Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of entering of data in a data processing system. A first linear sequence of top-level icons is displayed. A second linear sequence of second-level icons for a selected one of the top-level icons is also displayed such that the position of the leading icon of the second linear sequence is aligned with the selected one of the top-level icons of the first linear sequence. At least one data entry field for a selected one of the second-level icons is also displayed.

Abstract: A system, to maintain a user interface context receives a request for a first user interface element that is hidden from view on a user interface. The request causes the system to integrate the first user interface element into the user interface by regenerating the user interface to accommodate the first user interface element while maintaining the user interface context.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to provide control center pages in a portal. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes enabling a user of a portal to navigate between control level pages and execution level pages without losing work performed in the execution level pages. The control level includes user-centric control center page(s) that provide the user with personal resources and serve as an anchor, or “home”, page.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of entering of data in a data processing system. A first linear sequence of top-level icons is displayed. A second linear sequence of second-level icons for a selected one of the top-level icons is also displayed such that the position of the leading icon of the second linear sequence is aligned with the selected one of the top-level icons of the first linear sequence. At least one data entry field for a selected one of the second-level icons is also displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of entering of data in a data processing system. A first linear sequence of top-level icons is displayed. A second linear sequence of second-level icons for a selected one of the top-level icons is also displayed such that the position of the leading icon of the second linear sequence is aligned with the selected one of the top-level icons of the first linear sequence. At least one data entry field for a selected one of the second-level icons is also displayed.

Abstract: A system, to maintain a user interface context receives a request for a first user interface element that is hidden from view on a user interface. The request causes the system to integrate the first user interface element into the user interface by regenerating the user interface to accommodate the first user interface element while maintaining the user interface context.

Abstract: Tactile feedback may be provided to a user of a computer device through a key on a computer keyboard. A method may comprise detecting a predetermined event in a computer device, and making a predetermined electronic output from the computer device to a keyboard connected to the computer device, the predetermined electronic output providing a tactile feedback to a user through a key on the keyboard. An electromagnetic device such as a linear actuator may provide the tactile feedback. A motion sensor may register key movement and produce an output that the computer device interprets as depression of the key.

Abstract: A method of modifying a user interface for displaying structured database information in two or more ordered steps in work panes of a window. The method comprises: displaying a first work pane having a first user interface pattern associated with a first of the two or more sequential steps; displaying a second work pane after display of the first work pane, the second work pane having a second user interface pattern associated with a second of the two or more sequential steps; receiving a command from a user to display the first work pane and the second work pane simultaneously; and displaying the first work pane and the second work pane in the window.

Abstract: A user interface for assisting the user in performing a task and shielding the user from complex data. The user interface includes a window on a computer screen comprising: a first pane for displaying instructions to a user regarding the task; a second pane for displaying a content form and receiving the user's input into the content form, wherein the content form displays only a subset of the available data objects relating to the task; and a third pane for displaying actions related to the task. A method for providing a user interface for performing a task is provided. The method provides a user interface including a window having: a first pane for displaying instructions to a user regarding the task; a second pane for displaying a content form and receiving the user's input into the content form; and a third pane for displaying activities related to the task.

Abstract: A method and system for disclosing to a computer user structured database information for making a decision regarding an event is described. The method comprises: alerting the user to the event; receiving a first request for the structured database information relating to the event; providing a first portion of the structured database information relating to the event; receiving a second request for additional structured database information and options relating to the event; and providing a second portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event, the second portion being larger than the first portion, the options including a mechanism for making the decision.

Abstract: A user interface for guiding a user through a sequential task requiring user interaction in a plurality of ordered steps. The user interface includes a window on a computer screen comprising: a first pane displaying an active roadmap of two or more of the ordered steps and for indicating a selected one of the two or more sequential steps; a second pane for providing a user interface pattern, the user interface pattern corresponding to the selected one of the two or more sequential steps; and a third pane for displaying one or more activities related to activities displayed in the user interface pattern.

Abstract: A user interface template for generating a computer user interface through which a user may perform a task. The user interface template includes a window on a computer screen comprising: a first pane displaying two or more view selection links, the first pane having one of the two or more view selection links selected at any point in time; a second pane displaying one content pattern selected from two or more content patterns, wherein the two or more content patterns are associated with the respective two or more view selection links and wherein the one content pattern selected is selected based on the selected one of the two or more view selection links; and a third pane displaying one or more links to activities that are directly related to the one content pattern selected from the two or more content patterns but that are not directly related to the task.

Abstract: A user interface for providing an entry point to processing a business activity. The user interface includes a window on a computer screen comprising: a first pane in the window for displaying one or more links to actions related to the business activity and for receiving a selection from a user of one of the one or more links, wherein one or more respective miniviews are associated with the one or more respective links, wherein each miniview displays structured and unstructured data corresponding to the respective link's actions; and a second pane for displaying one of the one or more miniviews associated with the selected link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of entering of data in a data processing system. A first linear sequence of top-level icons is displayed. A second linear sequence of second-level icons for a selected one of the top-level icons is also displayed such that the position of the leading icon of the second linear sequence is aligned with the selected one of the top-level icons of the first linear sequence. At least one data entry field for a selected one of the second-level icons is also displayed.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to provide control center pages in a portal. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes enabling a user of a portal to navigate between control level pages and execution level pages without losing work performed in the execution level pages. The control level includes user-centric control center page(s) that provide the user with personal resources and serve as an anchor, or “home”, page.