System and method for performing an action on a structure in computer-generated data

Patent 5946647 Issued on August 31, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date:

February 1, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Apple Computer, Inc.

Application

No. 595257 filed on 02/01/1996

US Classes:

704/9, Natural language704/1LINGUISTICS

Examiners

Primary: Isen, Forester W.
Assistant: Edouard, Patrick N.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Carr & Ferrell LLP

International Class

G06F 017/27

Abstract

A system and method causes a computer to detect and perform actions on structures identified in computer data. The system provides an analyzer server, an application program interface, a user interface and an action processor. The analyzer server receives from an application running concurrently data having recognizable structures, uses a pattern analysis unit, such as a parser or fast string search function, to detect structures in the data, and links relevant actions to the detected structures. The application program interface communicates with the application running concurrently, and transmits relevant information to the user interface. Thus, the user interface can present and enable selection of the detected structures, and upon selection of a detected structure, present the linked candidate actions. Upon selection of an action, the action processor performs the action on the detected structure.

Other References

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