US6438545B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Semantic user interface
Assignee: ActiveWord Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1999-04-15
•
Granted: 2002-08-20
•
Expires: 2019-04-15
Abstract
Abstract A system and method that allows a user to use their everyday language or user defined words to operate a computer in a highly efficient way. In short, every word, letter, control character and symbol is potentially actionable. A computer user's productivity is dramatically increased by making available those functions that enable a user to produce most of his work through simple, language-based commands. The present invention provides an intuitive interface, referred to as a semantic user interface (SUI), that enhances the operation of the current standard window-based interface in a manner that is simple, richer and natural. By leveraging all of the richness and power inherent in a user's language, the present invention provides an important tool that allows the personal computer to operate in a manner that is much closer to our natural way of interacting. A user is allowed to enter “commands” in his everyday natural language in order to control the operations of the computer. All commands are language-based and user-defined. These commands can be entered from any context of the user's computer (e.g., any application or operating system workspace). The commands allows a user to launch applications and navigate within applications by using language rather than clicks from a pointing device such as a mouse. It also allows the replacement of keystrokes with stored words or keystrokes. The system also keeps a complete archive record of all the text content the user provides as input, regardless of which application program or operating system window the user is operating in at the time. The combined set of all user defined commands and the memory of all the input text that is stored in the archive constitutes the personality profile and is transportable from one computer to another.
Inventors
- 👤 Serge Pierre Beauregard
- 👤 Jesus Roberto Armijo-Tamez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:04
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/455; G06F9/45504; G06F9/45508; G06F9/45512; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99932; Y10S707/99933; Y10S707/99936
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 136
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A system for permitting a user to implement functionality on a computer, the functionality being provided across a plurality of application programs, the computer including a data entry device, comprising: means for monitoring all data entered by a user within any one of the plurality of application programs, said data including one or more alphabetic letters, symbols and/or words; a wordbase having stored therein a plurality of item records, each item record having an action word and one of a plurality of associated functions, wherein one of said item records includes a default action word; means for searching said wordbase for a match with said data entered by said user; and means for performing said function associated with said data.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
120 words
A system for permitting a user to implement functionality on a computer, the functionality being provided across a plurality of application programs, the computer including a data entry device, comprising: means for monitoring all data entered by a user within any one of the plurality of application programs, said data including one or more alphabetic letters, symbols and/or words; a wordbase having stored therein a plurality of item records, each item record having an action word and one of a plurality of associated functions, wherein one of said item records includes a default action word; means for searching said wordbase for a match with said data entered by said user; and means for performing said function associated with said data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said data is entered via a microphone, selection device, or keyboard.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 2 , further comprising means for recognizing voice signals input via said microphone to produce recognizable data, wherein said recognizable data is used by said means for searching.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said data entered by said user may be selected with a selection device by said user.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein a word entered by said user is a dual word, wherein said user disambiguates said dual word to indicate to said means for monitoring that said dual word is actionable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said function can be activated via entering a plurality of words.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said means for monitoring monitors for a delineator, wherein data that is actionable is always followed by a delineator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 7 , wherein said delineator is a punctuation mark, a special character, entry of a space bar, or a click of a selection device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 7 , wherein said delineator is a predefined key on a keyboard.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 7 , wherein said delineator is a user-defined key.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
They system of claim 7 , wherein said delineator is a button on a point-and-click device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1 , further comprising means for displaying a charm box, said charm box having displayed therein information relating to said data entered by said user.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said function includes launching an application program, a file or a folder.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said function includes text substitution, wherein said text is substituted at the position of a displayed cursor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said means for monitoring can be toggled between on and off.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said associated function includes calling an agent.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said wordbase is located on a server connected to a network.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein a single action word can activate two or more functions, the system further comprising means for selecting between said two or more functions when said single action word is entered by said user.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein an action word can be formed by at least two natural language words.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein an action can be a code word or a dual word, the system further comprising means for allowing said user to turn said action word on and off within said wordbase.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 1 , populating said wordbase with help-desk action words relating to features and/or functions of the computer, whereby a customer service person can request said user to enter said help-desk action words in order to assist said user.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said wordbase is populated by a third party.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said means for monitoring monitors said data within all contexts of the computer, said data including one or more alphabetic letters, symbols and/or words.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
58 words
A system for permitting a user to access information across a plurality of application programs, comprising: means for monitoring data selected by a user within any one of the plurality of application programs; a wordbase; and means for displaying information relating to said data selected by said user, wherein said wordbase is accessed prior to displaying said information.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
58 words
A system for permitting a user to access information across a plurality of application programs, comprising: means for monitoring data selected by a user within any one of the plurality of application programs; a wordbase; and means for displaying information relating to said data selected by said user, wherein said wordbase is accessed prior to displaying said information.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said wordbase having stored therein a plurality of records, each record having an action word and one of a plurality of associated functions, wherein said action word is formed from data selected by said user; and means for performing said function associated with said data.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein said means for monitoring also monitors for data entered by said user via a keyboard.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said data is formed from one or more alphabetic letters, symbols and/or words.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 26 , further comprising the step of establishing a user profile, wherein said information is displayed after consulting said user profile.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method claim 28 , wherein said information is accessed from a web page.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein said information is one of a stock quote, statistics, or a translation of said data into another language.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein said information is from a dictionary or an encyclopedia.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 26 , further comprising storing said wordbase on a server connected to a network, wherein the application programs execute on a computer system, which is also connected to said network.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein said wordbase is populated by a third party.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein said wordbase is further populated by said user.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein one of said item records includes a default action word.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein one of said records includes a default action word.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein a single action word can activate two or more functions, the system further comprising means for selecting between said two or more functions when said single action word is selected by said user.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein said action word is formed by at least two natural language words.