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AUGMENT Applications and Features 0INTRODUCTION 1AUGMENT is an integrated hypertext information system developed at SRI International and Tymshare Inc. This document provides an overview of AUGMENT's primary application areas and the system features available to support those applications. 1A AUGMENT is a very large system of interactive computer aids, designed as a basic workshop in which knowledge work can be performed by individuals in an organization. As the "augmented knowledge workshop" of the future, it includes features that capitalize upon cooperative working connections among many specialized computer tools, such as data base management, decision support, accounting, and computer aided design. AUGMENT is directly applicable to the set of user needs and technology commonly known as office automation. 1B Over the past 20 years, AUGMENT has developed a rich set of capabilities for handling structured text, and has succeeded in integrating vector graphics with the associated text. Other forms of data, such as numeric, digitized voice, and digitized images, are expected to be integrated in the years ahead. 1C A very flexible outline file structure underlies the collection of user subsystems provided as basic tools. The special Command Language Interpreter serves as the common interface for all AUGMENT subsystems. The powerful and flexible Command Meta Language was specially developed to make it easy to create or modify the command language for a subsystem. 1D The first section of this document describes the basic application areas currently supported by AUGMENT. These are general applications, fundamental to the knowledge work of virtually every organization. Significant increases in productivity are the usual result of augmenting these basic activities. These gains come from several sources -- from improved information flow, from better organization of time, effort and resources, and from freer, broader access to colleagues and staff members. 1E Following the application section, there is a description of several specific subsystems now available within AUGMENT. 1F AUGMENT APPLICATION AREAS 2This section discusses the more common application areas, based on existing software. While application development can result in unique applications for each situation or client, the applications will generally contain a combination, in varying degrees, of one or more of the following areas: 2A Individual Support and Personal Information Management 2bThe more extensive the use of AUGMENT in a participant's information activities, the greater the increase in that person's effectiveness. Individual usage includes creating, condensing, filtering, reorganizing, and storing a person's working information. This application is analogous to a computer-based extension of memory. 2B1 The work flow begins with the individual at a terminal during the process of generating and organizing ideas. In this on-line composition mode, raw ideas are entered into selected places in the information structure. These places are defined by the computer-maintained hierarchical structure and selected by pointing to a node in that structure. Each node is a variable-length text field of up to 2000 characters, which may contain either expository or cryptic information (headings, paragraphs, or any other text the user wishes to record). The hierarchical structure typically represents standard dimensions of information relationships: level of detail, importance, quantity, and quality. 2B2 The hierarchically-structured information may also have a superposed network interconnecting the locations of the "idea nodes," regardless of their hierarchical position. The network of connecting links is established by text in one node which names the connected-to node. The text of the link is a specially formatted citation, such as: . When viewing the text contained in the citing node, a user may access the cited node by simply typing the appropriate command and pointing to the link. When the information at the linked-to node is presented, the hierarchical context displayed may contain additional links, and so on, representing an arbitrary network of information. This network can also include other users' information (subject to privacy conventions). 2B3 Idea composition typically evolves into forms intended for others, such as letters, reports, papers, publications, and manuals. This is accomplished by inserting ideas, text and data into a growing hierarchy which can be expanded into paragraphs, headings, tables, diagrams, and so forth. An author may be developing several work areas in different files, with important contributions from other users' parallel activities. 2B4 Computer support for the composition, study, and modification of hierarchical and network relationships enables these structures to be exploited to a much fuller extent. 2B5 The applications described in the following sections introduce many facilities and methods for improved management of an individual's day-to-day information. Their value is closely related to the level of usage. People who rely on AUGMENT, using it on a regular daily basis, typically use such tools as personally-structured reminders, agendas, calendars, notes, and things-to-do lists, and coordinate these with message transactions. Other personal services include address and phone number files, reference lists, and financial records. In fact, AUGMENT's uses are limited primarily by the user's imagination. 