Connected and overlapped shapes enhancements

Abstract

A method of ordering visual objects presented on a display includes comparing visual objects to be placed in an overlapping condition and determining from the comparison the order in which the visual objects are to be placed. The visual objects are re-ordered and placed in the overlapping condition in accordance with the determination. Methods of creating connecting links joining source and destination visual objects as well as overlapping object and object-connecting tools are also provided.

1 . A method of creating a connecting link joining source and destination visual objects comprising:
 determining a path for said connecting link between said source and destination visual objects; and   representing said connecting link by at least one non-line shape.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said shape provides information concerning the relationship between said source and destination visual objects. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said connecting link is represented by a plurality of spaced shapes. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said shapes are generally evenly spaced. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said shapes are the same. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said shapes are different. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising reorienting the shapes into a generally upright orientation if the shapes become inverted during manipulation of one or more of said source and destination visual objects. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said shapes are generally centered along said path. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said shapes are the same. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said shapes are different. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising reorienting the shapes into a generally upright orientation if the shapes become inverted during manipulation of one or more of said source and destination visual objects. 
   
   
       12 . An object-connecting tool for creating a connecting link joining source and destination visual objects comprising:
 means for determining a path for said connecting link between said source and destination visual objects; and   means for representing said connecting link by at least one non-line shape.   
   
   
       13 . An object-connecting tool according to  claim 12  wherein said shape provides information concerning the relationship between said source and destination visual objects. 
   
   
       14 . An object-connecting tool according to  claim 12  wherein said connecting link is represented by a plurality of spaced shapes. 
   
   
       15 . An object-connecting tool according to  claim 13  wherein said shapes are generally evenly spaced. 
   
   
       16 . A computer readable medium including a computer program for creating a connecting link joining source and destination visual objects, said computer program comprising:
 computer program code for determining a path for said connecting link between said source and destination visual objects; and   computer program code for representing said connecting link by at least one non-line shape.