Patent US5627958A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5627958A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for improved computer-based training
Assignee: Borland Software Corp
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Filing: 1995-03-17
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Granted: 1997-05-06
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Expires: 2015-03-17
Abstract
Abstract The present invention includes a computer-based training system (CBT) having one or more Application Translation Units (ATUs), a message engine, and a script engine. For one or more target applications of interest, an ATU is provided for processing events specific to that application, thereby trapping events and translating them into abstract messages or "meta-messages" for conveying information about a particular event to the system. A general operating system ATU is also provided for trapping general system events. Translated event messages are processed by event handlers. System or application-specific messages which are not of interest are simply allowed to pass through. The individual handlers dispatch their respective messages to the script engine, which includes instructions for directing the activity of the target application(s). The script engine, in turn, acts upon an incoming message. The dispatched message triggers appropriate action (as specified by instructions within the script).
Inventors
- 👤 Richard J. Potts
- 👤 Mark A. Vershel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:09
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/46; G06F9/48; G06F9/4806; G06F9/4812; G06F9/44; G06F9/455; G06F9/45504; G06F9/45508; G06F9/45512; G06F9/54; G06F9/542; G09; G09B; G09B19/00; G09B19/0053
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
In a computer system having a screen device and an input device, an improved method for aiding a user in operation of the system, the method comprising: (a) displaying a cursor for indicating a location on the screen device, said cursor responsive to signals from the input device; (b) displaying on the screen device at least one screen object created by the user; and (c) if said cursor is within a preselected distance of said at least one object, displaying on the screen device a help dialog means specific for said at least one screen object, said help dialog means including at least one user interface component for receiving user input.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
In a computer system having a screen device and an input device, an improved method for aiding a user in operation of the system, the method comprising: (a) displaying a cursor for indicating a location on the screen device, said cursor responsive to signals from the input device; (b) displaying on the screen device at least one screen object created by the user; and (c) if said cursor is within a preselected distance of said at least one object, displaying on the screen device a help dialog means specific for said at least one screen object, said help dialog means including at least one user interface component for receiving user input.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising: (d) repositioning the cursor to a new location; and (e) if said screen cursor is not within a preselected distance of said at least one screen object, then removing the help dialog means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1, wherein before step (c) further comprises: signaling with the input device a request for information for said at least one screen object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) includes: determining a single screen object from said at least one screen object which is closest to the cursor; and displaying information specific for the closest screen object.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein after step (c) further comprises: selecting one of the dialog components with the input device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said dialog components includes selected ones of a tutorial means, a help information means, and a multimedia means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein selection of said at least one user interface component invokes a tutorial for the screen object.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, wherein selection of said at least one user interface component displays a help information means for said at least one screen object.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said help information means includes a full-text, on-line help system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one user interface component is a screen resource for displaying multimedia information relevant to said at least one screen object.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
89 words
A computer help system comprising: (a) a computer having a screen device; (b) an input device for positioning a cursor at a desired location on the screen device; (b) means for displaying on the screen at least one object created by a user; and (c) means for displaying on the screen a dialog means specific for said at least one screen object if said cursor is within a preselected distance of said at least one screen object, said dialog means including components responsive to signals from said input device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
89 words
A computer help system comprising: (a) a computer having a screen device; (b) an input device for positioning a cursor at a desired location on the screen device; (b) means for displaying on the screen at least one object created by a user; and (c) means for displaying on the screen a dialog means specific for said at least one screen object if said cursor is within a preselected distance of said at least one screen object, said dialog means including components responsive to signals from said input device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 11, wherein said means for displaying dialog means includes trigger means for automatically displaying said dialog means whenever the cursor is positioned within the preselected distance of said at least one screen object.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 11, wherein said means for displaying dialog means includes trigger means for displaying said dialog means only when the cursor is positioned within the preselected distance of said at least one screen object and a request for information is received from the user.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 13, wherein said request for information includes at least one signal generated by said cursor positioning device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 14, further comprising a keyboard device, wherein said input device is a two-button mouse device, and wherein said request for information comprises signals from both the keyboard device and the mouse device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 15, wherein said request for information includes a right-mouse button down signal generated by the mouse device and a shift key signal generated by the keyboard device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 11, wherein said at least one object is selected from a textual object and a graphic object.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-05-05 | 2000-11-04 | 2001-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-05-05 | 2004-11-04 | 2005-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-05-05 | 2008-11-04 | 2009-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |