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.

Abstract: A character generating system (10) includes a pickup image information acquiring unit (14), a face part texture generating unit (15), a shape model generating unit (16), and a texture pasting unit (17). The face part texture generating unit (15) has the function of generating part textures that correspond to face parts and are pasted to a head portion shape model of a character (70), which will become an anime-like portrait based on face pickup image information of an object, and includes a characteristic point extracting unit (151), a part selecting unit (152), a flesh color setting unit (153), and a part arrangement setting unit (154).

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: During installing a first computer software product, a computer system advertises a second computer software product other than the first computer software product and demonstrates a feature of the second computer software product. The feature is responsive to said installing but unnecessary to said installing.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for displaying supplementary information on a graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information is received. The supplementary information is retrieved and displayed in a reserved display field in a graphical user interface. The reserved display field may be configured by a user to adapt to specific applications, but remains stationary throughout the user session. The reserved display field does not obstruct any other display fields in the graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information may be generated by using a mouse to first position a cursor over an active display element. A request for supplementary information associated with the active display element may be generated by clicking the mouse, or by holding the cursor stationary for a time interval greater than a threshold dwell time.

Abstract: An out-space actuator is selected to access an out-space user interface for a document editor program. An out-space actuator is associated with an in-space user interface having a displayed document. When the out-space actuator is selected, an out-space user interface is displayed that includes an expanded feature selection surface. The out-space user interface may be used to display one or more status panes for providing status information about a document being edited in the in-space user interface. Application features for affecting changes to a given document's status may be exposed in the out-space interface in proximity to associated status information. An out-space communication user interface (UI) component may be temporarily displayed in the document in-space user interface to communicate document status information that is presently available in the out-space user interface. A message bar may be displayed in the in-space user interface for communicating information from the out-space user interface.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein disclose a method of providing help content to users for a plurality of applications installed on the user device to direct users on how to proceed with operation of a particular application. The method comprises selecting an application installed in the user device, activating a help mode function provided in a user device, checking for the help content corresponding to the selected application, connecting the user device to an central server if a help content pertaining to the selected application is not available, synchronizing the selected application with the applications in the central server and extracting the help content for the selected application from the central server to the user device. The activation of the help mode disables the plurality of applications installed in the user device and sets the user device to function under a help mode.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for online customer service via website navigation intervention are described herein. Methods provided by these tools may include monitoring activities of a user who is interacting with a website while utilizing a user device. These activities may indicate that the user would benefit from assistance while interacting with the website, and the tools may accordingly formulate data representing an offer of assistance to the user. In some instances, the user device may send a request for assistance to a customer service system, and may surrender control of the user device to the customer service system. The user device may receive assistance from the customer service system, and afterwards, regain control of the device when the assistance is completed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for just-in-time training in software applications including tracking usage of an application by a user, determining a task the user is attempting to perform based at least in part on the tracked usage, and offering training content to the user based at least in part on the task. The training content is offered substantially when the user is attempting to perform the task.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for help functionality and graphical user interface applications are disclosed.

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: Computer-implemented medical information recording methods are described. According to one aspect, a computer-implemented medical information recording method includes displaying a graphical user interface including a graphical representation of the human anatomy, accessing user inputs interacting with the graphical representation of the human anatomy, and generating an electronic record comprising data pertaining to the health of the patient using the user inputs interacting with the graphical representation of the human anatomy.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus, system, and method for visual contextual searching in a computer application that has a graphical user interface (GUI). The apparatus includes a selection module that defines a selection area of the GUI that is displayed on the computer display. The user provides the necessary input defining the selection area using an input device such as a mouse to define the boundary of the selection area. A topic module determines a set of topics related to the GUI elements that are displayed within the selection area defined by the user. The topic module may make the association using a visual map. A display module then displays these results for the user in a results section that is shown on the display. The apparatus may apply filter rules to restrict the number and types of topics that the display module lists. Users may also associate topics with a particular GUI element or disassociate topics with a particular GUI 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: Mechanisms are provided for consistent and coherent layout for an installation wizard. The mechanisms divide the installation wizard into a plurality of actions. The mechanisms generate a graphical user interface panel for each of the plurality of actions to form a plurality of graphical user interface panels and generate at least one optional view for each graphical user interface panel. For each given action of the installation wizard, the mechanisms present a graphical user interface panel with a default view based on context of the given action and responsive to user input selecting an optional view, present the graphical user interface panel with the selected optional view.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing help content related to a software application to a user. The technique involves receiving textual input related to a first software application from a first user and comprising help content and generating a first discussion element based on the textual input. The technique further involves receiving first contextual information associated with the first user and related to the first software application, associating the first contextual information with the first discussion element, and transmitting the first discussion element to a server machine for processing.

