Help system with semitransparent window for disabling controls
US5825356A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/453
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An interactive help system allows a user to retrieve information concerning how to complete a particular task in an underlying computer program. Upon selecting the help system, the computer system re-sizes the window of the underlying program and generates a help window containing a list of topics that are available. A help window is created beside the underlying program window that lists those steps required to complete a desired task. The help system disables that portion of the underlying program window containing options that are inappropriate for the user to select at that time in order to complete the desired task. In addition, the help system shows the user how to complete the next step in the list of desired steps. Alternatively, the user can have the help system show the user how to perform all the steps required to complete a given task.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.