Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products verify compatibility between a document to be published for access via a server and capabilities of the server to support features of the document. A method involves receiving a document, scanning the document for features, comparing the features to the capabilities of the server, and determining whether the capabilities of the server support the features of the document. The method also involves generating an incompatibility notice for a feature of the document when the feature is not supported by the capabilities of the server.

Abstract: Methods, systems and mediums are provided for enabling users to obtain help information in an online help system. The online help system utilizes adaptive documents to display help messages requested by the users. The content of the adaptive documents may dynamically vary according to, for example, the user's skill level, associated software products installed on the users' system, additional information that has emerged since the users acquired the software product, e.g., the discovery of defects or the fixing of defects in the program, language of the location where the software environment is provided. The present invention may also provide a publishing system that enables authors to create the adaptive help documents used in the online help system. The present invention therefore provides a complete and efficient online help system using adaptive documents to display various help messages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a set of task-based helpers that automatically generate formulas that complete a task for the user. In one embodiment, the task helpers automatically create a formula from one or more functions that help complete more complicated tasks. The present invention also provides embodiments of user interfaces that help the user select the appropriate task helper and receive the discrete parameters of the formula for the task.

Abstract: An approach that provides product repair assistance using a virtual universe is described. In one embodiment, there is a method for providing repair assistance for a real-world product in a virtual universe. The method includes receiving diagnostic information relating to the real-world product, ascertaining repair assistance information for the real-world product from the received diagnostic information, and generating a rendition of the real-world product along with the repair assistance information for display to a resident on-line in the virtual universe.

Abstract: A power circuit protection and control device simulator emulates in real time identical circuit protection and control functions performed by the actual device being simulated and generates real time simulated operational information concerning at least one of the device or the power circuit. A human-machine interface, such as through a web browser, allows a user to input power circuit operational parameters, such as motor current and load, and device variable circuit protection and control operational parameters, such as trip class, ground fault detection or phase unbalance protection. The simulator displays in real time simulated operational information on the human-machine interface. The simulator may be used to simulate operation of an electronic overload relay and an electric motor controlled by the relay.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a flick gesture has occurred is described. A flick gesture is a simple gesture that may be easily detected and is characterized by minimal interference with other applications or gestures.

Abstract: A method of aiding a user in using features of a software application comprises receiving from a user a selection of layout. The layout is to be used in creating an informational display for displaying results of a data repository query. At least one input field and an image are displayed to the user. The image is of a sample informational display that is based on the selected layout. The at least one input field is displayed in association with at least one feature shown in the displayed sample image. A user input is received via the input field. The user input is to be used in modifying the at least one feature in the new informational display. That least one input field may be displayed on top of the displayed sample image, in close proximity to the shown feature.

Abstract: A method, medium and implementing processing system are provided for enabling enhanced help or guidance that is tailored to a user and is available on a multitude of “levels” and in a variety of ways. A user is enabled to create a user profile by inputting information about his or her personal interests, i.e. what they plan or hope to do in a virtual world application and possibly how the application can best meet the individual's needs. Users are enabled to specify interests using a form, free-form text, or other means of input. Based on the user input specifications, and depending upon user activity while in the metaverse application, information will be provided about users, places, and events that may be useful to the user in accomplishing the individual user's objectives.

Abstract: A dialog manager module accesses a dialog model, a discourse model and a domain model to render information to a computer user through the course of a dialog exchange with the computer user. Actions are performed according to a set of rules during the dialog. Each of the rules comprise an action to perform as a function of the current dialog state and a filled form of slots of semantic information of the user input.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing help to users of electronic devices, such as multi-function peripherals (MFPs), are disclosed. Help information is maintained in a plurality of storage devices that are in communication with a plurality of MFPs. The storage devices are configured so as to be located remotely from the MFPs. When users request assistance from an MFP, the MFP communicates with the storage devices to obtain the appropriate help information. The storage devices are further configured to allow third parties, including users of the MFPs, as well as MFP vendors, to update the help information, enhancing the assistance received by the users in response to a request for help. Should new applications be installed on the MFPs, help information associated with the new applications may be stored by the storage devices and similarly updated.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of defining the outsourcing of technology based services, the method including the steps of: defining a plurality of technology based services that are to be provided by one or more service providers to a customer; defining a plurality of activities associated with the services; displaying the services and activities on a graphical user interface; detecting a selection of one of the activities; and displaying further information on the interface based on the selected activity, wherein the further information provides a guide on how to define the outsourcing of the selected activity.

