Method and apparatus for providing implicit computer-implemented assistance
First Claim
1. A computer system having assistance capabilities, comprising:
- (a) computation means for performing assistance functions,(b) memory means for maintaining a data base of assistance-pertinent events, said memory means being coupled to said computation means,(c) means for providing a smart field responsive to information of a predefined type.(d) means for noticing assistance-pertinent event occurrences subject to potential assist action performance, the means for noticing assistance-pertinent event occurrences including;
means for determining whether the information of a predefined type has been entered into the smart field; and
search means responsive to the entry of the information of a predefined type into the smart field, the search means operable for searching a portion of the data base of assistance-pertinent events associated with the type of information of the smart field to identify and compile a list of any alternatives matching or partially matching the specific information entered in the smart field,(d) means for determining whether implicit assistance responsive to the event is indicated, and(e) means for providing the implicit assistance indicated.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing computer-assisted implicit and explicit assistance. If no implicit assist actions are desired or indicated, a logical process is initiated to determine whether explicit assistance should be undertaken. If implicit assistance is indicated, a list of action alternatives is displayed for the user. If explicit assistance is desired by the user, particular object(s) from which the assistance may be inferred are entered into an assistance operation. An attempt is made to recognize possible intents expressed by the objects entered into the assistance process. If no user intent is, in fact, recognized, the assist operation is usually terminated. If a possible intent is recognized, the actual intent is hypothesized. A check is further undertaken, to determine whether a hypothesis is in fact available. If no hypothesis is found, the process permits the user to supply a proposed action. If no hypothesis is found and no user action is proposed, assistance efforts terminate. However, if a hypothesis is available, preparations for execution are undertaken. A final inquiry is made as to whether to undertake the hypothesized assist. If the response to an inquiry whether to assist as hypothesized is affirmative, execution of the hypothesized action is undertaken. A pen-based computer preferably implements the indicated functions.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A computer system having assistance capabilities, comprising:
-
(a) computation means for performing assistance functions, (b) memory means for maintaining a data base of assistance-pertinent events, said memory means being coupled to said computation means, (c) means for providing a smart field responsive to information of a predefined type. (d) means for noticing assistance-pertinent event occurrences subject to potential assist action performance, the means for noticing assistance-pertinent event occurrences including; means for determining whether the information of a predefined type has been entered into the smart field; and search means responsive to the entry of the information of a predefined type into the smart field, the search means operable for searching a portion of the data base of assistance-pertinent events associated with the type of information of the smart field to identify and compile a list of any alternatives matching or partially matching the specific information entered in the smart field, (d) means for determining whether implicit assistance responsive to the event is indicated, and (e) means for providing the implicit assistance indicated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A method of providing implicit assistance on a computer system, the method comprising the steps of:
-
maintaining a database of assistance-pertinent events on a memory of the computer system; displaying on a display screen of the computer system a smart field responsive to information of a predefined type; determining whether information of a predefined type has been entered into the smart field by a user of the computer system; searching a portion of the data base of assistance-pertinent events associated with the type of information of the smart field to identify and compile a list of any alternatives matching or partially matching the specific information entered into the smart field; determining whether implicit assistance responsive to the specific information entered in the smart field is indicated; and providing the indicated implicit assistance. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A computer program stored on a computer readable medium, the computer program comprising computer executable instructions for:
-
maintaining a database of assistance-pertinent events on a memory of a computer system executing the computer program; displaying on a display screen of the computer system a smart field responsive to information of a predefined type; determining whether information of a predefined type has been entered into the smart field by a user of the computer system; searching a portion of the data base of assistance-pertinent events associated with the type of information of the smart field to identify and compile a list of any alternatives matching or partially matching the specific information entered into the smart field; determining whether implicit assistance responsive to the specific information entered in the smart field is indicated; and providing the indicated implicit assistance. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
-
Specification