Method and apparatus for presenting new computer software functions to a user based upon actual usage

• US 5,496,177 A
• Filed: 03/15/1994
• Issued: 03/05/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Fitzpatrick, Greg P., Sterrett, William R., Collia, Sherry S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kriess, Kevin A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TOPLU, LUCIEN
• Application Number:
  US08/214,085
• Time in Patent Office: 721 Days
• Field of Search: 434/118, 395/700
• US Class Current: 434/118
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/453 Help systems

Abstract

A method is provided for introducing to a user a new/enhanced function of a computer software application. After learning the basics of a computer software application, new/enhanced functions are presented to the user based upon completion of predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria may comprise the passage of time or the completion of a specified number of uses of a certain function.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method of introducing to a user at least one previously unrevealed function of a computer software application, the software application comprising a plurality of functions including at least one function needed for basic operation of the application and the at least one previously unrevealed function, comprising the steps of:

dividing a software application into a plurality of levels including at least a first level and a second level as determined by which ones of a plurality of functions are utilized therein, said first level utilizing at least the at least one function needed for basic operation and said second level utilizing at least the at least one previously unrevealed function;

defining a profile which includes a user adjustable criteria for triggering introduction of each of said plurality of levels, said criteria corresponding to actual usage of said software application;

presenting only-said first level to the user for initial use of said software application;

optionally introducing additional ones of said plurality of levels to the user upon attainment of said adjustable criteria therefor; and

presenting said first level and any of said additional ones of said plurality of levels subsequently introduced to the user by said attainment of said adjustable criteria therefor upon continuing use of said software application by the user.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of defining a profile comprises the step of:

designating passage of a predetermined amount of time since a start time of usage of the software application as said user adjustable criteria.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of defining a profile comprises the step of:

designating completion of a predetermined number of occurrences of usage of the software application as said user adjustable criteria.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

manually triggering introduction of each of said plurality of levels.

5. A computer system for introducing to a user at least one previously unrevealed function of a computer software application, the software application comprising a plurality of functions including at least one function needed for basic operation of the application and the at least one previously unrevealed function, comprising:

means for dividing a software application into a plurality of levels including at least a first level and a second level as determined by which ones of a plurality of functions are utilized therein, said first level utilizing at least the at least one function needed for basic operation and said second level utilizing at least the at least one previously unrevealed function;

means for defining a profile which includes a user adjustable criteria for triggering introduction of each said plurality of levels, said criteria corresponding to actual usage of said software application;

means for presenting only said first level to the user for initial use of said software application;

means for optionally introducing additional ones of said plurality of levels to the user upon attainment of said adjustable criteria therefor; and

means for presenting said first level and any of said additional ones of said plurality of levels subsequently introduced to the user by said attainment of said adjustable criteria therefor upon continuing use of said software application by the user.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said means for defining a profile comprises:

means for designating passage of a predetermined amount of time since a start time of usage of the software application as said user adjustable criteria.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein said means for defining a profile comprises:

means for designating completion of a predetermined number of uses of the software application as said user adjustable criteria.

8. The system of claim 5, further comprising:

means for manually triggering introduction of each of said plurality of levels.