User input element with user input sub-elements

Abstract

The invention relates to user input elements (1) of graphical user interfaces (2) for accessing databases. To facilitate database queries, the invention provides that in a first state (S1), the user input element (1) comprises a first number of user input sub-elements (3, 4) for a user selection, wherein the user input element (1) is adapted to switch from the first state (S1) to a second state (S2) in response to one of the user input sub-elements (3, 4) being selected by the user while the user input element (1) is in the first state (S1), the user input sub-elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) being provided in the second state (S2) in a second number that is greater than the first number.

Description

[0001] USER INPUT ELEMENT WITH USER INPUT SUB-ELEMENTS

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention generally relates to user input elements of a graphical user interfaces for accessing a database, the user input element comprising user input sub-elements and being adapted to receive user input by a user selecting on of the user input sub-elements.

[0004] Moreover, the invention related to a computer implemented method for querying a database, wherein a graphical user interface with a user input element comprising user input-sub elements is provided for receiving user input by a user selecting on of the user input subelements, wherein detailed information in the database is searched on the basis of the user selection.

[0005] Further aspects of the invention concern computers that can be used with touch enabled displays and graphical user interfaces having user input elements, computer programs comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method, and computer-readable data carrier having a computer program stored thereon.

[0006] Technological Background

[0007] Graphical user interfaces are commonly used to interact with data processing devices, such as a computer having a processing unit, e.g. a processor, a display unit, e.g. a display like an LCD or OLED-display, and an input unit, e.g. a keyboard and / or a pointer device like mouse or a touchpad. User input sub-elements are selected using a pointer controlled by the pointer device, or text is entered into the user input sub-elements via the keyboard.

[0008] Another way of interacting with a computer, e.g. a mobile or smart phone or a tablet, is provided by providing the display unit with touch capability. Touch enabled display units are often interacted with by the user touching user input elements or user input sub-elements with fingertips.

[0009] Unless under very stable conditions, it remains to be surprisingly difficult to actually touch a user input sub-element, in particular if the computer is a smart phone, but also when the computer is any other computer type like a tablet or a touch enabled laptop.

[0010] As accessing databases in detail often requires selecting and e.g. touching a specific one of several user input sub-elements, accessing databases is cumbersome, in particular when the user is on the move using a portable computer like a smart phone or a tablet computer or a touch enabled laptop. Yet, providing access to a database also vis such a portable computer is aimed for.

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] In view of the above-mentioned disadvantages, an object of the invention may be to provide a user input element of a graphical user interfaces, which facilitates accessing a database, in particular on touch enabled display units.

[0013] This object is achieved according to the invention in that in a first state, the user input element provides a first number of user input sub-elements for a user selection. In a second state, the user input element provides a second number of user input sub-elements for a user selection. The second number is greater than the first number. The user input element is adapted to switch from the first state to the second state in response to one of the user input sub-elements being selected by the user while the user input element is in the first state.

[0014] For the above-mentioned method, the object is achieved in that the user input element is provided in a first state with a first number of user input sub-elements for a user. In response to one of the user input sub-elements being selected by the user while the user input element is in the first state, the user input element switches from the first state to a second state with a second number of user input sub-elements. The second number is greater than the first number.

[0015] For the computer mentioned above, the object is achieved in that the user input element is the user input element according to the invention. Additionally, for the computer program mentioned above, the object is achieved in that the method is the method according to the invention. Furthermore, for the above-mentioned computer-readable data carrier, the object is achieved in that the program is the program according to the invention.

[0016] Hence, the user input element is provided in a simple manner, in which unnecessary complexity, e.g. caused by all alternatives of a complex database query is avoided. Due to the incremental increase of complexity when transitioning from the first state to the second state, accessing the database is simplified at least in the beginning of the accessing process.

[0017] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by the embodiments mentioned in the following, which, unless explicitly mentioned to the contrary, can be combined as desired. The embodiments and their possible advantages are elaborated below: According to an embodiment of the user input element, the second number corresponds to the first number multiplied by a predetermined non-negative integer. For example, the nonnegative integer may be two, three, four, five or even greater than five.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the method, the second number is being calculated by multiplying the first number with a predetermined non-negative integer.

[0019] An advantage of this embodiment may be that even if the non-negative integer is small and e.g. two or three, the variety of the user input sub-elements increases fast enough to provide more detailed selection possibilities without unduly hindering the user when selecting one of the user input sub-elements in the second state. As an example, in case the first number is two and the non-negative integer two, the number of user input sub-elements increases from two in the first state to four in the second state.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the method, size of the user input-sub elements in the second state is being calculated essentially by dividing a size of the user input-sub elements in the first state by the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the user input element, a size of the user input-sub elements in the second state essentially corresponds to a size of the user input-sub elements in the first state divided by the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0022] An advantage of this embodiment may be that the user input element can provide more user input sub-elements in the third state than in the second state, wherein the higher amount of user input sub-elements does not require the size of the user input element to change when changing from the first to the second state, which facilitates orientation of the user using the user input element.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the user input element, in a third state, the user input element provides a third number of user input sub-elements for a user selection. The third number is greater than the second number. The user input element is adapted to switch from the second state to the third state in response to one of the user input sub-elements being selected by the user while the user input element is in the second state.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the method, in response to one of the user input sub-elements being selected by the user while the user input element is in the second state, the user input element switches from the second state to a third state with a third number of user input subelements, wherein the third number is greater than the second number. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the user can easily access further details of the database with the above-mentioned advantages.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the user input element, the third number corresponds to the second number multiplied by the non-negative integer.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the method, the third number is being calculated by multiplying the second number with the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0027] An advantage of this embodiment may be that using the same non-negative integer facilitates orientation of the user using the user input element when accessing further details of the database.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the user input element, a size of the user input-sub elements in the third state essentially corresponds to the size of the user input-sub elements in the second state divided by the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the method, a size of the user input-sub elements in the third state is being calculated essentially by dividing a size of the user input-sub elements in the second state by the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0030] An advantage of this embodiment may be that using the same non-negative integer facilitates orientation of the user using the user input element when accessing further details of the database.

[0031] For example, according to an embodiment, the user input element can be adapted to provide a first amount of user input sub-elements in an nthstate of the user input element, n for example being 1 , 2, 3, 4... , wherein the amount of the of user input sub-elements changes from the first amount to a second amount then the user input element transitions from the nthstate to the n+1ststate. The amount of user input sub-elements can correspond the non-negative integer to the power of the respective state, e.g. if the non-negative integer is two, the amount of user input sub-elements would be 2A1=2 in the first state, 2A2=4 in the second state, 2A3=8 in the third state etc. Hence, due to this heuristic, the database can be accessed swiftly in great detail.

[0032] Similarly, the size of the user input sub-elements can be changed. For example, in case the size of each of two user input sub-elements in the first state would be 0,5 arbitrary surface units, their total size would be 1 arbitrary surface units. In the second state, size of each of four user input sub-elements in the second state would be 0,25 arbitrary surface units, their total size would be 1 arbitrary surface units. Hence, the total surface of the user input sub-elements would remain the same, such that the user would not need to adapt the touch navigation to a change in total size. Further, as the total size of all user input sub-elements may remain identical for all states, the user input element may utilize the same screen part when navigating the database, which would facilitate the programming of the graphical user interface.

[0033] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] The invention is described hereinafter in more detail and in an exemplary manner using advantageous embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The described embodiments are only possible configurations in which, however, the individual features as describes above can be provided independent of one another or can be omitted in the drawings:

[0035] For elements of an exemplary embodiment, which correspond in form and / or function to elements of another exemplary embodiment, the same reference numerals are used.

[0036] Figure 1 shows as schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a user input element in a first state shown by a display unit of a computer,

[0037] Figure 2 shows the user input element of figure 1 exemplarily in a second state,

[0038] Figure 3 shows the user input element of figures 1 and 2 exemplarily in a third state,

[0039] Figures 4, 5 schematically show another exemplary embodiment of the user input element in a first and in a second state,

[0040] Figures 6 to 8 schematically show another exemplary embodiment of the user input element in a first, a second and in a third state,

[0041] Figures 9 to 11 schematically show the user input element of figures 6 to 8 in the first, the second and in the third state as exemplarily shown as being part of a graphical user interface,

[0042] Figure 12 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a computer-readable data carrier.

[0043] Figure 13 schematically shows a method for querying a database schematically as a flow diagram.

[0044] Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0045] Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a user input element 1 of a graphical user interface 2 for accessing a database. The user input element 1 comprising user input sub- elements 3, 4 and is adapted to receive user input by a user selecting on of the user input subelements 3, 4.

