Method and apparatus for physically manifesting costume objects in a flexible manner in an object-oriented computer environment

摘要

A flexible system for changing the physical manifestation of an object in an object-oriented computer environment. An object to be manifested, denominated a "costume" object, is associated with a target object having a corresponding physical appearance. The costume object accepts a physical manifestation request and responds by transmitting to the target object a message requesting that the target object manifest itself. The target manifestation request message includes parameter values specifying the on-screen location and other properties of the costume object. In this fashion, the costume object can present itself wearing the appearance or "costume" of the target object.