Information management system with user data-based user interface

Abstract

Information Management System and methods providing an improved user interface (UI) are described. In particular, the present invention provides a specialized region of the user interface which comprises a world or 'landscape' which is a core representation or view of the user's own data. To render the landscape with representations of the data most important to the user, the system, at runtime, actually examines the underlying data which has been stored by the user. The system then dynamically alters the user interface at runtime to include representations of information which is important to the user. In operation, the system presents an interface comprising a background bitmap and further comprises diverse objects which are 'plugged into' the background. Each object which is plugged in is typically a completely separate object which represents particular user data which is of interest to a currently logged-on user. Multiple background bitmaps or landscapes are provided so that a user may select a preferred representation of his or her 'world' (e.g., family), including selecting completely different landscape environments (e.g., office). The system automatically adapts the objects placed on the landscape for the particular background setting which the user has chosen. Based on the user's actual data, the system regenerates the appropriate objects which are plugged into the landscape for representing the user's own data.