Computer implemented method and system for a user search interface

• US 20060026145A1
• Filed: 07/19/2005
• Published: 02/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SAP SE
• Original Assignee: SAP AG (SAP SE)
• Inventors: Beringer, Joerg, Nieves, Sandra
• Granted Patent: US 8,527,499 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus

Abstract

A computer implemented method for providing a user interface, the method including: providing an interface generator for generating a user interface, the user interface allowing a user to perform a search within a business object or within business objects in a business situation, using a combination of searching using one or more key words and browsing in accordance with predefined options.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method for providing a user interface, the method including:

providing an interface generator for generating a user interface, the user interface allowing a user to perform a search within a business object or within business objects in a business situation, using a combination of searching using one or more key words and browsing in accordance with predefined options.

2. A method according to claim 1, including the user interface displaying a plurality of instantiated contexts including an active context related to the business situation and restricting the search range to the active context.

3. A method according to claim 2, including restricting the search to a contextual floor plan which comprises the plurality of instantiated contexts.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the business objects are grouped in object classes, the user interface allowing direct access to the object classes.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the user interface includes a launcher and a plurality of object class links, which links to the object classes, respectively.

6. A method according to claim 5, including displaying one or more favorites by clicking on an object class link in the launcher.

7. A method according to claim 5, including displaying recently used instantiated contexts by clicking on an object class link in the launcher.

8. A method according to claim 3, including refining the search by guiding at least one of the search and browse.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the business context is displayed by the interface in a view mode and/or an action mode, the modes providing a specific view on the business context or a specific action in the business context, and wherein the interface provides browsing between different business contexts.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the view mode regards an object centric view mode and/or a process centric view mode.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the action mode provides an activity centric view of context specific activities and/or ad hoc activities to be performed in the context.

12. A user terminal comprising means operable to perform the method of claim 1.

13. A computer readable storage medium storing a program which when run on a computer controls the computer to perform the method of claim 1.