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: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for generating direct speech messages based on voice commands that include indirect speech messages. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a voice input corresponding to an utterance. A determination is made whether a transcription of the utterance includes a command to initiate a communication to a user and a segment that is classified as indirect speech. In response to determining that the transcription of the utterance includes the command and the segment that is classified as indirect speech, the segment that is classified as indirect speech is provided as input to a machine translator. In response to providing the segment that is classified as indirect speech to the machine translator, a direct speech segment is received from the machine translator. A communication is initiated that includes the direct speech segment.

Abstract: A help module provides help content to a user by determining an application for which help should be presented. In one embodiment, the user requests help for a particular application and the help module determines the application for which help should be presented based on the received request. Alternatively, the help module selects an application from a pre-determined list of applications as the application for which help should be presented. The help module retrieves user data for the determined application and generates help content that includes at least part of the retrieved user data. The generated help is then transmitted by the help module for presentation to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that identifies an item having a presence within a geographic locale in response to a signal indicative of the item, obtains a first instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from a first source and obtaining a second instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from a second source; and aggregates the first supply-chain assistance and the second supply-chain assistance.

Abstract: A schedule management system having a first agent that includes an acquiring means that acquires information relating to a second schedule from a second agent; a determining means that determines change content of a first schedule based on the information relating to the second schedule; an asking means that, when the change content is outside a predetermined scope of rights for the first agent, asks a user whether it is acceptable to change the first schedule based on the change content; and a changing means that, when the change content is within the predetermined scope of rights for the first agent, changes the first schedule based on the change content and, when the change content is outside the predetermined scope of rights for the first agent, changes the first schedule based on the change content or change content designated by the user, based on a result of asking the user.

Abstract: An approach is provided that captures an admin-console context. The first admin-console context includes a set of state attribute values corresponding to elements that are included in a context hierarchy of a console software application that is being executed at a computer system. A number of events that occur at the admin-console are recorded in a memory. A Reusable User Interaction (RUI) Script is stored in a nonvolatile storage area. The RUI Script includes the captured admin-console context and a sequence of the recorded plurality events. A collection of RUI Scripts are stored in a central knowledge repository for reuse. Search the RUI Scripts repository for reuse, using the current admin-console context.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing instructional help, at multiple levels of sophistication, in a learning application includes assistance in the form to at least two optional levels of sophistication. The user can select any level of sophistication according to desire or need. The levels allow for flexibility in learning relative to the person involved, the amount of previous knowledge the person has about the subject matter, the differences in how different people learn. In one embodiment, the assistance is contained in programming on a CD-ROM which is used in an interactive computerized system.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising: a display unit configured to display a setting menu; an operation unit configured to receive an operation from a user; an operation detection unit configured to detects the operation received by the operation unit; a timer unit configured to measure an elapsed time that has elapsed since a start operation relating to a setting of a given function received by the operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit; and a help display processing unit configured to cause the display unit to display help information thereon when an end operation relating to the given function to the operation unit has not been detected by the operation detection unit before the elapsed time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time.