Abstract: A real-time communications device, a real-time communications system of networked distributed such devices and method and program product for operating such devices. The device includes a personal information manager (PIM), an instant messenger and a Messenger Assistant. The device may also include an e-mail client. The Messenger Assistant automatically provides appointment/status information from the PIM to the instant messenger, which passes status to identified buddies. The Messenger Assistant may also monitor local presence and e-mail and update status based on local presence changes and on incoming e-mail.

Abstract: A computer program product, electronic device and method are provided that enable a user to easily view, in a tooltip, all of the entities of a plurality of entities contained in a cell of a table when the width of the cell prevents the cell display from showing all of the entities. In response to a tooltip being opened for a cell of a table, the cell having a plurality of entities, at least a portion of the plurality of entities is displayed in the tooltip. An indicia expressive of a total number of the plurality of entities is also displayed. Alternate embodiments provide navigation aids in the tooltip to assist a user in more conveniently viewing all of the entities.

Abstract: An operation input reception unit (201) receives an operation input for a virtual vehicle to be run on the running path. A running condition managing unit (203) manages the running condition of the virtual vehicle based on the received operation input. A load calculation unit (205) calculates a load imposed on a virtual operator in the virtual vehicle, based on the managed running condition. Meanwhile, a symbol drawing unit (401) draws a load symbol whose display position changes according to the calculated load. A tire image drawing unit (402) draws an image of a tire whose display manner changes according to the calculated load. A meter image creating unit (403) creates a meter image including the drawn load symbol and image of the tire. Then, a display control unit (207) displays the created meter image on a predetermined monitor.

Abstract: A programmable calculator includes: a display unit; a calculation processing section configured to perform calculation processing; a calculation screen display control section configured to control the display unit to display a calculation screen; a base state setting section configured to set, as a base state, a calculation state; a base state storing section configured to store the base state that is set together with the calculation screen corresponding to the base state; an operation pattern storing section configured to store an operation pattern of a series of user operations that are input after the base state was set by the base state setting section; and a guide display control section configured to control the display unit to display a calculation screen corresponding to the arbitrary base state stored in the base state storing section, and to display, as guide indications, the stored operation pattern.

Abstract: An application assistance user interface guides, educates, and provides application functionality to a user to reach a goal that relates to their application. For example, a goal may be to provide marketing assistance while creating a publication using a publishing application. Rather than requiring the user to extensively search through menu items in order to complete the project and meet their goal, a user may selectively determine whether or not to perform any of the provided tasks within the application assistance user interface. The interface combines tasks within an interface that may be accessed by the user to complete at least a part of the goal. Selecting one of the tasks leads the user to application features, help topics, Web site locations, or to further tasks that may be used within the scenario to complete the goal.

Abstract: In response to an event occurring on a user's computer, a system, method, and user interface automatically determine the nature and context of the event, and search a database for support items, such as other users' comments, suggestions, or answers that are relevant to the event. Events can include, for example, errors, usage problems, or other difficulties with the software application, operating system, or hardware. Other resources, such as bulletin boards, discussion groups, websites, and the like, can also be automatically searched for support items using the parameters and context describing the event. The system and method select those support item or items that are most highly rated by other users as providing accurate, reliable, or otherwise useful information, and that appear to be the most relevant to the event. Also provided, in one embodiment, is a mechanism by which a user can evaluate a support item after he or she has read it.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying an annotated file are described. The method includes associating an annotation with a programming module of a baseline file and displaying in a window of a graphical user interface the baseline file as a tree structure having a plurality of nodes. Each node represents a programming module of the baseline file. The method also includes displaying the annotation proximate to the node that represents the programming module with which the annotation is associated. The annotation includes at least one message indicative of a modification made to the baseline file by a contributor.

Abstract: An interactive retail identification system for identifying a retail object based upon known or identified features of master object is disclosed, wherein the system utilizes a graphical user interface having a computer display screen for displaying a plurality of input fields related to a retail object and an input device for selecting variables based upon a physical inspection of a known master object having known or identifiable features. The graphical user interface is electronically connected to a database which identifies a specific retail object equivalent to the master object through comparison of the retail object variables. The systems includes a plurality of compartments for holding retail objects based upon the retail object variables and an indicator for identifying the compartment having the retail object is provided.

Abstract: A business specification is extracted so as to be represented by performing an analysis in a data item level by employing information which can be readily defined by a person who inputs business knowledge. While business functions and interfaces such as a series of screens corresponding to the business functions are employed as inputs, such a data item is extracted which is updated by employing an interface analysis and a program analysis. If a data item required for producing data which is updated in one business function is not inputted within this business function, the data item is defined as a preconditional condition item so as to be specified. If it is required that a business function for updating the preconditional condition item prior to the business function has been processed, a dependent relationship established between two pieces of the above-explained business is extracted so as to be represented.

