Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of providing a question-and-answer screen. A storage part stores a plurality of questions related to an image or sound quality adjustment and a plurality of options corresponding to the plurality of questions, a screen generator generates a question-and-answer screen including the plurality of questions and the plurality of options, and a signal processor adjusts the image or sound quality based on the options which are selected through the question-and-answer screen in response to the plurality of questions. As a result, a user can easily adjust functions by using the question-and-answer screen.

Abstract: Information is quickly offered to users who require the information. In a system in which questions and answers are exchanged, when a given user other than the questioner becomes interested in a question, the user requests a notification server 1 to present the question. The answers to the question are automatically sent to a notification client 2 of the user. The answers to be sent may be either all the answers to the question or only the effective answers. Supports to the answers and comments on the answers may be accepted to decide the effectiveness of the answers.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the instant invention may utilize case-based reasoning to provide guidance. Guidance may be provided to a current user of an application in a particular situation based on actions performed by previous users in compatible situations. A repository of sessions reflecting actions performed by previous users may be maintained. In response to a request for guidance, actions performed by the current user prior to requesting guidance may be used to retrieve, from the repository, one or more sessions containing related actions. The retrieved sessions may be evaluated and used to provide guidance to the current user.

Abstract: A method of analyzing data link messages is disclosed. These messages include a message type field and at least one message content field whose meaning is determined by the message type. The method includes storing the plurality of data link messages in a database. The method also includes assigning each data link message to one or more message groups according to the message type field so that each group contains data link messages of a specific message type. In addition, the method includes tabulating the messages so as to align corresponding message content fields, displaying the tabulated messages so that the corresponding message content fields are aligned; and displaying a list of the field contents for each message content field. The displayed list is filtered to remove repeated incidence of the same content, within each of the message groups.

Abstract: In an operation guide customizable measuring instrument constructed such that an operation guide for guiding an operation procedure of the instrument is displayable on a display section, and an instrument mechanism for measuring a physical quantity of an object to be measured is operable by an instrument control program equipped with a function which is callable in response to a predetermined command, the instrument has an operation guide storage which variably stores an operation guide file containing the operation guide and the command written in a markup language and a script language therein; an operation guide file processing part which displays the operation guide on the display section based on the operation guide file, and displays an instruction input section for accepting an instruction of an operator on the display section; and a command processing part which outputs the command to the instrument control program so as to call the function corresponding to the command in response to the instruction

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for presenting a help source. A help system is maintained that comprises a single set of one or more help source files. A request is received by the help system to present one or more of the help source files (or information from within one or more of the help source files). A help history file is obtained in response to the request, wherein the help history file stores information relating to a usage of the help system. A customized presentation of the help source file is then displayed based on the information stored in the help history file.

Abstract: A method and system for debugging a computer program are described. In one embodiment, information pertaining to a first function executed within the computer program is presented in a first sub-window of a stack window. Further, information pertaining to a second function executed within the computer program is presented in a second sub-window of the stack window. The second sub-window is positioned next to the first sub-window to provide a horizontal arrangement of the sub-windows within the stack window.

Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide. Additionally, a video window is interactive and provides tuning functions.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprises display color code setting means for setting a suitable display color code for each of undefined display color codes in unprocessed message data, the message data generating means for generating message data by dividing the unprocessed message data into line unit data sections each comprising one-line data based on the number of lines in the message and storing the generated message data in a buffer for displaying the message, and message data outputting means for starting display of the message from a point having coordinates indicated by a coordinate code such that each of character strings of data units is displayed in a color indicated by a display color code. If an undefined display color code is included in the message data, the display color code setting means determines the type of a word having the undefined color code and defines the undefined color code based on the determined type.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing software documentation is provided. Rather than being static, the set of user accessible software documentation for a particular software program could be dynamically updated. The software documentation set accessible by the user may be defined by the configuration state of one or more configuration parameters at any given time. Once the states of the configuration parameters are determined, the program will dynamically update the set of accessible software documentation based at least in part on the configuration states of the configuration parameters. Thus, for any configuration state, only software documentation deemed relevant to the state of the software application could be made accessible to the user, thereby providing a more concise, focused and easily navigable set of software documentation.

