Patent
1995-03-16
1996-11-26
Herndon, Heather R.
395326, G06F 1727
Patent
active
055794670
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 "fill in" 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).
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Apple Computer Inc.
Fetting Anton W.
Herndon Heather R.
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