US Patent 10346013 Manipulating graphical objects

A method of connecting graphical objects on a display includes associating a first portion of a connector with a first plane such that the first portion of the connector tends to remain in the first plane. The method includes receiving user input that manipulates a location of a first end terminal of the connector and/or a second end terminal of the connector. The method includes determining a first minimum number of elbows in the connector when the first portion of the connector is to remain routed in the first plane the manipulation. The method includes determining a second minimum number of elbows included in the connector when the connector does not remain routed in the first plane the manipulation. The method includes routing the first portion in the first plane unless the first minimum number of elbows is greater than the second minimum number of elbows.