This invention introduces a method for organizing information to be presented on a computer display automatically into an esthetically satisfying and functionally feasible display unit. The information is presented in the form of modules and the design and minimum size of each module is determined unambiguously on the basis of the module's elements and parameters including fonts, margins etc. The modules are formed automatically with the invented computer program. The invention also allows the modules to be combined into groups, which automatically assume a rectangular shape and an aesthetically uniform design. If necessary, the modules expand to cover any unused space. This method allows displays to be formed without aesthetic design work, with the additional advantage of providing a single instrument for creating all types of displays. The invention also offers an excellent tool for producing object-oriented data processing displays.

A data entry and error embedding system in which, first, a document is bitmapped and recorded in a first memory. Then, it is displayed, and portions of it to be replicated by data entry are underlayed by a window, into which window replicated data is entered in location and size such that it is juxtaposed just below that which is replicated, enhancing the accuracy of replication. Second, with this format in place, selected portions of the replicated data are altered by the insertion of character or word substitutions, thus the embedding of errors. Finally, a proofreader would endeavor to correct the error embedded data and a record of his or her changes recorded. In this manner, the skill level of the proofreader and accuracy of the data are computed.

Methods and computer programs for providing a preview capability to dialogs that include determining whether a dialog includes a preview control, and based on the determination processing dialog control commands to provide a preview capability. The methods and programs may use a dialog command manager if a dialog includes a preview control or a command manager if the dialog does not include a preview control.

An automatic program generating process uniformly generates an accurate, error-free program in accordance with an industrial technique and requires simple jobs which shorten the design and program generation time. A skeleton file stores skeletons having predetermined formats and having instruction data of fixed process items in regular job contents so as to correspond to different types of job contents. A program generating section includes a unit for reading out a skeleton of a designated format from a workstation, a unit for requesting input of predetermined instruction words in undefined instruction areas of the readout skeleton through a display unit in a predetermined order, and a program coding unit for determining that necessary instruction data are input to all the undefined instruction areas of the readout skeleton and causing an automatic coding section to code the resultant structure to obtain a program.

A computer system user interface that includes a method of accessing electronic data. The method includes displaying on a computer display screen a control window that includes a perspective view of a work area. The work area includes at least one animated icon that is movable from a closed position to a substantial continuum of open positions. Moving the icon to an open position automatically opens a window on the display screen that contains the data to be accessed. Closing the icon automatically closes the window.