Palette Window Thumbnail Tracking for Data Object Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clipboard functionality in graphical computer applications is limited, allowing only the most recent data object to be easily accessed and stored, with duplicates remaining in the clipboard and requiring users to manually select and copy data for each operation, lacking the ability to individually retrieve multiple copied sections.
Innovation Solution
A method of tracking data objects using a palette window with thumbnails, where data objects are stored in workspace and palette memory with unique attributes, allowing for the generation of thumbnails that represent data objects and enable their placement and modification on a workspace window, and sorting based on tool type and history attributes for efficient access and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple data objects are copied to the clipboard, then the quantity of stored data objects increases, but only the most recent item is accessible and duplicates cannot be individually retrieved
Solution Approach 1:
The clipboard is segmented into multiple independent slots (first clipboard slot, second clipboard slot, etc.) rather than a single stack. Each slot can store a different data object independently, allowing users to access any individual item directly without retrieving through a stack structure. This segmentation enables both multiple data objects to be stored and individually accessed simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If a palette window with thumbnails is generated, then quick access to multiple data objects is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thumbnail copies of the actual data objects are generated and displayed in the palette window. These thumbnails are simplified visual representations that allow users to identify and select data objects quickly without manipulating the full complex objects. The system maintains both the original data objects in clipboard slots and their thumbnail representations in the palette, enabling fast visual access while preserving the integrity of the original data.
3Reliability
If manual selection and copying processes are required for each data object, then data integrity is maintained, but the time required for data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically storing multiple data objects in separate clipboard slots and generating their thumbnail representations in the palette window before the user needs to access them. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for manual selection and copying operations at the time of use, significantly reducing data management time while maintaining data integrity through structured storage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of tracking data objects is provided in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The method includes the step of storing in a workspace memory a first data object having first data object attributes. The method includes the step of storing in a palette memory the first data object where the first data object attributes do not match all attributes of any preexisting data object stored in the palette memory. The method includes the step of generating on a workspace window the first data object. The first data object is in accordance with the first data object attributes. The method includes the step of generating on a palette window a first thumbnail. The first thumbnail is a depiction of the first data object scaled to a predetermined size. A method for using a graphical computer application is also providing according to another aspect of the invention.