Abstract: A system and method for guiding a user in building a query are disclosed. The method includes providing an interaction space in which a user formulates a query using a plurality of query building blocks selected from a predefined set of query building blocks. The user's formulation of the query is guided. Guiding selection of at least a next building block is provided by at least one of a content-based mechanism which limits the selection of the next building block to those which will yield at least one result from an indexed collection of documents, a structure-based selection mechanism which limits the selection of the next building block to those which meet a predefined grammar, and a usage-based selection mechanism which proposes a next building block based on patterns of building blocks used in building prior queries. Each of these guidance mechanisms may be provided with the result that the next block proposed is informed by each of the mechanisms.

Abstract: A system and a method for linking textual and physical concepts are disclosed. The method includes extracting candidate phrases from a knowledge base for a device, the candidate phrases including noun phrases. A set of candidate concepts is generated, based on the extracted noun phrases. Provision is made, e.g., on a graphical user interface, for a user to generate mapped concepts for physical components of the device by selecting, for each concept to be mapped, a physical component shown in a graphical representation of the device and at least one of the candidate concepts which is to be linked to that physical component. The knowledge base is indexed, based on the mapped concepts. In this way, textual expressions in the knowledge base are linked to a respective physical component through one of the mapped concepts.

Abstract: A system for pairing two devices includes a monitoring system and a server. The monitoring system receives a request made by a local submitter, such as servicing device or a technician operating the servicing device, for accessing diagnostic data of the monitoring system. The monitoring system initiates a request made to the server for connecting the monitoring system with the servicing device. The server generates pairing information and transmits the pairing information to the monitoring system. The server determines that a pairing key is received as input at the servicing device and/or monitored device and determines if the pairing key matches the pairing identification. If the server determines that there is a match, the server relays diagnostic data received from the monitoring system to the servicing device.

Abstract: A system and method for contextualizing operating procedures are provided. A set of procedures is provided, each including text describing user actions which are to be performed on a physical device to implement the procedure. A device model refers to components of the device on which user actions are performable and provides state charts which link an action performable on the respective component with states assumed by it. The text of each procedure is segmented to form a sequence of steps. Each step includes an action to be performed on one of the components of the device that is referred to in the device model. When a request for one of the procedures is received, the corresponding sequence of instruction steps is retrieved. A current one of the instruction steps is contextualized, based on device data received from the device and the state chart of the respective component.

Abstract: A system and method for contextualizing operating procedures are provided. A set of procedures is provided, each including text describing user actions which are to be performed on a physical device to implement the procedure. A device model refers to components of the device on which user actions are performable and provides state charts which link an action performable on the respective component with states assumed by it. The text of each procedure is segmented to form a sequence of steps. Each step includes an action to be performed on one of the components of the device that is referred to in the device model. When a request for one of the procedures is received, the corresponding sequence of instruction steps is retrieved. A current one of the instruction steps is contextualized, based on device data received from the device and the state chart of the respective component.

Abstract: A system for pairing two devices includes a monitoring system and a server. The monitoring system receives a request made by a local submitter, such as servicing device or a technician operating the servicing device, for accessing diagnostic data of the monitoring system. The monitoring system initiates a request made to the server for connecting the monitoring system with the servicing device. The server generates pairing information and transmits the pairing information to the monitoring system. The server determines that a pairing key is received as input at the servicing device and/or monitored device and determines if the pairing key matches the pairing identification. If the server determines that there is a match, the server relays diagnostic data received from the monitoring system to the servicing device.

Abstract: A system and a method for linking textual and physical concepts are disclosed. The method includes extracting candidate phrases from a knowledge base for a device, the candidate phrases including noun phrases. A set of candidate concepts is generated, based on the extracted noun phrases. Provision is made, e.g., on a graphical user interface, for a user to generate mapped concepts for physical components of the device by selecting, for each concept to be mapped, a physical component shown in a graphical representation of the device and at least one of the candidate concepts which is to be linked to that physical component. The knowledge base is indexed, based on the mapped concepts. In this way, textual expressions in the knowledge base are linked to a respective physical component through one of the mapped concepts.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding a user in building a query are disclosed. The method includes providing an interaction space in which a user formulates a query using a plurality of query building blocks selected from a predefined set of query building blocks. The user's formulation of the query is guided. Guiding selection of at least a next building block is provided by at least one of a content-based mechanism which limits the selection of the next building block to those which will yield at least one result from an indexed collection of documents, a structure-based selection mechanism which limits the selection of the next building block to those which meet a predefined grammar, and a usage-based selection mechanism which proposes a next building block based on patterns of building blocks used in building prior queries. Each of these guidance mechanisms may be provided with the result that the next block proposed is informed by each of the mechanisms.