International Business Machines Corporation

Thomas R Anzelde

Mark Edward Molander

Zhao Lu

Oscar Llarena

Todd Michael Eischeid

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to novel techniques for showing the progress of an automated computer process, particularly through a graphical user interface (GUI). Graphical status displays are employed which show graphical time-based information, such as rate and estimated time to completion, as well as a completion portion of an automated computer process. A remaining time indicator can be shown as a time scale for the graphical completion indicator. Instantaneous and historical rate information may be graphically displayed in various novel displays.

Alternate progress indicator displays

A method is disclosed for exposing graphical user interface layout logic and parameters. The method may be used with any language or tool capable of creating a graphical user interface. The equations affecting an element's properties in the graphical user interface are exposed to the designer. The designer is able to use the equations to anticipate what value is required to make a necessary adjustment. Further, the present invention emphasizes the values adjusted by the designer as well as the results from calculating the equation, so the designer can easily see adjustments made. As the designer makes changes, the changed values may be emphasized and the corresponding affect the value had on the element may also be displayed with a corresponding emphasis. The present invention eliminates graphical user interface designer's reliance on trial-and-error methods of element control by providing the designer with the knowledge of how the element will be affected before a value is arbitrarily applied.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Thomas R Anzelde