Abstract:
A method for automated preparation of a formal communication, in a format such as a facsimile transmission, a letter or a memorandum, from an text object, a graphics object or a general object received by a computer system. The computer system examines the object information and determines (1) the desired format for the communication and (2) the information to be included in the body or substance of the communication. A given format, such as a facsimile transmission, has a corresponding template and a set of associated information queries to be answered to &#34;fill in&#34; the template information items. The computer system determines as many answers as possible for the information queries by examining the object. Any unanswered queries may be answered by the writer or supplier of the object. The computer system then prepares the body of the communication, including identification of people, geographical locations, events, times and dates referred to in the object. A supplemental database connected to the computer system may be used to provides additional identifying information on these people, locations, events, times and dates. A replica of the formal communication may be displayed and/or edited before the communication is transmitted to the intended recipient(s).

Description:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/889,721 filed May 27, 1992, abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to text and graphics reformatters, and more particularly to automated form preparation on a computer. 
     A person will often write the body of a communication before formatting the communication for transmittal. For example, a person might write the body of a letter before he formats the letter with the recipient&#39;s name and address, salutation, etc. The formatting process can be quite time consuming if the letter writer has to call up an appropriate letterhead, look up addresses, etc. The same problem exists for other format structures, such as facsimile formats and memorandum formats. Furthermore, the writter might want the same body of text transmitted in a number of different formats, causing a duplication of labor. 
     An attractive alternative to a manual formatting approach is to use a computer system to assist in reformatting of the information contained in such a note or other entered information. This information may be pure text (referred to here as a &#34;text object&#34;) or pure graphics (referred to here as a &#34;graphics object&#34;) or may be an unspecified mix, possibly containing both text and graphics and possibly other object types (referred to here as an &#34;object&#34;). 
     Furuta et al., in &#34;Document Formatting Systems: Survey, Concepts and Issues, Computing Surveys, vol. 14, 1982, pp. 417-472, discuss approximately 30 text formatting systems and related document processing concerns. Ordered and unordered objects are distinguished from each other, and abstract and concrete objects are likewise distinguished. 
     Peels et al. in &#34;Document Architecture and Text Formatting&#34;, A.C.M. Trans. on Office Information Systems, vol. 3, 1985, pp. 347-369, discuss machine reformatting of a source text that is already in machine-readable form, using their COBATEF system. The authors introduce definitions for basic text elements, such as paragraphs, lists, quotations, formulae, figures and tables, and formatting aids, such as margins, headers, footers and indices. Line break and hyphenation algorithms are also discussed. The COBATEF system first converts the text into a logical structure, then performs horizontal and vertical formatting. 
     Horak, in &#34;Office Document Architecture and Office Document Interchange Formats: Current Status of International Standardization&#34;, Computer, October 1985, pp. 50-60, discusses a document architecture (ODA) and office document interchange format (ODIF) models adopted or modified by the Committee Consultatif International de Telegraph et Telephone, by the International Standardization Organization, and by the European Computer Manufacturers Association. A logical tree structure is used for layout, and logical objects and layout objects are distinguished in formatting of a document. 
     Iwai et al, in &#34;A Document Layout System Using Automatic Document Architecture Extraction&#34;, A.C.M. Conference Proceedings on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1989, pp. 369-374, discuss and contrast the COBATEF system and their own automatic text, table and figure layout system. 
     Iggulden and Streck, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,723, disclose a keyboard-to-facsimile transmission system that permits direct input of alphanumeric characters and document delimiters to a facsimile transmission machine. Various QWERTY keyboards are illustrated for use with the system. Addressee information is explicitly input by the system operator. 
     None of the above-mentioned computer systems: (1) explicitly allow a choice of different communication formats; (2) allow supplementation, by an accessible database, of the information explicitly entered by the operator; (3) allow information entry by a variety of input approaches, such as pen-and-tablet, keyboard, on-board storage, etc.; or (4) provide for recognition of implicit information, such as addressee names, other person&#39;s names, locations, events, dates and times within the entered information. 
