL
`
`INTERNAL
`SYMBOL
`
`EXTERNAL
`SYMBOL
`
`INTERNAL
`
`322/ ACTIONS
`
`
`
`T»
`
`EXTERNAL
`332/ ACTIONS
`
`124
`
`
`
`362
`
`364
`
` l""""""""""l
`
`GOOGLE-1001
`
`SYMBOL
`
`
`
`RESOURCES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SYMBOL
`
`RESOURCES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RESOURCES
`
`ACTION N
`
`
`
`1
`
`GOOGLE-1001
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.28,1999
`
`Sheet 1 0f5
`
`5,959,633
`
`I18
`
`110
`P‘
`
`MEMORY
`
`1
`
`
`
`
`SHAPE
`
`LIBRARY
`
`COMPUTER
`
`GRAPHICS
`APPLICATION
`
`I 22
`
`SHARED
`
`LIBRARY
`
`
`
`FIG.
`
`7
`
`126
`
`COMMUNICATION
`
`21 O
`
` COMPUTER
`
`GRAPHICS
`
`APPLICATION
`
`COLLECTION
`
`COLLECTION
`
`MODULE
`
`MODULE
`
`SHARED LIBRARY
`
`FIG. 2
`
`I3“
`
`2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.28,1999
`
`Sheet 2 0f5
`
`5,959,633
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`r“
`
`
`"m
`322
`ACTIONS
`swam
`324
`
`
`
`/330
`
`EXTERNAL
`ACHONS
`
`EXTERNAL
`SYMBOL
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`352
`
`362
`
`SYMBOL
`
`RESOURCES
`
`SYMBOL
`
`RESOURCES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SYMBOL
`
`SYMBOL
`
`RESOURCES
`
`RESOURCES
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.28,1999
`
`Sheet 3 0f5
`
`5,959,633
`
`FI G . 3B
`
`311
`
`313
`
`312
`
`FIG. 3C
`
`315
`
`317
`
`314
`
`FIG. 4
`Action Methods
`
`515
`/
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.28,1999
`
`Sheet 4 0f5
`
`5,959,633
`
` 0
`
` 618 S mbol Methods
`
`
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`
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`int ilndex, LPPOINT lpPoin’t, LF’Point
`|pPointReference=NULL
`
`
`
`
`
`5
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.28,1999
`
`Sheet 5 0f5
`
`5,959,633
`
`710
`
`FIG. 6
`
`USER ENTERS
`
`MOUSE CLICK
`
`MESSAGE
`
`IF AN EXTERNAL
`
`HANDLED BY
`CURRENT
`
`SELECTED
`
`ACTION IN THE
`
`ACTION, THE
`MESSAGE IS
`
`ROUTED TO THE
`
`APPROPRIATE
`
`APPLICATION
`
`EXTERNAL SHAPE
`
`
`
`|"""""""""""""_
`
` MESSAGE
`SENT TO
`APPLICATION
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`
`5,959,633
`
`1
`METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING
`GRAPHICAL IMAGES
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates generally to the field of computer
`graphics and more particularly to a method and system for
`producing graphical images.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Systems for creating computer graphics are well known.
`Many computer graphics systems provide tools within a
`computer program that allow a user to draw and edit a
`variety of shapes. However, conventional systems only
`enable a user to draw and edit a limited number of shapes.
`If additional shapes are desired, the computer program in the
`system must be modified to include the additional tools
`needed to draw and edit the desired shape. Adding new tools
`to the computer program each time a new shape is desired
`is a lengthy and costly process. Furthermore, once a com-
`puter program is released, it becomes difficult to update the
`program with additional shapes.
`In an effort to overcome these disadvantages, one com-
`puter graphics system incorporates a limited component
`plug-in capability utilizing tables. When a particular shape is
`desired, the system accesses a table of data files. The data
`files contain information describing a shape. The shape is
`then created and edited with tools within the computer
`program. Such a system is limited to editing and creating
`shapes in ways permitted by the tools within the computer
`program. Thus, although shapes may be added after release
`of the computer program, the shapes that may be added are
`limited to shapes that the internal tools in the computer
`program know how to create and edit.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Therefore, a need has arisen for a new method and system
`that overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the
`prior art.
