A computer system (92) for providing a facility wherein a 'living document' (66) comprised of multiple pages (26), each of which contains any one of a number of different items of information (18) some of which may reflect the current value of real time data and reflect changes in the value thereof in real time. The items of information on each page are defined as to content by the user and the layout of each page in terms of position and style such as font, color, presentation type, e.g., graph (21), ticker etc., is defined by the user. The user may also set alarm limits (28) for any real time value and define scripts of commands which are to be executed in case an alarm limit (28) is exceeded. The user may also define 'buttons' (19) which may be activated graphically (21) or otherwise by the user. Associated with each button is a script of one or more commands which are executed when the button is activated. The system is designed to work in conjunction with the Teknekron Information Bus which is the subject of EPO publication 412, 232, A2, published February 13, 1991, to obtain real timme data for display (14) on the 'living document' (66).

Apparatus and method for creation of a user definable video displayed document showing changes in real time data.

A support computer controls operation of a data processing computer, the support computer includes: a video display monitor, an input device for making selections from video display monitor, and a processor. A first program runs on the processor for displaying a display screen on the monitor. The display screen includes an identification of the data processing computer or a component thereof, a status field, and a plurality of action selection categories including an action selection category used to operate the data processing computer. The first program is responsive to a selection of the action selection category to operate the data processing computer, for displaying a pull down of action functions within the action selection category. A second program runs on the processor and reads a selection made via the input device from the action selection category to activate the data processing computer and generates an activate signal. An activation program runs on the processor and directs activation of the data processing computer in response to receipt of the activate signal. A third program runs on the processor for updating the status of the data processing computer after the data processing computer is activated.

Method for operating and displaying status of a computer system

This paper describes practical design and implementation experiences gained when creating Group Support Systems (GSS) in a networked personal computer environment. Examples of GSS based on the shared context model and implemented using C, C++, and Actor languages are presented. Graphical user interfaces and multitasking extend traditional methods for supporting group work. An object-oriented communication system is introduced comprised of objects that provide support for all inter- and intraprocessor communications between the GSS applications. Multiple levels of data service are provided to maintain shared data, coordinate user views, and transmit cursor positions in a convenient and efficient manner. The applications presented not only demonstrate the viability of implementing GSS on personal computer-based systems, but also show the ability to develop complex applications in different programming environments that make use of common routines. The unique properties of the object-oriented paradigm greatly facilitate the creation and use of Group Support Systems.

Experiences with object-oriented group support software development

Systeme informatique (92) fournissant un utilitaire dans lequel un "document vivant" (66) est compose de plusieurs pages (26) qui contiennent chacune un des nombreux elements d'information (18) dont certains peuvent refleter la valeur du jour de donnees en temps reel et les variations de la valeur de ces donnees en temps reel. Les elements d'information de chaque page sont definis par l'utilisateur pour ce qui concerne le contenu et la presentation de chaque page c'est-a-dire la position et le style tels que le jeu de caracteres, la couleur, le type de presentation, par exemple, un graphique (21), un teleimprimeur, etc. L'utilisateur peut egalement fixer des limites d'alerte (28) pour n'importe quelle valeur en temps reel et defini d'instructions des sequences types qui seront executees en cas de depassement d'une limite d'alarme. L'utilisateur peut aussi definir des "boutons" (19) qui seront mis en oeuvre de maniere graphique (21) ou autre par l'utilisateur. A chaque bouton est associee une sequence type d'une ou plusieurs instructions qui sont executees lorsque ledit bouton est mis en oeuvre. Le systeme est concu pour fonctionner en association avec le bus d'information Teknekron qui a ete l'objet d'une publication EPO N° 412, 232 A2 parue le 13 fevrier 1991, concernant l'obtention de donnees en temps reel pour qu'elles s'affichent sur le "document vivant" (66).

Dispositif et procede permettant de creer un document affiche sur ecran video qui est defini par l'utilisateur et qui presente les modification apportees a des donnees en temps reel

Eines benutzerdefinierbaren, videodargestellten dokuments, das die änderungen in echtzeitdaten angibt.

The OS/2TM Presentation ManagerTM provides an integrated graphical, windowing user interface to IBM's OS/2 operating system. This paper addresses a primary area of interest for Presentation Manager application developers: the use and development of user controls. A control in the Presentation Manager environment is a program object with a programming interface and application function. The structure and interfaces between controls and the system are described in order to provide an understanding of the correct procedure for programming the Presentation Manager efficiently.

A. M. Peters

Papers

Effective application development for presentation manager programs