Help Presentation Patents (Class 715/705)
  • Patent number: 8082499
    Abstract: A system and method for creating conversation in a computer program such as a videogame. A plurality of classes of dialog is provided and a conversation segment is assigned to each class. A graphical interface is displayed during operation of the program that provides a choice indicator, wherein the choice indicator has a plurality of selectable slots, each associated with a dialog class. The graphical interface is consistent as to the position of dialog classes throughout at least a segment of the program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Electronic Arts, Inc.
    Inventors: Casey Hudson, Jim Bishop, Scott Greig, Drew Karpyshyn, Kevin Martens, Ray Muzyka, James Ohlen, Yanick Roy, Preston Watamaniuk, Michael Laidlaw
  • Patent number: 8082500
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating with an intelligent electronic device coupled to a switching device used in a power system, wherein a user-interface software program operates on a computing device which is operatively connected to the intelligent electronic device. The user-interface software program when executed by the processor of the computing device provides a plurality of wizards selectable by a user. Upon selecting a wizard to be executed, the user-interface software program causes the display on a monitor of a first window displaying wizard controls for guiding a user in the execution of one or more steps related to the selected wizard, and a second window separate from the first window displaying information related to the step under execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Michael Mendik, Anton Poeltl
  • Publication number: 20110307779
    Abstract: An instructive content creation and viewing system, including a first microprocessor assembly, an intuitive viewing interface, a second microprocessor assembly in communication with the first microprocessor assembly, and an content creation interface. The viewing interface is housed on the first microprocessor assembly and the content creation interface is housed on the second microprocessor assembly. The content creation interface is used to create the instructive content, while the first microprocessor assembly obtains the instructive content. The viewing interface presents the instructive content while the viewing interface adapts to the instructive content and user preferences or actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Gordon Scott Scholler, Zahi Itzhak Shirizli, Ronen Zeev Levy
  • Patent number: 8077333
    Abstract: This invention discloses a printing control apparatus capable of allowing even an inexperienced operator to execute a printing process by properly and efficiently using a plurality of printing devices in accordance with the contents of each job, printing conditions, and the like. A printing control apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of this invention determines device combinations suitable for the attributes of a printing job from performance information of the devices and the attributes of the printing job. The printing control apparatus presents the combinations so as to be able to select one of them, and displays an explanation of printing process steps using the selected combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Mori, Akihiko Noda
  • Patent number: 8078973
    Abstract: A method of providing visual indication of a device connection speed proceeds by determining a connection speed of the device and selecting a visual indicator representative of the connection speed. Once the appropriate indicator has been selected, the visual indicator is then displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Luttmann, Dave Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8074183
    Abstract: An image formation device having a hierarchically structured function setting menu in which plural function setting items including a function setting item for an optional device are managed in a hierarchical structure, the hierarchically structured function setting menu being sequentially displayed according to the hierarchical structure to select a desired function setting item to perform a function setting, the image formation device including a detector that detects a connection of the optional device, and a changing unit that changes the function setting item for the optional device to a top level of the hierarchically structured function setting menu when the connection of the optional device is detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sakae Ito
  • Patent number: 8069413
    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. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: BEA Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Douglas Methot
  • Publication number: 20110286038
    Abstract: There is provided an image reading apparatus including an image reading unit that reads image data optically from an information display medium, an operation screen display unit that displays an operation screen to receive input from a user with respect to an image reading process performed by the image reading unit, and a help screen display unit that displays, in accordance with a displayed operation screen displayed by the operation screen display unit, help guidance relating to the displayed operation screen in a manner that the help guidance and the displayed operation screen are visible at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: PFU LIMITED
    Inventors: Tomonori YUASA, Yoshiyuki MURAKAMI, Yoshiki NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20110289409
    Abstract: A method for generating user help information for a customized user interface, the customized user interface including one or more user interface components from a library of user interface components, the method comprising the steps of: associating library component help information with each user interface component in the library of user interface components; identifying component help information from the library component help information for each component in the customized user interface; aggregating the identified component help information into user help information for presentation to a user of the customized user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher M. Batey, Saurabh Bhasin, Christy Haragan, Steven J. Horsman, Keir Lawson, Katie Shepherd, Christopher M. Webster
  • Publication number: 20110271184
    Abstract: Application integration may be provided. A first application may be executed on a client computer. The first application may connect to a second application, such as a browser-based application. The first application may identify at least one functionality associated with the second application and display a user interface element associated with the at least one functionality within the first application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: YunRui SiMa, Hong Chen, Yingtao Dong, Jichao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8051408
    Abstract: A method of dynamically analyzing source code to generate usage hints for a user performing program editing is disclosed. The functions in a collection of source code being edited by a user are processed so as to generate a parse tree data structure for each function called. The incoming and outgoing arguments in the parse tree are identified. Subsequently, a user editing code calls the function and either completely or incompletely enters the arguments as part of the function called. Input arguments are identified and associated with the corresponding argument in the parse tree for the function. Relevant preconditions and post-conditions of the surrounding nodes corresponding to the current location are analyzed. Usage hints are provided for the completion of the function call. Arguments for a completed function call argument entered by the user are validated. Error messages are delivered in the event of an invalid call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The MathWorks, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Johnson
  • Patent number: 8046704
    Abstract: A system and method for determining compliance for one or more information technology services may generate on the spot compliance reports based on real-time data. Compliance data may be retrieved or received from a variety of sources including incident diagnostic utilities, manual data entry and third-party software or applications. A compliance system and method may monitor the data being generated from each of the various sources in a real-time fashion, generating compliance information based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Ricardo Santos, James F. Fus, Jr., Amit Banerji, Pushpak Bhattacharjee
  • Patent number: 8041738
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a tag is provided and includes a property that associates a strongly typed variable with the tag. Strongly typed variables can include any suitable types. For example, in at least some embodiments, the strongly typed variable is a people type that allows the tag to be associated with an individual person or group of people by virtue of a unique identification that is associated with the person or group. Strongly typed tags can then serve as a foundation upon which various other types of information and services can be provided to enhance the user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jason S. Flaks, John M. Thornton, Ryan Kabir
  • Patent number: 8042052
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for displaying and managing information on a webpage using an indicator in which, a memo and so forth can be recorded in the desired contents of the webpage through the indicator and the URL of the webpage can be stored with the indicator to call out them at anytime, whereby providing a convenience in terms of search and manage of information. The system having a client server and a system server comprises an indicator displayed on a surface of specific contents of each webpage with reference to coordinate values corresponding to the specific contents of each webpage and for classifying and elaborating on the specific contents and may use an indicator generation module, an input portion for inputting information, a storage portion storing coordinate values, and an output portion for outputting an indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ISFORU
    Inventor: MoonSung Choi
  • Publication number: 20110239116
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for using and operating electric vehicle charging stations (“EVCSs”) or electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”) having a touch screen. The touch screen display device can be used, for example, to facilitate user interface with the EVCS/EVSE. The touch screen display apparatus can provide a quick and efficient means for a user to input a wide variety of information. Also disclosed herein are representative embodiments of a network communication system for EVCSs or EVSE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Dexter Turner, James B. Wakeen, Richard L. Knight, Martin D. Dill, Gerhard Gross
  • Publication number: 20110225494
    Abstract: In one aspect, described herein is a method for creating an interactive expandable multimedia tutorial. The method includes receiving a plurality of tutorial elements, generating a first user interface including a plurality of regions that correspond to each of the plurality of tutorial elements, presenting the first user interface on a display device, receiving a request to access the one or more additional tutorial elements, accessing the one or more additional tutorial elements, generating a second user interface comprising one or more regions that correspond to each of the accessed one or more additional tutorial elements, and presenting the second user interface on the display device, wherein the second user interface is displayed simultaneously with the first user interface, and wherein at least a portion of the first user interface remains visible to the user to enable navigation between the second user interface and the first user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: VIRTUAL NERD, LLC.