Abstract: An operational assistance server device, method and computer readable article of manufacture for providing operational assistance to a user operating an application is provided. The operational assistance server device includes: an operation table; an operation table storage unit for storing the operation table; an user's operation history; an operation sequence generation unit for generating the operation sequence; an operation record storage unit; operation subsequences; an appearing-operation-sequence extraction unit for extracting appearing operation sequences from the operation subsequences; and an appearing-operation-sequence storage unit for storing the appearing operation sequences extracted by the appearing-operation-sequence extraction unit; where the appearing operation sequence appears at a frequency higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A just in time wiring information system, which includes an aircraft wiring information system module, a technical reference module, an interactive computer aided cable repair system module, and an e-suite. The e-suite communicates with the aircraft wiring information system module, the technical reference module, and the interactive computer aided cable repair system module such that via the e-suite a user may obtain information from each of the modules.

Abstract: A method for an online reservation and rating system for short-term hunting leases for property. In the preferred embodiment, hunters can lease hunting rights for as little as 1 day. The properties are categorized and rated on a variety of variable of interest to hunters. Relevant information on hunting laws, regulations, rules, and licensing are made available through the website. Hunters can also obtain information about the property and surrounding area as well as determine the types of game available. Hunters may also apply for hunter's insurance through the website. Landowner's may list their property and the terms and conditions of the lease. Payment is preferably made through the website at the time of reservation.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a user's usage of a target application. Such a target application can, as examples, be a software program running on a computer or a workstation, an image forming device, an appliance, etc. The target application includes a user interface with a plurality of commands which a user can select. In the example of the target application being a software program, the commands may be icons displayed on a computer screen which a user can point to with a mouse pointer and then click on. In the case of the target application being an image forming device or an appliance, the interface may be an operation panel with buttons, a touch pad, etc. which a user can press. The present invention monitors the user's usage of such interfaces and logs data of the user's usage of such interfaces. The logged data can then be communicated by Internet mail to a designated location.

Abstract: Automated testing of active content wizards is provided. A test infrastructure (TI) accesses a list of ACW to test and controls an ACW runtime engine to execute the ACWs. During ACW execution, the TI interacts with the ACW runtime engine to inject simulated user information based upon test information stored relative to each ACW. The TI records errors generated by the ACW runtime engine as well as other errors relative to the ACW. The TI also directs cleanup of the operating environment between each ACW test. Reports of ACW failures can be provided to ACW authors and/or other interested entities for improvement.

Abstract: A system and related techniques monitor and manage the delivery of automatic help resources to users engaged in search activity. According to embodiments of the invention, automatic help logic may detect the initiation of search activity. The auto help logic may capture, record and examine user behavior and search data to characterize the search progress or effectiveness experienced by that user. When the auto help logic determines that the user has reached an impasse or experienced ineffective results or progress, the logic may generate and present automatic help. If further user behavior does not predict satisfactory progress, further, graduated or tiered help may be generated and presented. According to embodiments of the invention in a further regard, the user may selectively configure the type or content of automatic help which they wish to receive, or turn that facility on or off on a per-session or longer basis.

Abstract: A method to globally place a feedback button in every dialog box, message box, and top-level window in every application and message box in an operating system to provide a user with the opportunity to provide feedback for the dialog box, message box, or top-level window. The system checks a setting to determine if and what type of box/window that a feedback button will be placed and if the setting is enabled, a feedback button with customizable text will be placed on the box/window when the box/window is displayed if the type of window being displayed matches the type specified as having a feedback button. The system loads a program file that provides instructions to the user on how to provide feedback to a developer or system administrator when the user selects the feedback button. Once the user enters feedback, this feedback is sent to wherever the program file designated the information to be sent.

Abstract: A first application executes in an identified state. The first application broadcasts the identified state. The broadcasted identified state of the first application is received by a second application. The second application determines contextual content based on the received identified state of the first application. The contextual content is displayed.

Abstract: There is provided a method and an apparatus for providing assistance and control in respect of maintenance operations that are based on electronic technical documentation prescribing a set of discrete electronic maintenance instructions (“EMIs”). The EMIs are connected to one another according to a predefined hierarchy and predefined order. The apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention may include a navigation controller, a documentation management module and an instruction controller generator. The navigation controller is adapted to provide a context pointer or a group of context pointers referencing one or more respective EMIs. The context pointer or pointers indicate a subset of EMIs from among the set of discrete EMIs which constitute a current context within the set of discrete EMIs. The documentation management module is adapted to select a group of permitted EMIs from among the subset of EMIs in accordance with metadata associated with respective EMIs.

Abstract: The present invention is a system, method and apparatus for autonomic request routing policy selection. The system of the invention can include a multiplicity of pre-configured request routing policies and a data store of cache metrics for the pre-configured request routing policies. A routing policy selector can be configured for communicative linkage to a server cluster having one or more servers and programmed to select a particular one of the request routing policies for use in routing content requests in the server cluster based upon the cache metrics. In this regard, the routing policy selector further can include a coupling to the routing policies and the data store of cache metrics.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that combines techniques in the fields of search, data mining, collaborative filtering, user ratings and referral mappings into a system for intelligent web-based help for task or transaction oriented web based systems. The system makes use of a service oriented architecture based on metadata and web services to locate, categorize and provide relevant context sensitive help, including found help not available when the web based system or application was first developed. As part of the inventive system, there is additionally provided a system for providing an integrated information taxonomy which combines automatically, semi-automatically, and manually generated taxonomies and applies them to help systems. This aspect of the invention is applicable to the fields of online self-help systems for web sites and software applications as well as to customer, supplier and employee help desks.

Abstract: A framework for enabling a community of users to share help information about an application program. The framework includes a mechanism for users to generate and share help information and a mechanism for users to access help information created by other users. To generate help information, tools may be incorporated into an application to enable users to capture information about the application as they are performing functions. Those tools capture as a video clip a representation of screen displays created by the application as the user interacts with the application to perform a function about which help information is to be generated. Along with the scenes captured in the video clip, application context information and explanatory material, such as an audio narration, can be captured. The mechanism to access help information includes a server to which video clips can be posted and catalogued, allowing identification of clips in response to user input describing a required help topic.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: In a system and method for providing user help information, based on a user history it may be determined that an event has previously occurred, based on the determination a portion of stored user help information that includes information indicating how to avoid recurrence of the event may be automatically and selectively provided without receiving a request for the provided portion.

Abstract: A system and method that transfers data from scanned documents and document images directly into a spreadsheet. The user can construct a map that associates data types in the input scanned document with an area in the spreadsheet. The user can also use pre-stored maps that have previously been constructed by the user or by someone else. The map may be stored as an XML file in a hidden sheet of the spreadsheet or in a separate file. During use, the user selects a map, scans the document, parses the document to extract the data types and associated data, and transfers the parsed data to the spreadsheet in accordance with the selected mapping.

Abstract: A system which allows a user to teach a computational device how to perform complex, repetitive tasks that the user usually would perform using the device's graphical user interface (GUI) often but not limited to being a web browser. The system includes software running on a user's computational device. The user “teaches” task steps by inputting natural language and demonstrating actions with the GUI. The system uses a semantic ontology and natural language processing to create an explicit representation of the task that is stored on the computer. After a complete task has been taught, the system is able to automatically execute the task in new situations. Because the task is represented in terms of the ontology and user's intentions, the system is able to adapt to changes in the computer code while still pursuing the objectives taught by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that automatically generate interactive systems configured for collecting dialog data of human-machine interactions in dialog systems. The systems and methods comprise receiving a task flow that describes operations of a dialog system. A formal description of the task flow is generated, and an interactive system comprising a graphical user interface (GUI) is automatically generated from the formal description. The GUI consists of templates for control of the dialog system and real-time collection and annotating of dialog data during a live dialog between only the dialog system and callers to the dialog system. The dialog data consists of data of the live dialog.

Abstract: A method, a system, and an apparatus for aiding a visual search in a list of learnable speech commands. The present invention is capable of making less commonly-used commands more salient and more commonly-used commands less salient. The present invention takes measurements of user interactions with a speech recognition interface and uses the measurements to aid in determining whether a user has learned or memorized more commonly-used commands. These more commonly-used commands are made less salient such that the unlearned commands are easier to find, thereby reducing the visual search time needed by a user.

Abstract: In a system and method for providing user help information, based on a user history, a user proficiency category may be determined, at a point during execution of a sequence of program instructions, it may be determined based on the user proficiency category whether to output a portion of stored user help information that is, in particular, associated with the point in the execution, and based on the latter determination, the portion may be automatically provided without receiving a request for user help information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products for displaying a help resource associated with a device on a remote display apparatus are provided. Some embodiments of methods, systems, and products for displaying a help resource associated with a device on a display apparatus include receiving, in a device, a help event created by a user engaging a help button installed on the device. In response to receiving the help event, typical embodiments include retrieving a help resource associated with the device, and creating, in the device, a help message including the help resource. The help resource can be retrieved from data storage on the device, downloaded from a network location, or any other way of retrieving the help resource that will occur those of skill in the art. The help message is typically broadcast to a display apparatus for display to a user.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing a persistent display of hover assistance elements in a user interface. A user interface (UI) containing hover assistance elements is selected and a persistent hover assistance manager is used to simultaneously display all hover assistance elements in a viewable area of the UI. The hover assistance elements, with their respective hover assistance values, are then persistently displayed proximate to their corresponding UI elements. Hover assistance elements are selectively removed from persistent display and then selectively returned to persistent display.

Abstract: A software control method and apparatus for displaying a text based markup language interface. The interface can interact with a computer to provide reference documents, install system drivers and perform various system utilities. The interface can reference optical drivers, hard disk drives or other storage medium and files available over a network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) including the Internet. A graphical user interface using a text markup language such as hypertext markup language (HTML) can allow for activation for a user interactive control such as an icon or a hyperlink. Activation of an interactive control can hook onto a hypertext link target associated with the activated user interactive control result in the performance of an initial action responsive to variables including the control, a uniform resource locator associated with the interactive control and the hypertext link target.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to monitor for a tutorial request from a set top box coupled to a monitor display where the tutorial request is associated with use of the set top box, determine a tutorial type based on the tutorial request, and establish real time communication using a first webcam coupled to the set top box and a second webcam coupled to a communication device at a support center when the tutorial type is a video conference. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for allowing a target web page to be edited on a host web page by a Designer. A scaled view of the target web page may be displayed on the host web page so that the Designer may view the target web page during the editing process. An editing palette may be selected, from a menu of editing palettes, for editing the target web page. An overlay, corresponding to the selected editing palette, may be positioned next to or superimposed over the scaled view of the target web page. The overlay may provide positioning or other types of information to assist the Designer in using the selected editing palette. Different overlays may be used as different editing palettes are selected. Once the target web page is customized, it can be made accessible via the Internet.

Abstract: An application having an associated and a graphical user interface is initiated. Thereafter, the widget determines a first state of the application. Once the first state of the application is determined, the widget calls at least one remote repository to retrieve one or more electronic annotations associated with the first state of the application. These electronic annotations are then displayed in connection with the graphical user interface of the application.

Abstract: A user interface has software configured to communicate with an appliance adapted to perform a physical cycle of operation on an article and to communicate with a consumable information holder. The software is further configured to cause the graphical user interface to communicate to a user information that is at least partially derived from the consumable information holder. The information includes at least one step for activating a user interface component, preparing the appliance for the operation cycle, handling the appliance during the operation cycle, handling the appliance after the operation cycle, preparing the article for the operation cycle, handling the article during an operation cycle, or handling an article after the operation cycle.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method to offer help information therein include an input unit to receive a search request command to search help information from a user, a storage to store at least one help moving picture, a display to display the help moving picture, and a controller to control the display to display a help moving picture corresponding to the search request command.

Abstract: A method for providing instructional information during the start-up of a computer is disclosed. The method includes the steps of presenting on a screen a start-up screen presentation, the start-up screen presentation including graphical instructional information as well as other informational portions, presenting on the screen a multimedia instructional presentation, and synchronizing portions of the multimedia instructional presentation with presentation events, the presentation events illustrating information provided by the multimedia instructional presentation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to the help function and provide a method, system and computer program product for a pointing help system. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for pointing help in a GUI can include receiving a help event in association with a GUI control in the GUI, generating a help message for placement in a portion of the GUI statically configured to present different help messages, and visually coupling the GUI control with the help message through pointing help. In particular, in one aspect of the embodiment, visually coupling the GUI control with the help message through pointing help can include generating an arrow shell in a window separate from the GUI; and superimposing the arrow shell over the GUI to visually couple the GUI control with the help message.

Abstract: A technique is described for delivering contextual information to end users of a data network which includes at least one client system associated with an end user. According to a specific embodiment, the technique of the present invention provides a contextual-based platform for delivering to an end user in real-time proactive, personalized, contextual information relating to web page content currently being displayed to the user. A portion of web page content relating to a web page intended for display on the client system is received. According to a specific embodiment, the web page corresponds to a URL associated with a content provider. The portion of web page content is analyzed for keyword information. A portion of keyword information associated with the portion of web page content is identified. According to a specific embodiment, the portion of keyword information includes at least one keyword.