     What is needed is a system that allows automatic preparation a formatted document utilizing, in part, the information contained in the original structured or unstructured body of text. Preferably, this system would allow a choice of any of several formats for the formal memorialization, and would allow rapid conversion between the various formats. It would preferably also be able to complete required information in the formatted document from partial or fragmentary information in the original body of text. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These needs are met by a computer system that can take a text object and automatically format the object in a variety of ways using, in part, information in the text object to complete required portions of the form. The invention is applicable to text objects, to graphics objects and to general objects. 
     A writer uses entry means to enter information into a computer system, preferably by printing the information on a display pad of a pen-based computer system. Optionally, the information can be entered by a keyboard or other information entry means or may already be stored in the computer system. The computer system receives the entered information and determines which format (letter, memorandum, fax transmission, etc.) the writer has chosen for formal memorialization of the communication, either by explicit format choice or implicitly, based upon language used in the object. This format might be determined implicitly, for example, by appearance of a word or phrase such as &#34;letter to,&#34; &#34;send to,&#34; &#34;memo for&#34; or &#34;fax to&#34; in the body of the text. 
     Once the format is determined, explicitly or implicitly, the computer system provides a template corresponding to that format. The template requires that certain information items, in addition to the body or message of the communication, be provided for completeness. Each such required information item becomes a query, and the computer system examines the entered information or &#34;object&#34; to determine if the required query information is present. If this item is present, the query information is entered at the appropriate template location, and the next query is called up. If this query information item is not present in the object, the computer system notes that this item is missing and calls up the next query. 
     Optionally, if the required information is present, possibly in abbreviated form, the computer system consults a database and provides a full entry, such as a full name and mailing address, that can be entered at the appropriate location on the template. For example, the queries associated with a fax transmission may include (1) addressee name, (2) addressee telephone number for facsimile transmission, (3) addressee mailing address and/or telephone number, (4) sender name and telephone number, (5) number of pages in fax transmission, (6) time and date the facsimile transmission is sent, and (7) subject of the facsimile transmission. Letter or memorandum queries are similar. 
     The present invention: (1) allows explicit or implicit choice of a communication format from among several formats; (2) provides an appropriate template for the communication format chosen; (3) identifies the intended addressee(s) and other relevant information for the template from the object information; (4) supplements the object information with relevant information from an accessible database; and (5) recognizes the presence of times and dates in the object information, for possible special treatment in the message to be communicated. The computer system performs these tasks automatically, with no human intervention required after the object information is received by the system and there is some indication from the user that formatting is desired. The communication may also be displayed in the format chosen, for possible editing before transmission of the communication. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer entry system constructed to practice the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a presentation of a screen display assembly for practice of the invention. 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B views of the assembly of FIG. 2 with suitable information included on the display area to prepare a communication according to the invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for obtaining the required query information to prepare a communication according to the invention. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 are more detailed flow diagrams of two steps in the flow diagram of FIG. 4. 
     FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are examples of templates suitable for use with a facsimile transmission, a letter and a memorandum, respectively. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In FIG. 1, a pen-based computer system 10, constructed to assist practice of the present invention, includes a central processing unit (CPU) 12, a read only memory (ROM) 14, a random access memory (RAM) 16, input/output (I/O) circuitry 18, and a display assembly 20. The computer system 10 may optionally include a mass storage unit 22, such as a disk drive unit or non-volatile memory such as flash memory, and an array of input buttons 23. The computer system 10 need not be pen-based. Some other information entry means may be provided for the writer to enter the information, for example, a keyboard 25. 
     The CPU 12 is preferably a commercially-available, single chip microprocessor. Although the CPU 12 can be a complex instruction set computer (CISC) chip, it is preferable that CPU 12 be one of the commercially available, low power, reduced instruction set computer (RISC) chips. The CPU 12 is coupled to the ROM 14 by a unidirectional data bus 24. The ROM 14 contains the basic operating system for the computer system 10. The CPU 12 is connected to the RAM 16 by a bi-directional data bus 26 to permit the use of the RAM 16 as a scratch pad memory. The ROM 14 and RAM 16 are also coupled to the CPU 12 by appropriate control and address buses, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The CPU 12 is further coupled to the I/O circuitry 18 by a bi-directional data bus 28 to permit data transfers with peripheral devices. 
