Inventors:
John Howard Botterill - Rochester MN
Stephen Troy Eagen - Rochester MN
Harvey Gene Kiel - Rochester MN
James Albert Pieterick - Rochester MN
Devon Daniel Snyder - Rochester MN
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY
International Classification:
G09G 508
G06F 300
Abstract:
A method and system are disclosed which permit the presentation of single and double digit selection field in a non-programmable terminal. Multiple numeric characters associated with particular textual choices are coupled to a workstation controller interface along with an identified offset within each textual choice to a selected mnemonic character. If an associated terminal display device does not support more advanced graphic elements, such as so-called "radio buttons" and underscored mnemonics, the numeric characters and textual choices are entered into a format table entry and utilized to specify a selection field within the terminal display. A single or double digit numeric indicator area is then defined within the terminal display and numeric entries within the selection field are displayed within the numeric indicator area, permitting the user to visually affirm what textual choice will be selected upon entry. A selected textual entry is then displayed utilizing highlighting or reverse video, providing a simulation of graphic entry techniques while permitting direct selection of any textual choice. If an associated terminal supports advanced graphic elements, the offset value is utilized to identify a selected mnemonic character within each textual choice and graphic input controls, such as "radio buttons" are then utilized to indicate a selection of a textual choice.