2B6 Group Communication, Electronic Mail, and Teleconferencing 2cThe terms synchronous and asynchronous are currently used to describe two kinds of teleconferencing, both available in AUGMENT. Asynchronous teleconferencing refers to those transactions in which the participants are not involved simultaneously. In synchronous teleconferencing, individuals are interacting in real time as they would be in a face-to-face situation. Both kinds of teleconferencing support dialogue which enhances collaboration within a distributed community. 2C1 Asynchronous Interaction 2c2Shared Information Space 2c2aAUGMENT simplifies the extension of individual support described above to groups of individuals, with an intercommunication facility added, through shared central computers and computer networks. Files containing hierarchically-stored information can be made available to any selected participants using AUGMENT, utilizing a number of agreed-upon options for privacy and access. These files may be interlinked to create a shared network of information with all the inherent flexibility of the individual application. Geographical distances become transparent due to users' remote computer entry through data communication facilities (telephone and data networks, such as SprintNet). 2C2A1 The application begins with the entry of ideas and continues with the elaboration of idea nodes into a narrative by each member of the collaborating team. In the case of a single product by a team effort (a proposal, report, study, etc.), agreements must be made to control access to specific files. Participants will follow some protocols; for example, only one writer at a time can modify a shared file (a logical necessity). The effect of the application as each person adds to, manipulates, and studies the common information is equivalent to passing around a paper draft for comments. However, AUGMENT drafts are distributed very quickly and there is no retyping phase; the material constantly reflects the latest modifications for all involved to see and use. 2C2A2 Collaboration on a common product extends to public sources of information which can be studied by individuals where appropriate agreements have been made. Public data bases resemble libraries, containing, for example, information about the operation of AUGMENT or on-line publications. 2C2A3 Expanded, shared spaces require some retrieval support, which can take many forms, primarily the use of an on-line table of contents. The table of contents for public files (or private subsets) consists of lists of titles and names of files, abstract-like descriptions, and links to desired nodes in each file. Like interlinking described above, the table of contents (a "locator") is hierarchically organized, permitting categorical relationships and viewing that facilitate searching the "locator." 2C2A4 Once any information is located (using one of several searching mechanisms), it is available for direct copying and integrating into a user's developing text. Such free availability of information facilitates cooperation and collaboration. An authorship record is automatically maintained for each node in each file, indicating the date, time, and author of the node's creation or last change; this is to promote coordination, not to guarantee author credit. The ability to make all information available to every participant is of significant benefit within a collaborative team or community. 2C2A5 Fast Memos or Messages 2c2bMost timesharing systems provide some sort of fast, simple interpersonal message handling. As a component of the overall AUGMENT system, this message facility is greatly enhanced. The application is as broad as the need to communicate within the system and provides a valuable alternative to face-to-face or telephone interaction. Exceptional utility results from regular extensive use of AUGMENT and from the resulting ease of asynchronous contact. Upon connecting to the computer, a recipient is notified when there is new mail. The user may then view the message (including authors, title, distribution, date, and time), act upon it (with automatic distribution of responses), and optionally store it for later reference. 2C2B1 Quick, easy communication is the fabric of on-line communities. In the foregoing application, there is frequent need to coordinate access to shared files and to collaborate across long distances. We have had extensive experience with this application, greatly expanded through computer networks which permit message traffic among widely distributed computers. 2C2B2 Recorded Interchange: The AUGMENT Journal 2c2cDialogue support in AUGMENT application requires facilities in addition to those needed for shared information and quick messages. Dialogue implies a longitudinal series of interrelated transactions. A history of the dialogue must be easily accessible through retrieval mechanisms. The history provides a chronicle of transactions, supplemented by a diary (called a Journal) of the business of the participants. A substantial part of our work for the past 25 years has been the development of software and user methodology to support this application. 2C2C1 The AUGMENT Journal incorporates natural extensions of individual and interpersonal communication support. During the original tentative process of creation, an author might collect ideas and suggestions from many individuals, gradually shaping a draft for distribution via the Journal to the entire group for review and comment. They in turn can reply, referencing the Journal item; the Journal collects these replies, as well as the successively evolving drafts, and maintains a continuous record of all related dialogue, which often ranges from brief comments or suggestions to documents of several hundred pages. 2C2C2 Distribution is simplified by using the AUGMENT feature which designates any individual recipient by a unique set of initials, maintained in an identification data base with the person's address and mailing information. A predefined group of recipients may also be designated by a single name. 2C2C3 To submit a dialogue contribution to the Journal, the author specifies the information source (which might be anything from a short keyboard entry to an entire AUGMENT file) and fills in a number of fields, such as the subject of the item and the distribution list. If the author wants to add any remarks (for example, a brief description of the item), a one-paragraph "comment" can be appended to the collection of fields. Some fields, such as date and time, are automatically added by the system. Other fields, such as "keywords," are available to provide the basis for automatic cataloging and later retrieval of dialogue. 2C2C4 The submitted item is automatically given a number and is stored permanently. A full bibliographic citation will be entered into library-like, computer-held catalogs. Generally, only a short citation is delivered to the recipients; included in this citation is a link pointing to the stored item, which can be studied and copied as desired. AUGMENT will retrieve the item at any later date if the item's number (supplied in the link and obtainable through the catalog) is specified. 2C2C5 The entire body of interrelated dialogue, including drafts, replies, links to references, and superceding drafts, each with its own permanent AUGMENT Journal number, is stored. AUGMENT offers central storage for the same reason that libraries do; it is too costly for every individual to maintain a private collection. Central storage also encourages freer submission of commentary on prior entries, since an author knows that every reader can easily access all cited documents. General access to the data base is through catalogs that are arranged by author, number, and title word. Searches through the catalogued citations also may incorporate the information retrieval facilities discussed below, such as free-text search of the citations. 2C2C6 Subcollections for groups or organizations can also be maintained. They include an organization's management information and a record of its internal and external business. Typically, proposals, executive actions, contracts, plans, etc., are interlinked in the subcollection, replacing extensive arrays of file cabinets. It is important to note that the record of this dialogue is generated automatically as part of the daily working processes within the organization and does not require extra effort for recording. The computer-based dialogue record more than compensates for the geographical dispersion of an organization's members. 2C2C7 Synchronous Interaction 2c3Shared Terminals 2c3aReal-time and synchronous modes of communication are also supported by AUGMENT. Generally, there has been greater use of the asynchronous facility described above, but the shared-terminal synchronous facility also has an important role. 2C3A1 In synchronous interaction, users' displays are analogous to a shared blackboard, upon which individual, group, and public information can be located, viewed, and edited under the control of one of the connected users. The users may be located remotely from one another. Each user's workstation screen displays the same information; control of this displayed information can be passed from one user to another in much the same fashion as one participant in a face-to-face meeting meeting might yield the floor to another. This feature is used in conjunction with simultaneous telephone communication; the closeness of the collaboration, even when occurring on opposite sides of the country, often exceeds that normally achieved in more traditional meetings. 2C3A2 AUGMENT has a split-screen feature that allows simultaneous viewing or editing of different files or several different views of the same file. Thus, one user can present his or her own ideas beside another user's for direct comparison, editing, or combining. 2C3A3 Real-time conferences can include groups of people at remote locations clustered around displays as the operators enter and modify the agenda, the idea scratch pad, or the developing documents. The result is immediately available for editing into other forms, on-line distribution, or printing. 2C3A4 Computer Based Presentations 2c3bAnother application of AUGMENT teleconferencing features is the use of the display, through a number of slave monitors or a large screen projector, for presentations to large audiences. Features such as the ability to back up to any previous view and the ability to jump ahead to predefined views (analogous to viewgraphs) may be effectively used. Of course, the full power of AUGMENT is also available to retrieve on-line information and modify it in response to the immediate situation. 2C3B1 Document Production and Control 2dThe mastery of AUGMENT tools and techniques outlined in the above two sections leads many organizations to consider integrating more extensive document production into their on-line workshop. AUGMENT was designed to make such enhanced usage easy; for example, AUGMENT has been interfaced with a number of source-data collection devices. Various word processors, personal computers, and mainframe computer systems can be used to assimilate an existing data base of documents. The viewing features of AUGMENT facilitate rapid reorganization of raw text files into structured AUGMENT files. 2D1 AUGMENT capabilities don't stop with tools for enhancing individual productivity. AUGMENT was designed to support collaboration among many individuals -- that is, to enhance organizational productivity. For example, AUGMENT can be used to coordinate drafts of documents at remote locations. Information-sharing features allow the insertion of author comments directly into the file, which can later be viewed or printed with or without the comments. 