Context-Sensitive Training Icon for Application Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer applications lack effective built-in training capabilities to guide users through specific procedures, with existing help documentation being nuanced and requiring users to parse information for various interactions, such as adjusting images via zooming or panning, which can be confusing and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that present steps for executing procedures on a user interface using text and graphical feedback, with a training icon that guides users through actions such as freezing, saving, adjusting image contrast, or changing scanning depth, by displaying training icons and text on the interface and modifying them based on user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional help documentation is provided, then users can access information about procedures, but users must parse and navigate complex documentation to understand specific interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a training icon as an intermediary element that mediates between the user and the complex help documentation. This training icon provides contextual guidance about specific interactions (such as zooming or panning) directly at the point of use, eliminating the need for users to search through comprehensive documentation. The training icon acts as a simplified mediator that translates complex procedural information into intuitive visual cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing context-specific training information localized to particular controls or features within the application interface. Rather than presenting uniform documentation for all procedures, the system displays targeted training icons and text adjacent to or near the specific control being discussed, allowing users to access relevant information precisely where it applies in the interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive help documentation is provided for all procedures, then users can find information about any interaction, but the documentation becomes complex and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments comprehensive help documentation into discrete, context-specific training modules represented by individual training icons. Each training icon corresponds to a specific control or interaction type (such as zooming, panning, or other image adjustments), breaking down the monolithic documentation structure into manageable, targeted segments that address specific user needs without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of help documentation by displaying training icons and text only when relevant to the current user context or interaction. The system dynamically determines which training information to present based on the user's current focus or selected control, transforming static comprehensive documentation into a dynamic, context-aware guidance system that adapts to user needs in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If detailed training information is provided for each control, then users can understand specific procedures, but the user interface becomes cluttered with text and icons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where training icons and text are embedded within or adjacent to the existing control interface elements. The training information is nested in a way that integrates with the control layout, allowing users to access training content without adding significant visual clutter. The training icons may be positioned in toolbars, adjacent to controls, or in collapsible panels that nest within the existing interface framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing training information selectively rather than continuously displaying all available training content. The system presents only the training information relevant to the current context or user selection, avoiding the need to display all possible training materials simultaneously. This selective presentation reduces interface clutter while maintaining comprehensive training coverage when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a built-in training capability for a computer application associated with multiple operations. A control icon may be presented along with an image associated with the particular computer application. The control icon may list training tasks that are associated with the particular computer application or the particular image and train a user in performing a particular operation. Based upon a user interaction with the control icon, a training task may be implemented. The training task may comprise multiple steps or actions required to complete the task. The training task may cause a written description of each action and a training icon to be presented to the user. The training task may therefore assist the user in performing the operation associated with the training task.