     The I/O circuitry 18 typically includes a number of latches, registers and direct memory access (DMA) controllers. The I/O circuitry 18 provides an interface between the CPU 12 and such peripheral devices as the display assembly 20, the mass storage 22, and the array of input buttons 23. 
     The display assembly 20 of the computer system 10 is both an input and an output device. Accordingly, the assembly 40 is coupled to the I/O circuitry 18 by a bi-directional data bus 30. When the display assembly operates as an output device, the display assembly receives data from the I/O. circuitry 18 via the bus 30 and displays that data on a suitable display screen 31. The screen 31 for the display assembly 20 is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD) of the type commercially available from a variety of manufacturers. The input device of the display assembly 20 is preferably a thin, clear membrane that covers the display screen 31 and that is sensitive to the position of a stylus 32 touching its surface. These position-sensitive membranes are also readily available on the commercial market. Combination display assemblies, such as a display assembly 20 that includes both the LCD and the input membrane, are commercially available from such vendors as Scriptel Corporation of Columbus, Ohio. 
     Other types of pointing devices can also be used in conjunction with the present invention. Although the method of the present invention is described in the context of a pen-based system, other pointing devices such as a computer mouse, a track ball, or a tablet can be used to manipulate a pointer on a screen. As used herein, the terms &#34;pointing devices,&#34; &#34;pointing means,&#34; and the like will refer to any mechanism or device for pointing to a particular location on a screen of a computer display. 
     Some type of mass storage 22 is generally considered desirable. However, the mass storage 22 can be eliminated by providing a sufficient amount of ROM 14 and RAM 16 to store user application programs and data. In that instance, the RAM 16 could be provided with a back-up battery to prevent the loss of data even when the pen-based computer system 10 is turned off or loses power. 
     In operation, information is entered into the computer system 10 by &#34;writing&#34; on the screen of the display assembly 20 with the stylus 32. Alternatively, information can be input into the computer from other sources such as from keyboard 25. Information concerning the location of the stylus 32 on the screen 31 of the display assembly 20 is entered into the CPU via I/O circuitry 18. The CPU 12 then processes the data under control of an operating system and possibly an application program stored in the ROM 14 and/or the RAM 16. The CPU then produces data that are fed to the display assembly 20 to produce appropriate images on its screen. 
     In FIG. 2, a pen-based computer system 20 is shown housed within a generally rectangular enclosure 36. The CPU 12, ROM 14, RAM 16, I/O circuitry 18, and mass storage 22 are preferably enclosed within the enclosure 36. The display assembly 20 is mostly enclosed within the enclosure 36, but viewing screen 31 of the display assembly is exposed to the user. As used herein, the term &#34;screen&#34; will refer to the portion of the display assembly 20 that can display an image that can be viewed by a user. The array of input buttons 23 is also accessible to the user. 
     Upon power-up of the system, the pen-based computer system 10 displays on screen 31 an initial note area N(1) including a header bar B(1) and a plurality of guidelines 42. The header bar B(1) preferably includes the date of creation 44 of the note N(1), a note number 46, and a sizing &#34;button&#34; 48. The optional guidelines 42 aid a user in entering text, graphics, and data into the pen-based computer system 10. In this preferred embodiment, the input buttons 23 are not part of the screen 31, but, rather, are permanent, hard-wired input buttons coupled to the CPU 12 by the I/O circuitry 18. Alternatively, the array of input buttons 23 could be &#34;soft&#34; buttons generated at a convenient location on the screen 31, in which case a button would be activated by touching the stylus 32 to the screen 31 over the image of a button. The array of input buttons 23 preferably includes a number of dedicated function buttons 50 and a pair of scroll buttons 52A and 52B. One or more buttons of the array of buttons 23 may allow an explicit choice of communication format to be used, overriding any choice made by the system. 
     As used herein, the phrase &#34;formal communication&#34; or &#34;communication&#34; refers to a formatted, written document, in a format such as a facsimile transmission, business letter or memorandum, addressed to one or more addressees, and containing a body of information to be communicated to the addressee(s). 
     FIG. 3A illustrates the display screen 31 of FIG. 2 with some text information entered. The related words of this text information is often referred to as a text object. The writer may explicitly choose a communication format by depressing one or more of the input buttons 23. The available choices here include facsimile transmission form, business letter form, and memorandum (memo) form. 
     Alternatively, the system will attempt to determine a format which is implicitly chosen. The text object is analyzed to determine (1) the choice of format for the communication (facsimile, letter, memorandum, etc.), (2) the addressee(s) and related identifying information, and (3) the body or substance of the communication. 
     In FIG. 3A, the implicit format is a facsimile transmission, the &#34;addresses&#34; (i.e. identifiers of the destinations of the communication) are J. Roberts and B. Hamrick, the facsimile number for the communication is 510-123-4567, and the body or message of the communication is to include investment information (to be obtained elsewhere) on a secondary offering of Motorola stock. Optionally, the computer system can consult an accessible database that includes other relevant information for the addressee(s). The actual information to be sent to the addresses is merely referred to here, and would presumably be pulled from a file for facsimile transmission by a simple database query. However, most or all of the information for the body of the communication may instead appear on the screen in FIG. 3A, and the computer system will identify and format this information. The information entered by the writer on the screen is not limited to one screenful. The screen may be scrolled using buttons 52a and 52b to enter more information concerning the text object than can be displayed on one screen. 
     FIG. 3B illustrates the display screen 31 of FIG. 2 displaying a &#34;general&#34; object comprising both a text object and a graphic object. The system recognizes and distinguishes between text objects and graphic objects automatically. The text object is analyzed by character recognition software (well known to those skilled in the art of pen-based computer systems) and stored. The graphic object is analyzed and &#34;cleaned up&#34;, by straightening line segments, smoothing curves, etc., utilizing graphic recognition domains (also known to those skilled in the art) and stored. The graphic object may be explicitly positioned within or adjacent to the text by the writer. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The computer system 10 of FIG. 1 receives the object in Step 61. It should be noted that the object can be a free-form text object, or may already be formatted as a formal communication. In the latter case, the method of the present invention can convert the formatted communication to another form, e.g. from a fax to a letter to a memorandum form. 
     The information comprising the object is preferably entered by the writer on the display screen 31 by use of stylus 32, or through some other information entry means. If a choice of format is not indicated explicitly, in Step 63, the computer system examines the object information in Step 65 to determine the implicitly desired format of the communication and proceeds to Step 81. If a format is chosen explicitly, the system proceeds directly from Step 63 to Step 81. One method for explicitly choosing a format is to provide icons on the bottom of screen 31 just above one or more of the buttons 50 of the array of buttons 23 (See FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B). For example, one of the buttons 50 can be beneath an icon of a letter, indicating that the pressing of that button 50 will format the text object as a letter. 
     Once the format is identified, the corresponding template and associated queries are identified and called up for the communication in Step 81. Information that answers each of the associated queries is then sought in the object in Step 101. Once all queries for which information is available have been answered, the desired communication is optionally displayed and/or edited in the chosen format on a display screen, such as the screen 31 shown in FIG. 1, in Step 121. Any query that could not be answered may be flagged or otherwise brought to the attention of the writer for entry of the missing information in the communication. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the Step 65 of FIG. 4 in more detail. If the word &#34;facsimile&#34; or &#34;fax&#34; appears in the entered information (Step 71), the computer system chooses a facsimile format in Step 73. If the word &#34;letter&#34; or &#34;send&#34; or &#34;mail&#34; appears in the entered information, but not the words &#34;facsimile&#34; or &#34;fax&#34; (Step 73), and if the addressee (found by a subsequent search of the object through a query) is not present at the same site where the writer is located (Step 74), the computer system chooses a letter format in Step 75. Proceeding from Step 74, if the addressee is located off-site, the computer system chooses the memorandum format in Step 77. If none of the words &#34;facsimile&#34;, &#34;fax&#34;, &#34;letter&#34;, &#34;send&#34; or &#34;mail&#34; appears in the object but the word &#34;memorandum&#34; or &#34;memo&#34; appears in the object, the computer system chooses the memorandum (or report) format in Step 77. If none of the words &#34;facsimile&#34;, &#34;fax&#34;, &#34;letter&#34;, &#34;mail&#34;, &#34;send&#34;, &#34;memorandum&#34; or &#34;memo&#34; appears in the object, the computer system proceeds to Step 78, stops and awaits entry of additional format information by the writer. Based on the choices made in Steps 72, 74 or 77, the format, format template and queries list are then determined and called up in Step 81. 
     @@@@ 
     FIG. 6 illustrates the Step 101 of FIG. 4 in more detail. In Step 102, the associated queries for the chosen format are assembled and assigned consecutive positive integers Q=Q i , Q i+1 , . . . , Q final  as query indices. Initially, the query index Q is set equal to its initial value Q i . Step 103, the beginning of a Do Loop, the next (or first) query index Q and corresponding query are chosen. In Step 104, the computer system determines whether Q≦Q final . If Q is ≦Q final , in Step 105 the computer system determines whether the query information for query index Q appears in the object. If this query information is not found in the object, the computer system notes the absence of this information, increments Q by one (Q=Q+1), and returns to Step 103. 
     If this query information is found in the object, the system determines whether the query information appears in a user database in a Step 106. If it does not, the computer system adds this query information to the template at the appropriate template location in Step 108. Optionally, in a Step 107, the computer system can attempt to expand this query information to a full template entry by consulting an associated database, using this query information as an identifier. For example, with reference to FIG. 3A, each of the addressee names that appear there, J. Robert and B. Hamrick, may be expanded to a full entry including full name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and other relevant information by consulting an appropriate database, using each of the addressee names shown in FIG. 3A as an initial identifier. 
     After query information (or corresponding full entry from a database) for query index Q is placed in an appropriate position in the chosen template in Step 108, the computer system increments the query index Q by one (Q=Q+1) and returns to Step 103. At some point, this increment first produces a query index Q=Q final  +1, and the answer to the question &#34;Is Query Number≦Q final  ?&#34; becomes &#34;No&#34; in Step 104. At this point, all query information available in the object has been identified and placed in the chosen template. The remainder of the information in the object is assumed to be substance or content for the communication itself, i.e. the body of the communication. This remainder is formatted and placed in the body or message of the communication in Step 109. 
     The computer system then determines, in Step 110, if all required query information has been obtained from the object. If the answer is &#34;Yes,&#34; the formatted communication (facsimile transmission, letter, memorandum, etc.) is displayed with all query information included in step 119. If a portion of the required query information is missing, the computer system also displays the intended communication in a step 121 and also indicates on the display screen which query information is missing. The writer can then supply the missing information, if any, before the communication is prepared and sent. 
     FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate templates suitable for use when the communication format selected is a facsimile transmission, a letter and a memorandum, respectively. 
     The queries associated with a given choice of format include a first set of primary information items and a second set that includes optional information items. For a choice of the facsimile format, suitable queries are as follows: 
     Format: facsimile 
     First level queries 
     Addressee fax number 
     Second level queries 
     Addressee name 
     Addressee mailing address 
     Addressee telephone number 
     Number of pages in facsimile transmission 
     Date facsimile is transmitted 
     Sender name, telephone number and affiliation 
     Sender fax number 
     Subject of fax transmission 
     For a choice of the letter format, suitable queries are as follows: 
     Format: letter 
     First level queries 
     Addressee mailing address 
     Second level queries 
     Addressee name 
     Date letter is sent 
     Sender name, mailing address and affiliation 
     Subject of letter 
     For a choice of the memorandum format, suitable queries are as follows: 
     Format: memorandum 
     First level queries 
     Addressee mailing address (mail station, etc.) 