2D2 The AUGMENT Journal is frequently used to capture versions of a document as it goes through various phases of the production and approval cycle. As a document grows to several hundred or even thousand pages, major sections can be worked on separately, yet can still be viewed or printed as though they were a single document. 2D3 Special subsystems have been constructed to support heavier document production. There is a subsystem for comparing one version of a file to another; another for checking spelling; another for creating and manipulating line drawings; another for checking the reading grade level, performing word counts, or automatically generating an index or table of contents; another for developing complex tables in which both the alignment of the columns and their numeric values are of concern; another for automatically inserting special output formatting instructions; and yet another for verifying the final photocomposition format before a document goes to press. All of this might appear too much to learn, but since the style of user interface is consistent with the basic editing subsystem, an organization can readily and with minimal training expand its use into complex document production. 2D4 AUGMENT has been interfaced with a number of Computer Output to Microform (COM) and photocomposition devices. One can produce various-sized microfilm/fiche, 35 mm. slides, and camera-ready copy directly from AUGMENT files. Output devices such as the COMp-80/1, COMp-80/2, and VideoComp 500 are supported, as is Universal Page Format. 2D5 Organizational Information Management 2eInterpersonal communication and documentation facilities provide an important service to an on-line organization. More structured approaches are needed to enhance control over the content, accuracy, and timeliness of data pertinent to the management of an organization's resources -- traditionally referred to as Management Information Systems (MIS) or more generically as Information Resource Management (IRM). AUGMENT supports IRM development, evolution, and application at several levels, which are discussed below in order of sophistication. 2E1 The simplest level, primarily procedural in nature, involves a modest extension of the basic applications discussed above. A knowledgeable AUGMENT user is assigned the role of Data Base Administrator (DBA). Limited access files are established which contain information on inventory, budgets, personnel, time expenditures, etc. Records are entered and updated using the same text editing and table handling tools applicable to personal information management. More complex content patterns may be devised to copy selected views of the data base and to provide special portrayals tailored to management's needs. This level of IRM application is generally limited to a single organizational unit, which has complete control over the design, implementation, and maintenance of the application; interface to the data base is generally through the DBA. 2E1A The next level of IRM application usually involves several levels of organizational units, reporting in a pyramid to a common manager. More complex hierarchical data bases are now required to model the organization. Portions of the data base are typically maintained by several DBAs at lower levels in the organization. Fast retrieval is made possible by assigning names to nodes in the hierarchy. Complex searches are made by using both relative location in the hierarchy and advanced content patterns as retrieval criteria, across as many files as necessary. As standard searches and reports emerge, the sequence of commands necessary to produce these reports may be placed in a file and assigned a name. This name can be made part of the AUGMENT command vocabulary, and enables a manager to access the data bases directly via a single command. These named sequences of commands may also be submitted to Batch and run at designated time intervals during non-prime time. 2E1B As the sophistication of applications increases, it may be necessary to create a separate IRM subsystem within AUGMENT for reasons of ease of use, tighter data control, and operational efficiency. These subsystems are readily produced by using the software development environment described below. At this stage, it is desirable to provide the DBAs with a separate data entry subsystem that controls access to the data base, provides data validation on input, and maintains transaction records for historical purposes. Managers are provided with a subsystem to search, sort, compute, analyze, and portray retrieved segments of the data bases. Additional commands are typically provided to allow temporary modifications of the data base so that "What if ...?" questions may be posed. 2E1C AUGMENT is designed to support fast, flexible manipulation of small to medium amounts of information. It is expected that when users need to work with very large data bases, they will have access to Data Base Management Systems (DBMS) specially designed for developing, maintaining, storing, and retrieving large data bases. AUGMENT has internal provisions for reaching through to other systems in a user-transparent manner, even if those systems are running on another machine, are running under a different operating system, and/or are programmed in a different language. This reach-through capability is employed in two ways. AUGMENT can serve as a "home workplace" for preparing data or queries for submission to a DBMS, for bringing collections of "hits" back into an environment where flexible study and manipulation are constantly used, and for integrating resulting data into plans, reports, dialogue, etc. AUGMENT may also be used to provide input and an interface to special applications software (e.g., simulation, business graphics, CPM/PERT, and financial modeling packages) which do not exist in the AUGMENT environment. In both cases, the user is presented with a consistent interface, significantly extending his repertoire of capabilities without having to learn a new language. 2E1D AUGMENT's existing commands and subsystems, provisions for user and programmer extension, and reach-through capabilities provide a very powerful environment both for implementing IRM policy and procedures and for evolving specific organizational information systems. With AUGMENT, it is possible to realize the elusive goal of a truly integrated data and word processing system. 2E2 Software Engineering 2fAUGMENT provides an exceptional environment for the development and maintenance of large software systems. This application area -- a workshop for the software engineer -- has received special attention because of its "bootstrapping" impact on the long term development of AUGMENT (i.e., AUGMENT itself has been the environment in which each new generation of AUGMENT has been created and prepared for release). For a group concentrating upon developing high performance knowledge workshops, using its own tools to build new tools makes good strategic sense. In addition to the numerous advantages indicated for individual users and collaborative teams in the general process of working with plans, designs, documentation, schedules, etc., there is the added benefit of special subsystems developed for supporting the programmers' library, for compiling and loading very large programs, and especially for interactive debugging within a multi-process environment, across a network of computers. 2F1 AUGMENT development is based on two higher-level structured programming languages: Command Meta Language (CML) for specifying commands and controlling display formatting, and L10, a string manipulation language for writing executable code. Interfaces between the AUGMENT file structure and other high level language compilers such as COBOL, BASIC, and JOVIAL have been developed to meet clients' special needs. 2F2 To client organizations which do extensive software engineering, we recommend the "augmented knowledge workshop" approach, including its incredible flexibility, productivity, and the advantages outlined above. 2F3 STANDARD FEATURES TO SUPPORT APPLICATIONS 3This section briefly describes the subsystems and features available to AUGMENT users. Base, Mail, Spell and Table are used the most and have the richest command set. Other subsystems perform special functions required by those who do heavy document production or programming. 3a List of Standard Subsystems and Features 3bBASE: reading, writing, filing, and printing 3cThe user is normally placed in the Base subsystem upon entering AUGMENT. Base has commands which permit the user to read, write, modify, file, and print on-line information. 3C1 Reading and Viewing Information 3c2A user may read any AUGMENT file whose name he or she knows, except a file to which access has been specifically restricted. After having specified a file, a user may move around within its structure by pointing to a specific location. A file can be viewed at the user's terminal in different ways with view specifications, or it may be printed for off-line reading. 3C2A All subsystems provide the ability to move through and between files while optionally changing view specifications. For example, a user may limit the view to any given level of depth in the hierarchical structure, limit the number of lines of each node displayed, set up content analysis filters, request certain display formatting features (e.g., double-spacing between paragraphs) or request information about each node (e.g., by whom and when it was last edited). A user may follow pointers (links) to other views, including views of other files, and may scan for content or for a specified node. A user may also list or retrace previous views of a file and the previous succession of files. 3C2B Writing, Creating, and Modifying Information 3c3A user can create new files, copy all or selected parts of existing files into other files, insert text by typing into existing files, and edit existing text. The Base subsystem holds all the most frequently used commands, allowing the user, where privacy restrictions permit, to manipulate both file contents and the files as a whole. 3C3A Modifying Text 3c4A user has available a large set of commands that allow easy modification of information. A user can work at the structural or content level and delete, add, move, replace, sort, or transpose anything seen on the terminal. The mouse-controlled cursor is particularly effective for pointing at display information. 3C4A Manipulating Files 3c5Entire files may be created, moved, renamed, or deleted. They may be made private or open (to everyone or to a specific list of individuals and groups). 3C5A Publishing 3c6AUGMENT provides the basis for flexible systems of creating, modifying, disseminating, and controlling documentation. By placing special formatting codes, called directives, in a file, one can format the file for output on a wide variety of hardcopy devices, including a printing terminal, a high-quality printer, a high-speed line printer, or photocomposition devices. Photocomposition devices offer publication-quality output suitable for photo-offset printing, giving the user control over type font, columnation, and full justification as well as the standard parameters of page layout and special text generation (e.g., numbering) available on all output devices. 