Abstract: An interface program stored on a computer-readable medium for causing a computer system with a display device to perform the functions of: accepting search criteria from a user including a free text entry query and a domain identifier identifying a domain; in response to accepting the search criteria, retrieving a plurality of record identifiers each of which identifies a corresponding record which: (1) has associated therewith a location identifier that locates it at a specific location within the domain identified by the domain identifier; and (2) contains information that is responsive to the free text entry query; displaying a representation of the domain on the display device; and displaying on the display device a plurality of icons as representations of the records identified by the plurality of record identifiers, wherein for each of the record identifiers, a corresponding one of the plurality of icons is displayed within the representation of the domain that is being displayed on the display device,

Abstract: A method (1200) of providing active user feedback in a graphic user interface is disclosed. The method comprises selecting (1206) a soft control currently displayed on the graphic user interface, said soft control enabling a change to be implemented, and displaying (1208) on said graphic user interface, only during said soft control selection, and dependent upon the selecting step (1206), a pop-up preview reflecting said change.

Abstract: A method for displaying the manual of a video apparatus for displaying the manual of the corresponding video apparatus on the screen of the video apparatus so that a user can conveniently and correctly understand the usage of the video apparatus and the method for connecting the video apparatus to an external apparatus and an apparatus therefor are provided. According to the method for displaying the manual of the video apparatus and the apparatus therefor, it is determined whether a manual selection signal is input. When the manual selection signal is input, the respective portions of the video apparatus are graphically displayed and the manual of a predetermined portion of the video apparatus is displayed.

Abstract: A franking machine control panel and its associated method provide users with touch screen displays in which the main screens contain history tabs. When a history tab is pressed, the display reverts to the previous status of the category of interest, and allows the user to make changes if desired. In the preferred embodiment, the history tabs allow users to view and modify information which is mandatory to the franking process, such as the mail class and postage rates. Another aspect of the present invention allows the user to configure the more actively used buttons of touch screen on one side or the other, depending on the dominant side of the user's body.

Abstract: The invention determines when an Internet browsing customer should be provided assistance by monitoring factors such as the customer profile saved at the server or in cookies, the time a customer spends on particular web pages, errors in forms submitted by the customer, web pages repeatedly viewed by a customer, and statistically established abandon points. When the invention determines a customer should be provided assistance, the invention reviews the availability and probability of availability of the customer service representatives (CSRs). If a CSR is available or predicted to be available, the customer is presented with a HELP option. If the customer does not respond to the HELP option within a predetermined time, the HELP option is removed. By dynamically determining the appropriate time to provide a HELP option and only providing the HELP option when a CSR is available, the invention proactively provides meaningful service at the critical time.

Abstract: A search engine user interface and method are presented for providing search syntax help. The method comprises: presenting a search engine user interface with a selectable edit box for formulating a search request; formulating a search engine search request by selecting the UI edit box; and, in response to the search request, automatically supplying search syntax help in the form of a popup window. Automatically supplying search syntax help includes displaying search syntax characters supported by the search engine, where the search syntax characters are selected from the group including connectors and operators. Further, the help can be the displaying of search syntax character definitions, frequently-used search syntax characters, a list of every supported search syntax character, or examples in which the search syntax characters are used.

Abstract: A method and system for providing help information for a computer program. The help system provides help information based on a schema that specifies the structure of a valid computer program. The schema provides definitions of program element types that are specific instances of a program element type derived from more general program element types. The help system identifies a “derivation” of program element types relating to the selected program element. The help system then displays the derivation to the user. The user can then select to display documentation associated with the displayed program element types.