     Second level queries 
     Addressee name 
     Date memorandum is sent or prepared 
     Sender name, mailing address and affiliation 
     Subject of memorandum 
     In order to determine what format is chosen, the computer system first looks for a &#34;format&#34; word, such as &#34;facsimile,&#34; &#34;fax,&#34; &#34;send,&#34; &#34;mail,&#34; &#34;letter,&#34; &#34;memorandum,&#34; &#34;memo&#34;, etc. If such a word is present, the analysis proceeds as in FIG. 5. The intended addressee&#39;s name, if any, would likely appear within, say, five words of the corresponding &#34;format&#34; word, and one of the connecting words may be &#34;for&#34; or &#34;to.&#34; An example is shown in the entered message shown in FIG. 3A (&#34;Send fax to J. Roberts and B. Hamrick . . . &#34;). 
     After the chosen format is identified, the computer system, optionally, identifies five classes of information items within the object: persons, (geographic) locations, events, times and dates. With reference to the first class, persons, the computer system looks for proper names (usually capitalized) within the object, ignoring the articles, connectives and similar words such as &#34;a,&#34; &#34;the,&#34; &#34;there,&#34; &#34;and,&#34; &#34;or,&#34; &#34;but,&#34; &#34;however,&#34; etc. From the remainder of words in the object, after removal of the articles, connectives and proper nouns, the computer system searches for location words, from a list of cities, towns and other relevant locations that are, optionally, stored in an accessible database. After removal of the articles, connectives, proper nouns and location words from the object, the computer system searches for dates and times contained in the remainder of the object words, using an algorithm discussed below. After the time and date words are also removed from the object words, the computer system searches for event words contained in the remainder, from a list of such events that are, optionally, stored in an accessible database. The order of the five inquiries above is not critical here. The content(s) of the accessible database(s) containing the proper names, locations and events are discretionary with the writer or system user. 
     The computer system can rely on algorithms or heuristic reasoning to recognize the presence of a time in one of its many different styles. If any one of the following questions is answered affirmatively, the system determines that the appropriate word or phrase within the object refers to a time. Here the symbols a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, m and n each represent a blank space (&#34;sp&#34;) or a numerical digit (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), as indicated. The order in which these questions are posed is immaterial. 
     1. Is the word or phrase of the form ab:cd with 
     a=sp, 0, 1, or 2 (conventional or military time) 
     b=0, 1, 2, . . . , 8, or 9 
     c=1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 
     d=0, 1, 2, . . . , 8, or 9? 
     2. Is the word or phrase of the form ab:cd (am or pm) with 
     a=sp, 0 or 1 
     b=0, 1, 2, . . . , 8, or 9 
     c=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 
     d=0, 1, 2, . . . , 8, or 9? 
     3. Is the word or phrase of the form of &#34;minutes before gh&#34; or &#34;minutes after gh&#34; with 
     e=sp, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 
     f=0, 1, 2, . . . , 8, or 9 
     g=sp, 0, 1, or 2 
     h=0, 1, 2, . . . , 8, or 9? 
     4. Is the word or phrase of the form &#34;jk o&#39;clock&#34; with 
     j=sp, 0, 1, or 2 
     k=0, 1, 2, . . . , 8, or 9? 
     5. Is the word or phrase of the form &#34;12 noon&#34; or &#34;12 midnight&#34;? 
     6. Is the word or phrase of the form &#34;mn fifteen&#34; or &#34;mn thirty&#34; or &#34;mn forty-five&#34; with 
     m=sp, 0, 1, or 2 
     n=0, 1, 2, . . . , 8, or 9? 
     The computer system also relies upon algorithms or heuristic reasoning to recognize the presence of a date that takes account of many different styles used to refer to a specific date. If any one of the following questions is answered affirmatively, the system determines that the appropriate word or phrase within the object refers to a date. Here the symbols a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, u, v and w each represent a blank space (&#34;sp&#34;) or a numerical digit (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), as indicated. The order in which these questions are posed is immaterial. 
     1. Is the word or phrase of the form ab/cd/efgh, where a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h are characters satisfying the constraints 
     a=(space), 0, or 1, 
     b=0, 1, or 2, 
     c=(space), 0, or 1, 
     d=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     e=(space), 1, or 2, 
     f=(space), 0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     g=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, and 
     h=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9? 
     2. Is the word or phrase of the form ab-cd-efgh, where a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h are characters satisfying the constraints 
     a=(space), 0 or 1, 
     b=0, 1 or 2, 
     c=(space), 0, 1, 2 or 3, 
     d=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     e=(space), 1 or 2, 
     f=(space), 0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     g=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, and 
     h=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9? 
     3. Is the word or phrase of the form ab/cd/efgh, where a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h are characters satisfying the constraints 
     a=(space), 0, 1, 2 or 3, 
     b=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     c=(space), 0 or 1, 
     d=0, 1 or 2, 
     e=(space), 1 or 2, 
     f=(space), 0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     g=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, and 
     h=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9? 
     4. Is the word or phrase of the form ab-cd-efgh, where a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h are characters satisfying the constraints 
     a=(space), 0, 1, 2 or 3, 
     b=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     c=(space), 0 or 1, 
     d=0, 1 or 2, 
     e=(space), 1 or 2, 
     f=(space), 0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     g=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, and 
     h=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9? 
     5. Is the word or phrase of the form (word1)/jk/mnpq or jk/(word1)/mnpq, where j, k, m, n, p and q are characters and word1 is a word or abbreviation satisfying the constraints 
     j=(space), 1, 2 or 3, 
     k=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     m=(space), 1 or 2, 
     n=(space), 0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     p=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     q=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, and 
     word1=jan, january, feb, february, mar, march, apr, april, may, jun, june, jul, july, aug, august, sep, sept, september, oct, october, nov, november, dec or december? 
     6. Is the word or phrase of the form (word2)-jk-mnpq or jk-(word2)-mnpq, where j, k, m, n, p and q are characters and word2 is a word or abbreviation satisfying the constraints 
     j=(space), 1, 2 or 3, 
     k=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     m=(space), 1 or 2, 
     n=(space), 0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     p=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     q=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, and 
     word2=jan, january, feb, february, mar, march, apr, april, may, jun, june, jul, july, aug, august, sep, sept, september, oct, october, nov, november, dec or december? 
     7. Is the word or phrase of the form (word3), rs, tuvw or rs (word3) tuvw, where r, s, t, u, v and w are characters and word3 is a word or abbreviation satisfying the constraints 
     r=(space), 1, 2 or 3, 
     s=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     t=(space), 1 or 2, 
     u=(space), 0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     v=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     w=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, and 
     word3=jan, january, feb, february, mar, march, apr, april, may, jun, june, jul, july, aug, august, sep, sept, september, oct, october, nov, november, dec or december? 
     8. Is the word or phrase of the form (word4)-rs-tuvw or rs-(word4)-tuvw, where r, s, t, u, v and w are characters and word4 is a word or abbreviation satisfying the constraints 
     r=(space), 1, 2 or 3, 
     s=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     t=(space), 1 or 2, 
     u=(space), 0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     v=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, 
     w=0, 1, 2, . . . , or 9, and 
     word4=jan, january, feb, february, mar, march, apr, april, may, jun, june, jul, july, aug, august, sep, sept, september, oct, october, nov, november, dec or december? 
     The choices of first level and second level queries illustrated here are not critical. Similarly, the choices of logic used for recognition of the presence of a time or a date are not critical. The computer system optionally provides means for the person entering the information, or selecting the information to be entered, to customize the queries and their levels, the templates, the time and/or date logic, and the algorithms used to format and prepare a communication based upon the information contained in the object. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, it is contemplated that various alterations and permutations thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations and permutations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.