System and process for creating an interactive presentation employing multi-media components
First Claim
1. In a computer system having a graphical user interface including a display, user interface selection device and user interface data entry device, a presentation production process for authoring a presentation having multi-media components, comprising process actions for:
- displaying a template selection window on the display comprising one or more presentation layouts representing the appearance of a presentation window associated with the presentation being authored, wherein each presentation layout corresponds to a presentation template that is capable of rendering said presentation window and playing a presentation when populated with the media components making up the presentation and scheduling information specifying when each media component and other user-entered events are to be displayed or played in the presentation window; and
displaying a presentation tool window on the display in lieu of the template selection window in response to the user selecting a template via said selection device and the template associated with the selected layout being imported into the presentation production process, wherein the presentation tool window comprises a plurality of sectors which are employed by the user using said selection and data entry devices to import and preview media components, enter and modify presentation properties, enter and modify said scheduling information, and to view informational panes.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An interactive, multi-media presentation production system and process that integrates video, audio, presentation slides, text, and other media components into a manageable production environment for the producer of a presentation is provided. In essence, the production system and process is a professional grade toolkit that in its simplest implementation provides canned template starting points with semi-customization features and requires only some pointers to the media files being incorporated. However, the present presentation production system can also support ground up professional-studio customization for specialized presentations. For example, other higher-level production features includes a content preview, grid-based editing and manipulation tools, media import and filtering tools, graphic-based drag and drop editing features, and format and packaging features.
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Citations
185 Claims
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1. In a computer system having a graphical user interface including a display, user interface selection device and user interface data entry device, a presentation production process for authoring a presentation having multi-media components, comprising process actions for:
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displaying a template selection window on the display comprising one or more presentation layouts representing the appearance of a presentation window associated with the presentation being authored, wherein each presentation layout corresponds to a presentation template that is capable of rendering said presentation window and playing a presentation when populated with the media components making up the presentation and scheduling information specifying when each media component and other user-entered events are to be displayed or played in the presentation window; and
displaying a presentation tool window on the display in lieu of the template selection window in response to the user selecting a template via said selection device and the template associated with the selected layout being imported into the presentation production process, wherein the presentation tool window comprises a plurality of sectors which are employed by the user using said selection and data entry devices to import and preview media components, enter and modify presentation properties, enter and modify said scheduling information, and to view informational panes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130)
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2. The process of claim 1, wherein the process action of displaying the template selection window, comprises an action of including a user-selectable server button which when selected populates the template selection window with presentation layouts obtained from one or more prescribed remote servers connected via a computer network to a host computer of said computer system.
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3. The process of claim 1, wherein the process action of displaying the template selection window, comprises an action of including a user-selectable local button which when selected populates the template selection window with presentation layouts residing in a memory of the host computer.
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4. The process of claim 2, wherein the process action of displaying the template selection window, comprises an action of displaying one or more presentation layout strips, each of which comprises a thumbnail image of the presentation window rendered by the template associated with the presentation layout, the name assigned to the template, a description of the template, and an indication as to who created or owns the template, and wherein the data required to display the presentations layout strips is parsed from metadata residing in the template file associated with the layout thereby allowing the presentation layout strips to be displayed without having to import the template as a whole.
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5. The process of claim 4, wherein the process action of displaying the template selection window, comprises an action of displaying the name of the template in a name entry field and a default storage location in a location entry field whenever the user selects a presentation layout strip.
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6. The process of claim 5, wherein the process action of displaying the name of the template in a name entry field and a default storage location in a location entry field whenever the user selects a presentation layout strip, further comprises allowing the user to modify the name or storage location via said data entry device.
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7. The process of claim 6, wherein the process action of displaying the template selection window, comprises an action of displaying a project line which indicates where and under what name a presentation file corresponding to the presentation being authored will be located.
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8. The process of claim 4, wherein the process action of displaying the template selection window, comprises the action of displaying a template selection button which the user selects once a layout strip has been selected, so as to select the template associated with the layout strip.
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9. The process of claim 4, wherein the process action of displaying the template selection window, comprises the actions of displaying a category button which when selected by the user causes a menu having a plurality of entries corresponding to template categories to be displayed, and wherein upon selection of one of the template categories by the user, removes those presentation layout strips not belonging to the selected category wherein said categories are specified in the metadata residing in the template file associated with each displayed layout strip.
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10. The process of claim 1, wherein the process action of displaying the template selection window, comprises an action of including an information sector which provides contextural information concerning how to proceed with the template selection procedure.
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11. The process of claim 1, wherein the process action of displaying a presentation tool window, comprises an action of displaying a project file sector which displays in a file tree format, folder icons representing the types of media components that can be imported, as well as file icons dependent from each folder icon representing actual media component files of that type which have been imported.
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12. The process of claim 11, wherein the process action of displaying the folder icons comprises displaying an adjacent label specifying the type of media component represented by the icon, and wherein the process action of displaying the file icons comprises displaying an adjacent label specifying the file name of the imported media component.
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13. The process of claim 12, wherein the process action of displaying the project file sector, comprises an action of allowing a user to use the project file sector to import media component files, said importing comprising,
in response to the user selecting a displayed folder icon corresponding to the type of media component that is to be imported via said selecting device, displaying an open file dialog box with which the user specifies the name and location of the file containing the media component that is to be imported; -
in response to the user specifying the name and location of the file containing the media component that is to be imported, copying the file into a local file created for it; and
updating the file tree to include the display of a file icon dependent from the selected folder icon.
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14. The process of claim 13, further comprising a process action of allowing the user to select a displayed folder icon by using said selection device to directly select the icon.
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15. The process of claim 13, further comprising a process action of allowing the user to select a displayed folder icon using said selection device which when selected triggers the display of a menu having a plurality of menu entries, and in response to a user selecting a menu entry designated for adding media components, displaying said open file dialog box.
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16. The process of claim 11, wherein the types of media components that can be imported comprise a master track video or audio program representing the main presentation material and the timeline from which all presentation events are scheduled, and a primary presentation slide deck comprising presentation slides each of which is displayed at prescribed times during the presentation.
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17. The process of claim 16, wherein the types of media components that can be imported further comprise one or more demonstrations wherein each comprises a video, audio, or animation program which is played at a prescribed time during the presentation.
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18. The process of claim 16, wherein the types of media components that can be imported further comprise one or more documents wherein each comprises a work processing, spreadsheet, or HTML document which is displayed at a prescribed time during the presentation.
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19. The process of claim 16, wherein the types of media components that can be imported comprise one or more additional video or audio programs not representing the master track program, but displayed as file icons dependent from the same folder icon as the master track program, and wherein the process action of displaying the project file sector, comprises the actions of:
in response to a user specifying an imported video or audio program among plural programs imported as the master track program, designating the program as the master track program; and
displaying the file icon associated with the designated master track program in a visually distinguishing manner.
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20. The process of claim 16, wherein the types of media components that can be imported comprise one or more secondary presentation slide decks which are displayed as file icons dependent from the same folder icon as the primary slide deck, and wherein the process action of displaying the project file sector, comprises the actions of:
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in response to a user specifying an imported presentation slide deck among plural slide decks imported as the primary slide deck which will be displayed in the presentation, designating the specified slide deck as the primary slide deck; and
displaying the file icon associated with the designated primary slide deck in a visually distinguishing manner.
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21. The process of claim 11, wherein the process action of displaying the project file sector comprises the actions of:
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displaying a contraction icon adjacent each folder icon having at least one displayed file icon associated therewith;
in response to the user selecting a contraction icon adjacent a particular folder icon, displaying the portion of the file tree associated with that folder icon in collapsed form wherein the file icons associated therewith are no longer displayed and the contraction icon adjacent the folder icon is replaced with an expansion icon; and
in response to the user selecting an expansion icon adjacent a particular folder icon, displaying the portion of the file tree associated with that folder icon in expanded form wherein the file icons associated therewith are displayed and the expansion icon adjacent the folder icon is replaced with a contraction icon.
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22. The process of claim 1, wherein the process action of displaying a presentation tool window, comprises an action of displaying a video preview sector which plays a video or audio program which has been designated as the master track program of the presentation being authored, wherein the master track program acts as the main media component of the presentation from which all the other media components are scheduled.
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23. The process of claim 22, wherein the master track program is a video program, and wherein the process action of displaying the video preview sector comprises an action of initially displaying the first frame of the master track video program statically.
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24. The process of claim 22, wherein the process action of displaying the video preview sector comprises an action of displaying a set of control buttons which upon selection by the user control the playing of the master track program.
