Document management system using multiple threaded processes and having asynchronous repository responses and no busy cursor

摘要

A document management apparatus minimizes the busy time of a cursor by using asynchronous servicing of responses from repositories, and by executing the cursor control process during time intervals between receiving responses. Also during these time intervals, other processes can be launched in response to actions using the cursor and commands initiated by the user. The apparatus has a find tool to transmit a first search request for a category of documents; processing a first response to the first request, the first response having a list of documents found in the category; and transmitting a search request for selected attribute value pairs for each document in the list. The apparatus has a display comprising: a document display for displaying a blank document screen object for each document in the list; updating a screen object corresponding to a document whose attribute is received by the apparatus, the update occurring in response to receipt of a message carrying the attribute and corresponding value.