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Apparatus and method for providing a generic computerized multimedia tutorial interface for training a user on multiple applications

  • US 5,577,186 A
  • Filed: 10/12/1995
  • Issued: 11/19/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/01/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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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:

  • (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.

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