Apparatus and method for creating diagrams

Abstract

An apparatus in a computer for creating a diagram, which may include a plurality of symbols. The apparatus includes a graphical controller, which is associated with a symbol of the aforementioned diagram that is 'selected.' In one embodiment, the graphical controller includes a connector graphical controller for creating a first connector, which is coupled to the aforementioned selected symbol. Further, the graphical controller includes a symbol graphical controller for creating a new symbol, which new symbol is coupled to the aforementioned selected symbol by a second connector. The symbol graphical controller and the connector graphical controller are visually distinct from one another on the display screen so that the user may easily select either of the two for drawing diagram objects. In another embodiment, the invention further creates a temporary version of the aforementioned new symbol when the symbol graphical controller is held by the pointing device of the computer. The temporary version of the new symbol is advantageously capable of being moved around the computer display screen responsive to movement of the pointing device while the temporary version of the new symbol is held by the pointing device. To make the temporary version of the new symbol permanent into the aforementioned new symbol, users may release the temporary version of the new symbol at a user selected location on the display screen.