Computer system for automatically instantiating tasks designated by a user
First Claim
1. A method for creating tasks to be automatically performed on a computer, the method comprising the steps:
- designating an executable function as the subject of the task, the executable function being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer;
designating a trigger for the task that executes the function, the trigger being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer;
designating a notification for the task when the task has been executed, the notification being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; and
associating the function, the trigger and the notification with a file in order to add behavior to the file by not modifying the file.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A computer-user interface facilitates interaction between the user and the computer in a manner which enables the computer to assist the user in accomplishing desired goals. Based upon a particular task to be performed, the computer interviews the user to obtain the information pertinent to that particular task. Once the information is provided to the computer, it works with the user to automatically perform desired tasks in response to triggering events designated by the user. In addition, the computer can notify the user whenever a task is being carried out. Any executable function can be designated by the user as the object of a task. The initiation of this task can be carried out in response to any programmatically detectable event, or trigger, which is also designated by the user. As a further feature, the user has the ability to select from among a number of different types of notification to be provided whenever the task is being performed. With the flexibility offered by this arrangement, the user can customize the operation of a computer to suit his or her particular needs.
-
Citations
24 Claims
-
1. A method for creating tasks to be automatically performed on a computer, the method comprising the steps:
-
designating an executable function as the subject of the task, the executable function being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; designating a trigger for the task that executes the function, the trigger being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; designating a notification for the task when the task has been executed, the notification being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; and associating the function, the trigger and the notification with a file in order to add behavior to the file by not modifying the file. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A system for performing tasks on a computer, the system comprising:
-
a computer having a processor; and a computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor, said computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the computer to provide; means for designating an executable function as the subject of the task, the executable function being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; means for designating a trigger for the task that executes the function, the trigger being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; means for designating a trigger for the task that executes the function, the trigger being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; and means for associating the function, the trigger and the notification with a file in order to add behavior to the file by not modifying the file. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A computer-readable medium containing a program for creating tasks to be automatically performed on a computer, the computer readable medium containing a program that executes the following steps:
-
designating an executable function as the subject of the task, the executable function being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; designating a trigger for the task that executes the function, the trigger being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; designating a notification for the task when the task has been executed, the notification being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; and associating the function, the trigger and the notification with a file in order to add behavior to the file by not modifying the file. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A system for performing tasks on a computer, the system comprising:
-
a computer having a processor; and a computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor, said computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the computer to provide; an executable function designated as the subject of the task, the executable function being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; a trigger that executes the function, the trigger being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; and a notification for the task when the task has been executed, the notification being stored as an object at the operating system level of the computer; wherein the function, the trigger and the notification are associated with a file in order to add behavior to the file by not modifying the file. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-
Specification