3C6A CALCULATOR: performing arithmetic calculations directly from text 3dThe equivalent of a desk top calculator (with ten registers) is available as a subsystem. Its power lies in its ability to interface directly with files, reaching in for data and placing the result in the file as commanded. This subsystem plays an important role where simple numeric analyses support a document (e.g., proposals, budgets, or financial analyses). 3D1 CALENDAR: individual and group calendar management 3eThe Calendar subsystem permits a user to schedule, reschedule and cancel one-time or recurring meetings. The user is prompted for information such as meeting topics, dates, times, duration, participants, comments, and reminders. Entries are made in both private (with conflicts noted) and public calendars. Commands for searching calendars are available and there is a variety of formats for viewing them. Users are automatically notified of a scheduling request via Mail and may accept or reject the tentative appointment. The Calendar subsystem automatically maintains identical public data bases across any number of hosts when the using organization spans several AUGMENT computers. 3E1 COMPOSE: producing files for publication-quality devices 3fThe Compose subsystem contains tools to produce typeset files from standard AUGMENT files. Output devices for these files include Computer Output to Microform recorders, such as the COMp-80/2, the VideoComp 500, and others. The page layout, type size, type style, inclusion of color, and positioning of line drawings are all controlled by format directives. Preliminary visual proofing of page layout, including the position of drawings, columns, and line breaks can be done on a high resolution graphics screen with or without an attached printer. A text file describing the exact type size, type style and line lengths can also be produced for more detailed proofing. Once the user is satisfied with the appearance of the document, the file can be prepared for output to the intended device. 3F1 CONFERENCE: multi-party simultaneous file review and collaboration 3gThe Conference subsystem permits a user to call an on-line conference of two or more people, view and edit files, add and remove conferees, pass the gavel, and transparently connect to other AUGMENT machines via networks. Conference is most often used with a voice connection to support document review and revision in a synchronous mode, where all conferees can see and discuss changes as they are made. 3G1 ENCRYPT: encrypting selected files 3hThe Encrypt subsystem permits a user to encode any personal file using a specially-chosen individual password. An encrypted file can only be read by its originator or by persons with access at the operating system level and at the AUGMENT directory and file privacy level, if they also have the password to the encrypted file. 3H1 FORMAT: automatic formatting using format directives 3iThe Format subsystem formats an AUGMENT file according to a planned design. The automatically-inserted formatting codes will result in one of several formats that can be produced on a printer or published through photocomposition. 3I1 GRAPHICS: creating and modifying diagrams and illustrations 3jThe graphics capability of AUGMENT enables users to write, display, and print diagrams containing line drawings and text labels. Diagrams may also be printed through a photocomposition device. Both diagrams and text are stored in the same AUGMENT file. It is necessary to use AUGMENT with special graphics equipment to display and produce diagrams. 3J1 INCLUDE: working with portions of several documents as if combined 3kThe Include feature presents portions of different files (and portions of the same file) as though combined in sequence for purposes of viewing and editing. This feature is particularly useful when working with very large documents, such as sections of a set of manuals. 3K1 MAIL: composing, distributing, reading, and managing mail items 3lThe Mail subsystem makes it possible for an organization to replace internal paper mail with electronic mail. Mail enables a user to compose, distribute, read, and manage items ranging from a one-line message to a several-hundred page report. Mail supports multiple drafts of messages, distribution lists, message templates, certified mail, 1st/2nd/3rd class delivery, and sequential (routed) or broadcast delivery to individuals' private mailboxes or to a library (called a Journal). Public items submitted to a Journal (each client organization may have its own) are automatically catalogued and indexed. Extensive provisions are available for searching these catalogs and private mail files by Boolean combinations of item numbers, title words, keywords, authors, dates, etc. 3L1 The Mail subsystem has the following features: easy-to-learn English commands; profile settings to tailor Mail to each individual; a built-in editor; unlimited user-defined filing categories; the ability to comment, edit, pass, and track the progress of an item; privacy and access controls; and user control over the delivery class, timing, and destination of an item. These features are backed by automatic mail forwarders, interfaces to Internet mail systems, user directory search capability, and compatibility with domestic and international electronic mail standards. 3L2 MATCHER: comparing two documents, designating changes 3mThe Matcher subsystem enables a user to compare two version of a document (two files) to see what portions have been deleted, moved, added, or changed. The user can determine the dates and times of changes and the identification of the user who made the changes. 