User Interface Utilizing Generic Field for Multiple Input Types

• US 20130346854A1
• Filed: 06/25/2012
• Published: 12/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SAP SE
• Original Assignee: SAP AG (SAP SE)
• Inventors: Geithner, Ralf Wolfgang
• Granted Patent: US 9,075,786 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/255
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2428 Query predicate definition using graphical user interfaces, including menus and forms G06F16/2423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/174 Form filling; Merging

Abstract

A user interface features a single, generic input field configured to receive multiple types of available input information. In various embodiments, the generic input field of the interface may include a drop-down menu offering user selection from a plurality of available input types. The interface may reduce an amount of time consuming, error-prone manual activity required to navigate between, select, and enter data into multiple fields located in different regions of a screen. Embodiments may be particularly suited for interfaces with portable devices having small displays and cramped input environments (e.g. small keys, touchscreens, touchpads).

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:

providing an interface engine in communication with a stored document comprising a plurality of available input information types;

causing the interface engine to display a single input field on a screen;

in response to a first input to the single input field, causing the view engine to display a list of the plurality of available input information types; and

in response to a second input to the list, causing the interface engine to enter a particular input information type into the stored document.

2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the interface engine displays a required input information type in the list, in a manner different from an optional input information type.

3. A method as in claim 2 wherein the interface engine displays the required input information type in the list, in a color different from the optional input information type.

4. A method as in claim 1 wherein the single input field comprises a drop arrow, and the first input comprises selecting the drop arrow.

5. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stored document comprises a database.

6. A method as in claim 1 further comprising displaying an icon next to previously-selected input information types of the list.

7. A method as in claim 1 wherein the user accesses the input field via a touchscreen.

8. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium embodying a computer program for performing a method, said method comprising:

providing an interface engine in communication with a stored document comprising a plurality of available input information types;

causing the interface engine to display a single input field on a screen;

in response to a first input to the single input field, causing the view engine to display a list of the plurality of available input information types; and

in response to a second input to the list, causing the interface engine to enter a particular input information type into the stored document.

9. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 8 wherein the interface engine displays a required input information type in the list, in a manner different from an optional input information type.

10. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 9 wherein the interface engine displays the required input information type in the list, in a color different from the optional input information type.

11. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 8 wherein the single input field comprises a drop arrow, and the first input comprises selecting the drop arrow.

12. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 8 wherein the stored document comprises a database.

13. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 8 wherein the method further comprises displaying an icon next to previously-selected input information types of the list.

14. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 8 wherein the user accesses the input field via a touchscreen.

15. A computer system comprising:

one or more processors;

a software program, executable on said computer system, the software program configured to;

provide an interface engine in communication with a stored document comprising a plurality of available input information types;

cause the interface engine to display a single input field on a screen;

in response to a first input to the single input field, cause the view engine to display a list of the plurality of available input information types; and

in response to a second input to the list, cause the interface engine to enter a particular input information type into the stored document.

16. A computer system as in claim 15 wherein the interface engine displays a required input information type in the list, in a manner different from an optional input information type.

17. A computer system as in claim 16 wherein the interface engine displays the required input information type in the list, in a color different from the optional input information type.

18. A computer system as in claim 15 wherein the single input field comprises a drop arrow, and the first input comprises selecting the drop arrow.

19. A computer system as in claim 15 wherein the stored document comprises a database.

20. A computer system as in claim 15 further comprising displaying an icon next to previously-selected input information types of the list.