×

Flexible context searchable on-line information system with help files and modules for on-line computer system documentation

  • US 4,992,972 A
  • Filed: 11/18/1987
  • Issued: 02/12/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/18/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A system for providing on-line information for a data processor capable of executing an interactive application program having associated therewith a display file including a set of definitions for command panels, comprising:

  • a display for presenting display panels to a user, said display including a movable cursor;

    an input device coupled to the system for accepting commands and data from said user;

    a plurality of help modules contained in at least one help object or file stored in the system;

    a plurality of command-panel definitions stored in the system, at least some of said command-panel definitions having a help area contained therein, said help area including a set of help-area entries each associating a help module with a location area for said cursor;

    a context-sensitive selection means, coupled to the display and to the input device, for selecting a help module which the command-panel definition associates with a location area containing the cursor, said means being responsive to the position of the cursor and to a command received from the user via the input device;

    at least one index object or file stored in the system, including a plurality of synonym table entries each associating a synonym word specifying a potential search argument by said user with a root word associated with at least one of said help modules, a plurality of root table entries each associating one of said root words with a topic pertaining to one of said help modules, and a plurality of topic table entries each associating one of said topics with one of said help modules, wherein a synonym word is associated with an associated help module if and only if said synonym word is associated with an associated root word by a synonym table entry, said associated root word is associated with an associated topic by a root word table entry, and said associated topic is associated with said associated help module by a topic table entry;

    a search argument input means, coupled to said display and to said input device, for displaying an index input panel and for accepting from said user at least one of said synonyms as search arguments;

    an index-sensitive selection means, coupled to said display and to said input device, for displaying a list panel listing those of said help modules associated with said search argument synonyms by said index object or file, and for accepting from said user a designation of at least one of said modules for presentation from said help object on said display, said index-sensitive selection means being responsive to said search argument input means; and

    a help display means for displaying information contained in a selected help module, said help display means being responsive to the context-sensitive selection means and the index-sensitive selection means.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×