User selectable application grammar and semantics

• US 6,697,089 B1
• Filed: 04/18/2000
• Issued: 02/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Bryan, Shane A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cabeca, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): DETWILER, BRIAN J
• Application Number:
  US09/552,742
• Time in Patent Office: 1,407 Days
• Field of Search: 345/703, 345/705, 345/706, 345/707, 345/866, 345/708, 345/745, 345/747, 345/809, 345/811, 705/1, 705/6, 705/7, 705/10
• US Class Current: 715/747
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/451 Execution arrangements for user interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/453 Help systems

Abstract

In order that an improved communications interface between a human and a computer be provided, the interface to the computer program is directed to accommodate the variabilities of human communication rather than accommodate the rigid structure of syntax, grammar, and semantics normally used in communications with a computer. A computer program human interaction dialog is customized by detecting a need of the computer program to present knowledge to a user in human perceptible form and providing options of grammar and semantics for describing the knowledge. These options of grammar and semantics are presented as a choice to the user. The user'"'"'s choice is saved for later use when the knowledge itself is presented.

Claims

1. A method for customizing a computer program user interface comprising the steps of:

displaying an interactive dialog box to a user prior to the use of the computer program, said dialog box listing at least two choices of text in the same language for use in conveying a specific computer program message;

accepting a user'"'"'s choice of text; and

saving said accepted text choice integral to the computer program for each later presentation of said text when said message is to be displayed to the user during use of the computer program in response to a non-user stimulus in the computer program.

2. A method in accordance with the method of claim 1 wherein said displaying step further comprises the step of providing a choice of user-generated text in addition to said at least two choices and wherein said step of accepting a user'"'"'s choice of text further comprises the step of accepting said user-generated text in response to said user choosing said choice of user-generated text.

3. A method in accordance with the method of claim 1 further comprising the step of requesting permission from said user to disclose said user'"'"'s choice of text to another.

4. A method in accordance with the method of claim 1 further comprising the step of disclosing said user'"'"'s choice of text to another.

5. A computer system comprising:

a processor;

a storage coupled to said processor;

at least one user interface device to receive input from a user and present material to said user in human perceptible form; and

an instruction set cooperating with said processor and said storage to;

display an interactive dialog box to a user prior to the use of the computer program, said dialog box listing at least two choices of text in the same language for use in conveying a specific computer program message;

accept a user'"'"'s choice of text; and

save said accepted text choice integral to the computer program for each later presentation of said text when said message is to be displayed to the user during use of the computer program in response to a non-user stimulus in the computer program.