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US5644735A
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Method and apparatus for providing implicit computer-implemented assistance
Assignee: Apple Inc
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Filing: 1995-04-19
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Granted: 1997-07-01
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Expires: 2015-04-19
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 William W. Luciw
- 👤 Stephen P. Capps
- 👤 Lawrence G. Tesler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 22:46
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/451; G06F9/453
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A computer system as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for providing the implicit assistance indicated includes means for automatically displaying an icon adjacent to the smart field, the icon indicating the existence of the compiled list.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A computer system as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for providing the implicit assistance indicated further includes: means for determining when the icon has been selected; and means for displaying the compiled list when the icon has been selected.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A computer system as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for providing the implicit assistance indicated includes means for automatically displaying the compiled list.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A computer system as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for providing the implicit assistance indicated includes: means for displaying the compiled list; and means for enabling a user of the computer system to select an alternative from the compiled list.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A computer system as recited in claim 5 further including means for updating the database to contain information regarding the selected alternative.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A computer system as recited in claim 1 wherein the nature of the smart field is indicated by text, graphics, or a combination of text and graphics.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
A computer system as recited in claim 1 wherein the smart field is responsive to information selected from the group consisting of persons, telephone numbers, dates, document names, account numbers, addresses, and access codes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
A computer system as recited in claim 8 wherein the database is comprised of templates, each template comprised of linked fields, each linked field being selected from the group consisting of persons, telephone numbers, dates, document names, account numbers, addresses, and access codes.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
132 words
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.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
132 words
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.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as recited in claim 10 wherein the step of providing the indicated implicit assistance includes the substeps of: automatically displaying an icon adjacent to the smart field, the icon indicating the existence of the compiled list; determining whether the icon has been selected; and displaying the compiled list when the icon has been selected.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as recited in claim 10 wherein the step of providing the indicated implicit assistance includes the substep of automatically displaying the compiled list.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as recited in claim 12 wherein the step of providing the indicated implicit assistance further includes the substeps of: receiving a user selection from the compiled list; and updating the database to contain information regarding the selected alternative.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as recited in claim 10 further including the step of displaying text, graphics or a combination of text and graphics in order to indicate the nature of the smart field.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as recited in claim 10 wherein the smart field is responsive to information selected from the group consisting of persons, telephone numbers, dates, document names, account numbers, addresses, and access codes.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as recited in claim 15 wherein the database is comprised of templates, each template comprised of linked fields, each linked field being selected from the group consisting of persons, telephone numbers, dates, document names, account numbers, addresses, and access codes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
137 words
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.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
137 words
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.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
58 words
A computer program as recited in claim 17 wherein the computer executable instruction for providing the indicated implicit assistance includes subinstructions for: automatically displaying an icon adjacent to the smart field, the icon indicating the existence of the compiled list; determining whether the icon has been selected; and displaying the compiled list when the icon has been selected.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
A computer program as recited in claim 18 wherein the computer executable instruction for providing the indicated implicit assistance further includes the subinstructions for: receiving a user selection from the compiled list; and updating the database to contain information regarding the selected alternative.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
69 words
A computer program as recited in claim 17 wherein the smart field is responsive to information selected from the group consisting of persons, telephone numbers, dates, document names, account numbers, addresses, and access codes, and the database is comprised of templates, each template comprised of linked fields, each linked field being selected from the group consisting of persons, telephone numbers, dates, document names, account numbers, addresses, and access codes.
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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) | 2000-06-30 | 2000-12-30 | 2001-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-06-30 | 2004-12-30 | 2005-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-06-30 | 2008-12-30 | 2009-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |