Importance

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Abstract

An extensible user interface in a system for handling information objects. The extensible interface allows a user to be presented with default interfaces, or viewers, for performing the basic functions of a 'data browser' application of the invention. A primary feature of the data browser user interface is to allow requests for information in the form of a one-time query, or a persistent query, on data objects. With the one-time query, the user defines one or more conditions in terms of attributes and values. The appropriate classes of objects are checked and any matching objects are identified as satisfying the query. A persistent query allows such a condition to be active at all times so that when one or more objects are created that satisfy the condition, those objects are identified as meeting the condition. Other features of the user interface allow the user to define objects and publish objects. Objects can be created or edited based on a class whose attributes are inherited. A predefined selection of menu options makes creating, editing and publishing objects simple and efficient. Access controls and settings are provided to control rights to created objects. An embodiment of the invention allows for any of six default 'viewers' that make up the basic data browser user interface to be customized, or replaced, with a viewer of the user's choice. This can be accomplished by simply naming the new viewer process in a dialogue box. Either predefined viewers can be used, or a completely new viewer can be programmed and tied into the user interface via 'call-in' and 'call-out' routines. These 'extended' viewers are swappable at run-time. The extended viewers can perform all or a portion of the functionality of the original, default, viewer.

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First Claim