Method for generating a display utilizing objects in an object list

Abstract

Input to the system is buffered by the forms manager to determine access to the tile/region and to check entered data. The tile/region will retain various information such as data entered, user, time, changes, etc. To display a form, the forms manager obtains a list of objects to be displayed. This list of objects is then edited to remove objects which are not utilized and to place the remaining objects in a prioritized order. The forms manager then generates the display.

1. In a computer system having input means for entering data, a plurality of objects to form an object list, data  and commands into said system by a system user, an operator display module for displaying information to said user, a memory for storing said data and instructions  commands, and processing means for performing processing operations in response to the entry of said data and said commands by said user, a method for generating a display on said operator display module comprising the steps in sequence of:
 (a) entering a command into said system by said user to display a form;  
 (b) in response to said command, using  said processing means to obtain  obtaining said object list, corresponding to said form, from said memory;  
 (c) using  in response to said command, said processing means, automatically assigning a plurality of tiles to each one of said objects, in said object list, in the following manner: at least one of said tiles being assigned to a group of said objects, and at least a second of said tiles being assigned to an individual  a single one of said objects; and  
 (d) using  said processing means, displaying said tiles on said operator display module;  
 (e) receiving a manually input object in a cell of a yet another one of said first tiles of the first form from said user;  
 (f) receiving a second command in said system from said user to display a second form having associated second tiles;  
 (g) in response to said second command, obtaining a second object list, corresponding to said second form, from said memory;  
 (h) in response to said second command, said processing means automatically associating said second tiles and said manually input object in said second object list; and  
 (i) in response to said second command, said processing means, displaying those of said second tiles on said operator display module that are associated with said manually input object received from said user, while automatically refraining from displaying those of said second tiles on said operator display module that are not associated with said manually input object.  
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step (d) comprises the steps in sequence, using said processing means, of:
 i) moving a draw point to a home position of said operator display module;  
 ii) drawing a tile of at least one object if there is an object to be drawn;  
 iii) moving said draw point to a next position of said operator display module; and  
 iv) repeating steps ii) through iii) until said tiles for all of said objects in said object list have been drawn or until a display area of said operator display module has been filled.  
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps, in sequence, between steps (b) and (c), using said processing means, of:
 (b1) in response to said command, automatically eliminating an object from said object list if said object is not currently monitored by said system;  
 (b2) in response to said command, automatically obtaining a prioritization list from said memory; and  
 (b3) in response to said command, automatically arranging said objects according to said prioritization list.  
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein in step (c) said  at least one tile  of said tiles comprises a text region and a data region. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said tiles comprises a definition comprising:
 a physical size and shape of said at least one tile;  
 an information display rule;  
 an access table for identifying system users who are granted access to said at least one tile;  
 a tile name; and  
 a storage area for retaining the respective times of entries and identification of a system user making said entries of objects into one or more regions of said at least one tile.  
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  wherein in step (c) one of said tiles has associated with it a plurality of regions, at least one of said regions comprising a plurality of objects  content, said method further comprising the step of:
 (e)(j) entering a command into said system by said user to display the contents of said at least one region; and  
 (f)(k) using said processing means, displaying a pop-up menu corresponding to said at least one region of said one tile on said operator display module.  
 
     
     
       7. In a computer system having input means for entering  enabling entry of data, a plurality of objects to form an object list, data  and commands into said system by a system user, an operator display module for displaying information to said user, a memory for storing said data and instructions  commands, and processing means for performing processing operations in response to the entry of said data and said commands by said user, a method for generating a display on said operator display module comprising the steps in sequence of:
 (a) entering  receiving a command into  in said system by  from said user to display a form;  
 (b) in response to said command, using  said processing means to obtain  obtaining said object list, corresponding to said form, from said memory;  
 (c) using  in response to said command, said processing means, automatically eliminating an object from said object list if said object is not a monitored object;  
 (d) using  in response to said command, said processing means, automatically obtaining a prioritization list, corresponding to said form, from said memory;  
 (e) using  in response to said command, said processing means, prioritizing said object list according to said prioritization list;  
 (f) using  in response to said command, said processing means, assigning  automatically associating one of a plurality of tiles to  with each one of said objects to be displayed in said object list, in the following manner: at least one of said tiles being assigned to  associated with a group of said objects, and at least a second of said tiles being assigned to an individual  associated with a single one of said objects; and  
 (g) using  said processing means, displaying said tiles on said operator display module.  
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7  where step (g) comprises the steps in sequence, using said processing means, of:
 i) moving a draw point to a home position of said operator display module;  
 ii) drawing a tile of at least one object if there is an object to be drawn;  
 iii) moving said draw point to a next position of said operator display module; and  
 iv) repeating steps ii) through iii) until said tiles for all of said objects in said object list have been drawn or until a display area of said operator display module has been filled.  
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7  wherein in step (c)  (f) said at least one tile  of said tiles comprises a text region and a data region. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 7  wherein at least one of said tiles comprises a definition comprising:
 a physical size and shape of said at least one tile;  
 an information display rule;  
 an access table for identifying system users who are granted access to said at least one tile;  
 a tile name; and  
 a storage area for retaining the respective times of entries and identification of a system user making said entries of objects into one or more regions of said at least one tile.  
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 7  wherein in step (c)  (f) one of said tiles has associated with it a plurality of regions, at least one of said regions comprising a plurality of objects  content, said method further comprising the step of:
 (e)( 1 ) entering a command into said system by said user to display the contentscontent of said at least one region; and  
 (f)( 2 ) using said processing means, displaying a pop-up menu corresponding to said at least one region of said one tile on said operator display module.  
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1  wherein step (d) further comprises the step of, in response to said command, said processing means automatically refraining from displaying on said operator display module at least one of said tiles that is without any of said objects. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12  wherein a shape associated with said form displayed on said operator display module is based upon said displayed tiles as well as those of said tiles that are not displayed for lack of any of said objects. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1  wherein said input means comprises a keyboard, mouse, trackball, joy stick, roller ball, or touch sensitive screen. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1  wherein said objects are text, numerals, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said objects comprises at least one of the following: a heart rate, a blood pressure, a temperature, and a respiration rate. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said tiles is a window. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 1  wherein said operator display module is a cathode ray tube or a flat panel display. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 1  wherein each of said tiles has a definable corresponding size and shape. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 1  wherein each of said tiles has an identifier with which it can be referenced, said identifier being one of the following: a name and a number. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of enabling a security measure by the steps of:
 enabling said user to enter data in a first cell of said form; and    preventing said user from entering data in a second cell of said form.   
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically recording an identity of said user that entered said data.   
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically recording a time when said user entered said data.   
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving new data in a first cell of said form that changes original data in said first cell; and    retaining said original data along with said new data.   
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 24  further comprising the steps of:
 displaying said new data and said original data; and    visually distinguishing said new data and said original data with at least one of the following: a marker, color difference, and flashing display.   
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form;    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically performing a data integrity check upon said data to determine if said data is outside a range; and    alerting said user of an error based upon said data integrity check.   
     
     
       27. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a command from said user to select a first cell; and    displaying a menu of possible actions that may be undertaken in said first cell.   
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 27  wherein said possible actions comprise at least one of the following: making an entry into said first cell, changing data in said first cell, and showing details associated with said first cell. 
     
     
       29. In a computer system having input means for enabling entry of data, a plurality of objects to form an object list, and commands into said system by a system user, an operator display module for displaying information to said user, a memory for storing said data and commands, and processing means for performing processing operations in response to the entry of said data and said commands by said user, a method of generating a display on said operator display module comprising the steps in sequence of:
 (a) receiving a command in said system from said user to display a form, said form having a plurality of tiles, each of the tiles having at least one cell capable of facilitating entry of an object by the system user;    (b) in response to said command, said processing means obtaining said object list, corresponding to said form, from said memory;    (c) in response to said command, said processing means, automatically associating one of said plurality of tiles with each one of said objects in said object list, in the following manner: at least a first one of said tiles being associated with a group of said objects, and at least a second one of said tiles being associated with a single one of said objects;    (d) in response to said command, said processing means, displaying said tiles on said operator display module that contain objects and automatically refraining from displaying on said operator display module at least one of said tiles that is without any of said objects.   
     
     
       30. The method of  claim 29  wherein said input means comprises a keyboard, mouse, trackball, joy stick, roller ball, or touch sensitive screen. 
     
     
       31. The method of  claim 29  wherein said objects correspond to text, numerals, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       32. The method of  claim 29  wherein at least one of said objects comprises a vital sign. 
     
     
       33. The method of  claim 29  wherein at least one of said objects comprises lab information. 
     
     
       34. The method of  claim 29  wherein at least one of said objects comprises at least one of the following: a heart rate, a blood pressure, a temperature, and a respiration rate. 
     
     
       35. The method of  claim 29  wherein at least one of said tiles is a window to be displayed. 
     
     
       36. The method of  claim 29  wherein said operator display module is a cathode ray tube or a flat panel display. 
     
     
       37. The method of  claim 29  wherein a shape associated with said form displayed on said operator display module is based upon said displayed tiles as well as those of said tiles that are not displayed for lack of any of said objects. 
     
     
       38. The method of  claim 29  wherein each of said tiles has a definable corresponding size and shape. 
     
     
       39. The method of  claim 29  wherein each of said tiles has an identifier with which it can be referenced, said identifier being one of the following: a name and a number. 
     
     
       40. The method of  claim 29  further comprising the steps of:
 enabling said user to enter data in a first cell of said form; and    preventing said user from entering data in a second cell of said form.   
     
     
       41. The method of  claim 29  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically recording an identity of said user that entered said data.   
     
     
       42. The method of  claim 29  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically recording a time when said user entered said data.   
     
     
       43. The method of  claim 29  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving new data in a first cell of said form that changes original data in said first cell; and    retaining said original data along with said new data.   
     
     
       44. The method of  claim 43  further comprising the steps of:
 displaying said new data and said original data; and    visually distinguishing said new data and said original data with at least one of the following: a marker, color difference, and flashing display.   
     
     
       45. The method of  claim 29  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form;    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically performing a data integrity check upon said data to determine if said data is outside a range; and    alerting said user of an error based upon said data integrity check.   
     
     
       46. The method of  claim 29  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a command from said user to select a first cell; and    displaying a menu of possible actions that may be undertaken in connection with said first cell.   
     
     
       47. The method of  claim 46  wherein said possible actions comprise at least one of the following: making an entry into said first cell, changing data in said first cell, and showing details associated with said first cell. 
     
     
       48. In a computer system having input means for enabling entry of data, a plurality of objects to form an object list, and commands into said system by a system user, an operator display module for displaying information to said user, a memory for storing said data and commands, and processing means for performing processing operations in response to the entry of said data and said commands by said user, a method of generating a display on said operator display module comprising the steps of:
 ( 1 ) the steps in sequence of: 
 (a) receiving a command in said system from said user to display a first form, said first form having a plurality of first tiles, each of the first tiles having at least one cell capable of facilitating entry of an object by the system user;  
 (b) in response to said command, said processing means obtaining a first object list, corresponding to said first form, from said memory;  
 (c) in response to said command, said processing means, automatically associating one of said plurality of first tiles with each one of said objects in said first object list, in at least the following manner: at least one of said first tiles being associated with a group of said objects, and at least another one of said first tiles being associated with a single one of said objects;  
 (d) said processing means, displaying said first tiles on said operator display module that contain objects; and  
   ( 2 ) the further steps of: 
 (i) receiving a manually input object from said user in a cell of one of said displayed first tiles of the first form and a second command to display a second form, said manually input object being associated with said second form; and  
 (ii) in response to said second command, said processing means, displaying on said operator display module said second form with said manually input object and those tiles associated with said manually input object, while automatically refraining from displaying on said operator display module any tiles that are not associated with said manually input object. 
   
     
     
       49. The method of  claim 48  wherein said input means comprises a keyboard, mouse, trackball, joy stick, roller ball, or touch sensitive screen. 
     
     
       50. The method of  claim 48  wherein said objects correspond to text, numerals, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       51. The method of  claim 48  wherein at least one of said objects comprises a vital sign. 
     
     
       52. The method of  claim 48  wherein at least one of said objects comprises lab information. 
     
     
       53. The method of  claim 48  wherein at least one of said objects comprises at least one of the following: a heart rate, a blood pressure, a temperature, and a respiration rate. 
     
     
       54. The method of  claim 48  wherein at least one of said tiles is a window to be displayed. 
     
     
       55. The method of  claim 48  wherein said operator display module comprises a cathode ray tube or a flat panel display. 
     
     
       56. The method of  claim 48  wherein a shape associated with said form displayed on said operator display module is based upon said displayed tiles as well as those of said tiles that are not displayed for lack of any of said objects. 
     
     
       57. The method of  claim 48  wherein each of said tiles has a definable corresponding size and shape. 
     
     
       58. The method of  claim 48  wherein each of said tiles has an identifier with which it can be referenced, said identifier being one of the following: a name and a number. 
     
