Patent ID: 6195097
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for effecting user requested tasks in a distributed computing environment having a client connectable to a server, wherein a user requested task is defined by an action on an object within a hierarchical set of objects, each of which can be operated upon by one or more associated actions, the method comprising the steps of:displaying a first set of graphical indicators, wherein each graphical indicator in the first set of graphical indicators represents an object within the hierarchical set of objects, and wherein an object within the hierarchical set of objects is a selected object;displaying a second set of graphical indicators, wherein each graphical indicator in the second set of graphical indicators represents an action in the one or more associated actions that may operate upon an object representatively displayed in the first set of graphical indicators, and wherein an action in the one or more associated actions is a selected action;displaying a form containing context information associated with a first context between a selected object and a selected action, whereby the form, the first set of graphical indicators, and the second set of graphical indicators are simultaneously displayed;in response to a user selection of a graphical indicator either in the first set of graphical indicators or in the second set of graphical indicators, refreshing the context information in the form to illustrate a second context between a selected object and a selected action; andin response to a user action, processing the form to initiate execution of the user requested task.