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: A system for effectively implementing an electronic network includes a main personal computer that is coupled to the electronic network. A personal assistant program on the main personal computer supports a personal assistant mode for the main personal computer and one or more other local network devices. A user interface is generated by the personal assistant for allowing one or more users to interactively communicate with the personal assistant through either the main personal computer or the local network devices. A processor device on the main personal computer is configured to control the personal assistant.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a speaker configured to output sound data, a microphone configured to receive voice data, a sensing unit configured to sense a touching operation of at least one of 1) the speaker or the microphone and 2) a neighborhood area of the speaker or the microphone, and a controller configured to control a volume of the speaker or the microphone based on the sensed touching operation of said at least one of 1) the speaker or the microphone and 2) the neighborhood area of the speaker or the microphone.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling structured communication among a social network is disclosed. The system enables a user to formulate a question and answer pattern including potential responses to the question based upon the form of question. The system then translates and transmits a message including the question and answer pattern to users over a plurality of different messaging platforms for eliciting responses to the question using the answer pattern. The system then aggregates responses to the question and presents the responses in a summary format. A language for defining messages according to static and dynamic content and other attributes is disclosed. Collaborative filtering reduces the decision space and as a result increases the possible range of specialized communications a user can choose from and apply or the message processing space available to contemplate alternatives resulting in more effective choices.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus having an operating system installed thereon is provided with a help file manager. The help file manager obtains language type information indicating a language type currently set for the operating system, obtains one of a plurality of help files that corresponds to the obtained language type information from a resource file, and expands the obtained help file into an expanded help file to store the expanded help file at the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus displays a help window generated based on the expanded help file that is stored.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for generating in-situ resource guides. In one aspect, a method includes receiving flow elements for a resource, and for each flow element, identifying the respective resource instructions in the resource document that match a selector of the flow element; sequentially display flow interface elements, and for each sequentially displayed flow interface element: monitoring for the occurrence a user input of data in a user interface element corresponding to the selector of the flow element; and in response to monitoring the user input of data in a user interface element, sequentially displaying another flow interface element.

Abstract: A system for executing a cyber investigation by a non-expert user, including a computer having a processor, a memory, and a display; a computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for execution of a wizard application, the processor adapted to execute the instructions when the computer-readable medium is inserted into the computer, the processor programmed to: receive case information; receive a type of activity being investigated in response to user inputs to select the activity type from a list of possible activity types; guide the user through capturing data related to the selected activity type through steps presented to the user through one or more screens shown in the display, the steps presented such that a non-expert user can follow them; receive user inputs through a screens to obtain information needed to continue capturing the data related to the selected activity; and store the captured data in a removable data storage device or medium for analysis and use in the cyber investigation

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing time for a slide presentation that permits a speaker to coordinate available time with the number of slides to be shown and a method of operating the same is described. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a time allocation tool enabling a user to establish a presentation time with respect to at least one slide in the slide presentation and allocate any remaining presentation time to each remaining slide on a pro-rata basis and (2) a monitoring module associated with the time allocation tool to monitor the progress of the slide presentation and display a time status for the slide presentation as well as a slide number and a time status for a currently displayed slide.

Abstract: A keyboard input method and an assistant system thereof are provided. In the present method, first, an assistant on-screen keyboard program is launched and an input signal is received. Then, if it is determined that the input signal represents an input character, whether the input character leads to an input error is determined according to an input method of an electronic device. If the input character leads to the input error, a keyboard position of the key corresponding to the input character is obtained, and a partial area of an assistant on-screen keyboard is displayed according to the position, wherein the partial area includes the key corresponding to the input character.

Abstract: A non-transitory processor-readable medium stores code representing instructions configured to cause a processor to send a first signal to cause a client device to display an instruction directing a user to perform a task associated with a user profile of an online entity. The code is configured to cause the processor to produce a query formatted according to an API associated with the online entity. The code is configured to cause the processor to send a second signal including the query to at least one of the client device or the online entity, and receive a third signal including a datum associated with the task. The code is configured to cause the processor to update a status of the indicated task based on the datum, and send a fourth signal to cause the client device to produce an indication associated with the status of the task.

Abstract: A remote support site having a detector internally collecting information on a user-selectable intrinsic broadcast characteristic of a media-playing set or television and a server enabling specification of a preferred setting for such characteristic from this information. A method including maintaining a remote site, therefrom internally collecting information from the set about a user-selectable intrinsic broadcast characteristic, and therefrom specifying a preferred setting for such characteristic. A similar method but information detected upon user request about user-adjustable component for selecting on-screen characteristic and final step is remotely adjusting component. A similar method but information is about broadcast characteristic potentially selectable initially by user instead remotely specified initially. A similar method but information is about plural broadcast characteristics and final step is remotely providing settings for each.

Abstract: Helping a user to use a first application. A help document is presented to a user. The help document describes at least one step for using the first application and includes metadata. The metadata indicates at least a first user interface element of the first application corresponding to the step. Responsive to presenting to the user the help document, based on processing of the metadata, the first user interface element is highlighted in the first application to indicate to the user to select the first user interface element to perform the step. The first user interface element is external to the help document.