`The invention includes a method and system for gener-
`ating graphical images. According to one embodiment of the
`invention, a method for producing graphical images includes
`executing a computer program and providing a shape library
`external to the computer program. The shape library defines
`a shape having associated capabilities. The method further
`comprises providing the capabilities associated with the
`shape to the computer program while the application is
`executing and generating a graphical image based on the
`capabilities.
`According to another embodiment of the invention a
`system for producing graphical images includes a computer-
`readable medium and a computer program encoded on the
`computer-readable medium. The computer program is oper-
`able to access an external shape stored outside the computer
`program. The external shape has external capabilities. The
`computer program is further operable to delegate the pro-
`duction of a graphical image of the external shape to the
`external capabilities.
`The invention provides several technical advantages. New
`shapes may be added easily without rewriting the underlying
`computer program. Additionally, shapes may be developed
`by third parties, addressing particular markets. Furthermore,
`because shapes may be developed external to the computer
`program, they may be developed outside the application
`project schedule. Moreover, because shapes may be added
`easily, upgrades to the computer graphics package may be
`
`2
`the
`provided more frequently at lower cost. In addition,
`invention provides for the modular production of additional
`shapes. Shapes may be grouped in different modules based
`on similarity of appearance or other characteristics, such as
`intended use. For example, shapes commonly used in a
`particular technical field may be grouped in one module. The
`invention also provides an architecture that allows for the
`integration of additional shapes with an existing computer
`program without modifying that existing program.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`For a more complete understanding of the present inven-
`tion and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to
`the following descriptions taken in connection with the
`accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 illustrates a computer graphics system;
`FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail the software architecture
`
`of the computer graphics system;
`FIG. 3A illustrates the interaction between a graphics
`application and shape library;
`FIG. 3B illustrates details of an internal action shown in
`FIG. 3A;
`FIG. 3C illustrates details of an internal symbol shown in
`FIG. 3A;
`FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the external action associated
`
`with the external shape shown in FIG. 3A;
`FIG. 5 shows a schematic of the external symbol associ-
`ated with the external shape shown in FIG. 3A; and
`FIG. 6 is an example flow chart of an example external
`action.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`An embodiment of the present invention and its advan-
`tages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 6
`of the drawings,
`like numerals being used for like and
`corresponding parts of the various drawings.
`FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a computer graphics
`system 110 according to one embodiment of the invention.
`Computer graphics system 110 comprises computer soft-
`ware running on a general purpose computer. Computer
`graphics system 110 comprises a proccssor 112, input dcvicc
`114, output device 116, memory 118, and disk drive 120.
`The present invention comprises computer software that
`may be stored in memory 118 or on disk drive 120 and is
`executed by processor 112. Disk drive 120 may comprise a
`variety of types of storage media such as, for example,
`floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, CD ROM disk drives,
`or magnetic tape drives. Data may be received from the user
`of computer graphics system 110 using a keyboard or any
`other type of input device 114. Data may be output to a user
`of computer graphics system 110 through output device 116.
`Output device 116 may comprise a variety of types of output
`devices such as, for example, a computer display or a printer.
`Computer graphics system 110 comprises computer
`graphics application 122, which is a computer software
`program for producing graphical images on output device
`116. In FIG. 1, computer graphics application 122 is illus-
`trated as being stored in memory 118 for execution by
`processor 112. Computer graphics application 122 may also
`be stored ir1 disk drive 120. Computer graphics application
`122 receives information from input device 114 and pro-
`duces graphical images on output device 116. Computer
`graphics system 110 further comprises an external shape
`
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`7
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`

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`5,959,633
`
`3
`library 124. In FIG. 1, shape library 124 is illustrated as
`being stored in memory 118. Shape library 124 may also be
`stored in disk drive 120. Shape library 124 contains infor-
`mation used by computer graphics application 122 to pro-
`duce graphical images on output device 116. Information in
`shape library 124 is communicated to computer graphics
`application 122 through communication link 126. The com-
`puter graphics system 110 further comprises a shared library
`130. In FIG. 1, shared library 130 is illustrated as being
`stored in memory 118. However, as discussed in greater
`detail below, shared library 130 may also be stored in disk
`drive 120. Shared library 130 provides a group of utility
`functions that may be used by either computer graphics
`system 110 or shape library 124.