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25. The process of claim 24, wherein the process action of displaying the set of control buttons comprises displaying control buttons which upon selection by the user cause the master track program to play, pause, advance or rewind.
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26. The process of claim 22, wherein the process action of displaying the video preview sector comprises an action of displaying a counter showing both an elapse time indicative of the elapsed running time of the master track program and a total running time of the master track program.
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27. The process of claim 22, wherein the master track program is an audio program, and wherein the process action of displaying the video preview sector comprises an action of displaying one of (i) a blank screen, (ii) a static image, (iii) an animation.
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28. The process of claim 27, wherein the process action of displaying a static image comprises the action of displaying an image comprising text reading “
- Audio Only”
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- Audio Only”
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29. The process of claim 22, wherein the process action of displaying a presentation tool window, comprises the actions of:
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generating thumbnail versions of each presentation slide associated with an imported media component comprising a presentation slide deck which has been designated as the primary slide deck for display in the presentation being authored; and
displaying a presentation slide preview sector which displays the thumbnail versions of the presentation slides associated with the primary presentation slide deck.
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30. The process of claim 29, wherein the process action of displaying the presentation slide preview sector comprises the actions of:
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determining the current elapsed running time of the master track program; and
displaying the thumbnail version of the presentation slide that is scheduled to be shown when the master track video program is at the current elapsed running time barring any contrary control instruction.
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31. The process of claim 30, wherein the process action of displaying the presentation slide preview sector comprises an action of displaying a set of control buttons which upon selection by the user instruct what presentation slide thumbnail is displayed, regardless of the current elapsed running time of the master track program.
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32. The process of claim 31, wherein the process action of displaying the set of control buttons comprises the actions of:
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displaying a first control button which upon selection by the user causes one of the thumbnails associated with presentation slides scheduled for display earlier than the presentation slide associated with the currently displayed thumbnail to be displayed; and
displaying a second control button which upon selection by the user causes one of the thumbnails associated with presentation slides scheduled for display after the presentation slide associated with the currently displayed thumbnail to be displayed.
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33. The process of claim 29, wherein the process action of displaying the presentation slide preview sector comprises an action of displaying a counter showing both a sequence number assigned to the presentation slide associated with the currently displayed thumbnail and a number representing the total number of presentation slides in the primary slide deck.
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34. The process of claim 29, wherein the process action of displaying the presentation slide preview sector comprises an action of launching a presentation slide creation program responsible for generating the primary presentation slide deck in response to the user selecting a displayed thumbnail, for the purpose of reviewing or editing the presentation slide associated with the selected thumbnail.
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35. The process of claim 34, wherein the process action of launching the presentation slide creation program, further comprises displaying a graphic user interface of the creation program in a work sector of the presentation tool window.
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36. The process of claim 1, wherein the process action of displaying the presentation tool window, comprises and action of displaying a presentation properties sector which at any one time displays one of a series of property grids each of which comprises a list of attributes controlling the appearance and functionality of the presentation window of the presentation being authored, or providing information about the presentation, for the purpose of allowing the user to view, specify or modify the attributes and information.
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37. The process of claim 36, wherein the process action of displaying the presentation properties sector, comprises an action of displaying a series of property grid selection tabs which when one is selected by the user causes the property grid associated with the selected tab to be displayed in the presentation properties sector.
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38. The process of claim 37, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises displaying said list of attributes organized in two columns with the name of the attribute in one column and the current setting of that attribute, if any, in the second column, said attribute settings initially being populated with default settings taken from the imported template file associated with the selected layout.
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39. The process of claim 38, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises an action of displaying the list of attributes of said grid in alphabetical order in response to the user selecting an alphabetizing button also displayed in the grid.
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40. The process of claim 38, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises an action of displaying the list of attributes grouped in categories with the name of the category displayed above the portion of the list containing those attributes falling into that category.
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41. The process of claim 40, wherein the process action of displaying the list of attributes of the property grid grouped in categories comprises the actions of:
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displaying the list of attributes grouped in categories by default unless the user selects another form of display; and
whenever the list of attributes is displayed in another form, displaying the list of attributes grouped in categories in response to the user selecting a categorizing button displayed in the grid.
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42. The process of claim 40, wherein the process action of displaying the list of attributes of the property grid grouped in categories comprises the actions of:
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displaying the list of attributes in an expandable table format wherein whenever attributes are listed under a category title, a contraction icon is displayed adjacent that attribute title;
collapsing the attributes listed under a category title in response to the user selecting the contraction icon so that only the category title is shown with an expansion icon displayed adjacent thereto in lieu of the contraction icon; and
expanding a collapsed list of attributes associated with a category title in response to the user selecting the expansion icon displayed adjacent to that category title so that all the attributes associated with the category are displayed under the category title.
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43. The process of claim 38, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises the actions of:
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displaying the list of attributes with one or more of the attributes listed having hidden sub-attributes associated therewith which are not initially displayed, wherein each attribute having hidden sub-attributes has an expansion icon displayed adjacent thereto;
expanding an attribute having hidden sub-attributes so as to display the hidden sub-attributes in response to the user selecting the expansion icon displayed adjacent thereto, wherein the attribute with the expanded list of sub-attributes is displayed with a contraction icon adjacent thereto in lieu of the expansion icon; and
contracting the expanded list of sub-attributes in response to the user selecting the contraction icon displayed adjacent the attribute having the displayed list of sub-attributes so that only the attribute itself is displayed.
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44. The process of claim 38, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises an action of only displaying those attributes that are editable by the user.
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45. The process of claim 38, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises an action of listing all attributes associated with the appearance and functionality of the presentation window of the presentation being authored, and providing information about the presentation, whether editable by the user or not, wherein those attributes that are not editable by the user are visually distinguishable from those attributes that are editable by the user.
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46. The process of claim 38, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises the actions of:
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in response to the user selecting a listed attribute, displaying a list of settings applicable to that attribute; and
in response to the user selecting a setting from the displayed list of settings, replacing the setting previously listed for the attribute under consideration with the selected setting, and closing the displayed list of settings.
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47. The process of claim 38, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises the actions of:
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in response to the user selecting a listed attribute, displaying a settings list icon adjacent the setting associated with the selected attribute;
in response to the user selecting the settings list icon, displaying a list of settings applicable to that attribute; and
in response to the user selecting a setting from the displayed list of settings, replacing the setting previously listed for the attribute under consideration with the selected setting, and closing the displayed list of settings.
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48. The process of claim 38, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises an action of in response to the user selecting a listed attribute not having a setting assigned thereto, displaying a setting entered by the user via said data entry device in the settings column of the selected attribute and assigning that setting to the attribute.
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49. The process of claim 38, wherein the process action of displaying a property grid comprises an action of in response to the user selecting a listed attribute having a setting already assigned thereto, replacing the existing setting with a setting entered by the user via said data entry device in the settings column of the selected attribute and assigning the new setting to the attribute.
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50. The process of claim 37, wherein the property grids comprise a template editor property grid which is displayed in the presentation properties sector by default unless another property grid selection tab not associated with the template editor property grid is selected by the user, or whenever the user selects a template editor property grid tab, wherein the template editor property grid comprises a list of attributes controlling the appearance and functionality of the presentation window of the presentation being authored.
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51. The process of claim 37, wherein the property grids comprise a metadata property grid which is displayed in the presentation properties sector in response to the user selecting a metadata property grid tab, wherein the metadata property grid comprises a list of attributes whose settings provide information about the presentation being authored, and wherein the information is included in a presentation file defining the presentation being authored where it can be parsed and employed as desired.
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52. The process of claim 51, wherein the process action of displaying the metadata property grid comprises the actions of:
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initially leaving the settings column of each attribute blank; and
replacing the blank setting with a setting entered by the user via said data entry device, and assigning that setting to the attribute.
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53. The process of claim 52, wherein the process action of displaying the metadata property grid comprises the actions of:
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initially associating the displayed list of attributes with a default language, and assigning a language designator indicating that any setting entered by the user or populated into the grid from the template file associated with the selected layout, is in the default language; and
displaying a language selection field in the property grid, which initially lists the name of the default language, and which comprises a language list icon displayed adjacent to the name.
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54. The process of claim 53, wherein the process action of displaying the metadata property grid comprises the actions of:
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in response to the user selecting the language list icon, displaying a list of languages that can be associated with the metadata settings; and
in response to the user selecting a language from the displayed list, replacing the language name previously displayed in the language selection field with the name of the selected language, closing the displayed list of languages, and associating the displayed list of attributes with the selected language, and assigning a language designator indicating that any setting entered by the user or populated into the grid from the template file associated with the selected layout, is in the selected language.