[0046] The graphical user interface 2 is provided by a computer 5. The computer 5 may be connectable to a display unit, via which the graphical user interface 2 can be presented to a user for accessing the database via the user input element 1 . In the exemplary embodiment of figure 1 , however, the computer 5 as such comprises a display unit 6. For example, the computer 5 may be a smartphone or a tablet computer or a laptop computer with a display unit formed as an LCD or an OLED-display.

[0047] The user input element 1 is shown in a first state S1 , in which the user input element 1 provides a first number of user input sub-elements 3, 4 for a user selection. Exemplarily, the first number is two. In particular, the first number may be greater than 1 and for example 2, 3, 4, or 5 or even greater.

[0048] The two user input sub-elements 3, 4 are separated from each other by a center line of the rectangular user input element 1. Alternatively, the two user input sub-elements 3, 4 may be separated from each other by a separation line that differs from the center line. For example, the separation line may be a diagonal line.

[0049] Figure 2 shows the user input element 1 in a second state S2, in which the user input element 1 provides a second number of user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b for a user selection. The second number is greater than the first number. For example, the second number is 4.

[0050] Thus, as shown the exemplary embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the second number may correspond to the first number multiplied by a predetermined non-negative integer, wherein the predetermined non-negative integer may be 2. In particular, the predetermined nonnegative integer may be greater than 1 and for example 2, 3, 4, or 5 or even greater.

[0051] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of figures 1 and 2, a size of selected or each of the user input-sub elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b in the second state S2 may essentially corresponds to a size of the user input-sub elements 3, 4 in the first state S1 divided by the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0052] Figure 3 shows the user input element 1 in a third state S3, in which the user input element 1 may be provided with a third number of user input sub-elements 3a1 , 3a2, 3b1 , 3b2, 4a1 , 4a2, 4b1 , 4b2 for a user selection. The third number may be greater than the second number. For example, the third number is 8. The user input element 1 may be adapted to switch from the second state S2 to the third state S3 in response to one of the user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b being selected by the user while the user input element 1 is in the second state. In particular, the third number corresponds to the second number multiplied by the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0053] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of figures 2 and 3, a size of the user input-sub elements a1 , 3a2, 3b1 , 3b2, 4a1 , 4a2, 4b1 , 4b2 in the third state S3 essentially may correspond to the size of the user input-sub elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b in the second state S2 divided by the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment of figures 1 to 3, the user input element 1 is formed with a rectangular shape, which may provide for a good usage or the display unit 5, for example in case the display unit 5 is shaped in a rectangular manner. Yet, the outer shape of the user input element 1 may differ from the shape shown in figures 1 to 3, for example in case the display unit 5 has a different shape. The shape of the user input element 1 may correspond to the shape of the display unit 5. Alternatively, the shape of the user input element 1 may differ from the shape of the display unit 5, for example to enable the graphical user interface to show further graphical elements for viewing by or for receiving input from the user.

[0055] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of figures 1 to 3, the size of selected or each of the user input-sub elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b in the second state S2 may essentially corresponds to a size of the user input-sub elements 3, 4 in the first state S1 divided by the predetermined non-negative integer. The size may be a length and / or a height. The length or height may be measured in pixels. Alternatively, the size may be a surface to be measured e.g. in pixels, in square-millimeters square-inches or in any arbitrary surface unit. As a further alternative, the size may be a predetermined percentage of the size of the graphical user interface or of an actively displaying section of the display unit.

[0056] The user input-sub element 3 may have the same size as the user input-sub element 4. The total size of the user input-sub elements 3, 4 may essentially correspond to the size of the user input element 1.

[0057] Figures 4 and 5 schematically show another exemplary embodiment of the user input element 1. The user input element 1 may have a generally triangular shape. In the shown embodiment, the shape of the user input element 1 that of an equilateral triangle.

[0058] Figure 4 exemplarily shows the user input element 1 in the first state S1 with three user input sub-elements 3, 4, 7. Hence, the first number is three in the exemplary embodiment of figures 4 and 5. The user input sub-elements 3, 4, 7 may be separated from each other by separation lines being bisectors of the inner angles of the triangular user input element 1 , wherein the separation lines may start in a corner of the triangle and may end at another one of the separation lines, e.g. at the center of the triangle.