Abstract: Learning content management systems and processes are described that enable a user to independently define or select learning content, frameworks, styles, and/or protocols. The frameworks may be configured to specify a flow or an order of presentation to a learner with respect to a learning content presentation. The style definition may define an appearance of learning content. At least partly in response to a publishing instruction, the received learning content and the received framework definition are merged and then rendered in accordance with the defined style. The rendered merged learning content and framework definition are packaged in accordance with the defined/selected protocol to provide a published learning document.

Abstract: An image display device including an image input means to which image signals are input, an image display means for forming an optical image based on the image signals, and a device adjusting means for adjusting internal conditions of the device is provided with an adjusting operation support means for supporting an operation of the device adjusting means. Because the adjusting operation support means is provided, a user may easily adjust the image display device while confirming adjusting operation support information displayed by the adjusting operation support means.

Abstract: An electronic personal assistant that uses task information to obtain task performance assistance and help content is provided. Tasks from an electronic tasks application may be utilized by the personal assistant application to search a variety of information sources for task performance functionality and help content related to the tasks. The personal assistant may provide functionality to help a user actually perform a given task. Alternatively, once help content is obtained, a new task may be generated or the related task may be modified to provide the help content or to provide a link to the help content. The personal assistant application may provide the help content in a separate user interface or cause an application from which the help content is obtained to be launched.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for automatically adapting the problem shooting steps to the user's skill level.

Abstract: A context-sensitive process guidance system provides process guidance based on context data from a system used in performing the process. The system may be a work item tracking system or similar project management tool. Process guidance may provide information to a user performing actions related to a process. Context data may be derived from various sources, including the state of an application at the time of the request for process guidance, the user making the request and the role assigned to that user in the process, or the data displayed for the user who made the request. The context-sensitive process guidance system may display context-sensitive process guidance content and provide links to related process guidance content based on the context data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for integrating help functions. A compound document is received. The compound document comprises a help module. The help module comprises a first collection of help information that applies specifically to the compound document. The compound document is associated with a processing application used to manipulate the compound document. The processing application comprises application help. The application help comprises a second collection of help information that applies to the processing application. The first collection of help information is distinct from the second collection of help information. The method also includes integrating the help module into the application help to form a modified help. The modified help comprises a combination of the first collection of help information and the second collection of help information. The modified help can be stored or displayed.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems, and programs are provided for creating and editing video content on mobile devices.

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.

Abstract: A user can access a searching component that allows the user to enter search terms to search for commands associated with a computer program. Some specific embodiments pertain to methods for supporting user access to the searching component, to methods for processing search terms submitted by the user, and to methods for guiding the user in terms of their formulation and selection queries. Methods for generating, organizing and manipulating the search results are also provided.

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. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. Techniques for process sensitive help are also integrated into the system to provide contextual examples to guide a user in performing a task.

