User interface utilizing generic field for multiple input types

• US 9,075,786 B2
• Filed: 06/25/2012
• Issued: 07/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SAP SE
• Original Assignee: SAP SE
• Inventors: Geithner, Ralf Wolfgang
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): ERDMAN, CHAD G
• Application Number:
  US13/531,892
• Publication Number:
  US 20130346854A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,107 Days
• Field of Search: 707/805, 715/221, 715/222, 715/223, 715/224, 715/225, 715/226
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 database table including a first column comprising a plurality of available input information types corresponding to respective display fields, and a second column corresponding to a selected human language;

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 reference the database table and display a list in the selected human language of the plurality of available input information types in the single input field, wherein the interface engine displays a text of a required input information type in the list, in a manner different from an optional input information type, and displays an icon next to previously-selected input information types of the list; and

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

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

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

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

5. 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 database table including a first column comprising a plurality of available input information types corresponding to respective display fields, and a second column corresponding to a selected human language;

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 reference the database table and display a list in the selected human language of the plurality of available input information types in the single input field, wherein the interface engine displays a text of a required input information type in the list, in a manner different from an optional input information type, and displays an icon next to previously-selected input information types of the list; and

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

6. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 5 wherein the interface engine displays the required input information type in the list, in a color different from the optional input information type.

7. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 5 wherein the single input field comprises a drop arrow, and the first input comprises selecting the drop arrow.

8. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 5 wherein the user accesses the input field via a touchscreen.

9. 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 database table including a first column comprising a plurality of available input information types corresponding to respective display fields, and a second column corresponding to a selected human language;

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 reference the database table and display a list in the selected human language of the plurality of available input information types in the single input field, wherein the interface engine displays a text of a required input information type in the list, in a manner different from an optional input information type, and displays an icon next to previously-selected input information types of the list; and

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

10. A computer system 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 computer system as in claim 9 wherein the single input field comprises a drop arrow, and the first input comprises selecting the drop arrow.