`FIG. 2 shows a schematic of memory 118 in block
`diagram form, further illustrating computer graphics appli-
`cation l22, shape library 124, communication link 126, and
`shared library 130 shown in FIG. 1. The computer graphics
`application 122 is a shape manipulator that, as discussed in
`greater detail below, is operable to access generic capabili-
`ties associated with an external shape and delegate the
`production of a graphical image of the external shape to the
`capabilities associated with the shape. The production of a
`graphical image may comprise, for example, generating data
`that may be used by the computer graphics application 122
`to place a graphical image on an output device, generating
`data and placing a graphical image on an output device,
`writing a representation of a graphical image to memory, or
`the generation of other forms of representations of graphical
`images. Capabilities are action methods, symbol methods, or
`any other functions that allow the generation of information
`required to produce a graphical image. Exemplary action
`methods and symbol methods are discussed below. The
`ability to place the capabilities of a shape outside computer
`graphics application 122 provides several technical advan-
`tagcs. For example, shapcs not contcmplatcd at the time of
`creation of computer graphics application 122 may be
`subsequently added to computer graphics system 120 with-
`out modifying computer graphics application 122.
`Additionally, shapes may be developed by third parties,
`addressing particular markets. Furthermore, because shapes
`may be developed external to the computer graphics appli-
`cation 122, they may be developed outside the application
`project schedule. In addition, the invention provides for the
`modular production of additional shapes. Shapes may be
`grouped in different modules based on similarity of appear-
`ance or other characteristics, such as intended use. For
`example, shapes commonly used in a particular technical
`field may be grouped in one module. The invention also
`provides an architecture that allows for the integration of
`additional shapes with an existing computer program with-
`out modifying that existing program.
`'lhe shape library 124 comprises a plurality of shape
`collection modules 212 and 214. In a particular embodiment,
`shape collection modules 212 and 214 comprise a dynamic
`link library (DLL) that allows executable routines to be
`stored separately as files with I)I.I. extensions and to be
`loaded only when needed by the program that calls them. In
`that embodiment, shape collection DLLs 212 and 214 are
`self-registering DLLs, which means they comprise two
`functions to register and unregister themselves through a
`system registry database for recognition by the computer
`graphics application 122. However,
`the present invention
`contemplates any suitable software architecture using
`dynamic link libraries, plug-ins, extensions, initialization
`files, or other modular arrangement that allows shape col-
`lection modules 212 and 214 to be stored external
`to
`
`computer graphics application 122.
`
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`4
`Shape collection modules 212 and 214 may be loaded into
`memory 118 from disk drives 120 when needed by computer
`graphics application 122. In one embodiment, shape collec-
`tion modules 212 and 214 are loaded into memory 118 when
`computer graphics application 122 is executed. Because
`shape collection modules 212 and 214 are separate from
`computer graphics application 122, additions or improve-
`ments may be made to shape collection modules 212 and
`214 without affecting the operation of computer graphics
`application 122. Although two shape collection modules 212
`and 214 are explicitly shown, the computer graphics appli-
`cation 122 supports any number of shape collection mod-
`ules. Shape collection library 124 may comprise,
`for
`example, shape collection modules delivered with computer
`graphics application 122, shape collection modules subse-
`quently provided, and shape collection modules developed
`by third parties. Shape collection modules in shape library
`124 may be organized in a variety of formats, including a flat
`structure or a hicrarchial arrangcmcnt.
`In a hicrarchial
`arrangement, related shape collection modules may contain
`sub-modules. The criteria for grouping shape collection
`modules and sub-modules may comprise appearance, field
`of application, or other suitable criteria for arranging col-
`lections of shapes. For example, shape collection module
`212 may contain various forms of arrow shapes, and shape
`collection module 214 may contain various shapes related to
`digital electronic circuits.
`The shared library 130 may also be a DLL. However, the
`present invention contemplates any suitable software archi-
`tecture using dynamic link libraries, plug-ins, extensions,
`initialization files, or other modular arrangement that allows
`utility functions to be stored externally to computer graphics
`application 122 and shape library 124. Shared library 130
`may be loaded into memory 118 from disk drives 120 when
`needed by computer graphics application 122. Shared
`library 130 provides a group of utility functions that may be
`used by either computer graphics system 110 or shape
`library 124. Examples of these utility functions include, for
`example, drawing small markers on a computer screen, such
`as on output device 116, or drawing a gradient blend.