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein an action word can be a code word or a dual word, the system further comprising means for allowing said user to turn said code word and said dual word on and off within said wordbase.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein said wordbase is populated by a third party.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 40 , wherein said wordbase is further populated by the user.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 40 , further comprising storing said wordbase on a server connected to a network, wherein the application programs execute on a computer system, which is also connected to said network.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said data is selected via a mouse.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said means for displaying is configured to display said information based on a user profile.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 44 , further comprising means for maintaining an archive record of language preferences, word frequencies, and utterance behavior of said user.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 44 , further comprising means for maintaining multiple user profiles.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said means for displaying includes displaying a number of resources relating to said selected data.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said means for displaying displays a list of equivalent words in one or more languages related to said selected data.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said means for displaying displays a list of Internet links (URL's) related to said selected data.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said means for displaying displays a list of synonyms for said selected data.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein the plurality of application programs include at least one of an e-mail program, a word processing program, or a browser.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said data is selected by said user by activating a user-defined key.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said data can be selected from a web page.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said information is a stock quote.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said information is from a dictionary or encyclopedia.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said information is a statistic.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said information is displayed within a pop-up window.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 24 , further comprises providing an indication that additional information is available relating to said selected data.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said information is a translation of said data into another language.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said information includes a weather report for a designated location.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said data is selected by said user by pressing a button on a mouse.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said data is selected by pressing a designated key on a keyboard.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 62 , wherein said information is displayed within a pop-up window.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 62 , wherein said information is a web page accessed via the Internet.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said wordbase is populated by a third party.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 65 , wherein said wordbase is further populated by the user.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said wordbase is located on a server connected to a network.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said data can be selected from within an environment created by an operating system.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said data is selected by entering a delineator.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 69 , wherein said delineator is user-definable.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 69 , wherein said delineator is a button on a point-and-click device.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein said data is in a first language, and further comprising: means for searching said wordbase to determine a translation of said data into a second language; means for displaying said translation of said word in said second language within said pop-up window.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 72 , further comprising the step of establishing a user profile, wherein said translation is displayed after accessing said user profile.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein said first language is English and said second language is Spanish or French.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein said data is selected using a mouse and a pre-defined key on a keyboard.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein said step of displaying includes providing a window that includes a translation of said data in a plurality of languages.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 72 , wherein said wordbase is located on a server connected to a network.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said data including one or more alphabetic letters, symbols and/or words, and said means for displaying accesses said wordbase prior to displaying said information, wherein said wordbase includes other functions that can be performed upon selection of said selected data, wherein each of said functions is associated with one or more of said alphabetic letters, symbols and/or words.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system of claim 24 , further comprising: means for converting voice signals received via microphone from a user to data, wherein said means for monitoring also monitors for said data entered via said microphone; and wherein said wordbase having stored therein a plurality of item records, each item record having an action word and one of a plurality of associated functions.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 79 , further comprising: means for establishing a user profile; and means for displaying information relating to said selected data, wherein said information is based on said user profile.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 24 , wherein said data entered by said user is selected by using a mouse.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for permitting a user to access information across a plurality of application programs, comprising: monitoring data entered by a user within any one of the plurality of application programs; accessing a wordbase for a match with data entered by said user; and displaying information within a display box relating to said data entered by said user.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for permitting a user to access information across a plurality of application programs, comprising: monitoring data entered by a user within any one of the plurality of application programs; accessing a wordbase for a match with data entered by said user; and displaying information within a display box relating to said data entered by said user.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said step of displaying further includes consulting a user profile prior to displaying said information within said display box.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said wordbase has stored therein a plurality of item records, each item record having an action word and one of a plurality of associated functions: and activating a function associated with said data if said data matches an action word stored within said wordbase.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said data is selected via a mouse.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 82 , further comprising selecting said data from at least one of an e-mail program, a word processing program, or a browser.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said data can be selected from a web page.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said information is a stock quote or statistic.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said information is from a dictionary.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said information is from an encyclopedia.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 82 , further comprising providing an indication that additional information is available relating to said selected data.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said data is selected by the user activating a user-defined key.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said data is selected by the user pressing a button on a mouse.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said data is selected by pressing a designated key on a keyboard.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said wordbase is populated by a third party.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 95 , wherein said wordbase is further populated by the user.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 96 , wherein said information is one of: a stock quote, a statistic, a translation, or from a dictionary, an encyclopedia, or a web page.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 95 , wherein said wordbase is located on a server connected to a network.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 98 , further comprising entering a user-defined delineator, whereby said data is selected by entering said delineator.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 82 , further comprising entering a user-defined delineator, whereby said data is selected by entering said delineator.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said date entered by said user is selected by using a mouse.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 82 , wherein said data is monitored within any context of a computer system.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
68 words
A method of accessing information, comprising the steps of: selecting data via a point-and-click device associated with a computer, wherein said selection can occur within any one of a plurality of application programs executing on the computer; entering a delineator; accessing a wordbase using said selected data; and displaying a window in response to said selection of said data, wherein said window contains information relating to said data.
Claim 107
Independent Claim
68 words
A method of accessing information, comprising the steps of: selecting data via a point-and-click device associated with a computer, wherein said selection can occur within any one of a plurality of application programs executing on the computer; entering a delineator; accessing a wordbase using said selected data; and displaying a window in response to said selection of said data, wherein said window contains information relating to said data.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 103 , further comprising populating said wordbase with a plurality of item records, each item record having an action word and one of a plurality of associated functions.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 104 , wherein one of said item records includes a default action word.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 104 , wherein an action word can be a dual word or a code word, wherein said user disambiguates a dual word to indicate that said dual word is an action word.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 104 , wherein a function can be activated via a plurality of words.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 104 , wherein said functions includes launching an application program, a file or a folder.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 104 , wherein said functions includes text substitution, wherein said text is substituted at the position of a displayed cursor.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 103 , wherein said delineator is a predefined key on a keyboard.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 103 , wherein said information is real-time information.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 103 , wherein said information includes the correct spelling of said data.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 103 , wherein said information includes a translation of said selected data in a different language.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 103 , wherein entering said delineator includes selecting, pointing, or pressing.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 103 , wherein said plurality of application programs include at least one of an e-mail program, a word processing program, or a browser.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 103 , herein said wordbase is populated by a third party.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 103 , further comprises providing an indication that additional information is available relating to said selected data.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 103 , wherein said delineator is a user-defined key.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 103 , wherein said wordbase is located on a server connected to a network.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 103 , further comprising the step of establishing a user profile, wherein said information is displayed after accessing said user profile.
Claim 125
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for permitting a user to access information via a computer, comprising the steps of: monitoring data selected by a user across a plurality of application programs, wherein said data is selected using a point-and-click device attached to the computer, wherein a selection of said data is followed by either pressing a pre-defined key on a keyboard attached to the computer or by pressing a button on said point-and-click device; populating a wordbase; accessing said wordbase in response to said user selecting said data; and displaying information related to said data, based on said step of accessing said wordbase, within a pop-up window.
Claim 126
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for permitting a user to access information via a computer, comprising the steps of: monitoring data selected by a user across a plurality of application programs, wherein said data is selected using a point-and-click device attached to the computer, wherein a selection of said data is followed by either pressing a pre-defined key on a keyboard attached to the computer or by pressing a button on said point-and-click device; populating a wordbase; accessing said wordbase in response to said user selecting said data; and displaying information related to said data, based on said step of accessing said wordbase, within a pop-up window.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 121 , further comprising the step of establishing a user profile, wherein said information is displayed after accessing said user profile.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 122 , wherein said information is one of a stock quote, statistic, a translation, or from a dictionary, an encyclopedia, or a web page.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 22 , wherein said wordbase is further populated by the user.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 121 , wherein said wordbase is located on a server connected to a network.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 125 , further comprising entering a user-defined delineator, whereby said data is selected by entering said delineator.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 126 , wherein said wordbase is populated by a third party.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 121 , wherein said information is one of: a stock quote, statistic, a translation, or from a dictionary, an encyclopedia, or a web page.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 121 , wherein said wordbase is located on a server connected to a network.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 121 , further comprising entering a user-defined delineator, whereby said data is selected by entering said delineator.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 121 , further comprising monitoring data entered by said user via keyboard, accessing said wordbase in response to said data entered by said user, and displaying said information based on said data entered by said user.
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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) | 2005-08-19 | 2006-02-18 | 2006-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-08-19 | 2010-02-18 | 2010-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-08-19 | 2014-02-18 | 2014-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |