MECHANISM TO INPUT, SEARCH AND CREATE COMPLEX DATA STRINGS WITHIN A SINGLE DIALOG
First Claim
1. A method adapted for use with a user interface, the method comprising:
- providing a dialog box that includes a first user option to input data pertaining to a complex data string;
using data input pertaining to the complex data string to selectively verify that portions of the complex data string represent valid portions;
providing a first user option via the dialog box to employ data input pertaining to the complex data string as one or more search criteria to selectively perform a search of preexisting complex data strings;
providing search results in response to the search of preexisting complex data strings, wherein the search results are displayed within the dialog box; and
providing a mechanism via the dialog box to trigger creation of a complex data string that a user has specified via the dialog box in response to user selection of the mechanism.
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Abstract
A mechanism and accompanying method adapted for use with a user interface for manipulating complex data strings. In an example embodiment, the method includes providing a dialog box that includes a first user option to input data pertaining to a complex data string; using data input pertaining to the complex data string to selectively verify that portions of the complex data string represent valid portions; providing a first user option via the dialog box to employ data input pertaining to the complex data string as one or more search criteria to selectively perform a search of preexisting complex data strings; and providing search results in response thereto, wherein the search results are displayed within the dialog box. In a specific embodiment, the method further includes providing a mechanism via the dialog box to trigger creation of a complex data string that a user has specified via the dialog box when search results for the complex data string to be created do not include a match. The complex data string includes a Key Flex Field (KFF) code employed in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software application. Hence, mechanisms for inputting, creating, searching, and displaying complex data strings may occur within a single dialog box.
102 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method adapted for use with a user interface, the method comprising:
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providing a dialog box that includes a first user option to input data pertaining to a complex data string; using data input pertaining to the complex data string to selectively verify that portions of the complex data string represent valid portions; providing a first user option via the dialog box to employ data input pertaining to the complex data string as one or more search criteria to selectively perform a search of preexisting complex data strings; providing search results in response to the search of preexisting complex data strings, wherein the search results are displayed within the dialog box; and providing a mechanism via the dialog box to trigger creation of a complex data string that a user has specified via the dialog box in response to user selection of the mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An apparatus comprising:
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one or more processors; and logic encoded in one or more tangible media for execution by the one or more processors and when executed operable to; provide a dialog box that includes a first user option to input data pertaining to a complex data string; use data input pertaining to the complex data string to selectively verify that portions of the complex data string represent valid portions; provide a first user option via the dialog box to employ data input pertaining to the complex data string as one or more search criteria to selectively perform a search of preexisting complex data strings; provide search results in response to the search of preexisting complex data strings, wherein the search results are displayed within the dialog box; and
provide a mechanism via the dialog box to trigger creation of a complex data string that a user has specified via the dialog box in response to user selection of the mechanism.
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20. An apparatus comprising:
a digital processor coupled to a display screen and to a processor-readable storage device, wherein the processor-readable storage device includes one or more instructions executable by the digital processor to perform the following acts; providing a dialog box that includes a first user option to input data pertaining to a complex data string; using data input pertaining to the complex data string to selectively verify that portions of the complex data string represent valid portions; providing a first user option via the dialog box to employ data input pertaining to the complex data string as one or more search criteria to selectively perform a search of preexisting complex data strings; providing search results in response to the search of preexisting complex data strings, wherein the search results are displayed within the dialog box; and providing a mechanism via the dialog box to trigger creation of a complex data string that a user has specified via the dialog box in response to user selection of the mechanism.
Specification