`The communication link 126 allows communication
`between computer graphics application 122 and shape
`library 124. Communication link 126 may comprise, for
`example,
`the component object model 210 used by the
`Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technology devel-
`oped by Microsoft. Communication link 126 may also
`comprise a simple dynamic link library application program
`interface, pipes, shared memories, or sockets as used in a
`UNIX operating environment as well as other emerging
`object-oriented technologies, such as OpenDoc, Nextstep,
`and CORBA. Communication link 126 allows communica-
`
`tion of complex objects between external modules 212 and
`214 and computer graphics application 122 without requir-
`ing knowledge of the contents of the external modules 212
`and 214.
`
`FIG. 3A shows a schematic of computer graphics appli-
`cation 122 and its interaction with shape library 124 in block
`diagram form, further illustrating details of computer graph-
`ics application 122. The computer graphics application 122
`comprises a plurality of internal shapes 310 and 320 and one
`external shape 330.
`Internal shapes 310 and 320 each
`comprise information used by computer graphics applica-
`tion 122 to produce a different graphical image on output
`device 116. These images may comprise, for example, a
`circle or a rectangle. External shape template 330 comprises
`pointers to shapes contained within shape library 124, which
`are used by computer graphics application 122 to produce
`graphical images that are not supported by internal shapes
`310 or 320.
`
`8
`
`

`
`5,959,633
`
`5
`Each internal shape 310, 320 comprises a set of internal
`actions 312 and an internal symbol 314. Internal actions 312
`comprise a set of internal action methods 313 and a set of
`internal action data 311, shown in FIG. 3B. Internal action
`methods 313 are functions that operate on internal action
`data 311 to generate an internal action 312. An internal
`action 312 allows computer graphics application 122 to pass
`user interaction from input device 114, such as mouse and
`keyboard inputs, to internal symbol methods 317, which in
`turn generate information used by computer graphics appli-
`cation 122 to create, edit, render, modify, read, or write a
`graphical obj ect. Examples of internal actions 312 comprise
`the create action and edit actions. The create action creates
`a representation of graphical image, for example a rectangle,
`that the computer graphics application 122 places on an
`output device. An edit action allows editing a graphical
`image. Both the create action and the edit action may
`comprise clicking on an external shape button or a menu
`item on a graphical user interface.
`Internal symbol 314 comprises a set of internal symbol
`methods 317 and a set of internal symbol data 315, as shown
`in FIG. 3C. The internal symbol methods 317 are functions
`that operate on internal symbol data 315 to generate infor-
`mation used by computer graphics application 122 to create,
`edit, render, modify, read, or write a graphical object on
`output device 116. For example, internal symbol methods
`317 may rotate a representation of a rectangle and the
`computer graphics application 122 may place a rotated
`rectangle on a computer screen based on the representation
`of the rotated rectangle produced by the internal symbol
`methods 317.
`
`FIG. 3A also illustrates shape library 124. The shape
`library 124 comprises a plurality of shape collection mod-
`ules 212 and 214. Each shape collection module 212, 214
`comprises a plurality of external shapes, such as external
`shapes 350, 360, and 370. Shape collection modules 212 and
`214 may be organized such that similar shapes are contained
`within the same shape collection module. External shape
`350 comprises a plurality of external actions 352, 353, an
`external symbol 354, and external resources 356. External
`resources 356 provide additional information used by com-
`puter graphics application 122 to generate graphical images,
`for example, information related to bit mapped images.
`The external shape template 330 does not comprise a
`predetermined set of actions and a symbol. Rather,
`in
`response to information fron1 device 114, external shape
`template 330 accesses an external shape contained within
`shape library 124, such as external shape 350 or 360, to
`utilize the capabilities of the external shape. The external
`shape template 330 comprises an external action template
`332 and an external symbol template 334. The external
`action template 332 accesses an external action, such as
`external actions 352 and 362, and the external symbol
`template 334 accesses an external symbol, such as external
`symbols 354 and 366.
