Patent ID: 6020886
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
Apparatus for use on a computer system having a display screen, a memory and user-controlled means for generating input commands, the apparatus suspending operation of an application program to generate an animated help demonstration on the display screen for teaching a user to operate a feature of the application program, the apparatus comprising:a list of demonstration commands stored in the memory, the demonstration commands including program statements for detecting a customized desktop created by the user of the application program and the display screen at the time of suspension and for changing the list of demonstration commands to accommodate the application program customized desktop;a demonstration player stored in the memory and responsive to the demonstration commands for generating input commands reflective of the customized desktop of the application program and the display screen at the time of suspension;means for applying the input commands to the application program as simulated user input commands to cause the application program to perform a help demonstration starting with the customized desktop as it is displayed at the time of suspension; anda mechanism which resumes operation of the application program after the help demonstration ends.