Systems and methods for personalizing software programs

• US 20050273719A1
• Filed: 05/27/2005
• Published: 12/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SAP SE
• Original Assignee: SAP AG (SAP SE)
• Inventors: Ahlert, Dirk, Guenther, Christian, Kountz, Jochen
• Granted Patent: US 8,484,567 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/747
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/44505 Configuring for program initiating, e.g. using registry, configuration files

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for personalizing software programs in a computer system. In accordance with one implementation, default values for personalization data adapted to or harmonized with the individual needs or preferences of the end-user are provided to a plurality of end-users at start-up of a program. Further, two personalization levels are provided, including a first personalization level containing administrative personalization data which can be set by a system administrator, and a second personalization level containing individual personalization data, which can be set by the end-user. A data filing system for this personalization data may be of a hierarchical structure.

Claims

1. A method for personalizing software programs in a computer system, comprising:

determining default values for personalization data for a plurality of end-users at start-up of a program in the computer system, the default values being personalized individually with regard to a specific end-user such that the program started-up by the end-user runs in a fashion that is adapted to the individual needs or preferences of the end-user as determined by the personalization data; and

providing two levels of personalization, in each of which personalization data for end-users can be stored, the two levels of personalization including a first, administrative personalization level containing administrative personalization data for end-user which can be set by a system administrator, but not by the end-user, and a second, individual personalization level containing additional, individual personalization data, which can be set by the end-user, wherein the individual personalization data of the individual personalization level overrides, modifies, or limits the administrative personalization data of the administrative personalization level.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer system comprises a hierarchically-arranged personalization data filing system.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer system comprises a dialog software for the input of personalization data for end-users by the end-user and/or the system administrator, and wherein the dialog software comprises input masks.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the dialog software is a browser software for web applications.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the personalization data stored on the personalization levels comprises personalization data relating to which information is displayed to the end-user at start-up of a program.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein the hierarchical data filing system comprises nodes arranged in a tree structure, wherein at least one personalization characteristic is assigned to each node.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the tree structure comprises nodes with associated personalization characteristics, which are lower-ranking in the hierarchy than higher-ranking nodes with associated personalization characteristics such that a user program reading-out the personalization data on personalization characteristics of a certain lower-ranking node is automatically provided also with the personalization data on personalization characteristics of nodes ranking higher in the direct analytical path.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is set in a software application which personalization data is retrieved from.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the personalization data is read-out in sequential order.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the sequential order is set in the application program.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the personalization data comprises default values for certain user profiles.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the personalization data can be input by an end-user or an administrator in a personalization dialog.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein an administrator can set which personalization data can be changed individually by an end-user and/or which personalization data cannot be changed individually by an end-user.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer system comprises a tool for automatic determination of administrative personalization data.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer system comprises a tool for automatic determination of individual standard personalization data.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the automatic determination of personalization data is performed on the level of end-user authorizations.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein a time dependence associated with personalization data is stored along with personalization data.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer system comprises dynamic calculation of personalization data by means of personalization variables.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding personalization data can be stored only in the form of a single or in multiple flags.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding personalization data is stored in the form of single values, intervals or groups.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the personalized intervals or groups are resolved into their single values and stored.

22. The method according to claim 1, wherein the software application being executed reads out the stored personalization data and takes it into account in its processing.

23. The method according to claim 1, wherein the personalization data is stored in a server only, but not in the client, such that it is provided to an end-user regardless of which client he uses for logging into the computer system.

24. A computer program product that can be loaded directly into the memory of a digital computer and which comprises software used to execute the steps of a method when the computer program product is run on a computer, the method comprising:

determining default values for personalization data for a plurality of end-users at start-up of a program in the computer system, the default values being personalized individually with regard to a specific end-user such that the program started-up by the end-user runs in a fashion that is adapted to the individual needs or preferences of the end-user as determined by the personalization data; and

providing two levels of personalization, in each of which personalization data for end-users can be stored, the two levels of personalization including a first, administrative personalization level containing administrative personalization data for end-user which can be set by a system administrator, but not by the end-user, and a second, individual personalization level containing additional, individual personalization data, which can be set by the end-user, wherein the individual personalization data of the individual personalization level overrides, modifies, or limits the administrative personalization data of the administrative personalization level.

25. A computer-readable medium containing instructions for performing a method for personalizing software programs in a computer system, comprising:

determining default values for personalization data for a plurality of end-users at start-up of a program in the computer system, the default values being personalized individually with regard to a specific end-user such that the program started-up by the end-user runs in a fashion that is adapted to the individual needs or preferences of the end-user as determined by the personalization data; and

providing two levels of personalization, in each of which personalization data for end-users can be stored, the two levels of personalization including a first, administrative personalization level containing administrative personalization data for end-user which can be set by a system administrator, but not by the end-user, and a second, individual personalization level containing additional, individual personalization data, which can be set by the end-user, wherein the individual personalization data of the individual personalization level overrides, modifies, or limits the administrative personalization data of the administrative personalization level.