Top NSA Banner

Aliases:

EASYRIDER suite of tools which adds functionality to desktop publishing systems, makes them easier to use, and integrates them with other applications.

Technical Challenge:

FrameMaker® from Adobe Systems, Inc. is a powerful desktop publishing package; however, technical writers who are visually impaired or "too many steps" despaired have difficulty and frustration performing tasks in creating long or complex documents. Document contents, window borders, menus, dialog windows, fonts, toolbars, cursors, on-line help manuals, and product documentation are displayed in sizes, colors, and formats that result in small displays, poor discrimination, low contrast, and few displayed commands which are difficult to read. Also, performing complex desktop publishing tasks often require many manual steps where commands are scattered over a large area, resulting in a reduction in efficiency. FrameMaker® provides some capabilities for enhancing readability (e.g. manual magnification) and efficiency (e.g. macros); however, these capabilities are severely limited. This technology addresses the requirement by technical writers for improved readability and efficiency in desktop publishing to see text and execute commands with ease.

Description:

This technology provides a large display package for FrameMaker® and the complementary EASYRIDER suite of tools. The technology combines techniques in computer graphics processing, operator interface processing, image size control, as well as product control through the Frame Application Program Interface (API) for simulation of the interactive user. The resulting package transparently takes control of the COTS product session with a look and behavior, which provide enhanced readability to see and execute commands in a manner that is far less burdensome to the technical writer.

Demonstration Capability:

A package implementing the technology has been installed on Agency corporate servers and can be easily demonstrated.

Potential Commercial Application(s):

This technology can be applied in environments where technical writers are visually impaired or require enhanced readability and efficiency in performing tasks in desktop publishing.

Patent Status:

Issued - United States Patent Number 6,070,175

Reference Number: Mez-1

If you are interested in exploring this technology further, please call 443-445-7159 or express your interest in writing to the:

National Security Agency
NSA Technology Transfer Program
9800 Savage Road, Suite 6541
Fort George G. Meade, Maryland 20755-6541