METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING VISUAL TEXT OBJECTS USING AN OUTLINE-LIKE LAYOUT

摘要

We describe methods and systems for managing visual objects within an interactive visual interface controlled by a digital computation device. More specifically, the visual objects include text and are arranged in outline-like hierarchies. In broad terms, this invention makes it easier to interchange content among traditional documents, relational brainstorms, and chat dialogs. To accomplish this, we integrate unique combinations of user interface motifs. Some embodiments involve integrating multi-line text editing into an outlining environment. Some embodiments focus on motifs involving a draggable handle in an outline. Some embodiments focus on multi-panel outlines. Some embodiments focus on creating links that can be traversed in both directions. Some embodiments focus on detecting related or redundant content while the user is brainstorming or composing text. These motifs are integrated in various combinations to create interfaces that are more useful than when implemented in separate applications.

主权项

1. A method for managing multiple text outline interfaces that incorporate multi-line text editing, the method comprising:
providing two or more outlines within a visual interface generated by a digital computer, wherein each outline contains a nested list of visual nodes and each visual node can contain text; providing a cursor that can be positioned before or after a text character in a visual node in an outline; providing a means for editing the text within the cursor's node, where the means is similar to existing text editors; responding to an enter keystroke by splitting the cursor's data node into two adjacent data nodes, wherein the text before the cursor remains in the original node, and the text after the cursor is moved to the newly created node; providing a node handle within each visual node, wherein dragging and dropping the node handle between different outlines adds a link to the dragged node at the dropped location.