WO2006047706A2 - Enhanced user assistance - Google Patents

Enhanced user assistance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006047706A2
WO2006047706A2 PCT/US2005/038839 US2005038839W WO2006047706A2 WO 2006047706 A2 WO2006047706 A2 WO 2006047706A2 US 2005038839 W US2005038839 W US 2005038839W WO 2006047706 A2 WO2006047706 A2 WO 2006047706A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
item
user interface
assistance
query
computing device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2005/038839
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2006047706A3 (en
Inventor
Edward K. Y. Jung
Royce A. Levien
Mark A. Malamud
John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Searete LLC
Original Assignee
Searete LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/974,476 external-priority patent/US9747579B2/en
Priority claimed from US10/974,555 external-priority patent/US20060090132A1/en
Priority claimed from US10/974,561 external-priority patent/US8341522B2/en
Application filed by Searete LLC filed Critical Searete LLC
Publication of WO2006047706A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006047706A2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Publication of WO2006047706A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006047706A3/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10—Office automation; Time management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F17/00—Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management

Definitions

  • the present application is related to, claims the earliest available effective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications; claims benefits under 35 USC ⁇ 119(e) for provisional patent applications), and incorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of the herein listed application(s); the present application also claims the earliest available effective filing date(s) from, and also incorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the herein listed application(s).
  • USPTO United States Patent Office
  • USPTO has published a notice to the effect that the USPTO' s computer programs re-quire that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation hi part.
  • An embodiment provides a method.
  • the method includes receiving a query related to an item through a first user interface associated with the item, and providing an assistance correlating to the query through a second user interface associated with the item.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first state and the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second state.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first mode and the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second mode.
  • the receiving a query related to an item through a first user interface associated with, the item may include receiving a selection of an aspect of the item through a first user interface associated with the item.
  • the receiving a selection of an aspect of the item, through a first user interface associated with the item may include receiving a selection of an aspect of the item through, a first user interface associated with the aspect of the item.
  • the receiving a query related to an item through a first user interface may include receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request.
  • the receiving a query related to an item through a first user interface may include detecting a touch through a first user interface.
  • the receiving a query through a first user interface may include detecting a sound through the first user interface.
  • the detecting a sound may include detecting a spoken word.
  • the item may include a vehicle and the receiving a query may include receiving a query related to an aspect of the vehicle.
  • the item may include an appliance and the receiving a query may include receiving a query related to an aspect of the appliance.
  • the item may include a manufacturing apparatus and the receiving query may include receiving a query related to an aspect of the manufacturing apparatus.
  • the item may include a control system and the receiving a query may include receiving a query related to an aspect of the control system.
  • the providing an assistance may include providing a user assistance.
  • the providing an assistance may include visually providing an assistance, audibly providing an assistance, providing a spoken assistance, tactilely providing an assistance, providing a guided response assistance, providing a guidance correlating with a process associated with the item, providing a description of an aspect of the item, providing a showing of how an aspect of the device works, and/or providing an interactive tutorial assistance.
  • the providing an assistance may include providing an assistance correlating with a physical element of the item, which includes blinldng a light emitter associated with the physical element.
  • the method may further include searching an assistance file for an assistance correlating with trie query.
  • the receiving a query related to an item through a first user interface associated with the item may include receiving a query related to an item having a computing device through a first user interface associated with the computing device.
  • the method may further include sensing a context of the item and wherein the providing an assistance con-elating to the query may include providing an assistance correlating to the query and the sensed context of the item.
  • the sensing a context of the item may include sensing a context extrinsic to the item.
  • the receiving a query related to an item through a first user interface associated with, the item may include receiving a query related to an item including a computing device through a first user interface associated with the computing device. Further included may be a computer-readable medium containing computer instructions which, when run on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the method.
  • the computer-readable medium may include a computer storage medium.
  • the computer storage medium may be carried by a computer-readable carrier.
  • the computer-readable medium may include a communications medium.
  • a further embodiment provides a system.
  • the system includes an item having a first user interface, a second user interface, a computing device, and instructions.
  • the instructioas when implemented in the computing device cause the computing device to receive a query related to the item through a first user interface associated with the item, and provide an assistance correlating to the query through a second user interface associated with the item.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first state and the second user interface may include th.e element of the item in a second state.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first mode and the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second mode.
  • the second user interface may include the first user interface. "
  • the first user interface may include a button.
  • the button may include a tangible button., and/or a virtual button, and the virtual button may include a virtual button displayed on. a display surface.
  • the second user interface may include a visual display, which may include a visual display surface, and/or a light emitter.
  • the first user interface may inclrude a first user interface associated with an aspect of the item.
  • the first user interface associated with an aspect of the item may include a first user interface physically associated with an aspect of the item.
  • the first user interface associated with an aspect of the item may include a first user interface virtually associated with an aspect of the item.
  • the item further may include a context sensor.
  • the instructions further include an instruction to receive a context of the item from the context sensor, and wherein the instruction to provide an assistance correlating to the query may include provide an assistance correlating to the query and the context.
  • the context sensor may include a sensor configured to sense a context extrinsic to the item, an environment extrinsic to the item, and/or a context intrinsic to the item.
  • the item may incl ⁇ u.de a vehicle, an appliance, a manufacturing apparatus, and/or a control system.
  • An embodiment provides an apparatus.
  • the apparatus includes a means associated with an item for receiving a query related to the item, and a means associated with the item for providing an assistance correlating to the query.
  • Another embodiment provides a system.
  • the system includes a query module operable to receive a query related to an item through a first user interface associated with the item, and an assistance module operable to provide an assistance correlating to the query through a second user interface associated with the item.
  • a furtker embodiment provides a method.
  • the method includes receiving a selection corresponding to an aspect of an item through a first user interface of the item, receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request related to the aspect of the item through a second user interface of the item, and providing an assistance correlating to the assistance request related to the aspect of the item through a third user interface of the item.
  • the first user interface may include an eleinent of the item in a first state
  • the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second state.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first state
  • the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second state
  • the third user interface may include the element of the item in a third state.
  • One of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface may include an element of the item in a first state, and another of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include the element of the item in a second state.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a .first mode and the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second mode.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first mode
  • the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second mode
  • the "third user interface may include the element of the item in a third mode.
  • One of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include an element of the item in a first mode, and another of the first user interface, the second usex interface, and the third user interface include the element of the item in a second mode.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an aspect of an item through a first user interface of the item may include a receiving a selection corresponding to an aspect of an item through a first user interface of the item associated with the aspect.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an aspect of an item through a first user interface of the item may include a receiving a selection corresponding to an aspect of an item having a computing device through a first user interface of the computing device associated with the aspect.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an aspect of an item through a first user interface may include a detecting a touch to the first user interface.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an aspect of an item through a first user interface may include detecting a sound through the first user interface.
  • the detecting a sound may include detecting a spoken word.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request through a second user interface may include detecting a touch to the second user interface.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request related to the aspect of the item through a second user interface of the item may include receiving a selection corresponding to a predetermined assistance request related to the aspect of the item through a second user interface of the item.
  • the method may further include searching an assistance file for the assistance correlating to the assistance request.
  • the method may further include sensing a context of the item and wherein the providing an assistance correlating to the query may include providing an assistance correlating to the query and the sensed context of the item.
  • the sensing a context of the item may include sensing a context extrinsic to the item.
  • the sensing a context of the item may include sensing an environment extrinsic to the item.
  • the sensing a context of the item may include sensing a context intrinsic to the item.
  • the searching the assistance file may include searching an assistance file stored in an association with the computing device.
  • the method may further include receiving an input responsive to the provided assistance.
  • the input responsive to the provided assistance may include a request for an additional assistance correlating to the provided assistance.
  • the method may further include providing another assistance correlating to the received input responsive to the provided assistance.
  • Further included may be a computer-readable medium containing computer instructions which, when run on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the method.
  • the computer-readable medium may include a computer storage medium.
  • the computer storage medium may be carried by a computer-readable carrier.
  • the computer-readable medium may include a communications medium.
  • An embodiment provides a system.
  • the system includes an item having a first user interface, a second user interface, a third user interface, a computing device, and instructions.
  • the instructions when implemented in the computing device cause the computing device to receive a selection corresponding to an aspect of " the item through a first user interface of the item, receive a selection corresponding to an assistance request related to the aspect of the item through a second user interface of the item, and provide an assistance correlating to the assistance request related to the aspect of the item through a third user interface of the item.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first state
  • the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second state.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first state.
  • the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second state
  • the third user interface may include the element of the item in a third state.
  • One of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface may include an element of the item in a first state, and another of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include the element of the item in a second state.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first mode and the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second mode.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first mode
  • the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second mode
  • the third user interface may include the element of the item in a third mode.
  • One of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include an element of the item in a first mode
  • another of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include the element of the item in a second mode.
  • the first user interface of the item may include a first user interface of the item associated with the aspect of the item.
  • the item may include a pervasive computing device.
  • the computing device may include a limited resource computing device.
  • the instructions may include search an assistance file for the assistance correlating to the assistance request.
  • the instructions may further include receive an input responsive to the provided assistance, and provide another assistance correlating to the received input responsive to the provided assistance.
  • Another embodiment provides an apparatus.
  • the apparatus includes a means for receiving a selection corresponding to an aspect of an item, a means for receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request related to the aspect of the item, and a means for providing an assistance correlating to the assistance request related to the aspect of the item.
  • a further embodiment provides a method. The method includes activating a help mode in an item, receiving a selection of an aspect of the item through a receiver associated with the aspect, and broadcasting a tutorial that includes information related to the selected aspect of the item through an indicator associated with the item.
  • An embodiment provides a system.
  • the system includes an item having a receiver associated with an aspect of the item, an indicator, a computing device, and instructions.
  • the instructions when implemented in the computing device cause the computing device to activate a help mode, receive a selection of the aspect of the item through the receiver, and broadcast a tutorial that includes information related to the selected aspect of the item through an indicator associated with the item.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may be implemented, including a thin computing device and a functional element of an electronic device;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary system in which embodiments may be implemented, including a general-purpose computing device
  • FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow that provides assistance
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating additional detail related to an alternative embodiment of the exemplary operational flow of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow supplementing the exemplary query operational flow that provides assistance described in conjunction with FIG 3;
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may be implemented;
  • FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow that receives an assistance presentation
  • FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary operational flow that receives an assistance presentation
  • FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow that provides contextual assistance
  • FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary operational flow that provides contextual assistance
  • FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow that provides assistance
  • FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a further exemplary operational flow that provides assistance
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments of the exemplary operational flow illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 14 that provide assistance may be implemented
  • FIG. 14 illustrates user interfaces of the exemplary embodiment of the computing device of the exemplary system illustrated in FIG 13.
  • computing devices such as personal computers, and the larger systems of which they may be a part, such as cars, airplanes, submarines, and aircraft carriers
  • computing devices have rapidly advanced and evolved as technology provides increased processor speeds, storage capacity, connectivity, and interconnectivity, all at decreased cost.
  • rapid advances have been made in inter co nnectability and interoperability of computing devices and other devices at a consumer level, such as handheld devices and cell phones, at a system and large system level. These advances are intended to provide a user with many benefits. However, realization of these benefits may require that a user read and re-read manuals.
  • a ⁇ ser may benefit from being able to input a selection relevant to a need or question through a user interface associated with a computer or a system, and then let an assistance manager guide them from there using the same or another user interface.
  • manuals are sometimes lost, misplaced, or unavailable, such as for example, when traveling.
  • a user may further benefit by being able to obtain assistance directly from the computer of a nature often provided " by a comprehensive user manual.
  • computing devices are become smaller, more powerful, and cheaper.
  • the advancing computing technology is moving beyond the personal computer and into everyday items and devices, providing embedded technology and connectivity.
  • the embedded electronic device typically improves performance and capacity of a basic functionality of the item, and may connect the item with a network of other items or the Internet.
  • These items with embedded electronic devices may be described using a variety of names, which may not have a bright line distinction between them.
  • Pervasive computing provides increased functionality, it often requires increased interaction between a user and a previously dumb device.
  • Pervasive computing devices such as conventional telephones, cell phones, smart phones, pocket organizers, and personal digital assistants, often present a user with widely varying user interface protocols. This may contribute to user confusion about an aspect of the pervasive computing device they are viewing, such as a particular button. As a result, simply finding appropriate aspects of the device related to a portion of the user manual may be difficult or impossible.
  • a pervasive computing device user may benefit from interactive assistance.
  • Rapidly advancing technology may also provide an opportunity for increased interaction between traditionally dumb items and user manuals.
  • Many dumb ⁇ items have become more complex and sophisticated to meet user demand. For example, simply adjusting an ergonomic chair requires complex instructions and location of knobs placed at odd locations. User manuals have correspondingly become more complex and sometimes confusing. As a result, simply finding appropriate aspects of the item related to a portion of the user manual may " be difficult or impossible. A user may benefit from interactive assistance with these traditionally dumb items.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system that includes a thin computing device 20 that interfaces with an electronic device that includes one or more functional elements.
  • the electronic device may include any item having electrical and/or electronic components playing a role in a functionality of the item, such as a limited resource computing device, a digital camera, a cell phone, a printer, a refrigerator, a car, and an airplane.
  • the thin computing device 20 includes a processing unit 21, a system memory 22, and a system bus 23 that couples various system components including the system memory 22 to the processing unit 21.
  • the system bus 23 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.
  • the system memory includes read ⁇ only memory (ROM) 24 and random access memory (RAMC) 25.
  • ROM read ⁇ only memory
  • RAMC random access memory
  • BIOS basic input/output system
  • a number of program modules may be stored in the ROM 24 and/or RAM 25, including an operating system 28, one or more application programs 29, other program modules 30 and program data 31.
  • a user may enter commands and information into the computing device 20 through input devices, such as a number of switches and buttons, illustrated as hardware buttons 44, connected to the system via a suitable interface 45.
  • Input devices may further include a touch-sensitive display screen 32 with suitable input detection circuitry 33).
  • the output circuitry of the touch-sensitive display 32 is connected to the system bus 23 via a video driver 37.
  • Other input devices may include a microphone 34 connected through a suitable audio interface 35, and a physical hardware keyboard (not shown).
  • the computing device 20 may include other peripheral output devices, such as at least one speaker 38.
  • Other external input or output devices 39 such as a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner or the like may be connected to the processing unit 21 through a USB port 40 and USB port interface 41, to the system bus 23.
  • the other external input and output devices 39 may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or other port.
  • the computing device 20 may further include or be capable of connecting to a flash card memory (not shown) through an appropriate connection port (not shown).
  • the computing device 20 may further include or be capable of connecting with a network through a network port 42 and network interface 43, and through wireless port 46 and corresponding wireless interface 47 may be provided to facilitate communication with other peripheral devices, including other computers, printers, and so on (not shown). It will be appreciated that the various components and connections shown are exemplary and other components and means of establishing communications links may be used.
  • the computing device 20 may be primarily designed to include a user interface having a character, key-based, other user data input via the touch sensitive display 32 using a stylus (not shown).
  • the user interface is not limited to an actual touch-sensitive panel arranged for directly receiving input, but may alternatively or in addition respond to another input device, such as the microphone 34. For example, spoken words may be received at the microphone 34 and recognized.
  • the computing device 20 may be designed to include a user interface having a physical keyboard (not shown).
  • the device functional elements are typically application specific and related to a function of the electronic device.
  • the device functional elements are driven by a device functional element(s) interface 50, which coupled with the system bus 23.
  • a functional element may typically perform a single well-defined task with little or no user configuration or setup, such as a refrigerator keeping food cold, a cell phone connecting with an appropriate tower and transcerving voice or data information, and a camera capturing and saving an image.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary system in which embodiments of may be implemented.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an electronic device that may correspond in whole or part to a general-purpose computing device, shown as a computer 100.
  • Components of the computer 100 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 120, a system memory 130, and a system bus 121 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 120.
  • the system bus 121 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.
  • such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA.) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, also known as Mezzanine bus.
  • ISA Industry Standard Architecture
  • MCA Micro Channel Architecture
  • EISA Enhanced ISA
  • VESA. Video Electronics Standards Association
  • PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
  • the computer 100 typically includes a, variety of computer-readable media.
  • Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer 100 and include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non- removable media.
  • Computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communications media.
  • Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer- readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
  • Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer 100.
  • Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media.
  • modulated data signal means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.
  • communications media include wired media such as a wired network and a direct-wired connection and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, optical, and infrared media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
  • the system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and nonvolatile memory such as ROM 1 31 and RAM 132.
  • a basic input/output system (BIOS) 133 containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer 100, such, as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM 131.
  • BIOS basic input/output system
  • RAM 132 typically contains data and program modules that are immediately accessible to or presently being operated on by processing unit 120.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an operating system 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137.
  • the operating system 134 offers services to applications programs 135 by way of one or more application programming interfaces (AP Is ⁇ (not shown). Because the operating system 134 incorporates these services, developers of applications programs 135 need not redevelop code to use the services. Examples of APIs provided by operating systems such as Microsoft's "WINDOWS" are well known in the art.
  • the computer 100 may also include other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a non-removable non- volatile memory interface (hard disk interface) 140 that reads from and writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 151 that reads from and writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk 152, and an optical disk drive 155 that reads from and writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk 156 such as a CD ROM.
  • hard disk interface hard disk interface
  • removable/nonremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, DVDs, digital video tape, solid state RAM, and solid state ROM.
  • the hard disk drive 141 is typically connected to the system bus 121 throxigh a non-removable memory interface, such as the interface 140, and magnetic disk drive 151 and optical disk drive 155 are typically connected to the system bus 121 by a removable memory interface, such as interface 150.
  • hard disk drive 141 is illustrated as storing an operating system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146, and program data 147. Note that these components can either be the same as or different from the operating system 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137.
  • the operating system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146, and program data 147 are given different numbers h.ere to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies.
  • a user may enter commands and information into the computer 100 through input devices such as a microphone 163, keyboard 162 and pointing device 161, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball, or touch pad.
  • Other input devices may include a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, and scanner.
  • These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 120 through a user input interface 160 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serial bus (USB).
  • a monitor 191 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 121 via an interface, such as a video interface 190.
  • computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers 197 and printer 196, which may be connected through an output peripheral interface 195.
  • the computer 100 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers., such as a remote computer 180.
  • the remote computer 180 may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device, or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 100, although only a memory storage device 181 has been illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the logical connections depicted in FIG. 2 include a local area network (LAN) 171 and a wide area network (WAN) 173, but may also include other networks such as a personal area network (PAN) (not shown).
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • PAN personal area network
  • Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise- wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.
  • the computer 100 When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 100 is connected to the LAN 171 through a network: interface or adapter 170. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 100 typically includes a modem 172 or other means for establishing communications over the " WAN 173, such as the Internet.
  • the modern 172 which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus 121 via the user input interface 160, or via another appropriate mechanism.
  • program modules depicted relative to the computer 100, or portions thereof may be stored in a remote memory storage device.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates remote application programs 185 as residing on memory device 181.
  • the data structures where data are maintained are physical locations of the memory that have particular properties defined by the format of the data.
  • the acts and. operations described hereinafter may also be implemented in hardware.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a suitable environment on which embodiments may be implemented.
  • the computing device 20 of FIG. 1 and/or computer 100 of FIG. 2 are examples of a suitable environment and are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of an embodiment. Neither should the environment be interpreted as having an ⁇ ' dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illmstrated in an exemplary operating environment.
  • Embodiments may be implemented with numerous other general- purpose or special-purpose computing devices and computing system environments or configurations.
  • Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and configurations that may be suitable for use with an embodiment include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, personal digital assistants, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices.
  • Embodiments may be described in a general context of computer- executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer.
  • program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
  • An embodiment may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that axe linked through a communications network.
  • program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow 200 that provides assistance.
  • an assistance manager is activated.
  • the assistance manager typically includes instructions, such as computer-readable instructions, for example, a program, process, and/or application operating on an electronic device that implements the exemplary operational flow 200 that provides assistance.
  • a query related to an electronic device is received through a first interface associated v/ith the electronic device.
  • the query may include a selection of an aspect of the electronic device as a subject of the query.
  • the query may include any aspect of the electronic device for which a user might desire assistance, such as, a feature of the device, an element of the device, and a process associated with the device.
  • the query related to the electronic device may include an assistance request related to the electronic device.
  • the assistance request may include a request related to the electronic device in any manner, including the selected aspect of the electronic device.
  • the assistance request may include any request related to the electronic device, such as "show me,” ''demonstrate,” and "guide me.”
  • the first interface may include a first user interface.
  • the electronic device may be incorporated into any type of appliance and/or item.
  • the electronic device may include a computing device, such as a personal computer and a server.
  • the electronic device may include a limited resource computing device, an appliance, a pervasive computing device, and a digital appliance. Examples may include a PDA, a cell phone, a Blackberry appliance, an on-board computing device, such as in a car, boat, and/or aircraft, an X-Box, a home gateway, a set-top box, a point-of-sale terminal, a digital camera, a TiVo, and an automated, teller machine.
  • the electronic device may include a computing device and the query may relate to an aspect of the computing device.
  • the electronic device may include an electrical appliance and the query may relate to an aspect of the electrical appliance.
  • the electronic device may include a limited resource computing device and the query may relate to an aspect of the limited resource computing de ' vice.
  • the electronic device may include a pervasive computing device and the query may relate to an aspect of the pervasive computing device.
  • the electronic device may include a digital appliance and the query may relate to an aspect of the digital appliance.
  • an assistance file is searched for an assistance response correlating to the query.
  • Searching the assistance file may include searching an assistance file stored in a storage media associated with the electronic device, such as the system memory 22 of FIG. 1, or coupled with the electronic device.
  • the assistance file may be stored and/or searched remotely and coupled with a functionality of the operation 230, such as by a network, such as a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet.
  • Al assistance operation 240 an assistance response is provided correlating to the query through a second interface of the electronic device.
  • the assistance response provided may include visually providing an assistance with a physical element of the device, such as blinking a light associated with the physical element.
  • the physical element may be a physical button and the light may be a light emitting device incorporated into the button.
  • the assistance may include blinking the LED associated with the button.
  • the second interface may include an LED and a third interface may include a speaker.
  • the provided assistance may include providing an audible assistance presentation from the speaker and blinking the LED appropriately during the presentation.
  • the audible assistance presentation may include a spoken presentation that includes a word or words.
  • the providing an assistance further may include tactilely providing an assistance presentation.
