Authoring system for computer-based information delivery system

Abstract

An authoring system for use in developing and maintaining user interface screens for computer-based information delivery systems. The authoring system enables the user interface for each individual computer to be customized quickly and easily within wide limits of variation, yet subject to constraints adhering the resulting interface to good standards of aesthetics and user friendliness. The system may be used to provide custom interfaces expeditiously even for hundreds of computers presenting information from numerous independent information sources. The authoring system uses the methods of object oriented programming to define specialized object classes for instantiation on individual computer interface screens subject to pre-defined limitations on variability. Links are provided to an appropriate database for multimedia presentations on an interface screen of content bearing information from the information providers.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation of pending application Ser. No. 11 / 733,759 filed Apr. 10, 2007, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 869,232 filed Jun. 16, 2004, now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10 / 157,420 filed May 28, 2002, now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 478,577 filed Jan. 6, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,040, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08 / 810,949 filed Feb. 27, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,137, which claim priority from provisional application 60 / 012,341, filed Feb. 27, 1996, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to electronic information delivery systems and more particularly to distributed electronic kiosk systems with multiple kiosk sites for presenting myriad amounts of information to users.[0003]An electronic kiosk refers to a computer-based information delivery system generally accessible to some segment of the public ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a multimedia kiosk authoring system that allows for easy and quick customization of kiosk user interfaces while maintaining good standards of aesthetics and user-friendliness. The system also facilitates the incorporation of large amounts of information from numerous information sources while ensuring that each kiosk is customized to present only the information that is appropriate for it. The system is accessible to individuals with little or no experience in computer programming, making it easier for a larger number of people to set up kiosk interface screens. The system is structured to allow for easy change and incorporation of new elements while taking into account the opinions of aesthetic design specialists, database specialists, and academic studies on public access kiosk systems and user preferences and problems.

Problems solved by technology

The hotel kiosk would generally not provide information about other hotels in the area and may or may not provide information on restaurants outside the hotel.

The problem is intensified because each kiosk interface will generally have to be changed from time to time either sporadically or at regular intervals.

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