Hot linked help
First Claim
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1. A method for accessing instructions on a device having a user interface, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a user-selection of a first help mode displayed on the user interface, the selected first help mode allowing the user to choose an icon for identification of a function associated with the icon without invoking the function;
upon receiving a user-selection of the icon, displaying a help window including an identification of a function associated with the icon and a link to instructions related to accomplishing the function; and
in response to user-selection of the link, displaying the instructions related to accomplishing the function.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing user instructions or help information to a user of a computer controlled multi-function office device that enables the user to access a help module with an icon-based help mode configured to allow the user to select an icon and get an identification of the function, which the icon performs without performing the function. In accordance with the invention the identification of the function includes a link to instructions that explain the steps to use the function associated with the selected icon.
73 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for accessing instructions on a device having a user interface, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving a user-selection of a first help mode displayed on the user interface, the selected first help mode allowing the user to choose an icon for identification of a function associated with the icon without invoking the function;
upon receiving a user-selection of the icon, displaying a help window including an identification of a function associated with the icon and a link to instructions related to accomplishing the function; and
in response to user-selection of the link, displaying the instructions related to accomplishing the function. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A device configured to perform one or more user-selectable functions, the device comprising:
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a processor configured to nominally effect a function upon receiving a command associated with the function; and
a user interface including a plurality of selectable icons, selection of each icon nominally effecting transmission of a corresponding command to the processor, the user interface further including a help menu having a user-selectable first help mode which provides for subsequent selection of icons without transmission of the corresponding command to the processor, and a help window presented upon selection of an icon after selection of the first help mode, the help window including an identification of a function associated with the selected icon and a link to command instructions related to the function associated with the selected icon, selection of the link effecting communication of the instructions. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A computer-implemented user interface comprising:
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plural icons, each nominally selectable to invoke a function associated with the icon;
a help menu including a first help mode selectable to provide for subsequent selection of one of the icons without invoking the function associated with the selected icon;
a help window presented upon selection of the first help mode and subsequent selection of the selected icon, the help window including an identification of the function associated with the selected icon and a link to command instructions related to the function associated with the selected icon; and
command instructions presented upon selection of the link. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A program storage device readable by a processor, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the processor to perform method steps for accessing instructions on a device having a user interface, the method steps comprising:
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receiving a user-selection of a first help mode displayed on the user interface, the selected first help mode allowing the user to choose an icon for identification of a function associated with the icon without invoking the function;
upon receiving a user-selection of the icon, displaying a help window including an identification of a function associated with the icon and a link to instructions related to accomplishing the function; and
in response to user-selection of the link, displaying the instructions related to accomplishing the function. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification