Apparatus and method for providing a generic computerized multimedia tutorial interface for training a user on multiple applications
First Claim
1. A computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system for training a user to use any of a plurality of independently executable computer application software programs, the system comprising:
- (a) computer application program selector, wherein the computer application software program selector receives an instruction from a user and causes the computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system to select a computer application software program from the plurality of independently executable computer application software programs;
(b) control display means for displaying a control window on a computer screen, the control window providing a plurality of instructions to a user that may be selected by the user, wherein the instructions include instructions for displaying audiovisual images describing operations of the selected computer application software program;
(c) instruction input means for receiving a user instruction from a user;
(d) instruction interpretation means for receiving the user instruction from the instruction input means, for interpreting the user instruction based upon the selected computer application software program to generate an execution instruction, and for selectively issuing the execution instruction to element (e), (f) or (g) based upon the user instruction;
(e) audiovisual enablement means for receiving an execution instruction from the instruction interpretation means, for selectively retrieving audiovisual information responsive to the execution instruction, and for displaying the audiovisual information on at least a portion of a computer screen, wherein the audiovisual information includes audiovisual images describing operations of the selected computer application software program;
(f) computer application software interface means for receiving an execution instruction from the instruction interpretation means, for interfacing with the selected computer application software program, and for issuing simulated user input to the selected computer application program to execute a function of the selected computer application software program that is described in the audiovisual image; and
(g) computer application software control means for receiving an execution instruction from the instruction interpretation means, for causing the computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system to completely relinquish control to the computer application software program to allow a user to execute functions within the computer application software program, and for causing the computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system to gain control from the computer application software program based upon user input.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system (10) and method for training a user to use computer application software. The system incorporates the training techniques of video segments, on-line tutorials, written instruction, and learning-by-doing lessons. The system and method incorporate the video segments into the system so that they may be displayed on a computer screen (26). User input is given by way of a mouse (22), keyboard (30), or by voice through an audio interface (34). Once the video clip is displayed on a video window (55), the system preferably runs a set of instructions within the computer application software to demonstrate the exact sequence of instructions that were discussed in the video clip. Once this is completed, written instruction is provided and the user is then given an opportunity to execute the same functions as previously described and executed by the system. In this fashion, lesson content is multiply reinforced. The system may also include user monitoring to ensure that the user correctly enters the instructions as well as to monitor the progress the user is making in his or her training. Preferred applications of the system and method of the present invention include application software, on-line services, and other complicated computer software systems.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system for training a user to use any of a plurality of independently executable computer application software programs, the system comprising:
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(a) computer application program selector, wherein the computer application software program selector receives an instruction from a user and causes the computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system to select a computer application software program from the plurality of independently executable computer application software programs; (b) control display means for displaying a control window on a computer screen, the control window providing a plurality of instructions to a user that may be selected by the user, wherein the instructions include instructions for displaying audiovisual images describing operations of the selected computer application software program; (c) instruction input means for receiving a user instruction from a user; (d) instruction interpretation means for receiving the user instruction from the instruction input means, for interpreting the user instruction based upon the selected computer application software program to generate an execution instruction, and for selectively issuing the execution instruction to element (e), (f) or (g) based upon the user instruction; (e) audiovisual enablement means for receiving an execution instruction from the instruction interpretation means, for selectively retrieving audiovisual information responsive to the execution instruction, and for displaying the audiovisual information on at least a portion of a computer screen, wherein the audiovisual information includes audiovisual images describing operations of the selected computer application software program; (f) computer application software interface means for receiving an execution instruction from the instruction interpretation means, for interfacing with the selected computer application software program, and for issuing simulated user input to the selected computer application program to execute a function of the selected computer application software program that is described in the audiovisual image; and (g) computer application software control means for receiving an execution instruction from the instruction interpretation means, for causing the computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system to completely relinquish control to the computer application software program to allow a user to execute functions within the computer application software program, and for causing the computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system to gain control from the computer application software program based upon user input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A computerized, multimedia tutorial interface method for training a user to use any of a plurality of independently executable computer application software programs, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) displaying a list of the plurality of independently executable computer application software programs to a user; (b) receiving a software application program selection instruction from the user and, based upon the software application program selection instruction, selecting an application software program from the plurality of independently executable computer application software programs; (c) displaying a control window on a computer screen, the control window providing a plurality of instructions to a user that may be selected by the user, wherein the instructions include instructions for displaying audiovisual images describing operations of the selected computer application software program; (d) receiving a user instruction from a user; (e) based upon the selected computer application software program, interpreting the user instruction to generate an execution instruction; (f) based on the execution instruction and the selected computer application software program, selectively retrieving audiovisual information; (g) based on the execution instruction, displaying the audiovisual information on at least a portion of a computer screen, wherein the audiovisual information includes audiovisual images describing operations of the selected computer application software program; (h) based on the execution instruction, executing a function of the computer application software program that is described in the audiovisual information by issuing simulated user input to the selected computer application software program; (i) based on the execution instruction, completely relinquishing control to the selected computer application software program to allow a user to execute functions within the selected computer application software program; and (j) based on user input, regaining control from the selected computer application software program. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification