US5859637A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Non-programming method and apparatus for creating wizards with a script
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1997-02-13
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Granted: 1999-01-12
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Expires: 2017-02-13
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus are provided whereby a person not familiar with programming or programming languages can create a wizard to interface between an application program and the user to guide the user through the interaction with the application program. This allows non-programmers to create intuitive and sensible user interfaces without the requirement of learning how to write software.
Inventors
- 👤 II Leonard Douglas Tidwell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:21
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F8/00; G06F8/30; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/451; G06F9/453
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A method in a computer system for enabling a user to perform a task by a SmartGuide providing direction to an application program, the application program receiving commands from the SmartGuide to execute specific tasks, the method including the steps of: invoking a SmartGuide Script, said SmartGuide Script created using a discrete number of English-readable commands to present information to the user; said SmartGuide Script instantiating a SmartGuide Driver for interacting with said application program; said SmartGuide Driver presenting a graphical user interface to the user based on instructions within the SmartGuide Script; the SmartGuide Driver invoking the application program by converting the discrete number of English-readable commands to a programmed command; said SmartGuide Driver, receiving instruction from said SmartGuide Script, passing information within the programmed command to the application program for instructing the application program on proceeding; and, the SmartGuide providing responses to the user for completion of the task.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
151 words
A method in a computer system for enabling a user to perform a task by a SmartGuide providing direction to an application program, the application program receiving commands from the SmartGuide to execute specific tasks, the method including the steps of: invoking a SmartGuide Script, said SmartGuide Script created using a discrete number of English-readable commands to present information to the user; said SmartGuide Script instantiating a SmartGuide Driver for interacting with said application program; said SmartGuide Driver presenting a graphical user interface to the user based on instructions within the SmartGuide Script; the SmartGuide Driver invoking the application program by converting the discrete number of English-readable commands to a programmed command; said SmartGuide Driver, receiving instruction from said SmartGuide Script, passing information within the programmed command to the application program for instructing the application program on proceeding; and, the SmartGuide providing responses to the user for completion of the task.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said SmartGuide Script is portable across multiple operating systems.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said user can modify said SmartGuide Script using a conventional editor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein a programmed exit routine interacts with said SmartGuide Driver to transfer information to said application program.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
167 words
A computer system having one or more processors, a display device supporting a graphical user interface and one or more input devices comprising: one or more application programs designed to complete predetermined tasks; one or more SmartGuides, said SmartGuides providing an interface between a user and the one or more applications programs, said SmartGuides comprising a programmed SmartGuide Driver and a SmartGuide Script interpreted by said SmartGuide Driver; programmable means for said SmartGuides to prompt said user for input; programmable means responsive to said user input for said SmartGuides to transform said user input into information usable by said applications program; programmable means for transferring said information to said applications program from said SmartGuides; programmable means for enabling feedback to said SmartGuides from said applications program; and, means for said SmartGuide to transform said received information into a user readable format and presents said information to said user; wherein said one or more SmartGuide Scripts comprise a discrete, predefined set of human-readable commands to instruct said wizards.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
167 words
A computer system having one or more processors, a display device supporting a graphical user interface and one or more input devices comprising: one or more application programs designed to complete predetermined tasks; one or more SmartGuides, said SmartGuides providing an interface between a user and the one or more applications programs, said SmartGuides comprising a programmed SmartGuide Driver and a SmartGuide Script interpreted by said SmartGuide Driver; programmable means for said SmartGuides to prompt said user for input; programmable means responsive to said user input for said SmartGuides to transform said user input into information usable by said applications program; programmable means for transferring said information to said applications program from said SmartGuides; programmable means for enabling feedback to said SmartGuides from said applications program; and, means for said SmartGuide to transform said received information into a user readable format and presents said information to said user; wherein said one or more SmartGuide Scripts comprise a discrete, predefined set of human-readable commands to instruct said wizards.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A computer system as in claim 5 wherein said SmartGuide Script is portable across multiple operating systems.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A computer system as in claim 5 wherein said user can modify said SmartGuide Script using a text editor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A computer system as in claim 5 wherein a programmed exit routine interacts with said SmartGuide Driver and transfers information to said application program.
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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) | 2002-01-11 | 2002-07-13 | 2003-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-01-11 | 2006-07-13 | 2007-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-01-11 | 2010-07-13 | 2011-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |