Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses are provided for determining when and how to display non-modal messages relating to user input portions of a graphical user interface (GUI). One method includes displaying at least one user input portion within a GUI and determining if the user input portion is in an invalid state by determining that valid user input associated with the user input portion has not been received. The method further includes displaying a non-modal message within the GUI. The non-modal message is visibly graphically associated with the user input portion. The method also includes automatically applying a focus of the GUI on the user input portion. As long as the focus of the GUI remains on the user input portion, the method includes displaying the non-modal message until the user input portion is determined to be in a valid state.

Abstract: A method for providing context-sensitive help across variable environments. In each of the variable environments, the method can include tokenizing a received network request for help, the tokenization producing a contextually pertinent help file name and a base address of a corresponding help file. Subsequently, the corresponding help file can be located in a fixed storage location referenced by associating the help file name with the base address. Finally, the located help file can be encoded with the base address, and transmitting to a requesting client.

Abstract: A method is provided for prompting a user who interacts with content on a display screen via a pointing device that a potential mistake may have been made during the interaction. The interaction includes a plurality of actions associated with the content of the display screen. The content is created by programming code. Programming code is analyzed to determine the next most likely action to occur during user interaction with the display screen contents at a plurality of different points in the programming code. After an action occurs by a user at a point in the programming code, it is detected whether the user performed the next most likely action. The user is prompted with an indication if the user did not perform the next most likely action and therefore may have made a potential mistake.

Abstract: A method for providing customized help, the method comprising: retrieving a first help content from a first help datastore in response to a help request received from a user, the first help datastore storing a plurality of help content each associated with a respective help identifier; retrieving a second help content from a second help datastore, the second help datastore storing a plurality of help content each associated with a respective help identifier, the second help content having the same help identifier as the first help content; generating a help presentation file comprising the first help content and the second help content; wherein one the first help datastore or the second help datastore is editable by the user and the other help datastore is non-editable by the user.

Abstract: A power injector (10) with help functionality is disclosed. What may be characterized as a ‘help output’ may be displayed on a graphical user interface (11) in response to a request for help. This help output may be based upon a current state of the power injector (10), may be accompanied by a cross-reference to an operator's manual for the power injector (10), may be expanded to provide additional detail, or any combination thereof. At least one system screen that relates to the help output may be displayed (e.g., simultaneously, sequentially). The help functionality may be in the form of having the power injector (10) incorporate help mode logic (256) that is configured to allow a user to view and obtain information on the various system screens that would be presented when using the power injector (10) to deliver a fluid, but without actually operating the power injector (10) to deliver fluid.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to a page flow framework. In aspects, a page flow engine includes logic to navigate between pages. To make its determination of what page is next, the page flow engine uses an indication of the current page and may also use properties associated with the pages. These properties may be filled in as a user enters values on the pages, for example. The page flow engine does not need any additional information to determine the next page besides the current page and the properties. The page flow engine may also store the pages visited in a travel log. This may be used to return previous pages. The page flow engine allows the page flow logic to be removed from the pages and placed in a centralized component. This simplifies creation and maintenance of page flow.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for updating help content. Initially, information relating to issues associated with software is gathered from a plurality of users. Such software includes a first set of help content. Next, an additional set of help content is gathered based on the information. Further, the additional set of help content is distributed to the users based on an update schedule, utilizing a network. Thus, the additional set of help content is capable of being integrated with the first set of help content and presented to the user via a single interface, utilizing the software.

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

Abstract: A method is provided for exchanging an organizational scheme, such as a tag-based structural framework, that can be applied to data describing and containing information relating to Web service providers to facilitate creating, updating, and interpreting the data so that Web service providers are suitably presented to a user, depending on the user's country, language, locale, and the availability of Web service providers.

Abstract: An image display device and method may be provided for pairing with a remote control device for transmitting a command to the image display device. Upon power-on, the image display device may be paired with the remote control device. When the image display device is power-on, a guide screen may be displayed to indicate how to pair the image display device with the remote control device. A user may easily pair the remote control device with the image display device through the pairing guide screen.

