Methods and apparatus for using task models to help computer users complete tasks

A method for using a predetermined model of clustered tasks, for providing help to a user attempting to perform a task, the method comprising steps of:

• a) logging inputs of the user as steps;
• b) generating a partial task from the steps logged;
• c) determining a distance between the partial task generated and each of the clustered tasks;
• d) determining a minimum of the distances determined;
• e) querying the user whether they want to help;
• and
• f) if the user indicates that they want help, rendering help content to the user, wherein the help content is related to a task cluster associated with the minimum of the distances determined.

A method for using a predetermined model of clustered tasks, for providing help to a user attempting to perform a task, the method comprising steps of:

• a) logging inputs of the user as steps;
• b) generating a partial task from the steps logged;
• c) determining a distance between the partial task generated and each of the clustered tasks;
• d) determining a minimum of the distances determined;
• and
• e) if the minimum of the distances is less than a predetermined threshold, rendering help content to the user, wherein the help content is related to a task cluster associated with the minimum of the distances determined.

An apparatus for using a predetermined model of clustered tasks, for providing help to a user attempting to perform a task, the device comprising:

• a) means for logging inputs of the user as steps;
• b) means for generating a partial task from the steps logged;
• c) means for determining a distance between the partial task generated and each of the clustered tasks;
• d) means for determining a minimum of the distances determined;
• and
• e) means for rendering help content to the user, wherein the help content is related to a task cluster associated with the minimum of the distances determined.

An apparatus for using a predetermined model of clustered tasks, for providing help to a user attempting to perform a task, the apparatus comprising:

• a) means for logging inputs of the user as steps;
• b) means for generating a partial task from the steps logged;
• c) means for determining a distance between the partial task generated and each of the clustered tasks;
• d) means for determining a minimum of the distances determined;
• e) means for querying the user whether they want to help;
• and
• f) means for, if the user indicates that they want help, rendering help content to the user, wherein the help content is related to a task cluster associated with the minimum of the distances determined.

An apparatus for using a predetermined model of clustered tasks, for providing help to a user attempting to perform a task, the apparatus comprising:

• a) means for logging inputs of the user as steps;
• b) means for generating a partial task from the steps logged;
• c) means for determining a distance between the partial task generated and each of the clustered tasks;
• d) means for determining a minimum of the distances determined;
• and
• e) means for, if the minimum of the distances is less than a predetermined threshold, rendering help content to the user, wherein the help content is related to a task cluster associated with the minimum of the distances determined.

A machine readable medium having machine executable instructions which, when executed by the machine, perform steps for using a predetermined model of clustered tasks to provide help to a user attempting to perform a task, the steps comprising:

• a) logging inputs of the user as steps;
• b) generating a partial task from the steps logged;
• c) determining a distance between the partial task generated and each of the clustered tasks;
• d) determining a minimum of the distances determined;
• and
• e) rendering help content to the user, wherein the help content is related to a task cluster associated with the minimum of the distances determined.

A machine readable medium having machine executable instructions which, when executed by the machine, perform steps for using a predetermined model of clustered tasks, for providing help to a user attempting to perform a task, the steps comprising:

• a) logging inputs of the user as steps;
• b) generating a partial task from the steps logged;
• c) determining a distance between the partial task generated and each of the clustered tasks;
• d) determining a minimum of the distances determined;
• e) querying the user whether they want to help;
• and
• f) if the user indicates that they want help, rendering help content to the user, wherein the help content is related to a task cluster associated with the minimum of the distances determined.

A machine readable medium having machine executable instructions which, when executed by the machine, perform steps for using a predetermined model of clustered tasks, for providing help to a user attempting to perform a task, the steps comprising:

• a) logging inputs cf the user as steps;
• b) generating a partial task from the steps logged;
• c) determining a distance between the partial task generated and each of the clustered tasks;
• d) determining a minimum of the distances determined;
• and
• e) if the minimum of the distances is less than a predetermined threshold, rendering help content to the user, wherein the help content is related to a task cluster associated with the minimum of the distances determined.