Adobe, Inc.

Ronald A Linyard

Mark Wineman

Arlyn Asch

Brian C Sparks

Jonas Salling

Arie Trouw

Yunsheng Zhao

Erik Digre

Theodore G Palmer

A system and method for incorporating software modules into a website or other information source that is searchable and updateable, which helps to create a dynamic user assistance environment. The system searches based on context/category sensitive natural language requests. This dynamic environment becomes 'smarter' over time and will track questions and answers by a number of methods to assure the answers are up to date and that there is a high confidence match for the user's inquiry. The entire collection of data resides in a centralized location where the information can be leveraged to answer a user's question and aid in the creation of question/answer pairs for later use. Additionally, the assistance system supports a method for incorporating new informational content and answers to unanswered questions, for example by authorized support persons, that are categorized and stored in the existing system for later reference and use.

Method and system for providing electronic user assistance

The present invention provides an interactive multimedia system for providing structured information systems, for example help systems for desktop and network based applications. The invention employs an interactive multimedia runtime container and rich media content and other data files for the structured system navigational components such as the Table of Contents (TOC), Index, Search, and Glossary. In another aspect, the invention provides a structured navigation interface through the use of rich media files driven by data files which allow the user or the author to create a customized appearance for the structured information system. The system is advantageously cross-browser and cross-platform compatible and ensures consistent navigation and look and feel across platforms and browsers. The system additionally provides compatibility with high security networks and firewall systems, allows authors to focus on content without concern over platform and browser compatibility issues, and brings powerful, appealing new visual options to authors.

Method and system for presenting structured information in an interactive multimedia environment

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Ronald A Linyard