[0059] Figure 5 exemplarily shows the user input element 1 in the second state S2 with six user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 7a, 7b. Hence, the predetermined non-negative integer is two in the exemplary embodiment of figures 4 and 5. The user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 7a, 7b may be separated from each other by separation lines being bisectors of the inner angles of the triangular user input element 1 , wherein the separation lines may start in a corner of the triangle and may end at the side of the triangle that is opposite to the corner.

[0060] Depicting the user input element 1 in the third state S3 is omitted. The user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 7a, 7b of the second state can be partitioned or divided by separation lines that extend through the intersection of the separation lines shown in figure 5, or in another way, e.g. by a separation circle whose center may correspond to the intersection of the separation lines shown in figure.

[0061] Figures 6 to 8 schematically show another exemplary embodiment of the user input element 1. The user input element 1 may have a generally round and e.g. elliptical shape. In the shown embodiment, the shape of the user input element 1 that of a circle.

[0062] Figure 6 exemplarily shows the user input element 1 in the first state S1 with two user input sub-elements 3, 4. Hence, the first number is two in the exemplary embodiment of figures 6 to 8. The user input sub-elements 3, 4 may be formed as halves of the user input element 1 and for example as half-circles.

[0063] Figure 7 exemplarily shows the user input element 1 in the second state S2 with four user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. Hence, the predetermined non-negative integer is two in the exemplary embodiment of figures 6 to 8. The user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b may be formed as quarter-circles.

[0064] Figure 8 exemplarily shows the user input element 1 in the third state S3 with eight user input sub-elements 3a1 , 3a2, 3b1 , 3b2, 4a1 , 4a2, 4b1 , 4b2. The user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b may each be formed as one eight of a circle.

[0065] The user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b of the second state S2 can be partitioned or divided by separation lines that extend through a common predetermined point of the user input element 1 and for example through the center of the circular user input element 1 as shown in figure 8, or in another way, e.g. by a separation circle whose center may correspond to the common predetermined point or the center of the circular user input element 1. Figures 9 to 11 schematically show the user input element 1 of figures 6 to 8 embedded in a graphical user interface 2. Alternatively, any of the user input elements 1 of the remaining previous embodiments may be embedded in the graphical user interface 2 shown in figures 9 to 11.

[0066] The graphical user interface 2 may comprise the user input element 1 and further graphical elements for viewing by or for receiving input from the user. For example, the graphical user interface 2 may comprise a status section 10 for providing an indication which parts of the databases are currently represented by the user input element 1 for selection. The status section 10 may comprise various icons, wherein the icon 11 representing the currently accessed part of the database can be shown larger than the other icons of the status section 10.

[0067] As shown in figures 9 to 10, even with essentially rectangular graphical user interfaces 2 or display units, round or circular input user elements 1 can be advantageous as the round or circular form may provide room for other interactive elements like graphical user elements in or close to corners of the rectangular graphical user interface 2 or display unit.

[0068] Further, the graphical user interface 2 may comprise a graphical element 12 e.g. for offering contact options after selecting a respective icon of the graphical element 12, a graphical element 13 for offering support when entering data via voice or outputting information via audio is desired, and / or a graphical element 14 for selecting the language of the graphical user interface 2. Alternatively and as sown in figure 9, the left icon of the graphical element 12 may allow access to biographical information of the user looking for a job or historical information of the business looking for an employee, e.g. for editing the biographical or historical information. The right icon of the graphical element 12 may allow access to contact information of the user looking for a job or of the business. The left and right icons may, thus, provide different functionalities and can be arranged differently and e.g. one of the icons in one corner and the other one of the icons in another corner of the graphical user interface 2.

[0069] The status section 10 may be arranged above the user input element 1 and the graphical elements 12, 13, 14 may be arranged below the user input element 1 when the graphical user interface 2 is orientated as shown in figure 9.

[0070] Figure 9 shows the user input element 1 in the first state S1 , figure 10 shows the user input element 1 in the second state S2 and figure 11 shows the user input element 1 in the third state S3.

[0071] Additionally, independent of the states S1 , S2, S3 the user input element 1 is in, the graphical user interface 2 may comprise yet another graphical element 15, via which the user can enter a place, e.g. a country, a country part like a state or region, or a city, for defining the database query.

[0072] The accessed databased exemplarily used for depicting the invention in figures 9 to 11 is a database of a placement service, i.e. for people looking for a job or for businesses looking for employees. The user input sub-elements 3, 4 in figure 9 represent two options for selecting two different subsections of the database. In the example of the placement service, the user may state whether he or she is a person looking for a job by selecting user input sub-element 3, exemplarily labeled with “Private”, or if he or she is a person representing a company or a business looking for employees by selecting user input sub-element 4, exemplarily labeled with “Business”.