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55. The process of claim 51, wherein the process action of displaying the metadata property grid comprises the actions of:
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displaying a default list of attributes, wherein the default list of attributes is one of a plurality of metadata attribute lists available in the presentation production process each having an assigned metadata schema name;
displaying a schema selection field in the property grid, which initially lists the schema name of the default list of attributes, and which comprises a schema list icon displayed adjacent to the schema name;
in response to the user selecting the schema list icon, displaying a list of metadata schema available; and
in response to the user selecting a schema from the displayed list, replacing the schema name previously displayed in the schema selection field with the name of the selected schema, closing the displayed list of metadata schema, and displaying the list of attributes associated with the newly selected metadata schema in place of the previously displayed list.
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56. The process of claim 51, wherein the process action of displaying the metadata property grid comprises an action of, in response to the user selecting an attribute in the displayed list of attributes, displaying a description of that attribute in the metadata property grid.
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57. The process of claim 37, wherein the property grids comprise a player property grid which is displayed in the presentation properties sector in response to the user selecting a player property grid tab, wherein the player property grid comprises a list of attributes whose settings control or provide information about the video and audio player employed in the presentation being authored, and wherein the information is included in a presentation file defining the presentation being authored where it can be parsed and employed as desired.
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58. The process of claim 1, wherein the types of media components that can be imported comprise a master track video or audio program representing the main presentation material and the presentation timeline from which all presentation events are scheduled, and wherein the process action of displaying the presentation tool window, comprises an action of displaying a work sector which at any one time displays one of a series of informational panes, or one of a series of data entry grids for entering and modifying scheduling data in reference to an elapsed time of the master track program.
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59. The process of claim 58, wherein the process action of displaying a series of data grids and informational panes comprises an action of displaying a scripts grid comprising a list of script commands which establish scheduled presentation events, wherein each script command is organized in three columns with a first column listing a time code representing when in the presentation timeline an event is to occur, a second column listing a script type representing the type of event that is scheduled by the script command, and a third column listing a script parameter referencing a specific resource required to make the event happen.
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60. The process of claim 59, wherein:
the process action of displaying the work sector, comprises an action of displaying a series of data grid and informational pane selection tabs which when one is selected by the user causes the data grid or informational pane associated with the selected tab to be displayed in the work sector; and
wherein,the process action of displaying the scripts grid comprises an action of displaying the scripts grid in the work sector by default whenever the master track program is entered, until another data grid or informational pane selection tab not associated with the scripts grid is selected by the user.
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61. The process of claim 59, wherein:
the process action of displaying the work sector, comprises an action of displaying a series of data grid and informational pane selection tabs which when one is selected by the user causes the data grid or informational pane associated with the selected tab to be displayed in the work sector; and
wherein,the process action of displaying the scripts grid comprises an action of displaying the scripts grid in the work sector whenever the user selects a scripts grid tab displayed in the work sector.
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62. The process of claim 59, wherein the process action of displaying the scripts grid comprises an action of displaying the script commands in order of their time code starting with the earliest scheduled script command.
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63. The process of claim 59, wherein the script types comprise a presentation slide script type which refers to a presentation slide from an imported media component comprising a primary presentation slide deck, and wherein the script parameter associated with a presentation slide script type refers to a specific number assigned to one of the presentation slides in said slide deck, and wherein a script command comprising a time code, presentation slide script type designation and a specific presentation slide number is interpreted by the presentation being authored as an instruction to display the presentation slide assigned the listed number from the slide deck at the elapsed time of the master track program indicated by the time code of the script command.
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64. The process of claim 59, wherein the script types comprise a demonstration script type which refers to a demonstration program from one or more imported media components each comprising a video, audio, or animation program, and wherein the script parameter associated with a demonstration script type refers to a file name of a file containing a demonstration, and wherein a script command comprising a time code, demonstration script type designation and a specific demonstration file designation is interpreted by the presentation being authored as an instruction to play the demonstration program associated with the designated demonstration file at the elapsed time of the master track program indicated by the time code of the script command.
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65. The process of claim 59, wherein the script types comprise a document script type which refers to a document file from one or more imported media components each comprising a work processing, spreadsheet, or HTML document, and wherein the script parameter associated with a document script type refers to a file name of a file containing a document, and wherein a script command comprising a time code, document script type designation and a specific document file designation is interpreted by the presentation being authored as an instruction to display the document associated with the designated document file at the elapsed time of the master track program indicated by the time code of the script command.
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66. The process of claim 59, wherein the script types comprise a URL script type which refers to a URL, and wherein the script parameter associated with a URL script type refers to a network address, and wherein a script command comprising a time code, URL script type designation and a specific network address is interpreted by the presentation being authored as an instruction to open the URL associated with the designated network address at the elapsed time of the master track program indicated by the time code of the script command.
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67. The process of claim 59, wherein the script types comprise a web service script type which refers to a web service, and wherein the script parameter associated with a web service script type refers to a network address of the web service, and wherein a script command comprising a time code, web service script type designation and a specific network address is interpreted by the presentation being authored as an instruction to contact the web service associated with the designated network address at the elapsed time of the master track program indicated by the time code of the script command.
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68. The process of claim 59, wherein the script types comprise a computer program script type which refers to a computer program, and wherein the script parameter associated with a computer program script type refers to a file capable of executing the program, and wherein a script command comprising a time code, computer program script type designation and a specific execution file is interpreted by the presentation being authored as an instruction to run the computer program associated with the designated execution file at the elapsed time of the master track program indicated by the time code of the script command.
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69. The process of claim 59, wherein the process action of displaying the scripts grid comprises the actions of:
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displaying a time code data entry field, a script type data entry field, a script parameter data entry field and an script command entry button;
in response to a time code, script type designation and script parameter designation being entered in the respective time code, script type and script parameter data entry fields, and the user selecting the script command entry button, creating a script command and displaying it in the scripts grid.
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70. The process of claim 69, wherein the process action of displaying the time code data entry field, comprises an action of displaying a time code in the time code data entry field that the user manually enters using said data entry device.
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71. The process of claim 70, wherein:
the process action of displaying a presentation tool window, comprises an action of displaying a video preview sector which plays the master track program and has a counter showing an elapse time indicative of the elapsed running time of the master track program; and
wherein,the user identifies the time code to be entered by into the time code data entry field by playing the master track program, pausing the program at the point in the timeline which the user wants to implement a script command, and reading the elapse time representing the time code from the counter.
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72. The process of claim 69, wherein:
the process action of displaying a presentation tool window, comprises an action of displaying a video preview sector which plays the master track program and has a counter showing an elapse time indicative of the elapsed running time of the master track program; and
wherein,the user enters the time code into the time code data entry field by playing the master track program and pausing it at the point in the timeline which the user wants to implement a script command; and
in response the elapse time of the master track program representing the time code is automatically displayed in the time code data entry field.
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73. The process of claim 69, wherein the process action of displaying the script type data entry field, comprises an action of displaying a script type in the script type data entry field that the user manually enters using said data entry device.
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74. The process of claim 69, wherein the process action of displaying the script type data entry field, comprises the actions of:
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displaying a script type list icon in the script type data entry field;
in response to the user selecting the list icon, displaying a list of script types; and
in response to the user selecting a script type from the displayed list of script types, displaying the selected script type in the script type data entry field, and closing the displayed list of settings, thereby entering a script type into the script type data entry field.
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75. The process of claim 69, wherein the process action of displaying the script parameter data entry field, comprises an action of displaying a script parameter in the script parameter data entry field that the user manually enters using said data entry device.
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76. The process of claim 59, wherein the process action of displaying the scripts grid comprises an action of displaying one or more script commands contained within an imported scripts command file.
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77. The process of claim 76, wherein the process action of displaying one or more script commands contained within an imported scripts command file comprises an action of:
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displaying a menu bar comprising a file menu button in the presentation tool window;
in response to the user selecting the file menu button, displaying a list of commands comprising an import command;
in response to the user selecting the import command, displaying a sub-list of commands comprising a script file import command;
in response to the user selecting the script file import command, displaying an open file dialog box with which the user specifies the name and location of the file containing the script commands that are to be imported; and
in response to the user specifying the name and location of the file containing the script commands that are to be imported, copying the script commands contained in the specified file into the scripts grid.
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78. The process of claim 59, wherein the process action of displaying the scripts grid comprises the actions of:
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in response to the user selecting a script command displayed in the scripts grid so as to modify it, displaying a script command editing box comprising time code, script type and script parameter data entry fields, as well as a button for entering changes made to the selected script command, wherein the respective time code, script type designation and script parameter designation of the selected script command are initially displayed in the respective time code, script type and script parameter data entry fields of the script command editing box;
in response to the user modifying one or more of the displayed time code, script type designation and script parameter designation entries in the editing box, displaying the modified versions thereof in the appropriate data entry field of the editing box;
in response to the user selecting the button for entering changes, replacing the selected script command in the scripts grid with the modified command entered into the script command editing box.
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79. The process of claim 78, wherein the process action of displaying the modified versions of any one of the time code, script type designation and script parameter designation entries in the appropriate data entry field of the editing box, comprises an action of displaying said modified versions that the user manually enters using said data entry device.
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80. The process of claim 78, wherein the process action of displaying the modified version of the script type designation in the script type data entry field of the script command editing box, comprises the actions of:
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displaying a script type list icon in the script type data entry field of said editing box;
in response to the user selecting the list icon, displaying a list of script types; and
in response to the user selecting a script type from the displayed list of script types, displaying the selected script type in the script type data entry field, and closing the displayed list of settings, thereby entering a script type into the script type data entry field.
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81. The process of claim 58, wherein the process action of displaying a series of data grids and informational panes comprises an action of displaying a markers grid comprising a list of contents markers which identify divisions in the subject matter of the presentation being authored, wherein each contents marker is organized in two columns with a first column listing a time code representing when in the presentation timeline one of said divisions occurs and a second column listing a title for the section of the presentation that begins at the time specified by the time code.
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82. The process of claim 81, wherein:
the process action of displaying the work sector, comprises an action of displaying a series of data grid and informational pane selection tabs which when one is selected by the user causes the data grid or informational pane associated with the selected tab to be displayed in the work sector; and
wherein,the process action of displaying the markers grid comprises an action of displaying the markers grid in the work sector whenever the user selects a markers grid tab displayed in the work sector.
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83. The process of claim 81, wherein the process action of displaying the markers grid comprises an action of displaying the contents markers in the order of their time code starting with the earliest scheduled marker.
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84. The process of claim 81, wherein the process action of displaying the markers grid comprises the actions of:
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displaying a time code data entry field, a marker title data entry field and a contents marker entry button;
in response to a time code and marker title being entered in the respective time code and marker title data entry fields, and the user selecting the contents marker entry button, creating a contents marker and displaying it in the markers grid.
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85. The process of claim 84, wherein the process action of displaying the time code data entry field, comprises an action of displaying a time code in the time code data entry field that the user manually enters using said data entry device.
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86. The process of claim 85, wherein:
the process action of displaying a presentation tool window, comprises an action of displaying a video preview sector which plays the master track program and has a counter showing an elapse time indicative of the elapsed running time of the master track program; and
wherein,the user identifies the time code to be entered by into the time code data entry field by playing the master track program, pausing the program at the point in the timeline which the user wants to insert a contents marker, and reading the elapse time representing the time code from the counter.
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87. The process of claim 84, wherein:
the process action of displaying a presentation tool window, comprises an action of displaying a video preview sector which plays the master track program and has a counter showing an elapse time indicative of the elapsed running time of the master track program; and
wherein,the user enters the time code into the time code data entry field by playing the master track program and pausing it at the point in the timeline which the user wants to insert a contents marker; and
in response the elapse time of the master track program representing the time code is automatically displayed in the time code data entry field.
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88. The process of claim 84, wherein the process action of displaying the marker title data entry field, comprises an action of displaying a title in the marker title data entry field that the user manually enters using said data entry device.
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89. The process of claim 81, wherein the process action of displaying the markers grid comprises an action of displaying one or more contents markers contained within an imported contents markers file.
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90. The process of claim 89, wherein the process action of displaying one or more contents markers contained within an imported contents markers file comprises the actions of:
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displaying a menu bar comprising a file menu button in the presentation tool window;
in response to the user selecting the file menu button, displaying a list of commands comprising an import command;
in response to the user selecting the import command, displaying a sub-list of commands comprising a contents marker file import command;
in response to the user selecting the contents marker file import command, displaying an open file dialog box with which the user specifies the name and location of the file containing the contents markers that are to be imported; and
in response to the user specifying the name and location of the file containing the contents markers that are to be imported, copying the contents markers contained in the specified file into the markers grid.
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91. The process of claim 81, wherein the process action of displaying the markers grid comprises the actions of:
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in response to the user selecting a contents marker displayed in the markers grid so as to modify it, displaying a contents markers editing box comprising time code and marker title data entry fields, as well as a button for entering changes made to the selected contents marker, wherein the respective time code and marker title of the selected contents marker are initially displayed in the respective time code and marker title data entry fields of the contents marker editing box;
in response to the user modifying one or more of the displayed time code and marker title entries in the editing box, displaying the modified versions thereof in the appropriate data entry field of the editing box;
in response to the user selecting the button for entering changes, replacing the selected contents marker in the markers grid with the modified marker entered into the content marker editing box.
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92. The process of claim 91, wherein the process action of displaying the modified versions of any one of the time code and marker title entries in the appropriate data entry field of the editing box, comprises an action of displaying said modified versions that the user manually enters using said data entry device.
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93. The process of claim 58, wherein the process action of displaying a series of data grid and informational panes comprises an action of displaying a transcription grid comprising a list of transcript entries which provide a segment of the transcript of the audio of the master track program, wherein each transcript entry is organized in two columns with a first column listing a time code representing when in the presentation timeline the transcript segment begins and a second column comprising the transcript segment that begins at the time specified by the time code.
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94. The process of claim 93, wherein the transcript segments have a prescribed length.
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95. The process of claim 93, wherein:
the process action of displaying the work sector, comprises an action of displaying a series of data grid and informational pane selection tabs which when one is selected by the user causes the data grid or informational pane associated with the selected tab to be displayed in the work sector; and
wherein,the process action of displaying the transcription grid comprises an action of displaying the transcription grid in the work sector whenever the user selects a transcription grid tab displayed in the work sector.
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96. The process of claim 93, wherein the process action of displaying the transcription grid comprises an action of displaying the transcription entries in the order of their time code starting with the earliest scheduled entry.
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97. The process of claim 93, wherein the process action of displaying the transcription grid comprises the actions of:
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displaying a time code data entry field, a transcript segment data entry field and a transcription entry button;
in response to a time code and transcript segment being entered in the respective time code and transcript segment data entry fields, and the user selecting the transcription entry button, creating a transcription entry and displaying it in the transcription grid.
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98. The process of claim 97, wherein the process action of displaying the time code data entry field, comprises an action of displaying a time code in the time code data entry field that the user manually enters using said data entry device.
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99. The process of claim 98, wherein:
the process action of displaying a presentation tool window, comprises an action of displaying a video preview sector which plays the master track program and has a counter showing an elapse time indicative of the elapsed running time of the master track program; and
wherein,the user identifies the time code to be entered into the time code data entry field by playing the master track program, pausing the program at the point in the timeline which the user wants to insert a transcription entry, and reading the elapsed time representing the time code from the counter.
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100. The process of claim 97, wherein:
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the process action of displaying a presentation tool window, comprises an action of displaying a video preview sector which plays the master track program and has a counter showing an elapse time indicative of the elapsed running time of the master track program; and
wherein,the user enters the time code into the time code data entry field by playing the master track program and pausing it at the point in the timeline which the user wants to insert a transcription entry; and
in response the elapse time of the master track program representing the time code is automatically displayed in the time code data entry field.
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101. The process of claim 97, wherein the process action of displaying the transcript segment data entry field, comprises the actions of:
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displaying a language selection field in the transcription grid, which initially lists the name of a default language, and which comprises a language list icon displayed adjacent to the name;
in response to the user selecting the language list icon, displaying a list of languages that can be associated with the transcript segment;
in response to the user selecting a language from the displayed list that is different from the default language, replacing the language name previously displayed in the language selection field with the name of the selected language, and closing the displayed list of languages; and
displaying a transcript segment in the transcript segment data entry field that the user manually enters using said data entry device, wherein the transcript segment is associated with the selected language and a language designator is assigned to the transcript segment indicating that the segment is in the selected language.
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102. The process of claim 93, wherein the process action of displaying the transcription grid comprises an action of displaying one or more transcription entries contained within an imported transcription entries file.