3M1 MODIFY: special purpose editing commands 3nThere are several commands in the Modify subsystem which enable the user to edit across information structures. For example, the user can combine many paragraphs into a single paragraph, change the case of sentences to standard sentence case (first letter upper case), assure the proper number of spaces following periods, commas, and colons, and add text to the beginning or end of many paragraphs. 3N1 PROGRAMS: loading and compiling programs and subsystems 3oThe Programs subsystem contains commands which support programming activities. Users may write programs or subsystems in Base and then use the Programs subsystem to compile and load them. The Programs subsystem also contains commands to insert program templates, which help users to write programs. 3O1 Non-programming users may use Programs commands to get information about loaded programs and subsystems as well as to control which special programs and subsystems are loaded for their AUGMENT session. 3O2 PUBLISH: generating special sections of documents 3pThe Publish subsystem aids the user in document production. The subsystem automatically generates a table of contents or references in standard formats, and can also count words. 3P1 REACH: accessing other systems 3qThe Reach subsystem allows the user to establish connections to other systems. These connections can be virtually "transparent" to the user; that is, it is as if the `foreign' system had been incorporated into AUGMENT. Input to a `foreign' system may come from the keyboard or a user-specified AUGMENT file. A copy of the interaction with the foreign system can be made in an AUGMENT file. The results of the interaction may be directed to an AUGMENT file, to an AUGMENT process, or to another computer entirely. Reach is used most often to interact with corporate Data Base Management Systems. 3Q1 READ: calculating reading grade levels and other characteristics 3rThe Read subsystem provides a user with the reading grade level and other information for any portion of a document or for the whole document. It provides data on the number of letters, words, vowels, consonants, syllables, and sentences in a document. It is particularly helpful for balancing the readability of a document across its various sections, while providing an overall readability deemed to be appropriate for the selected readers. 3R1 RETRIEVE: finding and working with specially retrieved information 3sThe Retrieve subsystem provides the AUGMENT user with relational database management capabilities integrated within a full-scale text management and retrieval system. It allows experienced AUGMENT users to locate easily statements based on content and file structure. No special terminology or theoretical framework beyond AUGMENT editing is necessary for successful interaction. It is not styled toward any particular retrieval problem or data base. The user may conditionally copy, move, or delete AUGMENT structures, or just print or display them. The user specifies the conditions by means of content patterns and structural relationships. 3S1 SIGNATURES: signing documents and verifying signatures 3tThe Mail subsystem allows users, who have signature keys established, to electronically sign documents. Users may sign as themselves or while acting under an authorized role. A signature block is placed at the end of a document, including the signer's name, title, organization and the date of the signature. Any user within the organization may verify the authenticity of the signature by command. The signing and verification processes use a variation of the Federally approved Data Encryption Standard (DES). A checksum of the document contents, a public key, and a password-protected private key are used by the signing and verification processes. This guarantees the authenticity of the signature and the validity of the signed document, allowing organizations to replace paper documents with their on-line equivalent. 3T1 SLIDE: controlling views of AUGMENT files 3uThe Slide subsystem allows inexperienced users to display frames of information (analogous to slides of viewgraphs) from AUGMENT files. The normal command feedback and status windows on the AUGMENT display are suppressed. Simple single-keystroke commands are available for displaying the next, previous, first, last, or any numbered slide. Slide is used most often in conjunction with a large-screen projection system for presentations and briefings to large audiences. 3U1 SPELL: interactive or batch checking and correction of spelling 3vUsing Spell, a user can check text files for spelling errors. When the subsystem finds a word it does not recognize, the user can either correct or accept the word. Whenever possible, Spell will suggest one or more correctly spelled guesses which the user may choose to utilize. The system keeps track of the words that have been corrected, and subsequent occurrences of identical errors can be automatically corrected. When a file contains correctly spelled words that do not appear in the system dictionary (containing about 45,000 words), the user has the option of inserting them into a special dictionary that will be used to check the rest of the file. Such dictionaries can be used in subsequent sessions in combination with the system dictionary, thus allowing users to maintain dictionaries containing their own special words. 3V1 SUSPENSE: assigning and tracking action items in an organization 3wThe Suspense subsystem allows a user to assign, modify, close, cancel or delete an action item. The user is prompted for fields such as assignee, due-date, comments, and references. Notification of the assignment and changes are received in Mail. Assignees may further reassign, complete or comment on a suspense. Reminders may be included in the suspense. The Suspense database may be searched for any combination of Suspense record fields. Suspense automatically maintains identical data bases across any number of hosts when the using organization spans several AUGMENT computers. 