Graphical user interface check-list button control and method

• US 20020154166A1
• Filed: 04/18/2001
• Published: 10/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SAS Institute Incorporated
• Original Assignee: SAS Institute Incorporated
• Inventors: Sanders, Roger Everette, Cox, Thomas Warren
• Granted Patent: US 8,069,419 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/764
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus

Abstract

A computer-implemented method and system are provided for modifying a data list by a user within a graphical user interface. A first control is provided that operates within the graphical user interface. The first control is manipulated in order to access a second control. The second control includes the data list and allows modification of the data list after the second control is accessed.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method of modifying a data list by a user within a graphical user interface, comprising the steps of:

providing a first control that operates within the graphical user interface;

manipulating the first control to access a second control, wherein the second control includes the data list; and

modifying the data list after accessing the second control.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of storing the modified data list in a data source.

3. The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the data source is a database.

4. The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the data source consists of two or more selected from the group consisting of a database, a record source, a dynamic data item generator, and combinations thereof.

5. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the data list includes data items, the method further comprising the step of adding a new data item to the data list after accessing the second control.

6. The method as defined in claim 1 where in the data list includes data items, the method further comprising the step of deleting a data item from the data list after accessing the second control.

7. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the data list includes data items, the method further comprising the step of renaming a data item after accessing the second control.

8. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of indicating a selection status of a selected data item.

9. The method as defined in claim 8 wherein the selection status is presented proximate to the selected data item.

10. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting multiple data items and modifying as a group the selected multiple data items.

11. The method as defined in claim 10 further comprising the step of indicating the selection status of each selected data item.

13. The graphical user interface as defined in claim 12 further comprising an overview selection status box that indicates to a user whether any of the data items are selected when the second control is hidden from the user.

14. The graphical user interface as defined in claim 12 further comprising a tri-state overview selection status box that indicates to a user whether any of the data items are selected when the second control is hidden from the user.

15. The graphical user interface as defined in claim 12 further comprising an individual selection status box associated with each of data items and operative to indicate the selection status of the associated data items.

16. The graphical user interface as defined in claim 12 wherein the data items are retrieved from a data source, said data source being selected from a group consisting of a database, a record source, a dynamic data item generator, and combinations thereof.

12. A computer-implemented graphical user interface, comprising:

a first control operative within the graphical user interface;

a second control accessible through the first control; and

a plurality of data items accessible through the second control and modifiable after accessing the second control.