Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Barry J Linnett

Karen E Fries

Ford Martin

Lawrence H Powelson

Simon Christer Muzio

Randall R Omel

A method and system for controlling the execution of an application program to effect the performing of a specialized task is provided. In preferred embodiments, an interface computer program gathers status information from the application computer program, collects user input relating to the specialized task, generates commands to send to the application program, and sends the commands to the application program to effect the execution of the specialized task. The interface computer program communicates with the application computer program preferably through the dynamic data exchange of Windows.

Method and system for controlling the execution of an application program

A software development platform generate a user interface that adopts a real world metaphor. In particular, the user interface appears to a user as containing rooms of a home. The user can specify what rooms are to be included in the home and can specify the style of the appearance of the rooms of the home. The user interface serves as a vehicle for the user to invoke applications and perform tasks. The user interface also generates a personal character for each user. The personal character is an animated guide that helps to assist the user in using the computer. Specialized characters may also be provided to perform specialized tasks.

Software platform having a real world interface with animated characters

Audio-visual user interface controls provide audio and a visual feedback in response to user input events in a graphical user interface environment of a computer. A variety of audio and visual responses of a control assist the user in understanding its operation.

Audio-visual user interface controls

A software development platform generates a user interface that adopts a real world metaphor. In particular, the user interface appears to a user as containing rooms of a home. The user can specify what rooms are to be included in the home and can specify the style of the appearance of the rooms of the home. The user interface serves as a vehicle for the user to invoke applications and perform tasks. The user interface also generates a personal character for each user. The personal character is an animated guide that helps to assist the user in using the computer. Specialized characters may also be provided to perform specialized tasks.

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Barry J Linnett