Abstract: There is disclosed a user interface for editing photo tags. In an embodiment, the user interface embodies a method of editing photo tags, comprising: displaying a photo on a display; providing a photo tagging mode for editing tags for the displayed photo; and for each tag used to tag a subject or object in the photo, identifying the tag type and associating a unique pointer for each tag type to highlight the corresponding tagged subject or object. The method may further comprise: displaying a tag list of tags used to tag a subject or object in the photo; and identifying the tag type of each tag in the tag list. In an embodiment, context sensitive information may be accessed for each tag depending on the tag type.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a server receives a request from a client for a webpage comprising portlets. A framework corresponding to the webpage is retrieved. The framework indicates whether a portlet is to be executed by the server or whether execution of the portlet is to be initiated by the client. The framework indicates that one or more first portlets are to be executed by the server. The server executes the first portlets to yield one or more first portlet markups. The first portlet markups are placed into the webpage. Execution of one or more second portlets is to be initiated by the client according to the framework. One or more placeholder tags for the second portlets are placed into the webpage. A placeholder tag allows the client to initiate execution of a second portlet. The webpage comprising the first portlet markups and the placeholder tags is sent to the client.

Abstract: In order to put a network access node such as a wireless router or home gateway in a home network in operation, the node needs to be configured with several parameters requiring technical skills that an ordinary user often does not have. The present invention solves this problem by introducing a system and a method to assist the user to configure the router. The system comprises a web based wizard, an inference engine coupled to said wizard and a knowledge base coupled to said inference engine. The wizard guides the user to provide input which together with stored information retrieved from the knowledge base is processed by the inference engine. The inference engine further generates configuration data that is stored in the wireless router or home gateway. The user can without detailed technical knowledge easily configure the router.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which provides manipulation assistance, even in the case where a user trying to executing a certain function has performed a wrong manipulation, by inferring the function which the user originally wanted to execute. The apparatus according to the present invention is to be used in an electronic device having an input section to receive a manipulation by a user and operating based on the user's manipulation, and infers a manipulation intent of the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is performed by causing at least one processor to by execute instructions recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-implemented method includes interfacing an informative effects engine with a computer application, detecting an operation of a select feature or function of the computer application on a user-application interface, and in response to the detection, presenting a tutorial with one or more informative effects related to the select feature or function of the computer application on the user-application interface.

Abstract: Enterprise information handling system storage solutions are configured automatically through a graphical user interface that accepts storage device and storage topology selections from an end user to automatically present a graphical image depicting interconnection devices that interface the storage devices. For example, cables with a color selected by the end user are depicted interfacing storage devices with the selected color. In one embodiment, switches are automatically selected and depicted for the storage devices and storage topology selected by the end user.

Abstract: A Mobile Voice Self Service (MVSS) mobile device incorporating a mobile contacts outdialer and method thereof. The MVSS mobile device may include a connection application operable to connect to at least one contact device. The connection application may include a launch interface that displays a representation of the at least one contact device, a selection interface that allows a user of the MVSS mobile device to select one or more of the at least one contact device, and a contact protocol operable to communicate with the selected at least one contact device. The multimedia application may be operable to present a multimedia presentation to the selected at least one contact device, wherein the multimedia application is further operable to solicit and collect one or more responses from the at least one contact device to the multimedia presentation.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying content in a browser window associated with an end-user is described. In one implementation, data that includes links is received from a content provider, each of the links is identified and encoded, and the received data along with the links are displayed in the end-user's browser window.

Abstract: A software system maintains a plurality of procedures in an infrastructure. The procedures include step by step instructions relating to assisting a user of the infrastructure. The system also provides a software tool via a user interface relating to the plurality of procedures. The software tool is configured to permit a user to create a procedure, to activate the procedure, and to publish the availability of the procedure.