Abstract: A method of composing a web page is described. The method includes transmitting an authoring web page including an embedded authoring tool to a client computer using a network. The authoring tool may be used to compose the web page. Web-page content corresponding to the composed web page is received from the client computer. The composed web page may include one or more regions for displaying one or more advertisements having one or more links to one or more content locations. In another aspect of the disclosure, an advertising program registration module may include a link or other mechanism for sending the authoring web page to a publisher registering to participate in the advertising program.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a system for providing help information supporting at least one executable application. The system can comprise an interface processor for receiving user-entered data representing a help message conveying help information, a creation time indicator identifying a creation time of the help message, and an identifier for identifying a help information repository associated with the help message. A data processor can store the help message in the help information repository in order of creation by using the creation time indicator.

Abstract: An authoring system is provided for generating a demonstration payload, which is installable on a target electronic device to create a demonstration environment on the target electronic device. The authoring system includes a build interface operative to receive authoring inputs which specify characteristics of the demonstration environment. The authoring inputs include specification of promotional media to be played during a promotional mode of the demonstration environment, and specification of mock user data to be accessible during a tryout mode of the demonstration environment. The system further includes an assembler module operative to generate the demonstration payload based upon the authoring inputs.

Abstract: Item selections along with user inputs are leveraged to provide users with automated item tagging. Further user interaction with additional windows and other interfacing techniques are not required to tag the item. In one example, a user selects items and begins typing a tag which is automatically associated with the selected items without further user action. Tagging suggestions can also be supplied based on a user's selection, be dynamically supplied based on a user's input action, and/or be formulated automatically based on user data and/or tags and the like associated with selections by an external source. Machine learning can also be utilized to facilitate in tag determination. This increases the value of the tagged items by providing greater item access flexibility and allowing multiple associations (or tags) with each item.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for displaying information topics that are available via an online help system. The methods and systems store information for given topics in a respective folder associated with a given topic, detect the selection of one of the folders associated with a topic of interest, search files at a hierarchical level in the selected folder to identify files of a predetermined type, locate HTML metatags that pertain to the display of help information, merge data associated with the HTML metatags into a HTML template file to generate an HTML file containing data associated with each of the located HTML metatags, and provide a table of contents for the topic of interest associated with the selected folder using the generated HTML file.

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. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. 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. The system includes tools for analysis, logging and display of regression analysis information for a presentation as it is presented.

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

Abstract: A method includes receiving information identifying a plurality of selections made by a user. The method also includes updating a help index value based on one or more of the selections. The method further includes detecting a request for help from the user. In addition, the method includes retrieving help information using the help index value and presenting the retrieved help information to the user. At least one of the selections by the user may include a selection of an option from a plurality of options, where each of the options is associated with a different incremental value. Updating the help index value may include adding the incremental value associated with the selected option to the help index value.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for re-creating events occurring within a Web application is provided. The method includes receiving a request to perform an action from a client system accessing the Web application over a network. The method also includes generating a log file for the client system and recording the request and a timestamp of the request in the log file. The method further includes collecting client system information, executing the request, and recording the client system information and request execution details in the log file. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the method includes generating scripts to re-create the request and the request execution details, executing the scripts within the Web application and the operating environment of the client system that is re-produced using the client system information, and recording and evaluating results of execution of the scripts to identify any issues or evaluate client system experiences with the Web application.

Abstract: “In-situ editing” of a control property within a design surface is provided. “In-situ editing” refers to a feature that can allow a user (e.g., developer) to easily perform multi-pass configuration operations on their user interface (UI) components. This can be achieved by introducing the concept of a new editing mode or view to the integrated development environment (IDE)—(e.g., a Property Editing View (PEV)). The PEV mode can be active. In other words, the user will be presented with a mechanism of viewing and editing all properties without having to move off of the design surface. For example, editing can be performed in-place eliminating the conventional need to enter a property grid.

Abstract: In order to facilitate an input of a process condition for allowing any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image, a PC communicative to a plurality of MFPs connected via a network obtains function information defining a function held by each of a plurality of MFPs, displays a common condition setting window for accepting an input of a process condition for performing a common function held by all of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, based on the obtained function information, accepts an input of a process condition, and outputs the accepted process condition to any one of a plurality of MFPs.

Abstract: Self-help system to support innovation. Depending on the implementation, there is a machine, a method for use, a method for making, and corresponding products produced thereby, as well as data structures, computer-readable media tangibly embodying program instructions, manufactures, and necessary intermediates of the foregoing.

Abstract: An assisting apparatus, method and computer program that assists a user in understanding content. The assisting apparatus includes a history storing unit that stores a history of assistance settings set up by the user for each of a plurality of pieces of content already accessed by the user, a retrieval unit that, when the user accesses content, retrieves the history of assistance settings stored in the history storing unit in association with the accessed content, and a setting-up unit that sets up one of assisting functions that assists the user in understanding the accessed content, on the basis of the history of assistance settings retrieved by the retrieval unit.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for introducing interaction pattern and/or functionalities of a plurality of cations (11, 11?, 11?) to the user (13) of an interactive system (1). An application (11, 11?, 11?) provides characteristics (CR) of its interaction pattern and/or functionalities to the interactive system (1). The interactive system (1) then generates a selection (SE) of the interaction pattern and/or functionalities of an application (11, 11?, 11?) which are to be introduced to the user (13), and subsequently invokes the rendering of tutorial elements (6, 7, 14) to the user (13) to introduce the selected interaction pattern and/or functionalities. Moreover, the invention describes an appropriate interactive system (1) supporting the execution of a plurality of applications (11, 11?, 11?), which is providing introductions of interaction pattern and/or functionalities of the applications (11, 11?, 11?).

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system and apparatus for supporting search and query operations in a composite help view for an aggregation of applications. The system can include an application aggregator configured to aggregate individual applications into a single aggregated view. The system further can include a help system configured to render a help system view having composite help documentation formed from at least two help documents, each of the help documents corresponding to one of the individual applications. Help invoking logic can be coupled to the help system and disposed in the single aggregated view. A search and query tool also can be coupled to the help system through a search and query interface. Finally, an index can be coupled to the search and query tool. The index can include keywords disposed in the help documents and title information for individual applications corresponding to the help documents.

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: Displaying data sub-items corresponding to a cursor-selected object displayed on a computer screen involves determining that a cursor is positioned to point at an object on the computer screen, loading the cursor-selected object, evaluating the cursor-selected object to determine it has a fixed value, has related data sub-items or if the related data sub-items are capable of expansion into lower-tier sub-items. The values for the object and the related data sub-items are assembled and displayed in a window that indicates the values of the object and the related data sub-items along with an indication of a presence of lower-tier sub-items which can in turn be further examined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic assistant. In one embodiment, a system for assisting with a current workflow being performed on a computing device includes a watcher for extracting a context from the current workflow, a harvester for identifying at least one document associated with a concept that matches the context, and a suggestion generator for displaying the document to the user of the computing device, where the document is suggested to aid the user in performing the current workflow.

Abstract: A method for the analysis, control, automation, and information management of life-cycle processes of technical products includes an engineering process, an analysis process, a test process, and accesses an information system. The engineering process, the analysis process and the test process, which includes a plurality of test modules, have connections for information exchange exclusively to the control process and information system. For every test of the test modules, the scope and form of the input and output values are determined by data stored in the information system. The data that are input into the engineering process and determined, and the specified values, are processed by the process control, which determines all of the tests to be carried out. The results are passed on to the process control. The analysis process determines if data and specified values input in the engineering process have been reached by a numerical or numerical/statistical calculation.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve the instructional nature of fonts and/or the ability to create instructional fonts. Font characters are modified based on user interaction to enhance the user's understanding and/or fluency of the word. The font characters can have sound, motion and altered appearance. When altering the appearance of the characters, the system operates on a set of control points associated with characters, changes the position of the characters, and changes the influence of the portion of characters on a set of respective spline curves. A designer or other user can customize the fonts and user experience by creating an episode package that specifies words to include in the user interface, and details about actions to take when certain events fire. The episode package can include media effects to play when a particular event associated with the media effect occurs.