[0073] After selecting one of the user input sub-elements 3, 4 in the first state S1 , the user input element 1 is shown in the second state S2 with four user input sub-element 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. For example, each of the four user input sub-element 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b represents a different type of occupation for which a job or an employee is searched. The occupation types may be shown as pictograms or icons, in case the size of the user input sub-element 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b in the second state S2 is reduced compared to the size user input sub-element 3, 4 in the first state S1.

[0074] After selecting one of the user input sub-elements 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b in the second state S2, the user input element 1 is shown in the third state S3 with eight user input sub-element 3a1 , 3a2, 3b1 , 3b2, 4a1 , 4a2, 4b1 , 4b2, e.g. representing jobs within the occupation type selected in the second state S2. For example, the user selected user input sub-element 4b representing occupations of the type construction. User input sub-element 3a1 , 3a2, 3b1 , 3b2, 4a1 , 4a2, 4b1 , 4b2 may again show pictograms or icons, representing the jobs within the occupation type previously selected.

[0075] Figure 12 exemplarily shows a computer-readable data carrier 20 in a schematic view. In the depicted example, the computer-readable data carrier 20 is on optical data carrier, e.g. a CD or a DVD or the like. The computer-readable data carrier 20 may alternatively a solid state disk, a hard disk, a thumb drive or a data package downloadable via a network, for example the internet or an intranet.

[0076] Figure 13 exemplarily shows an embodiment of a computer implemented method 30 for querying a database.

[0077] In step 31 , a graphical user interface with a user input element comprising user input-sub elements is provided for receiving user input by a user selecting one of the user input subelements, wherein detailed information in the database is searched on the basis of the user selection. In particular, in step 31 , the user input element is provided in a first state with a first number of user input sub-elements for a user.

[0078] In step 32, a user selects one of the user input sub-elements.

[0079] Consecutively and in response to one of the user input sub-elements being selected by the user while the user input element is in the first state, in step 33, the user input element switches from the first state to a second state with a second number of user input sub-elements. The second number is greater than the first number. Prior to switching the states and still in step 33, the second number may be calculated by multiplying the first number with a predetermined non-negative integer. Optionally, prior to switching the states and still in step 33, a size of the user input-sub elements in the second state may be calculated essentially by dividing a size of the user input-sub elements in the first state by a or the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0080] When the user input element is in the second state, the user may select another one of the user input sub-elements in step 34.

[0081] Consecutively and in response to one of the user input sub-elements being selected by the user while the user input element is in the second state, in step 35, the user input element switches from the second state to a third state with a third number of user input sub-elements. The third number may be greater than the second number. Prior to switching the states and still in step 35, the third number may be calculated by multiplying the second number with a or the predetermined non-negative integer. Optionally, prior to switching the states and still in step 35, a size of the user input-sub elements in the third state may be calculated essentially by dividing a size of the user input-sub elements in the second state by a or the predetermined non-negative integer.

[0082] In a consecutive step 36, the user may select another one of the user input sub-elements of the user input element being in the third state.

[0083] In response to the selection in step 36, a result of the database query may be presented, e.g. as a list on the display unit, the list for example listing open job offers or representing people looking for a job, e.g. as a link. Alternatively, the user input sub-elements may be further divided.