    Inventors: Leonid Shmuylovich, Joshua Salcman
  • Patent number: 8019753
    Abstract: A method for generating a dynamic help document involves obtaining question-answer pairs associated with a client-server application, determining rankings of the question-answer pairs based on user feedback about the question-answer pairs, and determining a first preferred question-answer pair based on rankings of question-answer pairs. The method further involves generating the dynamic help document using the first preferred question-answer pair, updating rankings of the question-answer pairs based on additional user feedback about the question-answer pairs, determining a second preferred question-answer pair based on updated rankings of the question-answer pairs, and updating the dynamic help document by replacing the first preferred question-answer pair with the second preferred question-answer pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Igor A. Podgorny, Amit Rohatgi, Paul Coletta
  • Publication number: 20110219304
    Abstract: A block data creation unit creates an explanatory assistance block data item in which an explanatory information item is placed on a word thereof in a display block of a specific size for each of the words searched for by the dictionary search unit. A block data display unit causes the display unit to display a specific number of explanatory assistance block data items created by the block data creation unit so as to correspond to an order of the words arranged in the text. A block change unit changeably displays another explanatory assistance block data item according to a user operation to the explanatory assistance block data items displayed by the block data display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Nakano
  • Publication number: 20110219370
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a reception unit which receives an application and a manual for the application; a storage unit which converts the received manual to a format displayable on the image forming apparatus, and stores the converted manual and the application; and a control unit which, if a command to request the built-in manual or the converted manual is input, loads a manual corresponding to the command, and controls a display unit to display the loaded manual. Therefore, a manual provided by a third party may be added to an image forming apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: So-young LEE, Young-ei Cho, Dae-yeon Jang
  • Patent number: 8009165
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Reichard, Kevin G. Gordon, Clifton H. Bromley, Eric G. Dorgelo, Shafin A. Virji, Marc D. Semkow
  • Publication number: 20110209060
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shoichi AKAIWA
  • Publication number: 20110208603
    Abstract: Financial institutions are continuously seeking effective ways “to onboard” customers. As used herein, “to onboard” or “onboarding” refers to a financial institution building its relationship with a customer just after that customer signs up for, or otherwise consumes, a financial product or service offered by the financial institution. Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses, methods and computer program products for onboarding customers. For example, according to an embodiment, the present invention provides an onboarding hub that onboards customers by helping customers set up and use an online banking website to manage their account(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stefani R. Benefield, Jean Marsicano, Sophia Chong Tolsma, Kenneth Scott Jackowitz
  • Publication number: 20110209059
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a changing unit. A graphical user interface image is displayed by a display unit and includes an operation image and an explanation image. The operation image shows plural display components respectively associated with instructions by an operator. The explanation image shows explanations concerning operations performed by using the operation image and associate any one of the plural display components with an associating area in the explanation image. The changing unit changes, according to designation on the associating areas by the operator, the graphical user interface image to make it possible to distinguish the display component associated with the associating area from the other display components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masanori Sambe
  • Publication number: 20110205582
    Abstract: A guide display apparatus includes a display portion, an input portion, a guide display portion, a pop-up display control portion, a setting column display portion, and a setting command portion. The guide display portion makes the display portion display a guide screen explaining an operation procedure of an apparatus. The pop-up display control portion makes the display portion display, if the user selects an object on the guide screen displayed by the guide display portion, a pop-up explaining the object while placing a button within the pop-up. The setting column display portion makes the display portion display, if the user operates the button within the pop-up, a column in which to input a setting value of the apparatus. The setting command portion sends the setting value inputted from the input portion in the input column displayed by the setting column display portion to the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoki Hoshino
  • Patent number: 8001470
    Abstract: A computer system executes a host application that generates a graphical user interface for display on a respective user's display screen. In addition to executing the host application, the computer system (or other computer) provides an environment for executing a so-called help agent (e.g., a plug-in module) associated with the host application. The help agent can initiate display of a help window along with a graphical user interface displayed by the host application. Depending on the embodiment, the help agent can provide one or more functions such as retrieval and display of help information links in the help window to different types of help information, application of commands to the graphical user interface application via input with respect to the help window, and viewing of application hint information in the help window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Adobe Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon S. Chen, Timothy W. Strickland, Philip Guindi, Britt Miura
  • Publication number: 20110175901
