Abstract: A rules-based task browser for engineering systems interprets a rule set to respond interactively to events in the application, and provides navigation to and information about tools and data in the application. Unlike traditional assistance mechanisms the present invention provides in-context interpreted content and does not provide an alternative interface. The present invention may also take input and drive the application. The present invention is also directed to a system for the merging and transformation of the engineering rule sets into a document object model for use within a standard web browser component. A method for authoring the engineering rule set via natural language editing is also provided. The present invention also provides a method for the extension and automation of an engineering system via a network-capable customization agent consisting of functional rules and integration of standardized technologies.

Abstract: A system for automatically generating a report from engineering data stored in a database is comprised of a user computer having a browser for requesting an HTML file. A web server generates the requested HTML based on Active Server Pages technology. The ASP file includes script for instantiating a component. The component, a dynamic link library, includes an automation hierarchy. The ASP page includes script for actively generating the report through interaction with the instantiated objects. The HTTP protocol connects the user computer and the web server.