The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 28, 1998
Filed:
Jul. 19, 1996
David Wayne Glass, Georgetown, KY (US);
Michael David Hocker, Staatsburg, NY (US);
Gregory Tad Kishi, Oro Valley, AZ (US);
James Gordon McLean, Fuguay-Varina, NC (US);
Clifford Alan Pickover, Yorktown Heights, NY (US);
Daniel James Winarski, Tucson, AZ (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A method and system in a graphical user interface in a data processing system for associating and displaying a plurality of objects are described. A creation of a visually perceptible enclosure having a translucent surface is specified. A plurality of objects within the graphical user interface are specified. Each of the objects are associated with the visually perceptible enclosure. The enclosure is then created. The enclosure and each of its associated plurality of objects are displayed within the graphical user interface. Each of the objects are displayed within the enclosure so that they are partially visible through the translucent surface. The objects are inaccessible while they are displayed within the enclosure. Once the enclosure is removed, the objects are accessible. A code field may be associated with the enclosure. An entry of a valid code is required in order to remove the enclosure and permit access of each enclosed objects. If an invalid code is entered, the enclosure will continue to be displayed, and access of the enclosed objects will be prohibited.