Abstract: An information processor includes an information processing unit that executes an information process by reference to a setting, a setting unit that executes a provisional selection to select one or more selection items among multiple selection items and a definitive selection for deciding the provisional selection by reference to an operation by a user and determines a setting of the information process by reference to a result of the definitive selection, a determination unit that determines a selection item to be explained by reference to one or more selection item provisionally selected by the setting unit, and an explanation outputting unit that outputs an explanation for the user for the selection item to be explained which is determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: A method for using a website, including detecting, using an agent executing on a central processing unit (CPU) and operatively coupled to a financial management application (FMA), a user accessing a webpage of the website by comparing a web address submitted by the user to a pre-determined web address of the webpage, analyzing the webpage based on a pre-determined template to identify a data entry field, identifying, using the agent executing on the CPU, data managed within the FMA for populating the data entry field, wherein the data is identified by comparing the data entry field to a data model of the FMA, retrieving the data managed within the FMA to generate retrieved data, and populating, using the agent executing on the CPU, the data entry field using the retrieved data based on the data model of the FMA.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing apparatus capable of improving the operability of an installation screen. The information processing apparatus of the present invention starts up an application on an operating system to perform information processing. This information processing apparatus includes: installation means for installing the application; display means for displaying, when the application is installed, an installation screen on which a plurality of buttons, each associated with each of a plurality of setting items and operated by a user, are arranged; detection means for detecting a use environment of the information processing apparatus; and display control means for allowing, among the buttons arranged on the installation screen, the button relevant to the use environment detected by the detection means to be displayed on the display means so as to be relatively increased in display level with respect to the other buttons.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an interactive electronic technical manual system. A system includes a user interface for receiving input from a user and providing output to the user. A database stores instructions associated with tasks. The system also includes a diagnostic reasoner for receiving commands, controlling an external device in response to the commands to implement a test of the external device, and sensing signals associated with the test of the external device. The system further includes an interface module in communication with the user interface, the database, and the diagnostic reasoner. The interface module sends instructions associated with tasks to the user interface from the database, conveys commands from the user interface to the diagnostic reasoner, receives data associated with the signals sensed by the diagnostic reasoner, and analyzes the data associated with the signals.

Abstract: A method includes displaying one or more selection options on a touch-sensitive display and detecting a hovering touch associated with a first option of the one or more selection options. Information associated with the first option is previewed in a first format in an information field in response to detecting the hovering touch. A selection of one of the one or more selection options is detected, and a function associated with the selected option is performed.

Abstract: In an approach, an exemplary method includes receiving a query related to an electronic device through a first user interface associated with the electronic device, sensing a context of the electronic device, and providing an assistance correlating to the query and the sensed context through a second user interface associated with the electronic device. In another approach, an exemplary system includes an electronic device having a context sensor, a first and a second user interface, and instructions. The instructions cause the electronic device to receive a query related to the electronic device through a first user interface associated with the electronic device, receive a context of the electronic device from the context sensor, and provide an assistance corresponding to the query and the context of the electronic device through a second user interface associated with the electronic device.

Abstract: A method, a computer program and a computer program product for interacting with a device via an interaction unit, wherein the interaction unit comprises a plurality of interaction areas that can be activated by an activation unit to effect the interaction, the method comprising detecting approached interaction areas, wherein the approached interaction areas are interaction areas that are approached by the activation unit without yet being activated; displaying representations of the approached interaction areas on a display of the device. The invention further relates to the device itself and to a module for such a device.

Abstract: A user access to help content of an application executed by a computing device is detected. The help content includes at least one configured projected user interaction with the application. At least one subsequent detected user interaction with the application is recorded. A key pair that correlates the accessed help content with the at least one subsequent detected user interaction with the application is created. Effectiveness of the help content is determined based upon the key pair and the at least one configured projected user interaction with the application.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting graphic objects to insert in a text message when composed on a wireless device, each of the graphic objects representing a set of individual alphanumeric characters. The system comprises an object table for display on a user interface of the device, such that the table is configured for including a first object of the graphic objects associated with a first predefined input and a second object of the graphic objects associated with a second predefined input. The first input is different from the second input. The system also has a first input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the first input event component is configured for mapping to the first predefined input. The system also has a second input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the second input event component is configured for mapping to the second predefined input, the first input event component being different from the second input event component.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing search skills of human guides in an information search system. The method allows human guides to be trained when they are not particularly busy fielding search queries from information seekers. The method can include determining whether a guide is idle and presenting to a human guide at least one video or audio source for training the human guide. The video training can include a demonstration of the most effective method for providing search results for an information search query, thereby enabling a guide to learn effective strategies and skills for conducting information searching. The training can contribute to the likelihood of the guide being promoted to a level of a more experienced human guide, thereby allowing greater effectiveness in fielding search queries for information seekers.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for processing a post to a discussion board comprising placing the post on the discussion board; performing an entitlement check to determine whether access to an expert should be provided to the user, wherein the entitlement check is associated with at least one of a characteristic of the user and a characteristic of the post; and based on the entitlement check providing access to the expert in the form of a control.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, products, and methods for generating software documentation.

