Method and apparatus for facilitating integrated icon-based operations in a data processing system.

摘要

A method and apparatus is provided for facilitating operator initiated integration of items between software objects in a graphical user interface. In this technique, the operator selects a source software object. The source software object includes data items which may be selected by the operator. During an integrated operation mode of operation, a graphical pointing device is utilized by the operator to data select items which are present in the source software object. By manipulating the graphical pointing device, the operator then selects a particular icon, which includes representative of either software objects or data processing implemented operations. The data processing system is programmed to then automatically initiate a particular data processing implemented operation which involves the recorded operator selection of the data items and the software object or data processing implemented operation which is represented by the icon selected by the operator. In some instances, a single predetermined contextual relationship exists between the selected data items and the selected icon. In that case, that particular data processing implemented operation is performed. If there is no single contextual relationship between the selected data items and the selected icon, a menu is displayed to allow the operator to select a particular data processing implemented operation which is to be performed. <IMAGE>