Abstract: A visual help user interface (UI) to help a user learn a product's capability and inputs needed to achieve a given action is provided. The visual help (UI) may be launched via a trigger and may overlay a software application with a graphical user interface (GUI). A trigger may include detection of a user action associated with a given action in an application, receiving a command sequence associated with the given action, or receiving a request for help by a user. The visual help UI may be utilized to demonstrate a feature, to suggest or demonstrate a work flow, or to teach a gesture. The visual help UI may be animated to imply interaction and may demonstrate a suggested workflow or input sequence using a user's content in the application GUI.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for aligning document actions specified in a documented procedure with demonstrated user actions. The apparatus includes an alignment device for computing an alignment between the document actions and the demonstrated user actions based on at least one similarity metric.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods to utilize factual information based on stored analyte data to allow greater insight into the management of diabetes of a user.

Abstract: One or more systems and/or techniques for generating an adaptive tree structure for storing event data based upon data density of events are disclosed. In particular, the adaptive tree structure may comprise one or more levels of nodes, where a level may correspond to a resolution of events. Nodes may correspond to particular time spans over which event data was recorded. A node may be designated as a raw node comprising raw events or a summary node comprising summary events based upon the number of events occurring within a time span covered by the node.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a CD/DVD recorder with a gradual recording guidance function. The recorder includes at least one video/audio signal sources input end for receiving external video/audio signal sources, a memory for storing a gradual recording guidance program, and a processor for connection to the memory and execution of the program. Execution of the program by the processor includes at least the steps of: displaying on a monitor in single-screen mode a man-machine display screen for selecting recording video/audio sources, and then displaying on the same screen the positions at which the video/audio signal sources input ends are installed in the recorder; and displaying on the monitor in single-screen mode a man-machine display screen for selecting a recording video/audio quality option, and then displaying on the same screen the recording time left with regard to a rewritable/recordable CD/DVD immediately after the recording video/audio quality option is selected.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for modifying user interface behavior according to page element identifier pre-classification. For example, a number of content page (e.g., webpage) element identifiers (e.g., object classes or identifiers) are pre-classified as linking to associated media objects. When a content page or domain is requested by a user's web interface, the response is intercepted and analyzed to see if it has pre-classified element identifiers. If so, a script is injected in the webpage code or otherwise communicated to the requesting web interface, and the script is executed at the client side. Having executed the script, when a user interacts with a page element having one of the pre-classified element identifiers, the user interface is modified to provide enhanced functionality relating to the media object linked to by the page element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visually representing scripted behaviors are provided. A system is disclosed that includes an authoring program executable on a computing device and configured to display a visual scripting interface. The visual scripting interface may be configured to display a plurality of user-selectable graphical building blocks. Each graphical building block may represent a respective component of a script, and may be spatially arrangable within the visual scripting interface to visually represent a script for a target scripted object. Input selectors may be provided on the graphical building blocks to enable users to input script information, and status indicators and messages may also be displayed on the graphical building blocks to inform users whether script information has been properly inputted. Propagation tools may be provided to enable users to successively add new graphical building blocks to build a tree that represents a script sentence.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus 100 includes: an image forming part 6, a liquid crystal display part 11, a storage device 92 storing a program for displaying a setting screen at the liquid crystal display part 11; an input part 1 receiving, for example, a setting made for a setting item; and a help key KH for displaying a help screen at the display part. When the help key KH has been pressed in the setting by the called program, the display part 11, before processing is performed for a referenced setting item as the setting item for which the help screen has been referenced, displays a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not the processing may be performed at the current setting for the referenced setting item.

Abstract: Continuous change of state directions are graphically provided on a display screen to assist a user in performing necessary action(s) for transitioning between operating modes in a medical robotic system or performing corrective action. A graphical representation of a target state of an element of the medical robotic system is displayed on a display screen viewable by the user. Current states of the element and indications directing the user to manipulate the element towards the target state are continuously determined and graphical representations of the continuously determined current states and indications are displayed on the display screen along with that of the target state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises: an operation part having a display area and operable to receive an input from a user; a first display part operable to display, in a part of the display area, (i) a first image to be visible only from a range of a first viewing angle and (ii) a second image to be visible only from a range of a second viewing angle that does not overlap with the range of the first viewing angle; an audio output part operable to output an audio explaining the first image; and a second display part operable, while the audio explaining the first image is being output, to display, in a remaining part of the display area, a notification indicating that the audio explaining the first image does not correspond to the second image, such that the notification is visible from the range of the second viewing angle.