    Abstract: A detachable display unit, an electromechanical device utilizing the display unit, and a method of use are disclosed. The display unit includes a communication link whereby data can be communicated between the display unit and the associated electromechanical device. The display unit includes a position sensor which provides position information for determining a current position of the display unit when detached from the associated electromechanical device. A graphical user interface displays a dynamic virtual representation of the associated electromechanical device based on the determined current position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Meunier, Stefania Castellani, Victor Ciriza, Denys Proux
  • Patent number: 7979477
    Abstract: Updating a graphical database object in a database via a placeholder control is provided. After a database recordset schema or schema is updated, a determination is made as to whether anew field is to be added to the graphical database object in response to the recordset schema or schema change. If a new field is to be added, the new field is automatically added to the graphical database object. The new field may be positioned to a place in the graphical database object as directed by a user or editor of the database object. The graphical database object may be displayed with the new field as positioned based on the recordset schema or schema change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. McCormack, Timothy E. Getsch, Paul Karimov
  • Patent number: 7979805
    Abstract: A processing device may include a display screen and one or more buttons located near the display screen. Pressing one of the one or more buttons may cause the processing device to perform a first function and pressing and holding the one of the one or more buttons may cause the processing device to perform a second function. When the one of the one or more buttons is pressed, the processing device may provide a first feedback describing the first function. When the one of the one or more buttons is pressed and held for at least a predetermined amount of time, the processing device may provide a second feedback describing the second function. In some implementations, a time indicator may be displayed indicating an amount of passing time until the one of the one or more buttons is pressed and held for the predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sally Liu, Jonathan Friedman, Leroy B Keely, Hugh Edward McLoone, Jr., David Ben Perry
  • Patent number: 7979796
    Abstract: The present invention provides a search capability to allow a user to easily locate a menu command or other user interface element associated with a search result. In one embodiment, a user enters a search term (or a portion thereof) in a search field. A list of results is displayed, for example in a results menu. The user can select or highlight any of the listed results; in response, the corresponding command is brought into view in context within the user interface, and is highlighted. The user can activate the selected command directly from the search results menu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Matthew Williams, Tristan Arguello Harris, Patrick Coffman, Giulia Pereyra Pagallo, Christina E. Warren, Steve Ko, Celia Vigil
  • Patent number: 7979798
    Abstract: In a system and method for providing user help tips, the system may determine a relevance to a user of a plurality of tips, may assign priority categories to the tips based on the relevance and may determine which tip to output based on the priority categories of the tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventor: Gaurav Wadhwa
  • Publication number: 20110167404
    Abstract: When writing code, data structures that include inferred symbols are created based on usage of undefined symbols. As the user continues writing code, code model can be updated to represent updated information based on a learning model. Data structures including inferred symbols can be used by software development tools to provide developer help for symbols that are not yet created or are not yet bound. Inferred symbols can be visually distinguishable making the appearance of the inferred symbol information differ from actual symbol information. The appearance of information based on inferred symbols can be included within tools by activating a particular mode in a programming environment. Conversion of the inferred symbol to a real symbol may trigger the automatic compiler-generation of additional source code by a background compiler. Inferred symbols may be converted to actual symbols by activation of an option to make an inferred symbol a real symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Karen Liu, Kevin Pilch-Bisson
  • Publication number: 20110167343
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a plurality of data elements having both temporal and spatial properties, where a first data element and a second data element of the plurality of data elements are linked by at least one association element. The system and method include selecting the first data element from the plurality of data elements and providing at least one search criteria for use in analyzing the properties of the plurality of data elements with respect to at least one property of the first data element. An analysis module is used to apply the at least one search criteria to the properties of the plurality of data elements for identifying the second data element from the plurality of data elements and the corresponding at least one association element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: OCULUS INFO INC.
    Inventors: William WRIGHT, Thomas KAPLER
  • Patent number: 7966562
    Abstract: A help facility for a graphical modeling environment that determines the domain of a multi-domain graphical object and provides the correct documentation for that object in that domain is discussed. The help facility determines the identity of the multi-domain graphical object and the domain in which the multi-domain graphical object is instantiated. Once the domain and the graphical object identity are determined, the help facility triggers a help callback restricted to that domain that provides domain appropriate help for the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: The MathWorks, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan E. Brewton, Dallas C. Kennedy, Paul F. Kinnucan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7966555
    Abstract: Context sensitive delimiter insertion when adding references is disclosed. In some embodiments, a plurality of indications of selections of a cell or cell range while in a formula editing mode in a host cell into which a formula is being entered is successively received, and in response to receiving each indication of selection of the plurality a reference to the selected cell or cell range is successively inserted into the formula, wherein the references inserted into the formula are delimited by a first delimiter type if in a first context and wherein the references inserted into the formula are delimited by a second delimiter type if in a second context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter William Rapp
