Method and apparatus for providing help information to users of computers
US5287448A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/453
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for presenting help messages to a user in an interactive computer environment in which a help mode operates concurrently with other programs operating in the computer system. The user receives information about an icon by positioning a pointer on the computer's video display over the icon about which more information is desired. The computer then retrieves an appropriate help message based upon user sophistication from a database of help messages stored in its memory and displays it in a graphic bubble on the video display. The graphic bubble is placed so as to not overlap the object about which more help is requested. The graphic bubble is removed as soon as the pointer is moved away from the object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.