Abstract: A method for interfacing with a storage system. The storage system has a plurality of elements having a visible relationship with each other, and the storage system is coupled to a system control unit including a display. The method includes: drawing an image of the elements on the display, the image showing the visible relationship, and modifying an appearance of one of the elements in the image to represent a property of the element. The method further includes, in response to a first input from a user of the storage system to the system control unit, drawing an enlarged image of the element and representing the property in the enlarged image. The method also includes, in response to a second input from a user of the storage system to the control unit with respect to the enlarged image, representing a further property of the element in the enlarged image.

Abstract: A host device to install a driver and a driver installing method thereof. The host device includes a user interface to provide a step-by-step setup screen to install a driver of an external device and a setup method screen to inform a setup method of the step-by-step setup screen, and receives a selection signal with respect to the step-by-step setup screen, and a driver installer to install the driver according to the selection signal input through the user interface.

Abstract: An on-board input and management device is disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, a method of managing a blade computing system may include monitoring current systems status in a blade computing system with an integrated management controller. The method may also include using the integrated management controller for user interaction to monitor and modify configuration of a plurality of modules in the blade computing system. In an exemplary embodiment, all of the modules in the blade computing system may be monitored and managed.

Abstract: A first user interface is presented (101) within a portable electronic device. The selection of a first function by the user via the first user interface is then detected (102). In response to detecting (102) the user's selection of the first function, the first user interface is then replaced (103) with at least a partially disabled second user interface that is different from the first user interface. A user selection of at least one user-selectable function in the second user interface is then detected (104). After the function is detected, the first user interface provides (105) the user with information regarding at least one corresponding user-selectable function that comprises a substantially similar function as the selected user-selectable function from the second user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering support tools to a computer user's machine, without requiring the user to directly download, install and/or execute the tools. A user in need of support contacts support and in response receives a URL corresponding to a manifest, which is a data file identifying support tools that a user's machine is to run to collect data for analysis. Via HTTP, a control mechanism on the user's machine interprets the manifest, automatically handling downloading and installation of any needed tool, and executes the tools on the machine with appropriate parameters that are present in the manifest. Data is collected, packaged and returned to a support entity, where it is analyzed such that a support solution may be returned to the user. The system and method provide efficient and consistent support to computer users, helping both support personnel while giving computer users a very straightforward support experience.

Abstract: This invention prevents ballooning of the amount of comment information while being applied to an operation environment of the user, and provides comment information associated with an intuitively plain operation in a way that is particularly easy for a user. To this end, upon launching of an application, a window including processing buttons and a message area is displayed. Immediately after display, bitmap data of that window is acquired (self-captured), and the acquired bitmap data is displayed in a reference image display area of the window after being scaled down. Arrow lines which specify correspondence between comments in a message area and the buttons in the reference image display area are displayed.

Abstract: A method (and system) of requesting help includes connecting a user to a help request generator, accessing, by the help request generator, a database including a list of helpers, selecting helper from the list of helpers, and transmitting a help request from the help request generator to the helper

Abstract: A system for temporary aliasing is provided. A representative system includes a database system operable to store a plurality of network profiles, each network profile being associated with a user. The database system being further operable to provide a first user with a temporary alias to allow addition of the temporary alias to a network profile associated with a second user. The system further includes a service manager coupled to the database system and operable to remove the temporary alias from the network profile of the second user. Methods and other systems for temporary aliasing are also provided.

Abstract: An object of this invention to cause a display control apparatus capable of sequentially playing back drawn contents to implement, by a simple method, playback that facilitates grasp of contents while shortening the playback time. A display control apparatus of this invention includes an operation information acquisition unit which acquires, from a hard disk which records contents of a change in a drawing area for drawing an object upon acquiring operation information representing an operation in the drawing area, pieces of information about the contents of the change, a playback portion extraction unit which determines, of the pieces of acquired information, information to be used for playback of drawn contents and determines the playback timing of the information, a playback unit which extracts the information determined to be used for playback and plays back the drawn contents on a display apparatus at the determined playback timing using the extracted information.

Abstract: A system and method for mapping input elements with actions performed by a mobile device is described. In some cases, the system creates an input map that is accessible by a generic guide script running on a mobile device. The guide script may access the input map in order to present tutorial information specific to the mobile device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a visual command history for a software application. A method for generating a visual command history for a software application configured to edit a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing may include receiving a selection of a command to perform, determining an area of the CAD drawing modified by the command. When the command is performed, the method may include capturing at least one image of the area of the drawing modified by the command and storing the images in the visual command history. The visual command history is configured to maintain a record of each command performed by the software application. A user may interact with the visual command history to undo a sequence of commands performed using the software application beginning from the most recent command up to command selected from the visual command history.

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: An image forming apparatus can display a hint screen or a help screen on a display unit to explain the way of operation to be executed by the apparatus. A hint controlling unit generates a HTML file of the hint screen corresponds to each screen based on weighting of each manual upon calculation of weight of each manual. A screen controlling unit displays manuals in the order of weighting based on the HTML file generated in the hint controlling unit while the character size is varied depending on the weighting to display. This allows a user to easily select a manual that is more likely to contain information that the user want to refer.

Abstract: A method, system and article of manufacture for hover help management in data processing systems and, more particularly, for providing dynamic and intelligent hover assistance in graphical user interfaces. One embodiment provides a method of displaying hover assistance on a display screen. The method comprises moving a pointer element to a position over a user interface element shown on the display screen in response to user manipulation of a pointing device, while the pointer element is positioned over the user interface element, invoking a first hover element for display on the display screen, and invoking a second hover element for display on the display screen after invoking the first hover element, and while the pointer element continues to be positioned over the user interface element.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a touch panel used for displaying various screens, each including a plurality of buttons from which a user selects a desired button, a menu screen display controlling unit for controlling the touch panel to sequentially display menu screens through which the user navigates to a setting screen for setting a predetermined function in accordance with the selected buttons, and a guide screen display controlling unit for controlling the touch panel to sequentially display guide screens through which the user navigates to the setting screen in accordance with the selected buttons in a path different from that of the menu screens, each of the guide screens displaying a button or description regarding at least the purpose or effect of the operation. An initial screen of the touch panel includes a menu button for entering the menu screen and a guide button for entering the guide screen.

Abstract: Content obtained from a help file containing at least two interactive links in a sequence may be displayed in a help facility. Each interactive link may be associated with at least one user-activated step in a computer software application to perform in connection with a help topic according to the sequence so that once a user activates one of these links out of sequence, an operation in the computer software application may be invoked to effect the at least one user-activated step.

Abstract: Distribution system for data items where information on amounts of topics may be used to scope further actions on the information. Data items are created topically in various locations, provided with position-based annotation and made publicly available. Search on desired data items is scoped using views that show the amount of available data items for one or more sub-areas of a geographical area.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a dialysis system is provided. The dialysis system includes a display device and a web browser and web server embedded in the dialysis system. The browser and the server operate with the display device to display a number of dialysis therapy set-up procedure screens that require operator input, and to display a number of dialysis treatment screens that graphically illustrate the progress of at least one step in the dialysis therapy in at least substantially real time.

Abstract: The generation and adjustment of a training object allows for the customized training for a user on a software application. Based on a user identification, the training object may be generated to cover targeted topics for learning while avoiding extraneous subject matter. The training object is generated using knowledge transfer modules composed of knowledge transfer objects. The selection of the knowledge transfer objects is determined based on attributes associated with a user identification and factors associated with the identified user. Therefore, when the user accesses and executes a training object associated with the specific user, the training objects provide directed and targeted training.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for enhancing multimedia information shared on electronic systems. The electronic systems are capable of receiving multimedia information and presenting multimedia information. In combination with the multimedia information, a representation is presented which is based on the shared multimedia information. The representation may be an avatar for display. Further, the representation may be based on control of the multimedia information, content of the multimedia information or reaction to the multimedia information.

Abstract: A technique for performing an information search relate to parts included in a circuit diagram or a board diagram displayed on a display screen. Network connection destination information, which includes URL information for a predetermined server, a type of information to be transmitted to the server and a predetermined transmission method, are read from a local hard disk. When a predetermined manipulation is performed for a graphics primitive, the network connection destination information is referred to and menu information that enables selection of a predetermined server is generated and displayed. Further, when a predetermined server is selected on the menu information, a part corresponding to parts identification information designated for the selected graphics primitive is searched for, information therefor is obtained, a search request is issued to the predetermined server, and the search results are displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A cellular phone and a guidance display program enable an enhancement of operability when operating the cellular phone, corresponding to an event. An occurrence of an event is detected, guidance information corresponding to the event is searched out of a guidance storage unit. A standby-image corresponding to the guidance information is generated and then displayed, and guidance is displayed in the standby-image. When accepting an operation displayed in the guidance, a process corresponding to the event is executed.

Abstract: A method and system for multi-modal fusion of physical and virtual information channels is provided. The method and system include a virtual information channel and physical information channel. The method and system also provide for tracking virtual events and physical events corresponding to the virtual event and altering delivery of virtual space content via the virtual information channel upon determining the tracked at least one virtual event meets predetermined criteria.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for creating a voice application, the method being implemented by a computer system and comprising generating a graphical user interface comprising a text-to-topic button; receiving first input identifying a location of a text file; receiving second input selecting the text-to-topic button; partitioning content associated with the text file into subjects in response to receiving the second input; and storing information on the partitioning.

Abstract: The completion of an electronic checklist is facilitated by the automated display of certain data while completing the checklist. The disclosed program presents an automated display of synoptic, navigational, or flight management data for each task in a checklist. For each task in a checklist, there may be certain data which would aid the pilot or other user to complete the checklist. Such data can be displayed contemporaneously with the checklist. After the completion of each task in the checklist, the contents of the display can be restored to the state the display was in before the checklist was started.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates conveying enhanced query results. An interface component can receive a query corresponding to data. A visual component can employ a search result based at least in part upon the query, wherein the search result includes a graphic identifying a location of at least one term of the query within the queried data.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods, systems, and software for GUI modeling of at least one contextual help object, potentially representing a knowledgebase, in a modeling environment. For example, software for utilizing contextual help may be operable to identify a business object for an application and associate a contextual help object in a knowledgebase repository to the identified business object. The software may be further operable to automatically configure the front-end of the application using the modeling environment and based on the business object and the contextual help object and, upon activation of the business object, to display just-in-time help to a user of the application via the front-end.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a graphical user interface is provided. The graphical user interface comprises a first window displaying a representation of a component available for use by a software application and a second window displaying information regarding an error related to the component if an error is experienced. The second window may comprise a first error window displaying identification of the error, a second error window displaying information regarding the nature of the error, and a third error window displaying information to assist a user in correcting the error. The error may be an error in locating the component, an error in loading a class file associated with the component, or an exception. When the error is an exception, the second window may further comprise a fourth error window displaying information regarding the exception.

Abstract: A user interface is provided having a display for displaying information about a system, wherein said system is comprised of a plurality of elements. The user interface is provided with a plurality of modes of user operation, including an installment mode which allows the user to configure the user interface to perform in a desired manner while the element is being installed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for creating an electronic demonstration. The method includes capturing video of a demonstrated process that includes a plurality of steps. Each of the steps are analyzed to determine if the steps may be represented by a single frame. In response to analyzing the steps, one or more of the frames of video among the steps that may be represented as a single still motion screen shot may be deleted. The remaining frames are then assembled into an electronic demonstration movie.

Abstract: A receiver includes a channel decoder select circuit, a plurality of communication channels, at least one maximum ratio combiner circuit, and a forward error correction circuit. The plurality of communication channels receive wireless information from channel demodulators and are in communication with respective channel decoder circuits, which are in communication with the channel decoder select circuit. The at least one maximum ratio combiner circuit receives the wireless information from the plurality of communication channels. The output of the maximum ratio combiner is communicated to the forward error correction circuit, the output of which is communicated to the channel decoder select circuit. A pseudo bit error measurement feedback signal communicated to the maximum ratio combiner from one of the plurality of channel decoder circuits. A method for finding wireless satellite signals that minimizes errors in a receiver system is also disclosed.

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 drives, 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 of 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: The invention relates to an applet for a mobile computing device, comprising an element to detect user input and perform appropriate associated actions, and to provide a cognitive aid for users of the mobile computing device. The invention also relates to a method for controlling operation of a mobile computing device, comprising detecting user input and performing appropriate associated actions and providing a cognitive aid for users of the mobile computing device. The invention further relates to a cognitive aid for a mobile computing device having a display screen, the cognitive aid being displayed on the display screen and including an on-screen and/or an audio tip, and being associated with an input vehicle of the mobile computing device. The cognitive aid provides relevant information to the user regarding the input vehicle. The invention still further relates to a method for assisting users of a mobile computing device having a display screen.

Abstract: An interactive education tool for graphically representing components of a complex system. When the user selects a displayed component of the system, the tool provides educational information relating to the selected component. A user may then “drill-down” further into the display of the system in order to obtain additional information regarding the selected component.

Abstract: A service management method of the present invention is provided so as to enable a service provider to easily obtain information on a user's usage conditions after the sales of a software package, and to provide the user with service to give him a chance and motivation to use a function which is available in the software package but is seldom used. To attain these objects, the service management method of the present invention includes a step for preparing a file showing usage conditions of a plurality of functions constituting the software package, a step for detecting that a function is selected or performed, and a step for updating the file so as to distinguish the detected function from an undetected function.

Abstract: A computer program wizard builder. A method and apparatus are provided whereby a person not familiar with computer programming or computer programming languages can run a wizard to create or alter another wizard which sets up an application program with connection details and properties of industrial monitoring or control equipment. The method allows the setup wizard to be moved to other computers by a person with no computer programming skills. The method is a wizard which builds another wizard. The new wizard is a setup wizard which sets up or forms a de facto interface between the application program and the monitoring or control equipment.

Abstract: Help functionality is described for integrating help information into a primary application in a just-in-time fashion. The help functionality can perform this task by providing a see-through panel which is presented on top of an application interface provided by the primary application. A user can move a mark on the see-through panel to identify features of the application interface concerning which he or she may have questions. The help functionality responds by presenting potentially context-sensitive help information to the user in audio mode and/or visual mode. If the visual mode is selected, the help functionality can present the help information on the see-through panel itself, and/or can dynamically move parts of the application interface to accommodate the display of the help information. The help functionality can supply the help information from a local source and/or a remote source, in an automated manner and/or a manual manner (e.g., using a remote human assistant).

Abstract: An improved method and system for providing context-sensitive help and interactive search capability in an insurance claims processing system is described. Context-sensitive help for a step in processing an insurance claim may be automatically invoked when entering the step. Alternatively, the user may interactively invoke context-sensitive help once the step is displayed. The insurance claims processing system may display information from a located help table in order of relevance. A search interface may also be provided by the insurance claims processing system.

Abstract: A method of automatically creating macros for a computer program can include identifying text instructions within a help documentation of a computer program and associating the text instructions with actions of the computer program. The method further can include creating a macro for the computer program using the actions and providing a user accessible mechanism within the computer program for invoking the macro.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of resizing an image, and a method of resizing the image of the image forming apparatus. A scanning unit scans a document to generate an image. A storage unit stores a target file size to be applied during storing of the generated image before the document is scanned. An image processor resizes an initial file size of the image generated by the scanning unit so that the initial file size approaches the target file size. A controller stores the image having the resized file size in at least one of an external memory connected to the image forming apparatus and the storage unit installed in the image forming apparatus. As a result, a scanned image can be resized to a size desired by a user and then stored in the external memory before the scanned image is stored.

Abstract: A viewable virtual information center comprising a master node accessible by a user and one or more information nodes coupled to the master node. Content descriptions describing the documentation from the information nodes are collected at the master node and combined into an integrated content description, which is presented to the user from the master node. One or more of the information nodes may be intermediate nodes having one or more lower-level nodes, in which case the content descriptions for the lower-level nodes are collected through the intermediate nodes. Each information node corresponds to a documentation plug-in; an integrated documentation plug-in is generated from the content descriptions collected from the information nodes. In response to user selection of a portion of the integrated content description corresponding to one of the information nodes, a separate display is generated of the portion corresponding to that node.

Abstract: An intelligent real time tool to assist a computer programmer during the writing and/or maintenance of a computer program. The tool generates assist windows that contain program related information that the programmer can use to construct a programming language statement and/or to obtain real time information about a programming language statement. An assist window can be automatically displayed as determined by the tool itself, and/or manually displayed on demand in response to a user input command. An assist window displays two general categories of information including but not limited to selection menu information based on a partial compilation of all programming language statements, and informational displays based on a partial compilation and a reverse parse of an immediate programming language statement. The statement generating tool assist windows are non-intrusive to programmer input and can be ignored by the programmer by merely continuing to type.

Abstract: The invention comprises a graphic designation method for visually differentiating each number individually for a set of telephone numbers within a printed telephone directory. In a particular instance, the invention is applied in cases in which each said telephone number in the set has been established as a link element for linking to online digital resources associated with said telephone number. The invention also teaches a method for establishing a printed telephone number directory simultaneously as a directory for a telephone number directory service. The invention also teaches a method for displaying instructions for Internet addressing within a printed directory.

Abstract: Described is a data entry graphical user interface (GUI) system for facilitating entry of incontinence product information by a consumer. The data entry GUI system includes several layered interfaces that may be accessed in sequence and/or at discretion by a user. Each of the layered interfaces facilitates entry of specific incontinence product information for storage in a manufacture database. The entered information may be used to fulfill product acquisition requests, forecast future use of incontinence products, or provide simulation data relating to incontinence product use.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for enhancing help resource selection for a user that accesses a help function within a computer application. The method of enhancing the help resource selection comprises determining a list of help resources applicable to the current context of the user interaction with the computer application and the help feature. Then, the method ranks applicable help resources according to relevance criteria set by the practitioner of the invention. For example, the practitioner may wish to provide certain help resources based upon the skill level of the user and whether the user has accessed specific help resources in the past. The method would preferentially select those help resources that matched the user skill level and past access criteria set by the practitioner.

Abstract: A system and method that provides help information pertaining a process entity, such as a process device, in a number of different formats presents a first display template that enables a user to request the help information in a first format such as a DDHelp format and presents a second template in response to selection of the first template by the user wherein the second template includes the help information in the first format. The system and method then present a third graphical template that enables a user to request the help information in a second format, such as a WinHelp format and present a fourth template in response to selection of the third template by the user wherein the fourth template includes the help information in the second format.

Abstract: A print driver user interface method for printing copies of a document, which includes receiving a number corresponding to the number of copies to be printed from an application, receiving at least one command relating to an operation to be performed on each of the number of copies to be printed, and displaying a first feature to a user informing the user that the application may have a problem printing multiple copies. The method also includes offering the user a choice relating to printing copies of the document and transferring control of printing the copies from the application to the print driver.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for building wizard-style user interfaces (UIs) for a business task includes identifying a collection of metadata associated with the business task, and processing the collection of metadata to provide a set of wizard-style UIs pertaining to the business task.

Abstract: An information processing device according to the present invention is included in an information processing apparatus and outputs guidance information for an operation performed for the information processing apparatus by a user. In the information processing device, a user information acquisition unit identifies a user who is operating the information processing device, and an input control unit identifies the type of operation performed by the user. The information processing device also includes an operation history database for storing operation history information unique to the user and a voice guidance database for storing at least one piece of guidance information on the operation. A guidance selection unit selects appropriate guidance information on the basis of the operation history information on the operation unique to the user, and a voice output unit outputs the selected guidance information.

Abstract: When a jump instruction to display contents regarding a control out of contents in a help screen is given, if the jump instruction is given for a control with the same identification data as that of a control for which a preceding instruction is given, an explanation at a position next to a position of contents displayed in response to the preceding jump instruction is displayed on the help screen, out of the contents of a help data corresponding to the identification data of the control. If the jump instruction is given for a control with different identification from that of the control corresponding to the preceding jump instruction, an explanation at a head position, out of explanations in the help data corresponding to the identification data of the control for which the current jump instruction is given is displayed on the help screen.