  • Publication number: 20110145286
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus and methods for performing data analysis, in particular network analysis. Specifically it provides a framework and user interface whereby raw data may be imported into a data model with entities, attributes, and relationships between the entities and multiple data analysis algorithms may be pipelined into a larger data analysis model and applied to the data model. Offline and online data visualization and data exploration techniques, may be applied to the results of the data analysis enabling real-time and near real-time interactive online analysis. Extensibility models and market transaction models are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: CHALKLABS, LLC
    Inventors: Gavin H. LaRowe, Bruce W. Herr, II
  • Patent number: 7958460
    Abstract: A method simplified drag and drop operations of display icons. This method calculates a projected path for an icon based on the past movement of the icon. The method highlights the “best fit” target icon as the mouse pointer moves across the screen. As the mouse pointer moves, or changes direction, the “best fit” target icon can change, with the current best-fit icon being highlighted. In addition to highlighting the target icon, a line or arrow from the mouse pointer to the target icon is maintained. The line presents the predicted path in a very noticeable, visual way. As the best-fit target icon changes, the line is re-drawn to point to the current best-fit icon. Regardless of how the target icon is visually indicated, releasing the mouse button will cause the drop operation to be completed “into” target. Completion of the drop could be instantaneous, or could be rendered with animation of some sort to indicate moving from the source to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Garrison, Michael S. McKay
  • Publication number: 20110126100
    Abstract: A method of providing a GUI and a digital device includes determining whether a user has approached a start position of an operation of a user input unit for operating the GUI that is displayed on a display; and displaying a guide on the GUI that is displayed on the display if it is determined that the user has approached the start position of an operation. Accordingly, a user can confirm that his/her finger has approached the start position of an operation through the guide, and thus can input a desired command as seeing only the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Yong-jin SO, O-jae Kwon, Hyun-ki Kim
  • Publication number: 20110112932
    Abstract: Provided is a method of diagnosing a vehicle having diagnostic data. The method includes providing an automotive diagnostic tool sold to a user by a selling retailer. The automotive diagnostic tool is configured to download diagnostic data from the vehicle and upload the diagnostic data to a computer. The computer is configured to communicate the diagnostic data to a diagnostic database associated with the selling retailer (such as a private label website) upon establishing a communication link between the automotive diagnostic tool and the computer. A communication link is then established between the automotive diagnostic tool and the computer. In response thereto, a communication link is then established between the computer and the diagnostic database. The diagnostic data is thereafter communicated from the automotive diagnostic tool to the diagnostic database via the computer. The diagnostic database is arranged to map vehicle diagnostic data to a most likely vehicle fix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Ieon Chen
  • Publication number: 20110112529
    Abstract: A system for controlling a treatment device generates a graphical interface that visually prompts a user in a step-wise fashion to use the treatment device to perform a process of forming a pattern of lesions that extends both circumferentially and axially in different levels in a body region. The graphical interface displays for the user a visual record of the progress of the process from start to finish and guides the user so that so that individual lesions desired within a given level are all formed, and that a given level of lesions is not skipped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Oleg Shikhman
  • Patent number: 7937162
    Abstract: An operator interface for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface may have an operator interface device for receiving operator input corresponding to a requested machine function, wherein a machine function signal is generated in response to the received operator input. The operator interface may also have a help request device configured to receive an operator's request for information and generate a help signal. The operator interface may further have a controller in communication with the operator interface device and the help request device. The controller may be configured to provide information to the operator in response to receiving the help signal and the machine function signal. The information may relate to the requested machine function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Norval P. Thomson, Mark C. Redden, Timothy J. Silvers
  • Publication number: 20110090541
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods and systems for gathering, archiving, transmitting, and processing forensic and latent fingerprints. An integrated forensic fingerprint scanning system is provided that includes a number of features for use with forensic-quality fingerprinting. One set of features of embodiments of the portable forensic fingerprint scanning system provides real-time feedback for accurate fingerprinting and training, including visual and/or audio feedback. Another set of features provides cadence-based functionality for improving fingerprinting results. Another set of features provides cryptographic-based approaches to secure highly sensitive collected fingerprint information against loss, theft, or surreptitious modification or tampering. Yet another set of features provides latent fingerprint collections and processing. Still another set of features provides various databasing functions, including centralized storage, data sharing, secure networking, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Jack Harper
  • Publication number: 20110093779
    Abstract: A method for managing a web application initiated by a user is disclosed which enables navigation between two or more wizards while executing said web application. Predefined instructions ensure that a user can execute a plurality of steps in different orders when navigating between two or more wizards without losing any data that has been executed in a previous step. A wizard engine is also disclosed which is adapted to execute the suggested method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Robin Gador, Ingela Krantz, Jan Pontusson
