Patent ID: 7849419
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A processor-implemented method for defining data for performing a database operation, wherein the data is defined through a plurality of user interface displays, said method comprising: displaying a first visual indicator in a first interface display defining first data, the first visual indicator providing access to a second interface display for defining second data to be used during the database operation, wherein when the first visual indicator receives focus, a first tool tip is displayed for a pre-determined amount of time, and wherein when the pre-determined amount of time has expired, the first tool tip is replaced with a preview of the second interface display that includes data and metadata for performing the database operation, the metadata including information describing data content, data context, and structure of data in a database; providing focus to the first visual indicator for the pre-determined amount of time such that the preview of the second interface is displayed, wherein the preview of the second interface display is a visual duplicate of the structure of the actual second interface display and includes both the first data that was defined through the first interface display and one or more placeholders indicating locations where data to be retrieved from the database is to be placed in the actual second interface display; and performing the database operation, wherein the database operation is performed upon receiving activation of the first visual indicator, and wherein the data content, data context, and structure of the data described in the metadata corresponding to the preview of the second interface, are replaced with actual data content, actual data context, and actual structure of the data corresponding to the actual second interface display resulting from performance of the database operation.