A relational database is created and queried through the use of an outliner-style text editor which permits automatic generation of data entry forms for the creation of records. Data entry and editing are simplified and errors are minimized because changes in the outline are automatically reflected in the data entry forms and thus the automatically updated records. Data retrieval is driven through the manipulation of the outline to allow simple and complex queries without utilizing a database programming language. A specialized global field is utilized in which identical field names may be repetitively inserted into several databases. In the data entry mode, a global value can be set and that value is automatically inserted into each database record containing that global field as they are created so that relations are made automatically within the various databases. In the data retrieval mode, the global field can be used to control the display of the outline to truncate the outline to only those categories and fields containing data for a specific global field value, thereby to display only relevant outline portions. A field mapper allows the operator to immediately see the changes in the outline and direct old fields to new names or positions and indicate new fields which are to be inserted into the existing records, all prior to execution of the changed outline in terms of data entry. The query mode features a continually displayed outline in an Outline Window.

A method of help-information control for displaying help information on a display unit of an information processing system executing a plurality of application programs. A status management table for storing the executing status of application programs is provided as common to these programs. During execution of a given application program, the contents of the status information table are updated successively in accordance with the executing status. Whenever an operator makes a help request, the contents of the status management table in effect at that point in time are referenced. The table is searched for the help information corresponding to the request. When found and retrieved, the information is displayed. The search is performed using a program identifier, a message identifier, and a help message searching table that includes the position information containing the corresponding help data. Each application program is equipped with a control data part that makes it possible to reference help data of other application programs.

A system is provided in a circuit switched network data transmission link between a user terminal and a host computer in instances where the terminal is connected to the network by a single telephone line and the terminal user has subscribed to a telephone company service feature such as call waiting. The system includes an interface at the terminal location between the telephone line and the terminal equipment. During a data session the interface detects a call waiting signal and generates a user signal. If the user desires to take the incoming call and suspend a data session, the interface responds to the telephone receiver being lifted off-hook and communicates through the circuit switched network with an interface at the host end of the communication. The host interface is programmed to maintain the data session at the host computer during a suspension of the communication by generating a signal simulating a terminal location signal. The terminal interface locally generates a signal indicating that the host is not ready and toggles the telephone company central office to switch the user's line to the incoming call. To resume the data session, the user places the telephone instrument on hook and the terminal interface toggles the central office to access the host interface for the purpose of resuming the data session.

A method of help-information control for displaying help information on a display unit of an information processing system executing a plurality of application programs. A status management table for storing the executing status of application programs is provided as common to these programs. During execution of a given application program, the contents of the status information table are updated successively in accordance with the executing status. Whenever an operator makes a help request, the contents of the status management table in effect at that point in time are referenced. The table is searched for the help information corresponding to the request. When found and retrieved, the information is displayed. The search is performed using a program identifier, a message identifier, and a help message searching table that includes the position information containing the corresponding help data. Each application program is equipped with a control data part that makes it possible to reference help data of other application programs.

An input device for an information terminal includes an operational experience determining device for determining the operational experience of a user in accordance with the speed of inputting data by the user to a data input screen and a display control device for changing the content on the data input screen in accordance with a result of the determination by the operational experience determining device.