  • Patent number: 7930442
    Abstract: In an information processing apparatus performing data communication through a network with an image forming apparatus to which a plurality of optional devices are additionally mounted, a CPU obtains device/apparatus data related to specification of optional devices from the image forming apparatus, and based on the obtained device/apparatus data, determines whether or not there is any optional device of which specification has been changed. If it is determined that there is an optional device of which specification has been changed, the CPU causes a display, displaying appearance images of the image forming apparatus and optional devices, to display the appearance image of the corresponding optional device in a pulsating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7930636
    Abstract: Automatically completing a GUI task. Exemplary embodiments a method including providing a user configurable auto-completion application operating in the background of a computer operating system and executing on a computing device, the auto-completion application monitoring and archiving user activities, wherein certain actions by the user are parsed and indexed, analyzing the parsed and indexed actions of the user to determine at least one of relationships, user interactions, user statistics, various states of the user's actions over time, and images or video of the user's interaction to create an index of the user's typical interactions with the system and providing a fast-forward functionality based on the index such that a tree structure is presented to the user on a display device of the computing device, the tree structure indicating the user's current state in the system and one or more future states the user typically takes based on a past act.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zachary A. Garbow, Bryan M. Logan, Terrence T. Nixa, Kevin G. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7925975
    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. The most likely commands are provided to the user, and a command can be selected for execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Aravind Bala, Karen E. Fries
  • Patent number: 7912860
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a tag is provided and includes a property that associates a strongly typed variable with the tag. Strongly typed variables can include any suitable types. For example, in at least some embodiments, the strongly typed variable is a people type that allows the tag to be associated with an individual person or group of people by virtue of a unique identification that is associated with the person or group. Strongly typed tags can then serve as a foundation upon which various other types of information and services can be provided to enhance the user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jason S. Flaks, John M. Thornton, Ryan Kabir
  • Publication number: 20110054953
    Abstract: This document describes a computer-implemented method for guiding a user through a travel check-in procedure. The method includes receiving passenger identification information associated with a passenger checking in for a travel segment, and determining a check-in status of the passenger using the passenger identification information. The method also includes generating a check-in workflow based on the check-in status of the passenger. The method further includes providing for display on a user interface a current step in the check-in workflow, the current step corresponding to a current action in the check-in workflow to be completed by a user, and upon request of the user to continue to a next step in the workflow, providing for display on the user interface the next step in the check-in workflow, the next step corresponding to a next action in the check-in workflow to be completed by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Walter Heinrich Mehl, Eric Allan Frome, Divish Priya Ranjan, Rosalie Mack Phillips, Seth Aaron Horowitz
  • Patent number: 7895243
    Abstract: A web-based system, method and program product are provided for adding content to a content object stored (e.g., a custom compilation or prepublished work) in a data repository as a group of hierarchically related content entities. Each noncontainer content object is preferably stored as a separate entity in the data repository. Each content entity is also stored as a row in a digital library index class as a collection of attributes and references to related content entities and containers. As the user selects desired objects for inclusion in a content object, the system arranges the objects hierarchically, e.g., into volumes, chapters and sections according to the order specified by the user. The system then creates a file object (e.g., a CBO) defining the content object that contains a list or outline of the container and noncontainer entities selected, their identifiers, order and structure. This file object is stored separately in the data repository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Pearson Education, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Baer, Edward Hanapole, Robert C. Hartman, Jr., Eugene Johnson, Jr., I-Ming Kao, Janet L. Murray, Jerry D. Robertson, III, Richard W. Walkus, Richard D. Hennessy
  • Patent number: 7895519
    Abstract: A method is used in tracking use of interface and online assistance. A first set of a user's user interface activity is tracked. The user's online assistance activity subsequent to the user's user interface activity is tracked. A second set of the user's user interface activity is tracked. The second set occurs subsequent to the user's online assistance activity. A description of the first and second sets of the user's user interface activity and the user's online assistance activity are recorded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: George N. Allegrezza, Stephen J. Todd
  • Patent number: 7890864
    Abstract: The present invention is a method, system and apparatus for producing a composite help view for an aggregation of applications. The method can include obtaining at least two separate help documents. Each of the separate help documents can have an association with a corresponding one of separate interface units aggregated together into a single aggregated view. Importantly, the separate help documents can be combined into a composition of help documents corresponding to the single aggregated view. Subsequently, the composition of help documents can be rendered in a help system view responsive to a request for help initiated in the single aggregated view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Velda Bartek, Kathryn H. Britton, Samar Choudhary, John R. Hind, Shikha Srivastava