  • the provided assistance may include guidance through a process associated with the aspect of the device, a description of the aspect of the device, a showing how the aspect of the device works, and/or an interactive tutorial.
  • the assistance may be provided in any manner, such as a visual presentation, an audio presentation, a spoken presentation, a tactile presentation, and/or a combination of two or more of these manners of presentation.
  • the second interface may be a second user interface.
  • the second user interface may include a visual display, a graphical display, and a graphical user interface.
  • the second user interface may include an audio display, such as an acoustic speaker.
  • trie second user interface may include a tactile interface, such as a vibrating component. The operational flow then proceeds to an end operation.
  • the first interface and the second interface may be at least substantially similar, and the second user interface may include the first user interface.
  • the first interface and the second interface may comprise a same physical or virtual element of the electronic device.
  • the first interface and the second interface may share a same physical or virtual element, but be separately activated when the physical or virtual element is in different activate modes or states.
  • an interface having a physical structure and in a first state may function as the first interface, and in a second state may function as the second interface.
  • a single physical button interface may have a plurality of interface states.
  • a physical button associated with an electronic device may have normal operating function related to the electronic device.
  • the same physical button transitions to a first state and functions as the first interface that receives a query, such as at the query operation 220.
  • the same physical button transitions to a second state.
  • the physical button functions as the second interface that provides assistance correlating to the query, such as at the provide operation 240.
  • an interface such as a physical button, may function as a first interface when operated in a first mode and function as a second interface when operated in a second mode.
  • a single physical button may function as a first interface when pressed quickly once and as a second interface when pressed slowly once.
  • the single physical button may function as a first interface when pressed once and as a second interface when pressed twice in quick succession.
  • the operational flow 200 that provides assistance may be considered to be an electronic-device assistance manager.
  • the assistance manager may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the operational flow 200 that provides assistance, depending upon the design choices of the system designer.
  • a further embodiment includes a com.pu.ter- readable media containing computer instructions which, when run on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operational flow 200 that provides assistance.
  • the computer-readable media may include a computer storage media, which may be carried by a computer-readable carrier, such as a floppy disk.
  • the computer-readable media may include a communications media.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating additional detail related to an alternative embodiment of the exemplary query operation 220 of FIG. 3.
  • a selection corresponding to the electronic device is received through the first interface.
  • the selection designates a subject matter of the query, and may include a selection of an aspect of the electronic device.
  • the selection may include an aspect related to the electronic device, such as, a component associated with the device, a feature associated with the electronic device, a function associated with the electronic device, a program associated with the electronic device, and a process associated with the electronic device.
  • the first interface may include a first user interface.
  • the selection may be received by detecting a touch to a first user interface associated with the electronic device, such as a button or a component.
  • the touch may be received in any manner. For example, such as from, a user body part physically contacting the first user interface, a user body part being proximate to the first user interface, and a user body part having an orientation to the first user interface.
  • a touch may be received by a stylus physically contacting the first user interface, being proximate to the first user interface, and having an orientation to the first user interface.
  • the first user interface may be associated with an aspect of the electronic device, such as a physical association.
  • a first user interface may he included within a physical structure of a button, or the first user interface may be adjacent or proximate to the button.
  • the association of a button or component and the first user interface may include a logical association.
  • an association may include a touch sensitive portion of a visual display surface.
  • a touch to the displayed image or icon, or a portion of the visual display surface proximate to the displayed image or icon may be detected and received as a selection through an interface logically associated with the electronic device, or an interface logically associated with an aspect of the electronic device.
  • the selection may be received by detecting a sound or word.
  • the first user interface may include a microphone and processing capability to detect a sound or spoken word corresponding to a selection related to the electronic device, or to an aspect of the electronic device. For example, detecting a signal corresponding to the spoken words "lens cover” selects a lens cover of a digital camera, and is received as a selection related to the electronic device, or to the lens cover of the electronic device.
  • a selection corresponding to an assistance request is received.
  • the selection is received through a third interface of the electronic device, and the third interface may include a third user interface.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request associated with the selection may include detecting a touch to the third user interface.
  • Th.e third user interface may include a button.
  • the third user interface may include at least one predetermined query.
  • the selection corresponding to an assistance request may include a request for a description of functionality, a request for a description of process, a request for instruction, a request for information, and/or a request for guidance.
  • the request for guidance may include a request for a guidance related to replicating a previous operation of the device.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request may include receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request selected from a plurality of selections.
  • At least two of first, second, and third user interfaces may be at least substantially similar.
  • at least two of the first interface, the second interface, and the third interface may comprise a same physical or virtual device.
  • At least two of the interfaces may share a same physical or virtual device, but be separately activated when the physical or virtual device is in a different mode or state.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow 270 that provides an additional assistance, supplementing the exemplary operational flow 200 described in conjunction with FIG 3.
  • the exemplary operational flow 270 provides an additional assistance.
  • the exemplary operation 270 moves to a receive input operation 280.
  • receive input operation 280 an input relating to the provide assistance operation 240 is received.
  • the input may be received through any interface, including one or more of trie user interfaces described in conjunction with the exemplary operational flow 200 and FIG 3.
  • the input may be received through an addition interface of the electronic device.
  • the input relating to the provide assistance operation 240 may include a request for an additional assistance correlating to the assistance provided by the provide assistance operation 240.
  • the input responsive to the provide assistance operation 240 may include a request that further correlates to the aspect of the device.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary system 300 in which embodiments may be implemented.
  • the system 300 includes a digital camera 310 having image capture and image storage functionality.
  • the digital camera 310 includes a computing device (not shown), such as the thin computing device 20 described in conjunction with FIG. 1.
  • the digital camera 310 also includes a plurality of interfaces 320.
  • the plurality of interfaces 320 includes a display 332.
  • the display 332 may provide a textual, a visual display, and a graphical display.
  • the display 332 may include touch screen functionality operable to accept a user input.
  • the plurality of user interfaces 320 of the camera 310 also includes a microphone 334, a speaker 338, and a plurality of tangible buttons 344A-344E.
  • One or more of the tangible buttons may include a light emitter, such as a light emitting device 346A. Further, one or more of the tangible buttons 344A-344E may include a vibrator operable to provide a tactile display.
  • buttons 344A.-344E may have any functionality appropriate to the digital camera.
  • button 344E may be assigned to operate a camera element, such as a shutter function.
  • Button 344A may be assigned an "enter" function, and buttons 344B and 344C may be respectively assigned a scroll up and scroll down function relative to a menu displayed on the display 332.
  • Button 344D may be assigned to operate another camera element, such as a lens zoom function.
  • the digital camera 310 also includes context sensors 350, which may be selected, for example, to produce relevant information about an environment extrinsic to the digital camera.
  • the context sensors 350 are illustrated as an external temperature sensor 352 and a light intensity sensor 354.
  • the digital camera 310 further includes a USB port 340, and a network port 342.
  • Trie digital camera 310 also includes a system memory (not shown), such as the system memory 22 of the thin computing device 20 of FIG. 1.
  • the system memory includes saved operating systems and programs necessary to operate the digital camera 310, and also includes an assistance manager operable to implement the operational flow 200 that provides assistance of FIG 3.
  • the system memory also includes an assistance file, which may be included in the assistance manager.
  • the assistance file includes a body of assistance information intended to help a user in response to a plurality of user-selected requests related to the digital camera 310.
  • the assistance manager and/or the assistance file may be provided by an original equipment manufacturer of the camera 310, or it may be provided by a third party.
  • the assistance manager includes operability to receive a query related to the digital camera 310 through an interface of the plurality of interfaces 320. For example, in an embodiment, detecting a user touch to the button 344D may be received as an instruction to activate the assistance manager, such as the assistance manager at operation number 21 0 of FIG 3. Activation of the assistance manager transitions the user interfaces 320 to a first state. A detected subsequent user touch to another user interface of the plurality of user interfaces 320 may be received by the assistance manager a query related to the digital camera 310.
  • a detected subsequent user touch to another user interface of the plurality of user interfaces 320 may be received by the assistance manager as a selection corresponding to an aspect of the digital camera 310.
  • the user touch may be detected by a user interface physically incorporated in the aspect of the digital camera 310 or proximate thereto.
  • the query may be received by detecting a signal responsive to a sound or voice received by the microphone 334.
  • a detection and recognition of a signal responsive to a spoken "help" command to the microphone 334 may be received as an instruction to activate the assistance manager.
  • a detection and recognition of a signal responsive to spoken words "shutter button” may be received by the assistance manager has a selection corresponding to an aspect of the digital camera 310.
  • the assistance manager includes operability to provide assistance, such as information, advice, guidance, and instructions, through at least one the plurality of interfaces 320 of the digital camera 310, such as the display 332, the tangible buttons 344A-344E, and the speaker 338.
  • the provided assistance may include any type of presentation, such as a visual presentation, an audio presentation, a spoken presentation, a tactile presentation, and a combination of two or more of the foregoing presentation modes.
  • the assistance file includes operability to provide interactive assistance with additional user inputs being received through the camera user interfaces 320.
  • An alternative embodiment implements the query operation 220 in two parts as described in conjunction with FIG. 4.
  • Activation of the assistance manager transitions the user interfaces 320 to a first state.
  • a detected subsequent user touch to another user interface of the plurality of user interfaces 320 may be received by the assistance manager as a received aspect selection operation 250, as described in conjunction with FIG 4.
  • the assistance manager transitions the user interfaces to a second state.
  • a detected subsequent user touch to a user interface of the plurality of user interfaces 320 may be received as selection corresponding to an assistance request through the second user interface of the electronic device. For example, once the assistance manager transitions the user interfaces 320 to the second state, information may be displayed on the display 332 indicating assistance selections associated with the buttons 344A-344C.
  • the burtons may be appropriately referenced by information displayed on the display 332, such as “show me,” “demonstrate,” and “guide me” respectively.
  • a selection corresponding to an assistance request is received by the assistance manager as received selection corresponding to an assistance selection operation 260 as described in conjunction with FIG 4.
  • the assistance selection operation 260 may be received by detection and recognition of a signal responsive to spoken commands received by the microphone, such as "show me,” “demonstrate,” and “guide me.”
  • a user interested in receiving assistance related to the digital camera activates the assistance manager by a long touch to at least one interface of the plurality of interfaces 320.
  • the button 344D in a long-touch mode is designated as an assistance manager activation button.
  • the assistance manager is activated in response to the button 344D receiving a long touch.
  • the assistance manager transitions the buttons 344A-344E to a first state.
  • the user inputs the selection corresponding to an aspect of the digital camera 310 by touching an interface associated with the aspect. For example, a user touch may be received at button 344E 3 the shutter button, by an interface normally associated with the shutter button.
  • buttons 344A-344C may be appropriately reference by information displayed on the display 332, such as "show me,” “demonstrate,” and “guide me” respectively.
  • the association may be by lead lines indicating a visual association between a respective word and their respective button.
  • A- user touch to one of the buttons 344A-344C is received by the assistance manager as a selection corresponding to an assistance request. For example, if the button 34-4A is visually associated with "demonstrate,” a user touch detected at an interface associated with button 344 A is received as a selection corresponding to an assistance request for a demonstration of the shutter button.
  • voice commands may be used to implement part or all of the operational flow 200 that provides assistance.
  • Selections and inputs may be received from signals responsive to sounds and v ⁇ ords detected by the microphone 334 and recognized.
  • the activation of the assistance manager program, the selection corresponding to an aspect of the digital camera 310, and the assistance request may occur in response to a received sound, spoken word, and/or a spoken phrase.
  • a user may say "assistance manager” to activate the assistance manager, say “shutter button” as a selection corresponding to an aspect of the digital camera, and say “demonstration” as a selection corresponding to an assistance request.
  • the assistance manager searches the assistance file saved in the system memory of the thin computing device included in the digital camera 310 for an assistance correlating with the user-selected query for a demonstration of the shutter button.
  • An assistance is provided correlating to the query through at least one interface of the plurality of interfaces 320.
  • the digital camera 310 provides assistance correlating to the user query through the user interfaces 320 of the digital camera.
  • the assistance may include providing in the display 332 a demonstrative visual presentation of the functions and capability of the shutter button 344E.
  • the assistance may further include flashing the light emitter (not shown) associated with the shutter button 344E as appropriate to indicate when the shutter button should be pressed.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow 400 that receives an assistance presentation.
  • the operation moves to an input operation 410.
  • a query related to an aspect of an electronic device is inputted through a first interface of the electronic device.
  • the query may typically be inputted by a human user.
  • wait operation 43 an inputter waits while an assistance file is searched for an assistance response correlating to the input operation 410.
  • receive assistance operation 440 a presentation of the assistance response correlating to the query is received through a third interface of the electronic device.
  • At least one of the first and second interfaces may be user interfaces, and the first and second interfaces may be at least substantially similar.
  • the first interface and the second interface may comprise a same physical or virtual device.
  • the first and second interfaces may share a same physical or a same virtual device, but be separately activatable when the physical or virtual device is in a different activating mode or state.
  • FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow 450 that receives an assistance presentation.
  • the operation moves to a selection operation 460.
  • selection operation 460 a selection corresponding an aspect of an electronic device is inputted through a first user interface associated with the electronic device.
  • request operation 465 an assistance request related to the aspect is inputted through a second user interface associated with, the electronic device.
  • the selection and request may typically be inputted by a human xxser.
  • wait operation 470 the inputter waits while an assistance file is searched for the assistance presentation correlating to the assistance request.
  • receive assistance operation 475 an assistance presentation correlating to the assistance request is received thro ugh a third user interface associated with the electronic device.
  • the exemplary operational flow 450 then proceeds to an end operation.
  • FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow 500 that provides contextual assistance. After a start operation, the operation moves to a help activation operation 505. At help activation operation 505, an assistance manager is activated.
  • the assistance manager may include a circuit, a module, and/or instructions, such as computer-readable instructions, for example, a program, process, and/or application operating on an electronic device, that implement the exemplary operation 500 that provides assistance.
  • a query related to an electronic device is received through a first user interface associated with the electronic device.
  • the first user interface may include a first user interface associated with an aspect of the electronic device.
  • the association may include any form of association with the aspect of the electronic device, such as, for example, a physical association and a virtual association.
  • the first user interface may include a button.
  • the button may include anything that accepts a user input expression.
  • the button may include a tangible button, and a virtual button.
  • tlie receiving a selection of an aspect of the electronic device through a first user interface associated with the electronic device may include detecting a touch through a first user interface associated with the electronic device.
  • the query may be received in any manner through the first user interface.
  • the query may be received by detecting a touch to the first user interface, by detecting a sound through the first user interface, and/or by detecting a spoken word.
  • the electronic device may include any type of electronic device.
  • an electronic device may include a computing device, a pervasive computing device, a limited resource computing device, and/or an electrical appliance.
  • the query may include a query related to an aspect of the electronic device.
  • a context of the electronic device is sensed.
  • the sensed context may include any contextual parameter related to the electronic device.
  • the sensed context may include sensing a context extrinsic to the electronic device, an environment extrinsic to the electronic device, and/or a context intrinsic to the electronic device.
  • the intrinsic context may include any intrinsic context or state of the electronic device.
  • sensing a context intrinsic to the electronic device may include sensing a configuration context, a software context intrinsic to the electronic device, and/or a hardware context.
  • the query receive operation 510 may include receiving a query related to an electronic device and a sensed context of the electronic device.
  • a query may include a request for assistance correlating to taking a portrait where a sensed context at context operation 515 includes a sensed mountain background context.
  • an assistance file is searched for an assistance correlating with the query and the sensed context.
  • the assistance file may have any association with the electronic device.
  • the assistance file may be saved in a storage physically incorporated in the electronic device, a storage local to the electronic device, and saved in a storage accessible to the electronic device over a network.
  • an assistance correlating to the query and the sensed context is provided through a second user interface associated with the electronic device.
  • the provided assistance may be any assistance correlating to both the query and the sensed context.
  • the provided assistance may include a guided response assistance, an interactive tutorial assistance, an assistance correlating with a physical element of the electronic device, a guidance correlating with a process associated with the electronic device, showing how an aspect of the device works, and/or a description of an aspect of the electronic device.
  • the provided assistance may be presented in any manner through the second user interface.
  • the provided assistance may include visually providing an assistance, such as blinking a light emitter associated with a physical element of the electronic device, or displaying text, graphics or pictures on a visual display associated with- the electronic device.
  • the provided assistance may include audibly providing an assistance, such as a spoken assistance, and/or tactilely providing an assistance, such as by vibrating a physical element of the electronic device.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the electronic device in a first state and the second user interface may include the element of the electronic device in a second state.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the electronic device in a first mode and the second " user interface may include the element of the electronic device in a second mode.
  • the second user interface may include the first user interface.
  • the operational flow 500 then proceeds to an end operation.
  • the exemplary operational flow 500 that provides contextual assistance may be considered to be an electronic device assistance manager.
  • the assistance manager may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the operational flow 500 that provides assistance, depending upon the design choices of the system designer.
  • a further embodiment includes a computer-readable media containing computer instructions which, when run on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operational flow 500 that provides assistance.
  • the computer-readable media may include a computer storage media, which may be carried by a computer-readable carrier, such as a floppy disk.
  • the computer-readable media may include a communications media.
  • the exemplary operational flow 500 that provides contextual assistance may be implemented in any device or item where enhanced contextual user assistance may be advantageously employed.
  • the exemplary operational flow 500 may be implemented in the system 300 described in conjunction with FIG. 6.
  • the digital camera 310 of the system 300 includes context sensors 350, which are illustrated as the temperature sensor 352 and the light intensity sensor 354.
  • the assistance manager includes operability to implement the exemplary operational flow 500.
  • a user interested in receiving assistance activates the assistance manager at help activation operation 505 by a long touch to the button 344ED.
  • the assistance manager operates in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with FIG. 6 for query operation 220 where a touch to the shutter burton 344E is detected as a query.
  • the assistance manager operates to sense a context of the electronic device.
  • the context is sensed through the external temperature sensor 352 and the light intensity sensor 354. If for example, the context of the digital camera 310 is a snowy environment on a sunny day, the external temperature sensor 352 would sense temperatures at or below freezing, and the light intensity sensor 354 would sense strong sunlight. By way of further example, if the context of the digital camera 310 is a tropical beach, the external temperature sensor 352 would sense a warm temperature and the light sensor 354 would sense bright sunlight. In another example, if the context of the digital camera 310 was indoors under incandescent lighting, the external temperature sensor 352 would sense a room temperature and the light sensor 354 would sense a light frequency pattern corresponding to incandescent lighting.
  • the assistance manager searches an assistance file for an assistance correlating to both the query related to the user selected shutter button 344E and the sensed context.
  • the assistance manager program may search an assistance file for a user assistance correlating to selecting shutter speeds used in a bright sunlight and cold temperature environment.
  • the assistance manager provides a user assistance correlating to the query and the sensed context through a second user interface of the digital camera 310.
  • the provided assistance may include recommending a fast shutter speed.
  • the provided assistance may include a recommendation to protect the camera lens from fogging in the cold environment.
  • the second user interface may include any user interface associated with the electronic device, and may include a combination of two or more user interfaces.
  • the second user interface includes a visual display.
  • the visual display may include a visual display surface, such an liquid crystal display, and/or may include a light emitter, such as small light emitting diode incorporated in a physical button.
  • the query receive operation 510 may include receiving a query related to an electronic device and a sensed context of the electronic device.
  • a context sensor may include a program operable to recognize certain extrinsic environments from images acquired through a lens of the digital camera 310.
  • the assistance manage may receive an user query requesting assistance in talcing a portrait in a context of "this background,” and receive an image of "this background” resulting from the user capturing an image of "this background” through the lens of the digital camera 310.
  • a recognition aspect of the assistance manager determines the context of "this background” from the user captured image.
  • the assistance manager searches an assistance file for an assistance correlating to both the query related to the user selected shutter button 344E and the sensed extrinsic context acquired in response to a user action in capturing "this background" through the digital camera 310.
  • FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow 550 that provides contextual assistance.
  • the assistance manager may include a circuit, a module, and/or instructions, such as computer- readable instructions, for example, a program, process, and/or application operating on an electronic device, that implement the exemplary operation 550 that provides assistance.
  • a selection corresponding to an aspect of an electronic device is received through a first user interface of the electronic device.
  • the first user interface of the electronic device associated with the aspect.
  • the selection corresponding to an aspect of an electronic device may be received through the first user interface in any manner.
  • the selection may be received by detecting a touch to the first iiser interface, and/or by detecting a sound through the first user interface, which may include detecting a spoken word.
  • a selection corresponding to an assistance request related to the aspect of the electronic device is received through a second user interface of the electronic device.
  • the first user interface and/or the second user interfaces may generally include any configuration, including configurations previously described. Several exemplary configurations are described hi conjunction with the exemplary operational flows 200 and 270 of FIGS. 3 and 4 that provide assistance.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request through a second user interface may generally be received in any manner, including any manner previously described that receives a selection throu.gh a user interface.
  • the selection may include a selection corresponding to a predetermined assistance request related to the aspect of the electronic device.
  • predetermined assistance requests may include any request related to the electronic device, such as a group of "show me,” “demonstrate,” and "guide me.”
  • request operation 565 a user selects at least one from among a group of predetermined assistance requests.
  • context operation 570 a context of the electronic device is sensed.
  • the context operation 570 may be substantially similar to the context operation 515 of the exemplary process 500 that provides an assistance described in conjunction with FIG 9.
  • search operation 575 an assistance file is searched for an assistance correlating to the selection corresponding to an assistance request and the sensed context.
  • the search operation 575 may be substantially similar to the search operation 520 of the exemplary process 500 that provides an assistance described in conjunction with FIG 9.
  • the assistance con-elating to the assistance request related to the aspect of the electronic device and the environmental context is provided through a third user interface of the electronic device.
  • the broadcast operation 580 may be substantially similar to the help operation 525 of the exemplary process 500 that provides an assistance described in conjunction with FIG 9.
  • the three user interfaces may be related in any suitable, selected manner.
  • the first user interface includes an element of the electronic device in a first state
  • the second user interface includes the element of the electronic device in a second state
  • the first user interface includes an element of the electronic device in a first state
  • the second user interface includes the element of the electronic device in a second state
  • the third user interface includes the element of the electronic device in a third state.
  • one of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface includes an element of the electronic device in a first state, and. another of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include the element of the electronic device in a second state.
  • the first user interface includes an element of the electronic device in a first mode and trie second user interface includes the element of the electronic device in a second mode .
  • the first user interface includes an element of the electronic device in a first mode
  • the second user interface includes the element of the electronic device in a second mode
  • the third user interface includes the element of the electronic device in a third mode.
  • one of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include an element of the electronic device in a first mode, and another of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include the element of the electronic device in a second mode.
  • the exemplary operational flow 550 that provides assistance further includes trie exemplary operational flow 270, which provides additional assistance as described in conjunction with FIG 3.
  • the exemplary operational flow 550 that provides contextual assistance may be considered to be an electronic device assistance manager.
  • the assistance manager may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the operational flow 550 that provides assistance, depending upon the design choices of the system designer.
  • a further embodiment includes a computer-readable media containing computer instructions which, when run on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operational flow 550 that provides assistance.
  • the computer-readable media may include a computer storage media, which may be carried by a computer-readable carrier, such as a floppy disk. Alternatively, the computer-readable media may include a communications media.
  • the exemplary operational flow 550 that provides contextual assistance may be implemented in any device or item wliere enhanced contextual user assistance may be advantageously employed.
  • the exemplary operational flow 550 may be implemented in the system 300 described in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 9.
  • FIG. 11 is a flow diagram ill ⁇ strating an exemplary operational flow 700 that provides assistance. After a start operation, the operation moves to a help activation operation 705. At help activation operation 705, an assistance manager is activated.
  • a query related to an item is received through a first user interface associated with the item.
  • the item includes a computing device.
  • the first user interface may be further associated with the computing device.
  • the first user interface may include a first user interface associated with an aspect of the item.
  • the association may include any form of association with the aspect of the item, such as, for example, a physical association and a virtual association.
  • the query may include a query related to an aspect of the item.
  • the query may be received in any manner through the first user interface.
  • the query may be received by detecting a touch to the first user interface, by detecting a sound through the first user interface, and/ or by detecting a spoken word.
  • the 'first user interface may include a button.
  • the button may include anything that accepts a user input expression.
  • the button may include a tangible button, and a virtual button.
  • the receiving a selection of an aspect of the item through a first user interface associated with the item may include detecting a touch through a first user interface associated with the item.
  • the item may include any type of item.
  • an embodiment may include a vehicle, such as an automobile, a boat, a ship, and/or an aircraft.
  • a vehicle such as an automobile, a boat, a ship, and/or an aircraft.
  • other embodiments may include an appliance, such as a refrigerator, a stove, a microwave oven, and/or an HVAC system.
  • embodiments may include manufacturing equipment and/or processing equipment.
  • an assistance file is searched for an assistance correlating with the query.
  • the assistance file may have any association with the item.
  • trie assistance file may be saved in a digital storage physically incorporated in a computing device associated with the item.
  • an assistance correlating to the query is provided through a second user interface associated with the item.
  • the item includes a computing device, and the assistance correlating to the query may be provided through a second user interface associated with a computing device.
  • the provided assistance may include axiy material and/or information that may be helpful to a user.
  • the provided assistance may include a guided response assistance, an interactive tutorial assistance, an assistance correlating with a physical element of tr ⁇ e item, a guidance correlating with a process associated with the item, showing how an aspect of the device works, and/or a description of an aspect of the item.
  • the provided assistance may be presented in any manner through the second user interface.
  • the provided assistance may include visually providing an assistance, such as blinking a light emitter associated with a physical element of the item, or displaying text, graphics or pictures on a visual display associated with the item.
  • the provided assistance may include audibly providing an assistance, such as a spoken assistance, and/or tactilely providing an assistance, such as by vibrating a physical element of the item.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first state and the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second state.
  • the first user interface may include an element of the item in a first mode and the second user interface may include the element of the item in a second mode.
  • the second user interface may include the first user interface.
  • the exemplary operational flow 700 that provides assistance may be considered an assistance manager.
  • the assistance manager may include a circuit, a module, arid/or instructions, such as computer-readable instructions.
  • instructions may include a program, process, and/or application operating on a computing device that implement the exemplary operational flow 700 that provides assistance.
  • the assistance manager may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the operational flow 700 ttxat provides assistance, depending upon the design choices of the system designer.
  • a further embodiment includes a computer-readable media containing computer instructions which, when run on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operational flow 700 that provides assistance.
  • the computer-readable media may include a computer storage media, which may be carried by a computer- readable carrier, such as a floppy disk. Alternatively, the computer-readable media may include a communications media.
  • FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operational flow 750 that provides assistance. After a start operation, the operation moves to a help activation operation 755, where an assistance manager is activated.
  • a selection corresponding to an aspect of an item is received through a first user interface of the computing device.
  • the first user interface of the item may be associated with the aspect.
  • the item includes computing device and the aspect is associated with computing device.
  • the selection corresponding to an aspect of an item may be received through the first user interface in any manner. For example, the selection may be received by detecting a touch to the first user interface, and/or by detecting a sound through the first user interface, which may include detecting a spoken word.
  • a selection corresponding to an assistance request related to the aspect of the item is received through a second user interface of the item.
  • the first user interface and/or the second user interface may generally include any configuration, including configurations previously described. Several exemplary configurations are described in conjunction with the exemplary operational flows 200 and 220 of FIGS. 3 and 4 that provide assistance.
  • the receiving a selection corresponding to an assistance request through a second user interface may generally be received in any manner, including any manner previously described that receives a selection through a user interface.
  • the selection may include a selection corresponding to a predetermined assistance request related to the aspect of the item.
  • predetermined assistance requests may include any request related to the item, such as a group of "show me,” “demonstrate,” and "giaide me.”
  • request operation 765 a user selects at least one from among a group of predetermined assistance requests.
  • search operation 775 an assistance file is searched for an assistance correlating to the selection corresponding to the assistance request received at request operation 765.
  • the search operation 775 may be substantially similar to the search operation 720 of the exemplary operational flow 700 that provides an assistance described in conjunction with FIG 11.
  • the assistance correlating to the assistance request related to the aspect of the item is provided through a third user interface of the item.
  • the broadcast operation 780 may be substantially similar to the broadcast operation 725 of the exemplary operational flow 700 that provides an assistance described in conjunction with FIG 11.
  • the three user interfaces may be related in any suitable, selected manner.
  • the first user interface includes an element of the item in a first state
  • the second user interface includes the element of the item in a second state.
  • the first user interface includes an element of the item in a first state
  • the second user interface includes the element of the item in a second state
  • the third user interface includes the element of the item in a third state.
  • one of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface includes an element of the item in a first state, and another of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include the element of the item in a second state.
  • the first user interface includes an element of the item in a first mode and the second user interface includes the element of the item in a second mode.
  • the first user interface includes an element of the item in a first mode
  • the second user interface includes the element of the item in a second mode
  • the third user interface includes the element of the item in a third mode.
  • one o f the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include an element of the item in a first mode, and another of the first user interface, the second user interface, and the third user interface include the element of the item in a second mode.
  • the exemplary operational flow 75 O that provides assistance may further include the exemplary operation 270, which provides additional assistance as described in conjunction with FIG 5.
  • the exemplary operational flow 750 that provides assistance may be considered an assistance manager.
  • the assistance manager may include a circuit, a module, and/or instructions, such as computer-readable instructions.
  • instructions may include computer-readable instructions, such as, a program, process, and/or application operating on a computing device of an item that implements the exemplary operational flow 750 that provides assistance.
  • the assistance manager may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the operational flow 750 that provides assistance, depending upon the design choices of the system designer.
  • a further embodiment includes a computer-readable media containing computer instructions which, when run on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the operational flow 750 that provides assistance.
  • the computer-readable media may include a computer storage media, which may be carried by a computer-readable carrier, such as a floppy disk.
  • the computer-readable media may include a communications media.
  • the exemplary operational flow 750 that provides assistance may be implemented in any item where enhanced user assistance may be advantageously employed.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary system 600 representative of an item in which embodiments, such as the exemplary operational flow 700 and the exemplary operational flow 750, may be implemented.
  • the exemplary system 600 of FIG. 13 illustrates a vehicular environment, such as an automobile, and/or a truck.
  • the exemplary system 600 includes an engine control module 602, a media center module 604, a suspension module 606, a power train module 608, the traction/braking module 610, a passenger restraint module 612, a climate control module 614, a body control module 616, and a context sensor module 618. These modules are repres entative of any module or modules that may be used in a vehicular environment.
  • the exemplary system 600 also includes a computing device 620.
  • the modules 602 — 61 8 and the computing device 620 are coupled by a system bus 601.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates user interfaces 640 of an exemplary embodiment of the computing device 620 of the exemplary system 600.
  • the computing device 620 may be any type of computing device.
  • the computing device 620 may include the thin computing device 20 described in conjunction with FIG. 1, and/or the computing device 1OO described in conjunction with FIG 2.
  • the computing device 620 may be implemented as a part of another module, for example, such as the media center module 604.
  • the computing device 620 includes the plurality of user interfaces 640.
  • the plurality of user interfaces 640 may include any number and type of interfaces. As illustrated in FIG. 14, an embodiment of the plurality of interfaces 640 Includes a display 632.
  • the display 632 may provide a textual, a visual display, and/or a graphical display. In a further embodiment, the display 632 may include touch, screen functionality operable to accept a user input.
  • an embodiment of the plurality of user interfaces 640 also includes a microphone 634, a speaker 638, and a plurality of tangible buttons 644A-644E.
  • One or more of the tangible buttons may include a light emitter, such as a light emitting device 646A.
  • buttons 644A-644E may include a vibrator operable to provide a tactile and/or audible display.
  • the display 632 and the " tangible buttons 644A-644E may have any functionality appropriate to the system 6O0.
  • the user interface 640 also includes a cursor control 642 providing user navigation on the display 632.
  • the computing device 620 may also include context sensors (not shown), which may be selected, for example, to produce relevant information about an environment extrinsic and/or intrinsic to the system 600.
  • the computing device 620 may further include a USB port and a network port (not shown).
  • the computing device 620 also includes a system memory (not shown), such as the system memory 22 of the thin computing device 20 of FIG. 1.
  • the system memory includes saved operating systems and programs necessary to operate the computing device 620, and also includes an assistance manager operable to implement operations that provide assistance, such as the exemplary operatioaal flows 700 and 750 described in conjunction with FIGS. 11 and 12 respectively.
  • the system memory may also include saved operating systems and programs necessary to operate and/or interface with one or more of the modules of the system 600.
  • trie system memory may include a program allowing user input to the suspension module 606 through one or more interfaces of the computing devices 620.
  • the system memory also includes an assistance file, which may be included in the assistance manager.
  • the assistance file includes a " body of assistance information intended to help a user in response to a plurality of user-selected requests related to the item, illustrated as the exemplary system 600.
  • the assistance manager and/or the assistance file may be provided by an original equipment manufacturer of the exemplary system 600, or it may be provided by a third party.
  • the assistance manager includes operability to receive a query related to the system 600 through one or more user interfaces.
  • the user interfaces of the system may include one or more user interfaces associated with one or more of the modules 602 — 618, and the plurality of user interfaces 640 associated with computing device 620.
  • a user touch detected to the button 644E may be received as an instruction to activate the assistance manager, such as the assistance manager at operation 705 of FIG 11.
  • Activation of the assistance manager transitions the user interfaces 640 of the computing device 620 and/or one or more user interfaces of the modules 602-620 of the system 600, to a first state.
  • a detected user touch to a user interface of the plurality of user interfaces 640 and/or another of the modules 602-618 of the system 600 is received by the assistance manager as query related to the system 600.
  • the query may be received by detecting a signal responsive to a sound or voice received by the microphone 634.
  • a detection and recognition of a signal responsive to a spoken "help" command to the microphone 634 may be received as an instruction to activate the assistance manager.
  • a detection and recognition of a signal responsive to spoken words "traction control” may be received by the assistance manager as a query corresponding to the traction control module 610 aspect of the system 600.
  • the assistance manager includes operability to search an assistance file for an assistance corresponding to the query as previously described.
  • the assistance manager further includes operability to provide assistance, such as information, advice, guidance, and instructions.
  • the assistance may be provided through at least one of the plurality of interfaces 640 of the computing device 620, and/or at least one user interface associated with one or more of the modules 602-618.
  • the assistance may be provided through user interfaces of the computing device 620, such as the display 632, the tangible buttons 644A-644E, and the speaker 638.
  • the assistance may be provided through a user interface associated with, a module, such as the climate control module 614.
  • an assistance may be provided by blinking a light associated with a user button on a console associated with the climate control system and the climate control module 614.
  • the provided assistance may include any type of presentation, such as a visual presentation, an audio presentation, a spoken presentation, a tactile presentation, and a combination of two or more of the foregoing presentation modes.
  • the assistance file includes operability to provide interactive assistance with additional user inputs being received through the user interfaces 640.
  • An alternative embodiment implements a two -part query operational flow, such as the operational flow 750 providing assistance described in conjunction with FIG, 12.
  • Activation of the assistance manager transitions the user interfaces 640 of the computing device 620 and/or the system 600 to a first state.
  • a detected touch to a user interface is received by the assistance manager as a received aspect selection operation 760, as described in conjunction "with FIG. 12.
  • the assistance manager transitions the user interfaces to a second state.
  • a detected user touch to a user interface is received as selection corresponding to an assistance request 765, as described in conjunction with FIG 12.
  • buttons 644A-644E may be appropriately referenced by information displayed on the display 632, such as "show me,” “demonstrate,” and “guide me” respectively.
  • a selection corresponding to an assistance request is received by the assistance manager as a received selection corresponding to an assistance request operation 765 as described in conjunction with FIG 12.
  • the assistance selection may be received by detecting a signal responsive to a sound or voice received by the microphone 634.
  • the signal responsive is recognized and received as a selection corresponding to an assistance request at the assistance election operation 765.
  • a signal responsive to spoken commands such as “show me,” “demonstrate,” and “guide me” may be recognized at the operation 765 as a selection corresponding to an assistance request embodied in a plain meaning of those words.
  • the assistance manager includes operability to search an assistance file for an assistance correlating to the query as previously described.
  • the assistance manager further includes operability to provide assistance as previously described.
  • an implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware.
  • any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the contexit in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary.
  • ASICs Application Specific Integrated Circuits
  • FPGAs Field Programmable Gate Arrays
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • ASICs Application Specific Integrated Circuits
  • FPGAs Field Programmable Gate Arrays
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • a signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs 5 digital tape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g., packet links).
  • any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
  • operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components.

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US10/974,476 US9747579B2 (en) 2004-09-30 2004-10-26 Enhanced user assistance
US10/974,476 2004-10-26
US10/974,555 2004-10-26
US10/974,555 US20060090132A1 (en) 2004-10-26 2004-10-26 Enhanced user assistance
US10/974,561 US8341522B2 (en) 2004-10-27 2004-10-27 Enhanced contextual user assistance
US10/974,561 2004-10-27
US10/978,243 US9098826B2 (en) 2004-09-30 2004-10-29 Enhanced user assistance
US10/978,243 2004-10-29

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US9098826B2 (en) 2015-08-04
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KR20070089919A (ko) 2007-09-04
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