Method and apparatus for displaying context sensitive help information on a display
US5155806A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 1989 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/23121
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A central processing unit (CPU) is provided and is coupled to a display for displaying graphic and other data. The CPU is further coupled to a pointer control device which permits a user to selectively position a pointer at a desired location on the display, and signal the CPU of selections in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Images are generated in the form of "windows" by the CPU which include standard window features as well as text, icons, and buttons whch correspond to functions to be executed by the CPU. The selection of certain buttons results in the generation and display of a menu which includes a plurality of functions which may be chosen by a user. Help information may be obtained by a user by positioning the pointer on the display using the pointer control device over an area of the window which the user desires the help information. After placing the pointer over a desired area, which may include by way of example an icon, window function, or other window image, the user depresses a predefined help keep on a keyboard coupled to the CPU. The CPU then locates a help description which corresponds to the object or area over which the pointer has been…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.