Abstract: A method, system and program for displaying transparent resource aids are provided. A user interface is displayed comprising at least one displayable object within a display area controlled by a computer system. Responsive to an initiating event, a transparent resource aid is placed within the display area in association with the initiating event, such that the at least one displayable object is not obscured by the transparent resource aid. The transparency resource aid may indicate resource usage of hardware, software, and graphical characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assisting a user to make a connection between a main device and peripheral device. An illustration visually demonstrating how to connect one or more peripheral devices to the main device is displayed on a display screen. In one embodiment, the illustration shows at least one connecting portion of the main device, the connecting portion of at least one peripheral device, and the connection between the connecting portion of the main device and the connecting portion of the peripheral device. In another embodiment, more than one or all of the connecting portions of the main device are shown. Alternatively, the connecting portions of a plurality of a peripheral devices are shown.

Abstract: System and method for training a user how to use software for programming a programmable logic controller (PLC). When the user encounters difficulties with programming the PLC, a training hyperlink option is provided to the user. Then, if the user selects the training hyperlink option, information is communicated automatically over a communications network, including information pertaining to the difficulties encountered by the user. The user is then linked to customized training resources which address the difficulties based upon the information that was automatically communicated when the user selected the training hyperlink option.

Abstract: An extensible help facility for a computer software application may include a graphical user interface for communicating with a user, help files arranged in a hierarchical file structure, and software processes configured to perform operations such as (i) enabling a user to generate or modify help files that specify content to be displayed and include an interactive link that, when activated, performs an operation in the application associated with the specified content, (ii) causing the help facility, while executing, to access the generated help files upon detecting that the help files exist in a predetermined location within the hierarchical file structure, and/or (iii) causing the help facility to detect a state of the computer software application and to selectively cause an operation corresponding to an interactive link to be performed by the computer software application based on the detected state.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and apparatus are provided for providing dynamic assistance for disabled user interface resources. Code for disabling controls is identified. A state of the identified control is changed from disabled to disabled with assistance. Assistance text is provided to explain why control is disabled. Code is provided for correcting the condition for disabling control. An assistance icon is displayed for viewing by the user. Responsive to a user selection of the assistance icon, the assistance text is displayed. An adjustment button is displayed. Responsive to a user selection of the adjustment button, the code for correcting the condition for disabling control is used, and an action is executed on eligible items.

Abstract: In order to assure that services in an network and applications or users in the network are able to communicate and interact with one another data is provided by the specification and the application that provides for an operable interface between the application and the service. A user or user system can make use of the data information provided by the service to perform selected functions and tasks that is conveyed to the application and passed on to the service. Various graphical user interfaces can be provided, depending on the application and the need of the user.

Abstract: A portable terminal provided with a text browser for perusing text contents which are supposed to be displayed on a display of the portable terminal, and a help browser for perusing help contents showing methods of utilizing the text contents. When a certain message is inputted from outside, it is determined whether the input message is a text message or a help message, according to which either the text browser or the help browser is activated. The help browser outputs the help contents through text, voice, static images, or moving images. The portable terminal sets each of a plurality of switch keys to an effective state or an ineffective state in accordance with the contents of the help contents. In setting certain switch keys to effective states, LEDs, etc. provided corresponding to those switch keys are lighted.

Abstract: When a user wants to display application program status information or invoke a help function (either manually or automatically), a context-sensitive status or help display is provided that is either physically or virtually separate from the application program display. That is, the status or help display does not conceal or otherwise interfere with the main output of the application program. With this arrangement, the user is not inconvenienced by invoking a status request or help functions, nor is the user distracted by its display. The status or help information may be displayed in a portion of a single screen that does not overlap with the active window of the application program (a virtually separate display). Alternatively, a physically separate auxiliary display may be provided for display of the status or help information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing the application of one or more XML data mappings or one or more XML schema files to a spreadsheet application workbook. One or more XML schema files for associating to the spreadsheet workbook are obtained. Each schema file is iterated to determine if one or more additional schema files are identified in each of the obtained schema files. Each obtained schema is parsed to determine data definitions, elements, attributes, structure, and simple data content required by each schema file for valid XML data. All obtained schema files are combined to create a unified schema definition. A single root element is selected to serve as a root element for the generalized instance structure. A generalized instance structure of the unified schema definition is built representing all available elements, attributes or simple data content of the unified schema definition that may be applied to the spreadsheet application workbook.