Abstract: A method, data processing system, and computer program product for managing bookmarks. An application program, executed by a processor unit, identifies an external bookmark associated with a function in response to receiving a user input requesting information about the function in an application program executed by a processor unit in a computer, wherein the external bookmark points to a webpage available from another computer. The application program displays the identified bookmark.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for displaying an indication of off-screen content. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of providing an electronic map of a first geographic area that includes a first entity at a first geographic location for display on a user interface and receiving user input indicating an interest in a second entity at a second geographic location that is outside of the first geographic area. An electronic map of a second geographic area that includes the second geographic location of the second entity is provided, and a first indicator, indicating at least an approximate direction to the first geographic location, is provided for display on the electronic map of the second geographic area.

Abstract: A feature of a computing device application may be selected by user or other input and then demonstrated using a demonstration application. The demonstration application may select simulated user inputs from a script or other source that, when input to the computing device application, drive it to demonstrate the selected feature. The demonstration application may then begin to input the one or more simulated user inputs to the computing device application. Before all of the simulated user inputs have been input, the demonstration application may determine that the user has interrupted the demonstration. In response to the determination, the demonstration application may cease inputting the simulated inputs, leaving the computing device application in the state it was in at the time of interruption, thereby enabling the user to explore the application or feature of the application being demonstrated at a time and in a manner of the user's choosing.

Abstract: A user support system provides a user interface that integrates FAQ features and helpdesk features and a user support request handling interface that integrates user support request handing and FAQ database maintenance. The user interface screen allows a user to select one or more levels of categories of support topic, and displays a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) based on the user-selected categories. Once the categories are selected, a message input window is displayed on the user interface screen to allow the user to send a support request to the support provider. The user support request handling interface allows a support staff to select from a database a template answer to the user's request; it also provides means for the support staff to directly edit the template answer in the database, add new questions and answers to the database, or assign a question to a category.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to assist users with the entry of strong passwords. The password may be considered strong if it satisfies one or more requirements. A set of these requirements may be selected and then presented to the user. The requirements may be randomly selected one by one or as a group. The requirements may also be presented to the user one by one in a random order or in the form of a list with a random order. As characters for the password are entered, the user may then be notified when one or more the requirements have been satisfied.

Abstract: A programmable controller for homes and/or buildings and their related grounds, such as thermostat, that has a display and an external interface. The external interface may be use for uploading electronic images and/or other information from an external data source, and may use the uploaded electronic images and/or other information for programming and/or updating the controller and/or for viewing the electronic images and/or other information on the display of the controller.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for representing a production environment comprises a modeling module that creates a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of a production environment. The system also includes a view module that renders a graphical depiction of at least a portion of the three-dimensional model from a reference point that is based at least in part upon a location. Methods of using the system are also provided.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media for automatically generating computer-assistance videos based on remote interactive-guidance sessions are disclosed. In one example, an exemplary method for performing such a task may comprise: 1) detecting initiation of a remote interactive-guidance session between a local computing device and a remote computing device, 2) recording the remote interactive-guidance session, 3) storing the recorded interactive-guidance session in a media file, and then 4) providing access to the media file.

Abstract: An ambient help application selects and displays learning resources to an end-user of a software application that are relevant to the current activities of the end-user in the software application. The ambient help application selects the learning resources based on computed relevance scores of each learning resource and displays the learning resources in a dedicated help space. The learning resources may include video- and text-based instructional information, and may be sized and positioned in the help space according to relevance score.

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 embodiment, an electronic device communicating with a server includes a transmitter, a receiver and a display controller. The transmitter is configured to transmit, to the server, at least one of setting information of an application set by a user and setting information set in the electronic device by the user. The receiver is configured to receive, from the server, answer information to anticipated user's questions in accordance with the setting information. The display controller is configured to controls to display the answer information.