`In FIG. 3A, external shape template 330 is associated with
`two shapes 350 and 360 in shape library 124. For shape 350,
`external action template 332 points to external action 352
`and external symbol template 334 points to external symbol
`354. For shape 360, external action template 332 points to
`external action 362 and external symbol template 334 points
`to external symbol 366. In FIG. 3A, shape template 330 does
`not point to shape 370. Pointing to shapes 350 and 360 and
`not pointing to shape 370 by external shape template 330
`corresponds to the condition of displaying two external
`shapes 350 and 360 contained within shape library 124 on
`output device 116 and not displaying a third external shape
`370.
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`FIG. 4 shows a schematic of an external action 352
`associated with external shape 350. External action 352
`comprises external action data 510 and external action
`methods 512. External action methods 512 are functions that
`work together to operate on external action data 510 to
`create an external action. An external action, such as exter-
`nal action 352, allows computer graphics application 122 to
`pass user interaction from input device 114, such as mouse
`and keyboard inputs, to external symbol methods 612, which
`as discussed below are functions that operate to create, edit,
`render, modify, read, or write a graphical object on output
`device 116. Examples of external action 364 comprise the
`create action and edit actions. The create action creates a
`graphical image, for example a star. An edit action allows
`editing a graphical image, for example editing a star. Auser
`may invoke the create star external action, for example, by
`clicking on a star button in a graphical user interface. The
`star button may provide a menu with a variety of types of
`stars.
`
`External action methods 512 comprise generic action
`methods 518. Generic action methods 518 comprise generic
`functions that are operable in combination to receive user
`interaction received by the computer graphics application
`122 from input device 114 for manipulation of shapes that
`are not contained within computer graphics application 122
`and that comprise a configuration unknown to computer
`graphics application 122. The generic action methods 518
`are defined generically in such a way that they may be
`applied to any type of shape. Unlike conventional systems,
`they are not specific to any one shape. The computer
`graphics application 122 is written to be operable to access
`the generic access methods 518 and the generic action
`methods 518 are exhaustive such that any action that may be
`associated with any shape can be represented by the generic
`access methods 518. Thus, the generic action methods 518
`are generic enough to allow for the subsequent creation of
`new actions through the use of generic action methods 518.
`The use of generic action methods 518 and, as discussed
`below, generic symbol methods 618 allows external shapes
`to be used by computer graphics application 122.
`One of the generic action methods 518 comprises an
`initialization method, CActionInit method. The CActionInit
`method allows an external shape to communicate with the
`computer graphics application 122. After execution of an
`external action, data or events are communicated by the
`external action through a callback function provided in the
`initialization of the action. The callback function is provided
`in the initialization of an action by a pointer within the
`CActionInit method. Data transfers that may be communi-
`cated by an external shape to the computer graphics appli-
`cation 122 through the use of a callback function provided
`in the initialization of an action comprise the transfer of an
`external symbol to the computer graphics application for
`insertion into a current drawing, querying a disk path to a
`CD—ROM for retrieving a file from the CD—ROM, passing
`data for “undoing” an operation, retrieving the area of a
`current page selection, or other types of data transfers.
`Events that may be communicated by an external shape to
`the computer graphics application 122 through the use of a
`callback function provided in the initialization of an action
`comprise notifying the application to display or not
`to
`display selection markers, notifying the computer graphics
`application 122 that the external symbol has been changed,
`invalidating the area of the external symbol for reprinting, or
`other events that may need to be communicated to the
`computer graphics application by an external action.
`External action 352 is a queryable interface. A queryable
`interface may receive requests for communication in differ-
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`ent formats. External action 352 supports an IAction inter-
`face format 514 and an IUknown interface format 516. The
`IAction interface format 514 is defined by generic action
`methods 518 and provides a format for communication with
`computer graphics application 122. The IUknown interface
`format 516 is a default
`interface format used in many
`applications and allows the computer graphics application
`122 to access the IAction interface format 514. External
`actions associated with other external shapes are substan-
`tially similar to external action 352 associated with external
`shape 350.
`FIG. 5 shows a schematic of an external symbol 354
`associated with external shape 350. External symbol 354
`comprises external symbol data 610 and external symbol
`methods 612. External symbol methods 612 are functions
`that operate on external symbol data 610 to create, edit,
`render, modify, read, or write a graphical object.