[0084] Reference Signs

[0085] 1 user input element

[0086] 2 graphical user interface

[0087] 3 user input sub-element 3a user input sub-element

[0088] 3a1 user input sub-element

[0089] 3a2

[0090] 3b user input sub-element

[0091] 3b1 user input sub-element

[0092] 3b2

[0093] 4 user input sub-element

[0094] 4a user input sub-element

[0095] 4a1 user input sub-element

[0096] 4a2 user input sub-element

[0097] 4b user input sub-element

[0098] 4b1 user input sub-element

[0099] 4b2 user input sub-element

[0100] 5 computer

[0101] 6 display unit

[0102] 7 user input sub-element

[0103] 7a user input sub-element

[0104] 7b user input sub-element

[0105] 10 status section

[0106] 11 status icons

[0107] 12 graphical element

[0108] 13 graphical element

[0109] 14 graphical element

[0110] 15 graphical element

[0111] 20 computer-readable data carrier

[0112] 30 method

[0113] 31 provide graphical user interface with user input element

[0114] 32 user selects user input sub-element

[0115] 33 user element switches from S1 to S2

[0116] 34 user selects user input sub-element

[0117] 35 user element switches from S2 to S3

[0118] 36 user selects user input sub-element

[0119] 37 output database query result

[0120] 51 first state

[0121] 52 second state

[0122] 53 third state

Claims

Claims1. User input element (1) of a graphical user interface (2) for accessing a database, the user input element (2) comprising user input sub-elements (3, 4) and being adapted to receive user input by a user selecting on of the user input sub-elements (3, 4), characterized in that, in a first state (S1), the user input element (1) provides a first number of user input subelements (3, 4) for a user selection, and in a second state (S2), the user input element (1) provides a second number of user input sub-elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) for a user selection, wherein the second number is greater than the first number, and wherein the user input element (1) is adapted to switch from the first state (S1) to the second state (S2) in response to one of the user input sub-elements (3, 4) being selected by the user while the user input element (1) is in the first state (S1).

2. User input element (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the second number corresponds to the first number multiplied by a predetermined non-negative integer.

3. User input element (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a size of the user input-sub elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) in the second state (S2) essentially corresponds to a size of the user input-sub elements (3, 4) in the first state (S1) divided by the predetermined non-negative integer.

4. User input element (1) according to any of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that in a third state (S3), the user input element (1) provides a third number of user input subelements (3a1 , 3a2 3b1 , 3b2, 4a1 , 4a2, 4b1 , 4b2) for a user selection, wherein the third number is greater than the second number, and wherein the user input element (1) is adapted to switch from the second state (S2) to the third state (S3) in response to one of the user input sub-elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) being selected by the user while the user input element is in the second state (S2).

5. User input element (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the third number corresponds to the second number multiplied by the predetermined non-negative integer.

6. User input element (1) according to claim 4 when depending from claim 3, characterized in that a size of the user input-sub elements (3a1 , 3a2 3b1 , 3b2, 4a1 , 4a2, 4b1 , 4b2) in the third state (S3) essentially corresponds to the size of the user input-sub elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) in the second state (S2) divided by the predetermined non-negative integer.

7. Computer (5) adapted to provide a graphical user interface (2) comprising a user input element (1), characterized in that the user input element (1) is the user input element (1) of any of claims 1 to 6.

8. Computer implemented method (30) for querying a database, wherein a graphical user interface (2) with a user input element (1) comprising user input-sub elements (3, 4) is provided for receiving user input by a user selecting one of the user input sub-elements (3, 4), wherein detailed information in the database is searched on the basis of the user selection, characterized in that the user input element (1) is provided (31) in a first state (S1) with a first number of user input sub-elements (3, 4) for a user, and in response to one of the user input sub-elements (3, 4) being selected (32) by the user while the user input element (1) is in the first state (S1), the user input element (1) switches (33) from the first state (S1) to a second state (S2) with a second number of user input sub-elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), wherein the second number is greater than the first number.

9. Method (30) of claim 8, characterized in that the second number is being calculated (33) by multiplying the first number with a predetermined non-negative integer.

10. Method (30) of claim 9, characterized in that a size of the user input-sub elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) in the second state (S2) is being calculated (33) essentially by dividing a size of the user input-sub elements (3, 4) in the first state (S1) by the predetermined non-negative integer.

11. Method (30) of any of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that in response to one of the user input sub-elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) being selected (34) by the user while the user input element (1) is in the second state (S2), the user input element (1) switches (35) from the second state (S2) to a third state (S3) with a third number of user input subelements (3a1 , 3a2 3b1 , 3b2, 4a1 , 4a2, 4b1 , 4b2), wherein the third number is greater than the second number.

12. Method (30) of claim 11, characterized in that the third number is being calculated (35) by multiplying the second number with the predetermined non-negative integer.

13. Method (30) of claim 11 when depending from claim 10, a size of the user input-sub elements (3a1, 3a2 3b1, 3b2, 4a1, 4a2, 4b1, 4b2) in the third state (S3) is being calculated (35) essentially by dividing a size of the user input-sub elements (3a, 3b, 4a,4b) in the second state (S2) by the predetermined non-negative integer.

14. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method, characterized in that the method (30) is the method of any of claims 8 to 13.

15. Computer-readable data carrier (20) having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that the computer program is the computer program of claim 14.

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