International Business Machines Corporation

Peter G Magid

Richard Edmond Berry

Marc A Bloomfield

Christopher A Andrew

A computer system employs a graphical user interface and pointing device to allow a user to drag icons, representing data or objects, without holding the mouse button, or other key, actively depressed. The system allows the user to select and add icons, from a displayed window, to a 'drag set'. Multiple 'drag sets' are linked to a 'lazy drag' set, the contents of which may be moved to a target location. At the target location, the user decides what operation is to be performed with the data or objects linked to the 'lazy drag' set.

Lazy drag of graphical user interface (GUI) objects

A graphical user interface, executable on a computer system, includes a first user-selectable icon, displayable on the computer system and representing an object having desired properties within the computer system. A second user-selectable icon, also displayable on the computer system, appears visually distinguishable from the first icon and likewise represents the same object. The second icon has associated therewith at least one of user-selectable command, which enables manipulation of the properties of the object upon selection thereof. The second icon may be located remotely from the first icon on the graphical user interface to provide for convenient manipulation of the object properties without having to access the first icon repeatedly.

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Boca Raton, FL, United States of America

Peter G Magid