`External symbol methods 612 comprise generic symbol
`methods 618. Generic symbol methods 618 are generic
`functions that allow manipulation of a graphical image of
`unknown configuration. The generic symbol methods are
`defined generically in such a way that they may be applied
`to any type of shape. Unlike conventional systems, they are
`not specific to any one shape. The generic symbol methods
`618 are generic enough to allow for the subsequent creation
`of new symbols through use of generic symbol methods 618.
`The generic symbol methods 618 are also exhaustive such
`that any symbol or manipulation of any symbol can be
`represented by generic symbol methods 618. Because, com-
`puter graphics application 122 is operable to receive and
`utilize generic symbol methods 618, use of generic symbol
`methods 618 allows external shapes to be used by computer
`graphics application 122. Thus, the use of generic external
`symbol methods, such as generic external symbol methods
`618, allows manipulation of graphical images that are not
`contained within computer graphics application 122 and that
`comprise a configuration unknown to computer graphics
`application 122.
`External symbol 354 is also a queryable interface. Exter-
`nal symbol 354 supports an ISymbol interface format 614
`and an IUknown interface format 616. The ISymbol inter-
`face format 614 is defined by symbol methods 618 and
`provides a format for communication with computer graph-
`ics application 122. The IUknown interface format 616 is a
`default
`interface format used in many applications and
`allows the computer graphics application 122 to access the
`ISymbol interface format 614.
`FIG. 6 is an example flow chart of an example external
`action, such as external action 352. At step 710 a user may
`enter a mouse click to provide a message that a desired
`action take place. For example,
`the user may click on a
`button in a graphical user interface to provide a message to
`computer graphics application 122 to create a star. At step
`720 computer graphics application 122 receives the mouse
`click. Because the message requests an external action, at
`step 730 the external action template 332 is selected to
`handle the request. At step 740, external action template 332
`routes the message to the appropriate external action asso-
`ciated with the desired star shape, such as action 352, in
`shape library 124. Steps 720, 730, and 740 are performed by
`computer graphics application 122 within computer graph-
`ics application 122. At step 750,
`the message for the
`requested action is received within shape library 124 and the
`external action is executed by the methods associated with
`the requested action in order to produce a star. External
`symbols, such as external symbol 354, are accessed by
`computer graphics application 122 in substantially the same
`way as external actions are accessed.
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`Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings, the
`operation of one embodiment of the invention will be
`described. If a user desires to create an arrow on a computer
`screen, he makes an appropriate demand through input
`device 114. Such a demand may comprise, for example,
`clicking on a button in a graphical user interface with a
`mouse on a particular area of a computer screen to select a
`menu item. In response to a request from input device 114,
`computer graphics application 122 determines whether the
`desired graphical image is an external shape or an internal
`shape. If it is an external shape, external shape template 330
`accesses external actions and an external symbol from a
`shape in shape library 124 that is associated with the desired
`external shape. The execution of the external actions and the
`external symbol may draw an arrow on output device 116.
`Because the external actions comprise generic action meth-
`ods 518 and the external symbol comprises generic symbol
`methods 618, the computer graphics application 122, which
`is operable to access and use generic action methods 518 and
`generic symbol methods 618, is able to produce a graphic
`image based on an external shape, even if the external shape
`was produced subsequent
`to the generation of computer
`graphics application 122.
`Therefore, the invention provides a system for the pro-
`duction of graphical images that allows shapes to be stored
`outside the computer program using the shapes. New shapes
`may be added to the system without incurring the disadvan-
`tages associated with revising the computer program.
`Furthermore, because the invention provides a program
`operable to receive a robust set of generic action methods
`518 and a robust set of generic symbol methods 618 from
`external shapes in shape library 124, the invention allows for
`the addition of shapes with capabilities not contemplated at
`the time the computer program was written. Thus, unlike
`conventional systems, the invention is not limited to utiliz-
`ing external shapes that have predetermined capabilities.
`Although the invention has been particularly shown and
`described by the foregoing detailed description, it will be
`understood by those skilled in the art that various other
`changes in form and detail may be made without departing
`from the spirit and scope of the invention.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A computerized system comprising:
`a storage medium;
`a processor coupled to the storage medium;
`a computer program stored in the storage medium, the
`computer program operable to run on the processor, the
`computer program further operable to:
`access an external shape stored outside the computer
`program,
`the external shape c