Abstract: Support and training are provided for a user in operating a software application. A list of task indications are coupled to a GUI window. A graphical overlay is positioned on top of the GUI window and coupled to it. A sequence of instructions associated with a respective task is displayed in the graphical overlay upon selection of a task indication by the user. Each instruction directs attention to a respective selectable graphical area in the GUI window. The user operates a selector coupled to the GUI window, where after selecting a task, the selector is used to select graphical areas in response to the sequence of instructions. Recorded voice files or a text-to-speech synthesizer may be coupled to the sequence of instructions, whereby the instruction being displayed is simultaneously presented audibly to the user.

Abstract: A method executed by a computer under the control of a program includes the step of linking an application program module with a corresponding integrated documentation module. A single window displays an application program module region and an integrated documentation module region in such a manner that the application program module region can be fully viewed. The application program module is compiled without compiling the integrated documentation module. The integrated documentation module region may be turned-off and the application program module region may be re-sized to substantially fill the single window.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating suggested user responses is disclosed. The method includes loading an image into image-editing equipment. The method further includes determining a set of quality-related problems of the image using software. An animated icon is displayed in conjunction with the image, and indicates a suggested user response to one of the quality-related problems. Other embodiments may include matching a corrective function with one of said set of quality-related problems, and indicating the suggested user response in response to the matching. Further embodiments may perform the indicating by having the animated icon proffer a tool icon, or by performing a related editing to the animated icon. Finally, in other embodiments the method may include moving the animated icon to alternate image-editing equipment.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for providing real-time user support. Monitoring is performed for a user input selecting a particular option on a desktop in the data processing system. In response to detecting the user input, a request is generated for real-time user support, wherein the request includes entitlement information used to determine a type of support to be provided. The request is sent to initiate a communication link for real-time user support.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and article manufacture of debugging code. One embodiment provides a method of debugging code, comprising displaying a user interface screen of a debugging program; and in response to an event, displaying the value of the variable and a comment associated with the variable in the user interface screen in a location other than in an original location of the comment. In one embodiment, the comment associated with the variable comprises at least one of a user-drafted comment embedded in the code being debugged, an external comment retrieved from a data source external to the code being debugged, and a machine-generated comment indicative of a manner in which the variable is used. In one embodiment, the value and the comment are displayed as fly-over text.

Abstract: A system supports the use of information pointers. The information pointers provide audio and/or visual information about objects to which the cursors point. For instance, an information cursor may provide output specifying the name of an object to which the cursor points. In addition to information about the object pointed to by the cursor, information windows provide information about the user's interaction with the object. For example, “Deleting Source File.” Information windows may contain information pertaining to a pair of objects, such as the source and target object in a drag and drop operation, or to a collection of objects.

Abstract: A method and system of detecting and reporting failures in a computer, in particular a personal computer is disclosed. Event codes related to failure events are given unique alpha numeric designations, allowing universal recognition of failures related to diagnostic programs that are ran. The unique event codes are stored in an error log when a particular failure is found through the operation of a diagnostic program. The error log is parsed as to determined values and can be minimized further by eliminating redundant occurrences of the event codes. Event codes can be related to frequently asked question (FAQ) files, the FAQ files can then be presented to a user. In certain cases, the presented FAQ files can be minimized further by a template that masks out irrelevant FAQ files. The FAQ file that are considered relevant can be predetermined per the requirements of the user.

Abstract: A configuration notification unit monitors internal messages generated by an operating system of a computer related to a device configuration process for plug and play devices coupled to the computer via a serial bus interface. The configuration notification unit outputs a real time warning to the user when it is unsafe to change the number of devices coupled to the computer. In a preferred embodiment, the configuration notification unit include a message handler coupled to an indication unit.