Abstract: An interactive web site for use by a community of users includes multimedia information for education and use by the users. The multimedia information includes video information that demonstrates procedures of interest to the community. Tags are provided to the video identifying products and tools used in the video. Links are presented on the web site linking to additional information on the products and tools. Links are also provided that automatically schedule telephone conferences or other communications between the users and vendors of the products or services tagged in the videos.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method for charting audible choices comprises determining if an option is offered; selecting the option if the option is offered; and saving a result, wherein the result is associated with the selected option.

Abstract: A call center support and documentation system is provided. The call center support and documentation system assists an agent of a call center in processing calls. Specifically, the system assists the agent in processing calls more quickly by providing, on a single display screen, all of the information to process a call (including the customer's information, troubleshooting steps, and documentation). The system also assists the agent in documenting calls in an efficient and standardized manner. Documentation, such as the customer information and troubleshooting steps for a call, may be automatically populated in a uniform manner so that the agent may update the documentation database.

Abstract: System and method for providing customer support via Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for particular aspects of tax programs and other computer-implemented processes. Different areas of tax preparation may be identified as different modules in the tax program. After selecting a module, a user of the tax program may select a particular document or particular field on a document that the user may need assistance with. A user interface may provide one or more mechanisms whereby the user may access VoIP support targeted at the particular aspect (e.g., module, document, or field). By enabling users to select particular aspects of the tax program and to invoke VoIP support for aspects at which support is needed, embodiments may enable users to sort themselves into queues targeted at the particular aspects for which support is needed before contacting the vendor's support system.

Abstract: A system for defining products and billing for the same includes a server and an associated database. The server has programming to provide an interactive wizard which is used define and modify: a first data set including data indicative of a plurality of products to be offered to a customer; a second data set including data indicative of product bundles including selected ones of the plurality of products to be offered to a customer; a third data set including data indicative of prices associated with the plurality of products and product bundles; a fourth data set including data indicative of how the plurality of products and product bundles are to be billed to a customer; and a fifth data set including data indicative of how the plurality of products and product bundles are offered to a customer for purchase. The database stores the data sets and a mapping therebetween.

Abstract: A user may select an error message presented in a graphic user interface and bring up a word processor by which text describing the error and its solution may be entered. This is saved, and the next time the error is encountered, the saved annotation is available for presentation to and further editing by the user. In this manner, the developer may continually improve the quality and usefulness of the error messages.

Abstract: Systems, computer program products, and methods are disclosed for tracking an improvement event. An embodiment includes an event interface configured to receive a plurality of entries related to each of a plurality of improvement events. The plurality of entries includes a project identifier for the improvement event, a creation date, an objective, an action related to reaching the objective, and a first deadline related to the improvement event. A database interface is configured to store the plurality of entries in an event database.

Abstract: A method for directing display of a standard operation procedure of an item using multimedia devices positioned on at least one workbench that produces the item. The method divides the SOP into several instruction steps, assigns a corresponding identifier to each instruction step of the SOP, and sends a start command to multimedia devices. The method further downloads and directs a instruction step of the SOP having the same identifier with the multimedia device if the multimedia device receives the start command.

Abstract: A quantity totalizer for a three-dimensional arrangement and adjustment CAD includes integrating means for referring to parts information stored in the three-dimensional arrangement and adjustment CAD and associating line information, which is separated from the parts information for storage and which is unique to a line, with the parts information to generate integrated information in which the quantity of parts is totalized; numbering means for systematically numbering the integrated information and outputting a quantity totalization result; and comparing means for comparing the quantity totalization result output by the numbering means with a parts number column in a design drawing produced with the three-dimensional arrangement and adjustment CAD to check the parts having the same parts information and line information against each other and replacing parts numbers in the parts number column in the design drawing produced with the three-dimensional arrangement and adjustment CAD with parts numbers in the

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: A user's prior searching and browsing activities are recorded for subsequent use. A user may examine the user's prior searching and browsing activities in a number of different ways, including indications of the user's prior activities related to advertisements. A set of search results may be modified in accordance with the user's historical activities. The user's activities may be examined to identify a set of preferred locations. The user's set of activities may be shared with one or more other users. The set of preferred locations presented to the user may be enhanced to include the preferred locations of one or more other users. A user's browsing activities may be monitored from one or more different client devices or client application. A user's browsing volume may be graphically displayed.

Abstract: A system and method to enhance user accessibility in a virtual universe and, in particular, to enhance user accessibility by providing information and/or actions to users participating in the virtual universe. The system comprises an assignment engine configured to assign an accessibility unit to an item within a virtual universe and a detection engine configured to detect a triggering event, which triggers the accessibility unit. The system also comprises an accessibility action engine configured to provide at least one of information and an action to a user when the accessibility unit is triggered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a customizable content tooltip provides a customizable content tooltip including a customization control that, when activated, allows a user to choose and/or edit the content displayed by the customizable content tooltip.

Abstract: An image 100 is edited in accordance with an operation. A guide 103 for guiding a user to select an operational value for the operation by dragging a position 101 in the image 100 is displayed. Furthermore, a plurality of operational values associated with corresponding positions on the guide 103 is displayed. The operation is then performed on the image 100 width selected operational value.

Abstract: A content explaining apparatus and method computes the degrees of similarity between a specified content and the other contents than the specified content of multiple contents based on content information stored in content information database means, computes a user realization degree for each of the other contents based on user information stored in user management database means or the content information stored in the content information database means, computes an explanation accuracy degree of each of the other contents for the specified content from the similarity degree and user realization degree of said each of the other contents, and presents content explaining information for the specified content according to the explanation accuracy degrees.

Abstract: Systems and methods for joint replacement are provided. The systems and methods include a surgical orientation device and at least one orthopedic fixture. The surgical orientation device and orthopedic fixtures can be used to locate the orientation of an axis in the body, to adjust an orientation of a cutting plane or planes along a bony surface, to distract a joint, or to otherwise assist in an orthopedic procedure or procedures.

Abstract: A method for displaying a calendar event on an electronic map includes steps of: receiving a request to generate a map view of a selected timeline of calendar events, wherein the calendar events are associated with event locations; converting event locations to geographic locations; generating a map view showing the geographic locations of the calendar events and legends representing the calendar events; and displaying the map view with the legends shown in close proximity to the locations of the calendar events. A user can elect to switch between a display of the map view and a display of a view of the selected timeline. A user can also select to create a calendar event on an electronic map by selecting a location associated with the calendar event on the map; receive a graphical user interface display, enter information about the calendar event on the graphical user interface display, and view the electronic map.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for adaptively generating a tooltip to be displayed in association with an object, such as a push button or a check box, according to the state of the object. The method comprises determining a current state of the object; and generating a tooltip to be displayed in association with the object according to the current state of the object. Since a tooltip is adaptively generated for an object included in a GUI and is automatically displayed in association with the object. Thus, it is possible to conveniently control a device with reference to the tooltip without the need to additionally refer to instructions regarding the GUI.

Abstract: Provided is a method and a web-site integration system to integrate payment mechanisms into a commercial website that offers online merchants a flexible, user-friendly and customizable wizard to integrate payment mechanisms into their online commercial websites without having to understand the detailed intricacies of an API or other computer code. The wizard steps the merchant through creating an account to obtain credentials and educates the merchant on the page flows of the payment mechanism that the merchant wishes to integrate. Then, the wizard generates code snippets and files to be downloaded by the merchant and to be easily inserted into key pages of the merchant's online commercial website. The merchant can then test the completely integrated code in a developer's sandbox or go live with the completely integrated code.