Abstract: A system for testing certain attributes (i.e., performance and usability) of an interactive system program. A memory device stores data representative of interactive commands generated by a user. A device is also provided for executing an emulator overlay connected to the memory device for receiving data therefrom and modifying it in subsequent transmission. The emulator overlay has a time measuring device associated with it for determining performance of an interactive system program. A device is also provided for storing and executing an interactive system program connected to the emulator overlay. Finally, another memory device is provided for storing the data representative of system program performance. The system is capable of capturing human factors data, including screen images and associated keystrokes entered during a user session, measuring time intervals between the screen images and keystrokes, and providing such data to a system analyst to determine usability of host computer resident software.

Abstract: A reconfigurable automatic tasking system. A host system is capable of executing interactively initiated operations or tasks. A device is provided for executing a program having an interfacing program loaded therein. The interfacing program is adapted to define and to execute a task repeatedly. An interface is connected to the host system and to the device for executing a program that issues commands to and receives data from the host. An independent program is connected to the task that is defined by the interfacing program. This independent program adds generality to the interfacing program after the task has been defined.

Abstract: A system for testing certain attributes (i.e., performance and usability) of an interactive system program. A memory device stores data representative of interactive commands generated by a user. A device is also provided for executing an emulator overlay connected to the memory device for receiving data therefrom and modifying it in subsequent transmission. The emulator overlay has a time measuring device associated with it for determining performance of an interactive system program. A device is also provided for storing and executing an interactive system program connected to the emulator overlay. Finally, another memory device is provided for storing the data representative of system program performance.

Abstract: A system for presenting material in a tutorial and reference format. The system has a mechanism for capturing, creating and storing data representative of images for display to user and a mechanism for capturing, creating and storing data representative of commands for the user. A driver is connected to the storage mechanism for receiving data and for generating a simulation. The driver has a switching mechanism for selecting between a plurality of operational modes. The switching mechanism can be operated by the user at any time. A presentation device is connected to the driver for receiving and displaying the simulation.The present invention is useful for many types of subjects, but most useful for learning how to use computer and software (e.g., editors, spreadsheets, word processors).

Abstract: A method for testing host resident interactive software. The host resident interactive software is first executed while an interactive test case if captured. The test case is then executed on another version of the interactive software. The differences between the versions of the interactive software are detected and subsequently presented. Another function of the method of the present invention is to allow complete documentation of perceived errors in host resident interactive software.