     
       59. The method of  claim 48  further comprising the steps of:
 enabling said user to enter data in a first cell of said form; and    preventing said user from entering data in a second cell of said form.   
     
     
       60. The method of  claim 48  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically recording an identity of said user that entered said data.   
     
     
       61. The method of  claim 48  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically recording a time when said user entered said data.   
     
     
       62. The method of  claim 48  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving new data in a first cell of said form that changes original data in said first cell; and    retaining said original data along with said new data.   
     
     
       63. The method of  claim 62  further comprising the steps of:
 displaying said new data and said original data; and    visually distinguishing said new data and said original data with at least one of the following: a marker, color difference, and flashing display.   
     
     
       64. The method of  claim 48  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form;    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically performing a data integrity check upon said data to determine if said data is outside a range; and    alerting said user of an error based upon said data integrity check.   
     
     
       65. The method of  claim 48  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a command from said user to select a first cell; and    displaying a menu of possible actions that may be undertaken in connection with said first cell.   
     
     
       66. The method of  claim 65  wherein said possible actions comprise at least one of the following: making an entry into said first cell, changing data in said first cell, and showing details associated with said first cell. 
     
     
       67. In a computer system having (a) input means for enabling entry of data and commands into said system by a system user, said data including a plurality of objects to form an object list, (b) an operator display module for displaying information to said user, (c) a memory for storing said data and commands, and (d) processing means for performing processing operations in response to said entry of said data and said commands by said user, a method of generating a display on said operator display module, comprising the steps in sequence of:
 ( 1 ) receiving a command in said system from said user to display a form;    ( 2 ) in response to said command, said processing means obtaining said object list, corresponding to said form, from said memory;    ( 3 ) in response to said command, the processing means, automatically associating each one of said objects in said object list with one of a plurality of tiles in the following manner: 
 (i) a group of objects comprising some but not all of said objects in said object list is associated with a first tile; and  
 (ii) an object in said object list that is not a part of said group of objects is associated with a second tile; and  
   ( 4 ) the processing means, displaying said tiles on said operator display module, wherein, in response to said command, the processing means automatically refrains from displaying on said operator display module at least one of said tiles that is without any of said objects.   
     
     
       68. The method of  claim 67 , wherein the step ( 3 ) of associating further comprises the step of (iii) associating at least one other object, in addition to said object, in said object list that is not a part of the said group with said second tile. 
     
     
       69. The method of  claim 67  wherein said input means comprises a keyboard, mouse, trackball, joy stick, roller ball, or touch sensitive screen. 
     
     
       70. The method of  claim 67  wherein said objects correspond to text, numerals, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       71. The method of  claim 67  wherein at least one of said objects comprises a vital sign. 
     
     
       72. The method of  claim 67  wherein at least one of said objects comprises lab information. 
     
     
       73. The method of  claim 67  wherein at least one of said objects comprises at least one of the following: a heart rate, a blood pressure, a temperature, and a respiration rate. 
     
     
       74. The method of  claim 67  wherein at least one of said tiles is a window to be displayed. 
     
     
       75. The method of  claim 67  wherein said operator display module is a cathode ray tube or a flat panel display. 
     
     
       76. The method of  claim 67  wherein a shape associated with said form displayed on said operator display module is based upon said displayed tiles as well as those of said tiles that are not displayed for lack of any of said objects. 
     
     
       77. The method of  claim 67  wherein each of said tiles has a definable corresponding size and shape. 
     
     
       78. The method of  claim 67  wherein each of said tiles has an identifier with which it can be referenced, said identifier being one of the following: a name and a number. 
     
     
       79. The method of  claim 67  further comprising the steps of:
 enabling said user to enter data in a first cell of said form; and    preventing said user from entering data in a second cell of said form.   
     
     
       80. The method of  claim 67  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically recording an identity of said user that entered said data.   
     
     
       81. The method of  claim 67  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically recording a time when said user entered said data.   
     
     
       82. The method of  claim 67  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving new data in a first cell of said form that changes original data in said first cell; and    retaining said original data along with said new data.   
     
     
       83. The method of  claim 82  further comprising the steps of:
 displaying said new data and said original data; and    visually distinguishing said new data and said original data with at least one of the following: a marker, color difference, and flashing display.   
     
     
       84. The method of  claim 67  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form;    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, said processing means automatically performing a data integrity check upon said data to determine if said data is outside a range; and    alerting said user of an error based upon said data integrity check.   
     