3W1 TABLE: creating and working with information in table formats 3xThe Table subsystem provides very useful capabilities to users working with tables of letters and numbers. Tables may be easily defined, and items may be entered, manipulated, sorted, calculated, and totalled in ways that save a great deal of time. Tables may be nested so that the composite elements of any given total line in a table may be stored under that line and viewed or printed at the user's option. By using the Command Sequences feature described below, users can have tables automatically totalled at all levels in a hierarchy, thus permitting changes to be made at lower levels, with the resulting changes being automatically made at all levels in the hierarchy. 3X1 TELECOPY: moving files between AUGMENT hosts 3yThe Telecopy subsystem can be used to copy files from one AUGMENT system to another, with options for specifying TYMNET or ARPANET as appropriate to the user. Like all other AUGMENT subsystems, Telecopy is fully integrated with the rest of AUGMENT. Users can establish connections with other AUGMENT systems and transfer files without disrupting their current AUGMENT work session; that is, it is possible to pause in the middle of an editing (or Mail, or Table, or....) session to transfer a file, and then resume the editing session at the same point. 3Y1 UNIVERSAL COMMANDS: getting help, jumping, calling subsystems, changing profiles 3zUniversal commands are available in all subsystems. They allow the user to move among subsystems, move within and among files, change the style of interaction, and get information about using AUGMENT without leaving the context of the subsystem currently in use. 3Z1 HELP: getting complete on-line information about AUGMENT 3aaHelp is a universal command that provides users with the most detailed and up-to-date information available on AUGMENT. Help provides the definition of any AUGMENT command or term, descriptions of AUGMENT procedures, and advice on how to accomplish a particular type of task. Users may utilize Help to obtain specific information or to browse through general subjects to explore AUGMENT. 3AA1 The Help command can be used at any time to get information about any aspect of AUGMENT use. The command is "context-sensitive;" that is, it can be used in any subsystem, even during command entry, to get help in using that particular subsystem or command. 3AA2 Once the user has entered the "Help" mode via the Help command or function key, additional related information is presented through the use of menus. This allows users to browse through all relevant information, automatically remaining in the "Help" mode until the need for information has been satisfied, and then to return to exactly the point in their work at which the Help command was entered. 3AA3 PROFILES: adjusting interaction with AUGMENT 3abThe AUGMENT user interface can be altered to fit a user's own equipment, use patterns, and style via the universal Set Profile command. Such individual profile settings hold for future AUGMENT sessions, until the commands are used again to specifically change them. 3AB1 REMINDERS: notification of up-coming events 3acUsers may insert, delete, and move Reminders containing date, time, topic and an optional alarm. Depending on the user's profile setting, reminders may be displayed on entry to AUGMENT and alarms triggered at a user-specified number of minutes before the event. Reminders may also be generated by other subsystems, such as Suspense or Calendar. Check and Show Reminders commands are also available. 3AC1 BATCH: scheduling operations under batch control 3adUsers may enter batch requests to the operating system by using the SUBMIT command, accessed from the operating system level. Batch requests may specify the dates and times for operations to be performed. Thus, it is possible for routine operations to be performed as frequently as needed without user intervention. 3AD1 COMMAND SEQUENCES: extending the command set - macros 3aeAUGMENT provides users with the ability to enter command sequences as text, give them a name, and save them; they may be executed at a later time by simply invoking the given name. Command sequences may be constructed from any commands in any subsystem, and can have looping, testing, and conditional branching capabilities. Command sequences allow the user to expand and personalize the command set without resorting to programming. 3AE1 WIDE AND LONG SCREEN MODES: viewing wider or longer formats 3afThe wide screen and long screen features increase the effective display area of the AUGMENT display terminal. A wide screen is especially useful for quickly viewing files with lines longer than 80 characters, such as tables containing between 81 and 160 characters on a single line. A wide screen allows the user to view the wide-format text as it will appear when printed on a wide-carriage teleprinter or line printer. A long screen is useful any time a user wants to view formats requiring more than 24 lines of text. A wide or long screen is viewed by scrolling the screen horizontally or vertically to access any 24-line by 80-character area of the image. With a wide or long screen, two screen areas of text are stored in the terminal rather than just one. Wide and long screens,which can be used simultaneously, are invoked by using local terminal commands. As an additional aid, the AUGMENT display terminal enables users to save screen views for quick reference later in a session. 3AF1 |