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103. The process of claim 102, wherein the process action of displaying one or more transcription entries contained within an imported transcription entries file comprises the actions of:
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displaying a language selection field in the transcription grid, which initially lists the name of a default language, and which comprises a language list icon displayed adjacent to the name;
in response to the user selecting the language list icon, displaying a list of languages that can be associated with the transcript segment;
in response to the user selecting a language from the displayed list that is different from the default language, replacing the language name previously displayed in the language selection field with the name of the selected language, and closing the displayed list of languages; and
displaying a menu bar comprising a file menu button in the presentation tool window;
in response to the user selecting the file menu button, displaying a list of commands comprising an import command;
in response to the user selecting the import command, displaying a sub-list of commands comprising a transcription file import command;
in response to the user selecting the transcription file import command, displaying an open file dialog box with which the user specifies the name and location of the file containing the transcription entries that are to be imported; and
in response to the user specifying the name and location of the file containing the transcription entries that are to be imported, copying the transcription entries contained in the specified file into the transcription grid, wherein the transcript segments of each imported transcription entry are associated with the selected language and a language designator is assigned to each transcript segment indicating that the segment is in the selected language.
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104. The process of claim 93, wherein the process action of displaying the transcription grid comprises the actions of:
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in response to the user selecting a transcription entry displayed in the transcription grid so as to modify it, displaying a transcription entry editing box comprising time code and transcript segment data entry fields, as well as a button for entering changes made to the selected transcription entry, wherein the respective time code and transcript segment of the selected transcription entry are initially displayed in the respective time code and transcript segment data entry fields of the transcription entry editing box;
in response to the user modifying one or more of the displayed time code and transcript segments in the editing box, displaying the modified versions thereof in the appropriate data entry field of the editing box;
in response to the user selecting the button for entering changes, replacing the selected transcription entry in the transcription grid with the modified entry entered into the transcription entry editing box.
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105. The process of claim 104, wherein the process action of displaying the modified versions of any one of the time code and transcript segments in the appropriate data entry field of the editing box, comprises an action of displaying said modified versions that the user manually enters using said data entry device.
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106. The process of claim 58, wherein the process action of displaying one of the series of data entry grids for entering and modifying scheduling data in reference to the elapsed time of the master track program comprises the actions of:
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importing a file containing said scheduling data, wherein said scheduling data comprises time codes which are offset from the desired elapsed times of the master track program;
correcting for the offset in each time code in the scheduling data so as to bring the time codes in sync with the master track program; and
displaying the time code corrected scheduling data into the displayed data grid.
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107. The process of claim 106, wherein the process action of correcting for the offset in each time code in the scheduling data so as to bring the time codes in sync with the master track program, comprises the actions of:
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displaying a menu bar comprising a tools menu button in the presentation tool window;
in response to the user selecting the tools menu button, displaying a list of commands comprising a command to correct offset time codes;
in response to the user selecting the command to correct offset time codes, displaying a offset correction box comprising, a data entry field for entering the amount of offset existing between the time codes of the scheduling data and desired elapsed times of the master track program, one or more selection fields, each of which corresponds to a different type of scheduling data, a subtract button for indicating that an offset amount entered in the offset amount data entry field is subtracted from the time codes in the selected type of scheduling data, and an add button for indicating that an offset amount entered in the offset amount data entry field is added to the time codes in the selected type of scheduling data;
in response to an offset amount, the type of scheduling data involved and an indication as to whether the offset amount is subtracted or added to the time codes of the scheduling data, being specified in the offset correction box, modifying each time code in the identified scheduling data to bring them in synch with the desired elapsed times of the master track program.
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108. The process of claim 107, wherein the offset amount, the type of scheduling data involved and the indication as to whether the offset amount is subtracted or added to the time codes of the scheduling data is entered by the user in the offset correction box.
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109. The process of claim 107, wherein the type of scheduling data involved is transcription data which starts at the beginning of the master track program and so starting at time code zero, and wherein the offset amount and whether it is subtracted from or added to the times codes of the transcription data is computed by the presentation production process and automatically entered into offset correction box when the user selects a selection field of the box indicating that the scheduling data is transcription data.
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110. The process of claim 106, wherein the process action of correcting for the offset in each time code in the scheduling data so as to bring the time codes in sync with the master track program, comprises the actions of:
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detecting that the type of scheduling data being imported is transcription data comprising time coded transcription segments, the earliest of which is assumed to start at the beginning of the master track program and so starting at time code zero;
computing the offset of the earliest transcription segment'"'"'s time code from zero and whether this offset is subtracted from or added to the times codes of the transcription data to bring them into sync with the master track program; and
modifying each time code in the transcription data to bring them in sync with the master track program.
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111. The process of claim 58, wherein the media components making up the presentation further comprise a plurality of presentation slides with associated scheduling information specifying when each presentation slide is to be displayed in the presentation window in relation to an elapsed time of the master track program, and wherein the scheduling information further comprises a plurality of contents markers which identify when new subject matter topics begin in the presentation timeline, and wherein the process action of displaying a series of data grid and informational panes comprises an action of displaying a contents and links grid comprising a first pane which displays a table of contents tree graphically representing the order the subject matter topics using topic labels and displaying the presentations slides scheduled to be displayed in association with each topic as slide labels branching from the topic.
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112. The process of claim 111, wherein:
the process action of displaying the work sector, comprises an action of displaying a series of data grid and informational pane selection tabs which when one is selected by the user causes the data grid or informational pane associated with the selected tab to be displayed in the work sector; and
wherein,the process action of displaying the contents and links grid comprises an action of displaying the contents and links grid in the work sector whenever the user selects a contents and links grid tab displayed in the work sector.
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113. The process of claim 111, wherein the process action of displaying the table of contents tree comprises the actions of:
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initially displaying each subject matter topic label having no indentation on the tree thereby indication each as having an equal hierarchy in relation to each other; and
in response to a user instruction to increase or decrease the hierarchy level of a subject matter topic, respectively increasing or decreasing the indent of the associated topic label in the table of contents tree so as to show topics labels having a greater indentation than an earlier occurring topic label as a branch of that earlier topic label.
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114. The process of claim 113, wherein the process action of displaying the table of contents tree, comprises the actions of:
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in response to the user selecting a subject matter topic label in the table of contents tree, displaying a list of actions comprising an action to increase the indentation of the selected topic label and an action to decrease the indentation of the selected topic label;
in response to the user selecting the action to increase the indentation of the selected subject matter topic label, increasing the indentation of the topic label in the tree making it a branch of the subject matter topic label immediately preceding it in the tree; and
in response to the user selecting the action to decrease the indentation of the selected subject matter topic label, decreasing the indentation of the topic label in the tree making all the subject matter topic labels following it in the tree branches of the selected topic label.
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115. The process of claim 111, wherein the process action of displaying the table of contents tree, comprises the actions of:
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displaying an contraction icon adjacent each subject matter topic label having at least one presentation slide label branching from it;
in response to the user selecting a contraction icon adjacent a particular topic label, displaying the portion of the table of contents tree associated with that topic label in collapsed form wherein the presentation slide labels branching from the topic are no longer displayed and the contraction icon adjacent the topic label is replaced with an expansion icon; and
in response to the user selecting an expansion icon adjacent a particular subject matter label, displaying the portion of the table of contents tree associated with that topic label in expanded form wherein the presentation slide labels branching from the topic are displayed and the expansion icon adjacent the topic label is replaced with a contraction icon.
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116. The process of claim 111, wherein the process action of displaying the contents and links grid comprises the actions of:
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displaying global links label at the top of the table of contents tree in the first pane of the contents and links grid; and
displaying a second pane comprising a links grid comprising, whenever the global links label, a subject matter topic label or a presentation slide label is selected by the user in the table of contents tree, a list of links which are scheduled to be displayed in the presentation window, throughout the presentation whenever the global link is selected, during the period of time the master track program is playing the part of the presentation covering the subject matter associated with the subject matter topic label whenever that label is selected, and during the period of time a presentation slide is scheduled to be displayed in the presentation window whenever the slide label associated with that presentation slide is selected, wherein each link is organized in two columns with a first column listing the name of the link as displayed in the presentation window and a second column listing a URL associated with the link.
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117. The process of claim 116, wherein the process action of displaying the links grid in the second pane, comprises the actions of:
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displaying a link name data entry field, a URL data entry field and a links entry button; and
in response to a link name and URL being entered in the respective link name and URL data entry fields, and the user selecting the links entry button, creating a link and displaying it in the links grid, said link being a global link if the global link label is selected in the table of contents tree, a subject matter topic link associated with subject matter represented by a selected topic label if a topic label is selected, or a presentation slide link associated with presentation slide represented by a slide label if a slide label is selected.