     
       85. The method of  claim 67  further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a command from said user to select a first cell; and    displaying a menu of possible actions that may be undertaken in connection with said first cell.   
     
     
       86. The method of  claim 85  wherein said possible actions comprise at least one of the following: making an entry into said first cell, changing data in said first cell, and showing details associated with said first cell. 
     
     
       87. A computer system, comprising:
 (a) input means for enabling entry of data and commands into said system by a system user, said data including a plurality of objects forming an object list;    (b) display means for displaying information to said user;    (c) memory means for storing said data and said commands;    (d) processing means for performing processing operations in response to the entry of said data and said commands by said user, said processing means for generating a display on said operator display module;    (e) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for receiving a command from said user to display a form;    (f) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for, in response to said command, obtaining said object list, corresponding to said form, from said memory;    (g) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for, in response to said command, automatically associating one of a plurality of tiles with each one of said objects in said object list, in at least the following manner: 
 ( 1 ) for associating at least a first one of said tiles to a group of said objects; and  
 ( 2 ) for associating at least a second one of said tiles to a single one of said objects;  
   (h) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for displaying said first and second tiles on said operator display module;    (i) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for, in response to said command, automatically eliminating an object from said object list if said object is not currently monitored by said system;    (j) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for, in response to said command, automatically objecting a prioritization list from said memory; and    (k) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for, in response to said command, automatically arranging said objects according to said prioritization list.   
     
     
       88. The system of  claim 87  wherein said means (h) further comprises:
 (i) means for moving a draw point to a home position of said operator display module;    (ii) means for drawing a tile of at least one object if there is an object to be drawn;    (iii) means for moving said draw point to a next position of said operator display module; and    (iv) means for repeating steps (ii) through (iii) until said tiles for all of said objects in said object list have been drawn or until a display area of said operator display module has been filled.   
     
     
       89. The system of  claim 87  wherein at least one tile comprises a text means and a data means. 
     
     
       90. The system of  claim 87  wherein at least one of said tiles comprises a definition means comprising:
 means for defining a physical size and shape of said at least one tile;    means for defining an information display rule;    means for defining an access table for identifying system users who are granted access to said at least one tile;    means for defining a tile name; and    a storage means for retaining the respective times of entries and identification of a system user making said entries of objects into one or more regions of said at least one tile.   
     
     
       91. The system of  claim 87  wherein one of said tiles has associated with it a plurality of regions, at least one of said regions comprising content, and further comprising:
 (l) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for receiving a command to display the content of said at least one region; and    (m) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for displaying a pop-up menu corresponding to said at least one region of said one tile on said operator display module.   
     
     
       92. The system of  claim 87  further comprising means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for, in response to said command, automatically refraining from displaying on said operator display module at least one of said tiles that is without any of said objects. 
     
     
       93. The system of  claim 87  wherein said input means comprises a keyboard, mouse, trackball, joy stick, roller ball, or touch sensitive screen. 
     
     
       94. The method of  claim 87  wherein said objects are text, numerals, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       95. The method of  claim 87  wherein at least one of said objects comprises a vital sign. 
     
     
       96. The method of  claim 87  wherein at least one of said objects comprises lab information. 
     
     
       97. The system of  claim 87  wherein at least one of said objects comprises at least one of the following: a heart rate, a blood pressure, a temperature, and a respiration rate. 
     
     
       98. The system of  claim 87  wherein at least one of said tiles is a window. 
     
     
       99. The system of  claim 87  wherein said operator display means comprises a cathode ray tube or a flat panel display. 
     
     
       100. The system of  claim 87  wherein a shape associated with said form displayed on said operator display module is based upon said displayed tiles as well as those of said tiles that are not displayed for lack of any of said objects. 
     
     
       101. The system of  claim 87  wherein each of said tiles has a definable corresponding size and shape. 
     
     
       102. The system of  claim 87  wherein each of said tiles has an identifier with which it can be referenced, said identifier being one of the following: a name and a number. 
     
     
       103. The system of  claim 87  further comprising:
 (l) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for enabling said user to enter data in a first cell of said form; and    (m) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for preventing said user from entering data in a second cell of said form.   
     
     
       104. The system of  claim 87  further comprising:
 (l) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    (m) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for, in response to receiving said data in said first cell, automatically recording an identity of said user that entered said data.   
     
