WO2003050678A1

WO2003050678A1 - A method and system for demonstrating a computer program

Info

Publication number: WO2003050678A1
Application number: PCT/DK2002/000838
Authority: WO
Inventors: Finn LINDSTRØM
Original assignee: Lindstroem Finn
Priority date: 2001-12-10
Filing date: 2002-12-10
Publication date: 2003-06-19
Also published as: AU2002361942A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of teaching which command sequences a user is to perform in connection with the use of functions in a computer program. The computer program is if the type that can be used to generate products that can be presented visually. The method comprises a visual presentation of a product generated by use of functions in said computer program. A description of the command sequences to be performed in connection with the use of a selected function is performed on the basis of a selection made on the basis of the visual presentation. Here a help system is accomplished that is to a very high degree self-explanatory on the basis of graphic helps.

Description

Symbol language

A method and system for demonstrating a computer program

The invention is a method of teaching which command sequences are to be exercised by a user in connection with the use of functions in a computer program, wherein the computer program is of the type that can be used for generating products that can be presented visually. The invention also relates to a system of teaching.

US patent No. 5,377,319 teaches a method that utilises an animated picture during use of an information processor that includes a memory for storing a help control program for controlling help guidance, animated picture help data, text help data, voice help data used for carrying out help guidance and a table for showing the correspondence relationship among the animated picture help data, text help data and the voice help data. The method includes the steps of: activating, when a user inputs a help command requiring the help guidance, the help control program to display fields in which the help guidance is carried out, in the form of a help menu, and reading out when the user selects the field requiring the help guidance from the help menu, the animated picture help data corresponding to the selected contents and at least one of the text help data and the voice help data, which correspond to the selected animated picture help data, seen from the memory means by referring to the table to output the animated picture help data and the at least one of the remaining help data.

Use of this method presupposes that the user knows the name of the function about which the user wishes to receive teaching. This may be a major problem since many people do not known the name of all functions, and since there is usually quite a number of functions in a computer program where only a few users know them all. It is an object of the invention to provide a method of teaching a user how to use a computer program, whereby the above-mentioned problem is solved.

This is achieved in accordance with the invention by a method of teaching which command sequences a user is to carry out in connection with the use of functions in a computer program, where the computer program is of the type that can be used for generating products that can be presented visually. The method comprises the following steps:

- visually presenting a product generated by use of functions in said computer program, wherein the visually presented product comprises a number of parts that have been produced by use of various functions in the computer program;

- selecting the function used in connection with the production of a part identified by the user; - selecting and describing the command sequences that are to be carried out in connection with the use of the selected function.

Hereby a well-arranged presentation is accomplished of the functions that a given computer program is capable of producing in the form of a product. By virtue of its visual presentation this product is both pedagogical and well arranged. Simultaneously the products enable selection of teaching of a desired function.

According to one embodiment, command sequences that are described to carry out a function selected on the basis of a log profile comprising a logging of which operations a super user performed when carrying out the function. Thereby it is fairly easy to support the command sequences with a view to teaching new functions or quicker ways of performing known functions.

According to one embodiment, the logging of which operations are carried out by a super user comprises a logging of an input facility. The term 'input facility' is to be understood as a means for entering data in a computer. Typical input facilities include a computer mouse and a keyboard, but the input facilities are in no way limited to such.

According to a particular embodiment, the command sequences are described by means of a symbol language, wherein the symbol language follows a syntax. Hereby a method of teaching is accomplished that uses symbol language for illustrating the order of command sequences to be carried out to achieve a given function. This renders the teaching both simple and well-arranged. It is also avoided that the help system fills the screen with texts that are typically difficult to understand. Therefore the user will not be distracted from a specific task and need not spent a lot of time finding answers to specific questions.

According to a further embodiment, the syntax describes where in an output facility action of a given command takes place. The term Output facility' is used to designate a means for outputting data from a computer. Hereby, by means of symbols, guidance is achieved as to where on a computer screen a desired command is activated. The output facility is in no way limited to a computer screen. Other types are also an option, for instance touch panels with built-in display for graphics and/or text. The visual indication gives the user a considerably quicker overview of where the activation takes place than is the case with the conventional systems, where it is typically necessary to read an instruction, which is often complicated to understand.

According to one embodiment the syntax describes use of at least one input facility for action of a given command. Hereby symbols provide guidance as to which input facility/facilities can be used for executing a command. Typical input facilities include a computer mouse and a keyboard, but the input facilities are in no way limited to these. Alternative input facilities include eg miscellaneous touch panels based on mechanical switches and touch panels based on optical reading. According to a particular embodiment the syntax describes how an input facility is used for action of a given command.

The invention also relates to a system of teaching which commands are to be executed by a user in connection with the use of functions in a computer program, where the computer program is of the type that can be used for generating products that can be presented visually. The system comprises:

- means for presenting a product that is generated by means of functions in said computer program, wherein the product presented visually comprises a number of parts that were produced by use of various functions in the computer program;

- means for selecting the function used in connection with the production of a part identified by the user; - means for selecting and describing the command sequences that are to be executed in connection with the use of the selected function.

The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system of teaching a user how to use a computer program;

Figure 2 diagrammatically shows a method of teaching a user how to use a computer program;

Figure 3 shows an example of the visual presentation of a product as it is presented to the user;

Figure 4 shows an example of a command sequence described by symbol language; and

Figure 5 shows screen symbols; and The help system consists of the elements:

- a pedagogical inductive model in the form of a visual presentation of a finished product;

- a symbol language for describing command sequences;

- a software for generating the symbol sequences.

According to one embodiment the computer system 2 is for teaching a computer program structured to comprise a number of data bases 1 , 3 and 5. A first data base 1 in which a number of products 7 are stored that have be executed by the given computer program. The individual products 7 are built of a number of part elements 9, and each of these part elements is linked to a list 11 that identifies the functions to be used to create the part element 9 by means of the computer program; and likewise the list identifies the sequence in which the functions are to be used. In a second database 3 an identification of the functions 13 of the computer programmes is stored, and each of these functions 13 is linked to a list 15 that identifies the commands to be used in connection with the use of a function 13; and likewise the list identifies the order of command (the command sequence). Finally, a third database 5 identifies commands 17 that can be used in the computer program to which a presentation 19 is associated, like eg a descriptive text or one or more graphic symbols.

Figure 2 diagrammatically shows a method of teaching a user how to use a computer program. When a user 21 uses the computer system 2 for teaching the use of a computer program, it proceeds as follows:

First, one of the products stored in the first database 1 and to be presented to the user is selected 23. This can be determined on the background of a choice made by the user 21 by means of a computer mouse 25. Alternatively, it can be decided on the basis of a need identified by the computer system by logging the actions of the user. Then the user 27 is presented with one of the products stored in the first database on a computer screen 29.

Now, on the basis of the visual presentation the user identifies which part element it is desired to learn how to do. This teaching may yet again be performed on the basis of a selection by means of a computer mouse 33, wherein the mouse is used to shade the part element. Alternatively, a keyboard could be used. On the basis of the information stored in the first database 1 it is identified 35 which functions are to be used for performing the selected part element, and the sequence in which these functions are to be used.

On the basis of the first identified function to be used the information in the second database 3 is used to identify 37 which commands are to be used in connection with the individual function, and the sequence thereof. From the third database 5 it is now possible 39, on the basis of the identified commands, to find the graphic symbols that are used to describe the command, and these command symbols are presented 41 to the user on a the computer screen 43. The commands are now presented to the user in the sequence stored in the database 3. The presentation may either take place by a new one being presented each time the user has executed a command already presented, or by the entire sequence of commands being presented simultaneously.

The generation as such of the lists stored in database 3 and database 5, respectively, can be accomplished by a super user working out the part elements being logged, and the result of this logging being used to identify which commands are used and thus to construct said lists. In connection with it being the below-described symbol language that is used to describe the commands, it may take place e.g. by the super user's actions being recorded in a record or macro, e.g. as a text, a manuscript or a VBA. The recorded actions are relayed to a dedicated interpreter that identifies the essential elements in the action and use this to associate the correct symbols to the command and store this in the third database.

Figure 3 shows an example of a finished product 100, wherein 101 is a field for activating teaching of the function merge mail. 102 is a field for activating teaching of the function right align text. 103 is a field for activating teaching of the function centralise text. 104 is a field for activating teaching of the function select font. 105 is a field for activating teaching of the function increase indent. 106 is a field for activating teaching of the function underline text. 107 is a field for activating teaching of the function change text paragraph to bold. 108 is a field for activating teaching of the function draw table. 109 is a field for activating a table. 109 is a field for activating teaching of the function adjust text. 110 is a field for activating teaching of the function left-aligned text tabs. 111 is a field for activating teaching of the function right align text tabs. 112 is a field for activating teaching of the function centralised text tabs. 113 is a field for activating the function teaching of hanging indent. 114 is a field for activating teaching of the function set tab. 115 is a field for activating teaching of the function insert line break. 116 is a field for activating teaching of the function left indent. 117 is a field for activating teaching of the function shade heading. 118 is a field for activating teaching of the function insert a file. 119 is a field for activating teaching of the function insert spread sheet.

The pedagogical model of the teaching method is expressed by the introduction to learning a function that can be provided by a given computer program being accomplished visually in the form of a product. The product presents, in a structured manner and visually, a number of part elements that represent a part of the functions provided by the given computer program, and the user can, as needed, himself select the part element for which teaching is desired. Figure 3 shows an example of a product which is, in this context, a letter drawn up in a word processing program. Typically the user will open the product on his screen in connection with a specific task that the user is currently solving. For comparison, the product shown in Figure 3 represents on one A4 page the same functions that would otherwise require a 120-page book to describe. The high efficiency is due to both the visual element and to the option of receiving the instruction on ones screen simultaneously with learning the function.

Figure 4 shows an example of a command sequence described by symbol language. 200 is a word processing program. 201 is an active symbol. 202, 203, 204 and 205 are symbols. The symbols 201 , 202, 203, 204 and 205 combine to form a command sequence.

If eg the function merge mail is selected, the screen will display a number of graphic symbols (symbol language) that describe the command sequences that the user needs to go through in order to achieve the function merge mail. One example of this is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 5 shows an example of a symbol described by symbol language. 300 is a symbol. 301 is an initial indication of the location of a command/icon. 302 is a indication of how the operation is performed on a computer mouse. 303 is a movement pattern of the computer mouse. 304 is a command/icon sequence. 305 is a final indication. The indication 306 indicates a click on the left mouse key. The indication 307 means a click on the left mouse key and hold. The indication 308 means start click. The indication 309 means click and end hold.

The graphic symbols (the symbol language) follow a syntax that is constructed such that the syntax describes:

- where on the screen the relevant icons/commands are physically located (screen pictogram) ;

- which input unit is to be used and how; and - which icon/command sequence is to be run through.

One example of a symbol is given in Figure 5. Symbols are to be "read" as follows: 1. Orient yourself regarding the approximate location of the next command or icon on the screen by consulting the screen pictogram. Move the cursor to a point nearby. 2. Decode which mouse key (button on input unit) is to be used.

3. Click on first command/icon and orient yourself regarding the movement pattern of the mouse by consulting the screen pictogram.

4. Follow the command/icon sequence.

The teaching method may be up to ten times as efficient as comparable methods of learning computer usage, both in the first learning process, but also in case of a brush-up of previously acquired knowledge.

The development facility comprises a help system for developing and producing teach-yourself programmes, manuals and instructions for all kinds of computer usage.

The software is a program that logs which operations are performed on a PC: character entries, selection of icon or command and mouse movement patterns. The production of the symbol sequences for the various functions of a program is quite simply generated by a super user performing a given function that the software converts to the associated symbols.

The help system may also comprise facilities for producing help instructions, producing help programmes and producing help manuals. The production facilities may consist e.g. of copy facilities. One example of this is the A drive on a computer with associated software/operating system. Copying of manuals may further take place by printing the manuals on eg paper.

The help system can be implemented in products that contain at least one computer, i.e. a product that contains at least one input facility and at least one output facility and at least one calculator unit. Typical products include a personal computer (PC), a multi-user computer system, a mobile telephone, a household appliance, a radio and a television, but the use is in no way restricted to these.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. A method of teaching which command sequences are to be performed by a user in connection with the use of functions of a computer program, wherein the computer program is of the type that can be used to generate products that can be presented visually, characterised in that the method comprises the following steps:

- selecting the function used in connection with the production of a part identified by the user;

- selecting and describing the command sequences that are to be carried out in connection with the use of the selected function.

2. A method according to claim 1 , characterised in that the command sequences that are described to execute a function are selected on the basis of a log file that comprises a logging of which operations were performed by a super user when using the function.

3. A method according to claim 1 , characterised in that the logging of which operations are performed by a super user comprises a logging of input facilities, such as keyboard and mouse.

4. A method according to claims 1-3, characterised in that the command sequences are described by means of a symbol language, wherein the symbol language follows a syntax.

5. A method according to claim 4, characterised in that the syntax describes where on an output facility action of a given command takes place.

6. A method according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the syntax describes use of at least one output facility for action of a given command.

7. A method according to claims 4-6, characterised in that the syntax describes how an input facility is used for action of a given command.

8. A system for teaching which command sequences a user is to perform in connection with the use of functions of a computer program, wherein the computer program is of the type that can be used to generate products that can be presented visually, characterised in that the system comprises:

- means for selecting the function used in connection with the production of a part identified by the user;

- means for selecting and describing the command sequences that are to be executed in connection with the use of the selected function.