Abstract: A method for providing help services in a graphical user interface-based computer application includes providing a first display portion and a second display portion. The first display portion provides standard application services and the second display portion provides dedicated help services based on the standard application services provided in the first display portion. The method also includes determining a user interaction via the first display portion, and, based on the user interaction, providing a standard application service associated with the computer application in the first display portion. Furthermore, the method includes providing dedicated help services in the second display portion based on the standard application service provided in the first display portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to graphical user interfaces (GUI) in computer display systems, and in particular, to the instrumentation of graphical control for task navigation in a GUI system. The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and processing system for performing a step-by-step procedure using a task oriented interface integrated into a single, intuitive, graphical control/display that further controls the user's ability to navigate through the steps and prevents the user from attempting to revise irreversible steps. The interface display graphically displays how many steps remain to be completed, and how many steps have already been completed. Additionally, it enables the user to deviate from the predefined order of steps and skip optional steps while compelling the user to complete the required steps. The display also differentially displays the completed steps to indicate which steps can be revised and which cannot.

Abstract: A method and automatic machine for processing a product, whereby, from all the regulating and/or monitoring items as a whole, a first group is determined containing a small number of frequently used items having a direct effect on the product; to permit fast use by an operator of the items in the first group, a screen of an interface device displays the items in the first group graphically by means of respective icons, each of which is connected to a synoptic background image showing the function of the relative item substantially in the region in which the relative item is actually effective.

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 method, apparatus, and computer instructions for providing user support. In response to receiving a request of real-time user support from a user, the request is placed in a service queue for processing. Prior actions taken by the user are identified. Access is selectively provided to an intelligent help agent while the request is in the queue.

Abstract: User support method and user support apparatus for facilitating a user to find desired information from an enormous size of Web sites in a user friendly manner so as to make efficient use thereof. A front processor functions at a level of interface with a user. A middle processor processes and stores information to be supplied to the user via the front processor. The front processor stores object data which describe a virtual three-dimensional space containing a plurality of virtual rooms, which respectively correspond to different concepts, and a specialized agent which performs a service related to the concept corresponding to each of the rooms. When the service is requested by the user, the specialized agent asks the middle processor about information necessary for providing the service.

Abstract: Extensible online help systems and methods are described. There can be at least two parts to the extensible help facility, such as may include a help system and a help display. A help system can be integrated with runtime extensibility mechanisms to process documentation content upon import of an extension. A help display can support help display operations, such as providing search capabilities and a table of contents.

Abstract: A method and a device (100) for displaying appointments includes: displaying an analog clock face (202) divided into a plurality of time regions, such as twelve hour intervals, on the display (109); associating time regions, such as the twelve hour intervals with appointments; and marking the associated time regions (204, 206, 208) thereby visually indicating appointments. In one embodiment, marking includes using one or more of pattern, color, hue, gray scale, and image features.

Abstract: Extensible online help systems and methods are described. There can be at least two parts to the extensible help facility, such as may include a help system and a help display. A help system can be integrated with runtime extensibility mechanisms to process documentation content upon import of an extension. A help display can support help display operations, such as providing search capabilities and a table of contents.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of synthesis gas into higher hydrocarbon products in a system comprising a high shear mixing zone and a post mixing zone wherein the process comprises: a) passing a suspension of catalyst in a liquid medium through the high shear mixing zone where the suspension is mixed with synthesis gas; b) discharging a mixture of synthesis gas and suspension from the high shear mixing zone into the post mixing zone; c) converting at least a portion of the synthesis gas to higher hydrocarbons in the post mixing zone to form a product suspension comprising catalyst suspended in the liquid medium and the higher hydrocarbons; d) separating a gaseous stream comprising uncoverted synthesis gas from the product suspension; e) recycling the separated gaseous stream to the high shear mixing zone; and f) recycling at least a portion of the product suspension to the high shear mixing zone.