     
       105. The system of  claim 87  further comprising the steps of:
 (l) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    (m) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for, in response to receiving said data in said first cell, automatically recording a time when said user entered said data.   
     
     
       106. The system of  claim 87  further comprising:
 (l) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for receiving new data in a first cell of said form that changes original data in said first cell; and    (m) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for retaining said original data along with said new data.   
     
     
       107. The system of  claim 106  further comprising:
 (n) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for displaying said new data and said original data; and    (o) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for visually distinguishing said new data and said original data with at least one of the following: a marker, color difference, and flashing display.   
     
     
       108. The system of  claim 87  further comprising:
 (l) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for receiving data in a first cell of said form;    (m) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for, in response to receiving said data in said first cell, automatically performing a data integrity check upon said data to determine if said data is outside a range; and    (n) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for alerting said user of an error based upon said data integrity check.   
     
     
       109. The system of  claim 87  further comprising:
 (l) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for receiving a command from said user to select a first cell; and    (m) means, stored in said memory and to be executed by said processing means, for displaying a menu of possible actions that may be undertaken in said first cell.   
     
     
       110. The system of  claim 109  wherein said possible actions comprise at least one of the following: making an entry into said first cell, changing data in said first cell, and showing details associated with said first cell. 
     
     
       111. A computer system, comprising:
 (a) an input device designed to enable entry of data and commands into said system by a system user, said data including a plurality of objects forming an object list;    (b) a display designed to display information to said user;    (c) a memory designed to store said data and said commands;    (d) a processor designed to perform processing operations in response to entry of said data and said commands by said user, said processing programmed to perform the steps in sequence of: 
 ( 1 ) receiving a command from said user to display a form;  
 ( 2 ) in response to said command, obtaining said object list, corresponding to said form, from said memory;  
 ( 3 ) in response to said command, automatically associating one of a plurality of tiles with each one of said objects in said object list, in at least the following manner: associating at least a first one of said tiles to a group of said objects; and associating at least a second one of said tiles to a single one of said objects; and  
 ( 4 ) displaying said first and second tiles on said operator display module, wherein said processor is programmed to perform, in response to said command, automatically refraining from displaying on said display module at least one of said tiles that is without any of said objects. 
   
     
     
       112. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein said input device comprises a keyboard, mouse, trackball, joy stick, roller ball, or touch sensitive screen. 
     
     
       113. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein said objects correspond to text, numerals, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       114. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein at least one of said objects comprises at least one of the following: a heart rate, a blood pressure, a temperature, and a respiration rate. 
     
     
       115. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein at least one of said tiles is a window to be displayed. 
     
     
       116. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein said display is a cathode ray tube or a flat panel display. 
     
     
       117. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein a shape associated with said form displayed on said display is based upon said displayed tiles as well as those of said tiles that are not displayed for lack of any of said objects. 
     
     
       118. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein each of said tiles has a definable corresponding size and shape. 
     
     
       119. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein each of said tiles has an identifier with which it can be referenced, said identifier being one of the following: a name and a number. 
     
     
       120. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein said processor is programmed to perform the steps of:
 enabling said user to enter data in a first cell of said form; and    preventing said user from entering data in a second cell of said form.   
     
     
       121. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein said processor is programmed to perform the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, automatically recording an identity of said user that entered said data.   
     
     
       122. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein said processor is programmed to perform the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form; and    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, automatically recording a time when said user entered said data.   
     
     
       123. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein said processor is programmed to perform the steps of:
 receiving new data in a first cell of said form that changes original data in said first cell; and    retaining said original data along with said new data.   
     
     
       124. The computer system of  claim 123 , wherein said processor is programmed to perform the steps of:
 displaying said new data and said original data; and    visually distinguishing said new data and said original data with at least one of the following: a marker, color difference, and flashing display.   
     
     
       125. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein said processor is programmed to perform the steps of:
 receiving data in a first cell of said form;    in response to receiving said data in said first cell, automatically performing a data integrity check upon said data to determine if said data is outside a range; and    alerting said user of an error based upon said data integrity check.   
     
     
       126. The computer system of  claim 111  wherein said processor is programmed to perform the steps of:
 receiving a command from said user to select a first cell; and    displaying a menu of possible actions that may be undertaken in connection with said first cell.   
     
     
       127. The computer system of  claim 126  wherein said possible actions comprise at least one of the following: making an entry into said first cell, changing data in said first cell, and showing details associated with said first cell.