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118. The process of claim 116, wherein the process action of displaying the links grid in the second pane, comprises the actions of:
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in response to the user selecting either the global links label, a subject matter topic label or a presentation slide label in the table of contents tree, a list of links which are scheduled to be displayed in the presentation window are displayed in the links grid;
in response to the user selecting one of the displayed links so as to modify it, displaying a link entry editing box comprising a link name data entry field and link URL data entry field, as well as a button for entering changes made to the selected link entry, wherein the respective name and URL of the selected link entry are initially displayed in the respective link name and URL data entry fields of the link entry editing box;
in response to the user modifying one or more of the displayed link name and link URL in the editing box, displaying the modified versions thereof in the appropriate data entry field of the editing box; and
in response to the user selecting the button for entering changes, replacing the selected link entry in the links grid with the modified entry entered into the link entry editing box.
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119. The process of claim 58, wherein a presentation data file is generated during the authoring of a presentation which comprises all the scheduling information and data associated with the appearance of the presentation window entered by the user or imported from the selected template, and wherein the process action of displaying the series of data grids and informational panes comprises an action of displaying the contents of said presentation data file as an informational pane in said work sector.
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120. The process of claim 119, wherein:
the process action of displaying the work sector, comprises an action of displaying a series of data grid and informational pane selection tabs which when one is selected by the user causes the data grid or informational pane associated with the selected tab to be displayed in the work sector; and
wherein,the process action of displaying the presentation data file pane comprises an action of displaying the pane in the work sector whenever the user selects a presentation data file pane tab displayed in the work sector.
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121. The process of claim 119, wherein the presentation data file is an XML file.
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122. The process of claim 1, further comprising the process action of changing the selected template either before or after the user imports media components, enters presentation properties, and enters scheduling information.
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123. The process of claim 122, wherein the process action of changing the selected template, comprises the actions of:
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displaying a menu bar comprising a project menu button in the presentation tool window;
in response to the user selecting the project menu button, displaying a list of commands comprising a template selection command;
in response to the user selecting the template selection command, displaying the template selection window on the display, said template selection window initially showing a presentation layout strip associated with the currently selected template in a visually distinguishing form and having a template selection button; and
in response to the user selecting a different layout strip and then selecting the template selection button, displaying the presentation tool window and importing the template associated with newly selected layout, while retaining any previously imported media components, the previous presentation properties and any previously entered scheduling information.
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124. The process of claim 1, further comprising the process action of saving a modified version of the selected template after the user entered or modified presentation properties associated with the selected template.
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125. The process of claim 124, wherein the process action of saving a modified version of the selected template, comprises the actions of:
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displaying a menu bar comprising a file menu button in the presentation tool window;
in response to the user selecting the file menu button, displaying a list of commands comprising a templates command;
in response to the user selecting the templates command, displaying a templates window on the display, said templates window being used to save the modified template.
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126. The process of claim 125, wherein the process action of displaying the templates window, comprises the actions of:
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displaying a template name data entry field, a template description data entry field and a template author data entry field;
displaying a template name, description and author in the respective template name, template description and template author data entry fields as entered by the user;
creating a thumbnail image of the last displayed image of a preview display in the presentation tool window, wherein the preview display provides a view of the presentation as it would appear to a viewer;
displaying the thumbnail image in a thumbnail display sector of the templates window for the user'"'"'s review;
in response to the user selecting a save template button, generating a file comprising the modified template, as well as the modified template'"'"'s name, description, author, and thumbnail, and displaying a save as dialog box having data entry field in which the user enters the location, either local or remote, that the modified template is to be saved; and
in response to the user specifying the location in said data entry field and selecting the save button in the save as dialog box, copying the file associated with the modified template to the specified location.
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127. The process of claim 126, wherein once the file associated with the modified template is saved to the specified location, the next time that location is accessed to obtain template data for display in the template selection window, a presentation layout strip associated with the modified template will be displayed comprising the thumbnail image, the template name, the template description, and the template author.
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128. The process of claim 126, further comprising performing the process actions of, prior to the user selecting the save template button:
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in response to the user wanting to use a different view of the presentation as the basis for said template thumbnail image and minimizing the templates window, displaying the presentation tool window;
in response to the user, pausing the preview display of the presentation in the presentation tool window to the image desired for the template thumbnail image, reinstating the templates window, and selecting a button displayed in the templates window that causes a new thumbnail image to be created and used to replace the existing thumbnail image, creating a new thumbnail image of the last displayed image of a preview display in the presentation tool window; and
displaying the thumbnail image in a thumbnail display sector of the templates window for the user'"'"'s review.
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129. The process of claim 1, further comprising the process action of deleting a template.
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130. The process of claim 129, wherein the process action of deleting a template, comprises the actions of:
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displaying a menu bar comprising a file menu button in the presentation tool window;
in response to the user selecting the file menu button, displaying a list of commands comprising a templates command;
in response to the user selecting the templates command, displaying a templates window on the display;
in response to the user selecting a server button displayed in the templates window, displaying presentation layouts obtained from one or more prescribed remote servers connected via a computer network to a host computer of said computer system, or in response to the user selecting a local button displayed in the templates window, displaying presentation layouts residing in a memory of the host computer. in response to the user selecting one of the displayed presentation layouts and selecting a delete button displayed in the templates window, deleting the template associated with the selected layout.
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2. The process of claim 1, wherein the process action of displaying the template selection window, comprises an action of including a user-selectable server button which when selected populates the template selection window with presentation layouts obtained from one or more prescribed remote servers connected via a computer network to a host computer of said computer system.
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131. A computer-implemented process for authoring an interactive presentation having multi-media components, comprising using a computer to perform the following process actions:
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inputting a user-selected presentation template comprising a template file specifying layout features and interactive functionality for an interactive presentation window which when rendered displays the presentation being authored to a viewer;
displaying a presentation tool window to the user authoring the presentation and populating it with the selected template'"'"'s layout and functionality data, said presentation tool window providing graphic user interfaces to assist the user in tasks comprising specifying media files to be imported, modifying the layout and functionality data and entering scheduling information associated with the presentation;
importing media files comprising the multi-media content of the presentation as specified by the user via the presentation tool window;
inputting user-provided scheduling data for the presentation specifying when each component of the multi-media content is to be played or displayed in the presentation window;
generating a presentation data file comprising all the layout and functionality data, as well as scheduling data, associated with the presentation being authored; and
building a presentation package comprising exported versions of the imported media components and the presentation file, wherein said presentation file is executable by a viewer and when executed renders said presentation window for viewing the presentation. - View Dependent Claims (132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160)
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132. The process of claim 131, wherein the process action of importing media files, comprises the actions of:
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importing a master track video or audio file comprising a video or audio program representing the main presentation material and the timeline from which all presentation events are scheduled; and
importing a presentation slides file comprising presentation slides which support the presentation material provided in the master track video or audio.
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133. The process of claim 132, wherein the process action of inputting user-provided scheduling data comprises the action of inputting user-defined script commands which dictate when in the master track video or audio program a particular presentation slide from the imported presentation slides file is displayed in the presentation window.
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134. The process of claim 131, wherein the process action of importing media files, comprises the action of importing one or more demonstration files each comprising a video, audio, or animation demonstration program.
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135. The process of claim 134, wherein the process action of inputting user-provided scheduling data comprises the action of inputting user-defined script commands which dictate when in the master track video or audio program a particular demonstration program from the one or more imported demonstration files is displayed in the presentation window.
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136. The process of claim 131, wherein the process action of importing media files, comprises the action of importing one or more document files each comprising a work processing, spreadsheet, or HTML document.
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137. The process of claim 136, wherein the process action of inputting user-provided scheduling data comprises the action of inputting user-defined script commands which dictate when in the master track video or audio program a particular document from the one or more imported document files is displayed in the presentation window.
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138. The process of claim 131, further comprising a process action of inputting user-provided scheduling data in the form of a user-defined script command which dictates when in the master track video or audio program a user-specified network site is to be contacted and displayed in the presentation window.
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139. The process of claim 131, further comprising a process action of inputting user-provided scheduling data in the form of user-established contents markers which identify when in the master track video or audio program a particular user-named contents topic or sub-topic begins.