Abstract: A method for providing a virtual world presentation includes registering a first product on a computer system; registering a user on the computer system and associating that user with a user ID; responsive to registering the first product, displaying a virtual representation of the first product on the computer system; associating the virtual representation of the first product with the user ID; registering a second product on the computer system; and responsive to registering the second product, generating specialized content on the computer system. The specialized content is also associated with the user ID and may include a virtual representation of the second product. Accessing the computer system using the user ID provides access to both the virtual representation of the first product and the specialized content on the computer system.

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: 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 control device controls an external storage device with a plurality of storage units which can be driven and stopped independently. The control device comprises: a display control unit; a setting unit; and a control signal output unit. The display control unit displays on a display a selection screen that allows a user to select which storage unit from among the plurality of storage units to operate. The setting unit sets a storage unit selected by the user as an operating storage unit to be operated. The control signal output unit outputs to the external storage device a control signal for having the operating storage unit be operated.

Abstract: A system to automate creation of a configuration wizard from, for example, an underlying control application. In one instance, a complex application may be represented with a simple configuration view such as that of a configuration wizard. When an application is being created, a user may be provided with a feature that defines the configuration wizard. Some aspects of the present approach are that a wizard user interface may be automatically generated, a standard approach may be provided to define the wizard, and, for changes which are performed in the application, the wizard may easily be edited and regenerated.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to techniques for quickly displaying metadata of media objects (e.g., music files) using gestures. In one example a method includes, generating for display a browsing view including browsing content, wherein the browsing content includes one or more media objects; receiving user input including one or more gestures to select at least one media object; determining an input operation that selects a quantity of metadata associated with the selected media object, wherein the metadata includes information that describes the selected media object, and wherein the quantity of the metadata is proportional to a detected property of the one or more gestures to select the media object; and generating for display in an expanded view, the metadata associated with the at least one selected media object.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for providing voice response unit (VRU) shortcuts. A system is provided that includes: a user interface for allowing a user to input a targeted VRU, a goal, and call-specific information; a data mapping system for mapping the call specific information and user information pre-stored in a database to a VRU map associated with VRU; a VRU interface system for initiating a call with the targeted VRU and navigating the targeted VRU to an option associated with the goal; and a system for telephonically connecting the user with the targeted VRU when the option associated with the goal is reached.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to techniques for quickly displaying metadata of media objects (e.g., music files) using gestures. In one example a method includes, generating for display a browsing view including browsing content, wherein the browsing content includes one or more media objects; receiving user input including one or more gestures to select at least one media object; determining an input operation that selects a quantity of metadata associated with the selected media object, wherein the metadata includes information that describes the selected media object, and wherein the quantity of the metadata is proportional to a magnitude of the one or more gestures to select the media object; and generating for display in an expanded view, the metadata associated with the at least one selected media object, wherein the expanded view is generated for display without changing the browsing content.

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: A system and method for selecting graphic objects to insert in a text message when composed on a wireless device, each of the graphic objects representing a set of individual alphanumeric characters. The system comprises an object table for display on a user interface of the device, such that the table is configured for including a first object of the graphic objects associated with a first predefined input and a second object of the graphic objects associated with a second predefined input. The first input is different from the second input. The system also has a first input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the first input event component is configured for mapping to the first predefined input. The system also has a second input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the second input event component is configured for mapping to the second predefined input, the first input event component being different from the second input event component.

Abstract: System and method for debugging a program. A graphical user interface (GUI) displays source code for the program in a first GUI element, and first user input is received to the first GUI element indicating an expression, e.g., including one or more one or more variables, constants, macros, and/or operators, in the source code. A value of the expression is displayed in a tooltip in response to the first user input. Second user input is received to the tooltip modifying the value, thereby specifying a new value, and the expression in the program is set to the new value. The program continues execution in accordance with the new value of the expression. The tooltip includes a first portion, e.g., context sensitive control, displaying the value and to receive the second user input modifying the value, and a second portion, e.g., text indicator, displaying non-editable information related to the expression.

Abstract: A system for presentation of help files on a computer with an operating system and a display is provided. Presentation-independent information associated with an application is stored on the computer. A help application is adapted to access the presentation-independent information based on user interactions and automatically to select between available rendering applications at runtime for displaying the presentation-independent information on the display.