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140. The process of claim 131, further comprising a process action of inputting user-provided scheduling data in the form of user-established transcription segment indicators which identify when in the master track video or audio program a particular user-provided segment of a transcription of the master track video or audio program begins.
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141. The process of claim 131, wherein said user-provided segments of the transcription of the master track video or audio program can be in more than one language, and wherein the process action of inputting user-provided scheduling data in the form of user-established transcription segment indicators comprises the action of inputting user-established transcription segment indicators for each language and identifying the language associated with each segment.
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142. The process of claim 131, further comprising a process action of inputting user-provided scheduling data in the form of user-established link indicators which identify when in the master track video or audio program a particular user-identified link is to be displayed in the presentation window.
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143. The process of claim 131, further comprising a process action of inputting metadata comprising information about the presentation, said metadata being entered by the user via the presentation tool window and included in the presentation data file.
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144. The process of claim 131, further comprising a process action of accepting user inputs via the presentation tool window for modifying the layout and functionality data, said modifying comprising changing existing data or adding new data.
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145. The process of claim 144, further comprising inputting a different user-selected presentation template, wherein all the applicable user-modified layout and functionality data and user provided scheduling data is retained in lieu of the newly selected template'"'"'s default values for those data elements.
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146. The process of claim 131, further comprising performing subsequent to the process action of building the presentation package, a process action of previewing the presentation package in the presentation tool window.
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147. The process of claim 131 further comprising performing subsequent to the process action of building the presentation package, the actions of:
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editing the presentation package by changing at least one of (i) the layout and functionality data in the presentation data file, (ii) the scheduling data in the presentation data file, and (iii) importing additional media files or presentation slides; and
re-building the presentation package to include the changes.
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148. The process of claim 131, further comprising the process actions of:
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inputting a user-assigned a name and user-specified project directory storage location for the presentation package; and
storing the presentation package under the specified name at the specified location.
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149. The process of claim 148, wherein the process action of building a presentation package, comprises an action of creating the presentation file by combining the presentation data file and the file associated with selected template and storing the presentation file in the project directory.
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150. The process of claim 149, wherein the process action of combining the presentation data file and the file associated with selected template, comprises an action of replacing the layout and functionality data in the template file with the layout and functionality data in presentation data file, and incorporating the scheduling data from the presentation data file into the template file, to produce a HTML file representing the presentation file
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151. The process of claim 148, wherein:
the process action of importing media files, comprises the actions of, importing a master track video or audio file comprising a video or audio program representing the main presentation material and the timeline from which all presentation events are scheduled, and importing a presentation slides file comprising presentation slides which support the presentation material provided in the master track video or audio; and
wherein,the process action of building a presentation package, comprises an action of exporting the imported presentation slide file to the project directory using the export options specified in the presentation data file.
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152. The process of claim 151, wherein:
the process action of importing a presentation slides file, comprises an action of generating thumbnail versions of each slide in the presentation slides file; and
wherein,the process action of building a presentation package, comprises an action of including the thumbnail version of each presentation slide in the exported presentation slides file.
-
153. The process of claim 151, wherein the process action of building a presentation package, comprises the actions of:
-
indexing the imported master track video or audio file, said indexing comprising, eliminating any existing un-needed metadata from the header of the master track video or audio file, and writing said scheduling data into the header of the master track video or audio file; and
,exporting the indexed master track video or audio file to the project directory.
-
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154. The process of claim 153, wherein the layout and functionality data includes media file player settings, and wherein the process action of indexing the imported master track video or audio file, further comprises an action of writing the player settings into the header of the master track video or audio file.
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155. The process of claim 148, further comprising:
a process action of inputting user-provided scheduling data in the form of user-established link indicators which identify when in the master track video or audio program a particular user-identified link is to be displayed in the presentation window; and
wherein,the process action of building a presentation package, comprises the actions of, creating a links file comprising the user-established link indicators including the user-identified links, and exporting the links file to the project directory.
-
156. The process of claim 148, wherein:
the process action of importing media files, comprises an action of importing one or more demonstration files each comprising a video, audio, or animation demonstration program; and
wherein,the process action of building a presentation package, comprises an action of exporting the imported demonstration files to the project directory.
-
157. The process of claim 148, wherein:
the process action of importing media files, comprises an action of importing one or more document files each comprising a work processing, spreadsheet, or HTML document; and
wherein,the process action of building a presentation package, comprises an action of exporting the imported document files to the project directory.
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158. The process of claim 131, wherein the process action of displaying a presentation tool window comprises an action of displaying an output panel which provides information and a status regarding the building of the presentation package including a description of any error encountered during the building process, said output panel being displayed automatically whenever the user initiates said building process.
-
159. The process of claim 158, wherein the process action of displaying a presentation tool window comprises an action of displaying an output panel tab which when selected by the user when the output panel is not displayed, causes the output panel to be displayed.
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160. The process of claim 131, wherein the process action of displaying a presentation tool window comprises the actions of:
-
displaying a preview display tab; and
in response to the user selecting the preview display tab, initiating said building of the presentation package if not already performed, and displaying a preview display, wherein the preview display provides a view of the presentation as it would appear to a viewer.
-
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132. The process of claim 131, wherein the process action of importing media files, comprises the actions of:
-
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161. A system for authoring an interactive presentation having multimedia components, comprising:
-
a general purpose computing device comprising a display, user interface selection device and user interface data entry device; and
a computer program comprising program modules executable by the computing device, wherein the computing device is directed by the program modules of the computer program to, input a user-selected presentation template comprising a template file specifying layout features and interactive functionality data for an interactive presentation window which when rendered displays the presentation being authored to a viewer;
display a presentation tool window to the user authoring the presentation and populating it with the selected template'"'"'s layout features and interactive functionality data, said presentation tool window providing graphic user interfaces to assist the user in tasks comprising specifying media files to be imported, modifying the layout features and interactive functionality data and entering scheduling information associated with the presentation, as well as a graphic user interface for viewing and modifying said scheduling information once entered;
import media files comprising the multi-media content of the presentation as specified by the user via the presentation tool window;
input user-provided scheduling data for the presentation via the presentation tool window specifying when each component of the multimedia content is to be played or displayed in the presentation window;
generate a presentation data file comprising all the layout and functionality data, as well as scheduling data, associated with the presentation being authored; and
build a presentation package comprising exported versions of the imported media components and the presentation file, wherein said presentation file is executable by a viewer and when executed renders said presentation window for viewing the presentation. - View Dependent Claims (162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185)
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162. The system of claim 161, wherein the imported media components comprise a master track video or audio program representing the main presentation material and a presentation timeline, and wherein all scheduling data references an elapsed time of the master track program in the form of a time code, and wherein said scheduling data comprises,
script commands which establish scheduled presentation events, wherein each script command comprises a time code representing when in the presentation timeline an event is to occur, a script type representing the type of event that is scheduled by the script command, and a script parameter referencing a specific resource required to make the event happen, contents markers which identify divisions in the subject matter of the presentation being authored, wherein each contents marker comprises a time code representing when in the presentation timeline one of said divisions occurs and a title for the section of the presentation that begins at the time specified by the time code, and transcript entries which provide a segment of the transcript of the audio of the master track program, wherein each transcript entry comprises a time code representing when in the presentation timeline the transcript segment begins and the transcript segment that begins at the time specified by the time code. -
163. The system of claim 162, wherein the program module for providing a graphic user interface for viewing and modifying previously entered scheduling information, comprises a sub-module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline comprising:
-
a horizontally oriented elapsed time ruler, said ruler starting at an elapse time of zero corresponding to the beginning of the master track program and having periodic graduations increasing in a left to right direction to an elapsed time corresponding to the end of the master track program;
a first horizontal scheduling band dedicated to script commands comprising script command icons appearing in the band at locations centered on the elapsed time of the master track as indicated by the elapsed time ruler that the script command is scheduled for execution;
a second horizontal scheduling band dedicated to contents markers comprising contents marker icons appearing in the band at locations centered on the elapsed time of the master track as indicated by the elapsed time ruler that the contents marker have been set; and
a third horizontal scheduling band dedicated to transcription entries comprising transcription entry icons appearing in the band at locations centered on the elapsed time of the master track as indicated by the elapsed time ruler that the transcript segment associated with the entry begins.
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164. The system of claim 163, wherein the sub-module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline comprises sub-modules for:
-
displaying as much of the timeline as possible given the amount of horizontal space assigned to the timeline in said display and a current size setting which specifies the resolution of the timeline;
displaying a pair of sizing button, a first of which increases the resolution of the timeline whenever it is selected by the user, and the other of which decreases the resolution of the timeline whenever it is selected by the user, said resolution of the time line dictating how much of the timeline is shown in the assigned horizontal display space, as well as the number and separation between said elapse time graduations on the elapsed time ruler.
-
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165. The system of claim 164, wherein the sub-module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline comprises sub-modules for:
-
displaying a horizontal scroll bar whenever not all of the timeline can be displayed given the amount of horizontal space assigned to the timeline in said display and the current size setting;
in response to the user scrolling the bar forward, moving a portion of the timeline associated with a future elapsed time period of the timeline not previously visible into view; and
in response to the user scrolling the bar back, moving a portion of the timeline associated with a past elapsed time period of the timeline not previously visible into view.
-
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166. The system of claim 163, further comprising a program module for providing a graphic user interface to play the master track program of the presentation being authored, and wherein the sub-module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline comprises a sub-module for displaying a vertically oriented elapsed time bar which traverses the three scheduling bands and the elapsed time ruler and which is positioned at an elapsed time corresponding to the current elapse time of the master track video.
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167. The system of claim 166, wherein the sub-module for displaying the elapsed time bar, comprises a sub-module for, in response to the user repositioning the elapsed time bar within the timeline, jumping the master track program to the elapsed time corresponding to the elapsed time bar'"'"'s new position.
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168. The system of claim 166, further comprising program modules for:
-
importing a media component comprising a presentation slide deck comprising a plurality of presentation slides;
generating thumbnail versions of each presentation slide; and
providing a graphic user interface to display the thumbnail versions of the presentation slides.
-
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169. The system of claim 168, wherein the sub-module for displaying the elapsed time bar, comprises a sub-module for, in response to the user repositioning the elapsed time bar within the timeline, displaying the thumbnail version of the presentation slide that is scheduled to be shown when the master track program is at the elapsed time corresponding to the elapsed time bar'"'"'s new position.
-
170. The system of claim 166, whenever not all of the timeline can be displayed given the amount of horizontal space assigned to the timeline in said display, and wherein the sub-module for displaying the elapsed time bar, comprises sub-modules for:
-
in response to the user repositioning the elapsed time bar to a forward end of the visible portion of the timeline, moving a portion of the timeline associated with a future elapsed time period of the timeline not previously visible into view; and
in response to the user repositioning the elapsed time bar to a back end of the visible portion of the timeline, moving a portion of the timeline associated with a past elapsed time period of the timeline not previously visible into view.
-
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171. The system of claim 163, wherein the program module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline comprises sub-modules for:
-
in response to the user using said selection device to hover a cursor over a script command icon, displaying an information box listing the time code, script type and script parameter associated with the script command represented by the icon;
in response to the user using said selection device to hover a cursor over a contents marker icon, displaying an information box listing the time code and contents marker title associated with the contents marker represented by the icon; and
in response to the user using said selection device to hover a cursor over a transcription entry icon, displaying an information box listing the time code and at least a portion of the transcript segment associated with the transcription entry represented by the icon.
-
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172. The system of claim 163, wherein the program module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline comprise a sub-module for, in response to the user selecting a script command icon via said selection device, displaying a scripts grid comprising a list of script commands which establish scheduled presentation events, wherein each script command is organized in three columns with a first column listing a time code representing when in the presentation timeline an event is to occur, a second column listing a script type representing the type of event that is scheduled by the script command, and a third column listing a script parameter referencing a specific resource required to make the event happen, and wherein the script command associated with the selected script command icon is highlighted, and wherein the scripts grid can be used to review or edit the scripts command.
-
173. The system of claim 163, wherein the program module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline comprise a sub-module for, in response to the user selecting a contents marker icon via said selection device, displaying a markers grid comprising a list of contents markers which identify divisions in the subject matter of the presentation being authored, wherein each contents marker is organized in two columns with a first column listing a time code representing when in the presentation timeline one of said divisions occurs and a second column listing a title for the section of the presentation that begins at the time specified by the time code, and wherein the contents marker associated with the selected contents marker icon is highlighted, and wherein the markers grid can be used to review or edit the contents marker.
-
174. The system of claim 163, wherein the program module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline comprise a sub-module for, in response to the user selecting a transcription entry icon via said selection device, displaying a transcription grid comprising a list of transcript entries which provide a segment of the transcript of the audio of the master track program, wherein each transcript entry is organized in two columns with a first column listing a time code representing when in the presentation timeline the transcript segment begins and a second column comprising the transcript segment that begins at the time specified by the time code, and wherein the transcription entry associated with the selected transcription entry icon is highlighted, and wherein the transcription grid can be used to review or edit the transcription entry.
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175. The system of claim 163, wherein the program module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline, comprises a sub-module for, in response to the user employing said selection device to drag one of a script command icon, contents marker icon, or transcription entry icon to a new location within the icon'"'"'s scheduling band, replacing the time code of the script command, contents marker or transcription entry represented by the re-located icon, with a new time code corresponding to the elapsed time as indicated by the elapsed time ruler at which the re-located icon is now centered.
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176. The system of claim 163, wherein the program module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline, comprises a sub-module for, in response to the user selecting one of a script command icon, contents marker icon, or transcription entry icon, displaying a list of editing commands applicable to the script command, contents marker, or transcription entry represented by the selected icon.
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177. The system of claim 176, wherein the sub-module of displaying a list of editing commands applicable to the script command, contents marker, or transcription entry represented by the selected icon, comprises displaying a delete command among the list of editable commands, and in response to the user selecting the delete command, deleting the script command, contents marker, or transcription entry represented by the selected icon.
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178. The system of claim 163, wherein the master track program is a video program, and wherein the program module for providing a graphic user interface for viewing and modifying previously entered scheduling information, further comprises a sub-module for displaying at least a portion of a timeline comprising, a horizontal video frame band comprising thumbnail images of prescribed frames of the master track program appearing in the band at locations centered on the elapsed time of the master track as indicated by the elapsed time ruler that the frames associated with the thumbnail is played.
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179. The system of claim 178, wherein the prescribed frames of the master track program used to create the thumbnail images displayed in the video frame band are selected based on a prescribed interval.
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180. The system of claim 178, wherein scene changes as derived from an analysis of the thumbnail images displayed in the video frame band are represented by a scene change icon displayed at a location in the video frame band corresponding to the elapsed time of the master track video at which the scene change occurs.
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181. The system of claim 162, wherein the program module for generating a presentation data file comprising all the layout features and interactive functionality data, as well as scheduling data, associated with the presentation being authored, comprises generating a XML file based on the IMS standardized schema.
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182. The system of claim 181, wherein the IMS standardized schema requires the presentation data file be a LRN formatted file named “
- imsmanifest.xml”
, comprising;
a metadata section containing data describing the presentation;
an organizations section containing one or more organization elements describing the content of the presentation with a list of individual content items; and
a resources section providing list of the individual resources associated with the presentation, said resources comprising said media files.
- imsmanifest.xml”
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183. The system of claim 182, wherein the IMS standardized schema permits element extensions in the metadata section, and wherein the program module of generating a presentation data file comprises adding element extensions to the metadata section, said extensions comprising:
adding a subsection to the metadata section supporting two tags, the first of which is an “
<
extendedmetadata>
element which is used to provide information about the presentation, and the other of which is a <
ui>
element which is used to provide said layout features and interactive functionality data.
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184. The system of claim 182, wherein the IMS standardized schema permits element extensions in the resources section, and wherein the program module of generating a presentation data file comprises an element for adding element extensions to the resources section, said extensions comprising adding a custom resource element for incorporating additional elements related to the playback of the presentation, wherein said elements comprise a <
- media>
element for listing metadata associated with the master track program.
- media>
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185. The system of claim 184, wherein the metadata associated with the master track program comprises said scheduling data, as well as start and stop time, codecs used, and player settings, and wherein each of the metadata items has a unique sub-element defined for it.
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162. The system of claim 161, wherein the imported media components comprise a master track video or audio program representing the main presentation material and a presentation timeline, and wherein all scheduling data references an elapsed time of the master track program in the form of a time code, and wherein said scheduling data comprises,
-
Specification
- Resources
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Current AssigneeMicrosoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
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Original AssigneeMicrosoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
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InventorsGogia, Sunit, Deutscher, John
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Application NumberUS10/183,830Publication NumberTime in Patent OfficeDaysField of SearchUS Class Current345/838CPC Class CodesG06F 16/40 of multimedia data, e.g. sl...G06F 16/48 Retrieval characterised by ...