Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing messages. A viewport is displayed on a display in association with a chat window in which the viewport defines an area on the display. The image is defined as graphical data in the area defined by the viewport to form a selected image in response to a user input to select an image. A marker is placed in a text message in the chat window in which the marker is associated with the selected image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for displaying a secondary layer of information in a graphical user interface where the second layer of information is revealed when a point on the circumference defined by radius “r” originating at the x,y coordinates of the cursor covers a point in a secondary content of the second layer. The circumference may be set to trigger appearance of secondary content gradually, all at once or to trigger the appearance of all secondary content in a predefined zone.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided for enabling multiple usages of the same printing job separator page. Separator pages are scanned and an image of the separator page content is obtained in order to determine the location on the separator page of prior print job identification information blocks. The prior identification information block is then obscured and identification information for a newly queued print job is printed in a new information block which is positioned in an unused area of the separator page. The separator pages may be reused until the full extent of each separator page has been filled-up with used or obscured print job identification blocks.

Abstract: A mechanism for routing content to a person or group of persons for review and evaluation. This mechanism involves receiving the content and analyzing the content to generate identifiers of subject matter of the content. Subject matter categories are then determined to be associated with the content based on the analysis. The mechanism then retrieves profiles for people that are authorized to review and evaluate content. These profiles include identifiers of categories of knowledge that indicate areas of knowledge held by an associated person. A person is then selected based on the subject matter categories and categories of knowledge. The content may then be routed to a client computing device associated with the selected person or group or persons.

Abstract: A method and implementing system are provided in which a user is enabled to view source code within a context of the screen presentation which is created by the source code. In an exemplary embodiment, a graphical user interface (GUI) is selectively overlaid upon a content screen display. The GUI displays markers to indicate beginning and ending points of source code elements for screen areas which are proximate to the hot-spot area in the GUI. Where a marker indicates additional code is present, the user is enabled to select the marker and a detailed presentation of the related source code is presented.

Abstract: An improved computer display device is disclosed. The improved computer display device comprises a display monitor and at least one display module each containing their own desktop real estate and each lined with a series of male and female couplers containing electrical connections is disclosed. When the couplers are connected, they are capable of supporting the weight of the display module when attached to the display monitor. The couplers allow information to be transmitted back and forth between the display module and the display monitor, and allow the modules to be connected in various configurations. The display monitor and display module communication allows the icons, programs, applications and cursor on the desktop to be positioned anywhere on the improved display device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for displaying a secondary layer of information in a graphical user interface where the second layer of information is revealed when a point on the circumference defined by radius “r” originating at the x,y coordinates of the cursor covers a point in a secondary content of the second layer. The circumference may be set to trigger appearance of secondary content gradually, all at once or to trigger the appearance of all secondary content in a predefined zone.

Abstract: The present invention is a graphical user interface and method of operation for searching, and selecting items from, a database. The invention provides a convenient mechanism to thoroughly search a database for useful items. The invention runs in the background, dynamically annotating the active part of a main application's user interface with an indicator, to show a user of a main application that useful items may be available in a database. The trigger for initially activating the mechanism for searching and selecting in a main application is the same as the trigger for activating another round of searching the database, thus minimizing the diversion of a user's attention away from the main application. A user may select an item from the database for use in the main application. This might involve inserting a word into text with a word processor; the items may be words, and the database may be a thesaurus or dictionary, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for displaying a secondary layer of information in a graphical user interface where the second layer of information is revealed when a point on the circumference defined by radius “r” originating at the x,y coordinates of the cursor covers a point in a secondary content of the second layer. The circumference may be set to trigger appearance of secondary content gradually, all at once or to trigger the appearance of all secondary content in a predefined zone.

Abstract: A mechanism for routing content, e.g., an electronic document, an invention disclosure, etc., to a person or group of persons, e.g., a reviewer/review team, for review and evaluation of the electronic document. This mechanism involves receiving the content and analyzing the content to generate identifiers of subject matter of the content. Subject matter categories are then determined to be associated with the content based on the analysis. The mechanism then retrieves profiles for people that are authorized to review and evaluate content. These profiles include identifiers of categories of knowledge that indicate areas of knowledge held by an associated person. A person is then selected based on the subject matter categories and categories of knowledge. The content may then be routed to a client computing device associated with the selected person or group or persons.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for maximizing labor value in an organization. An exemplary method includes determining a capability level score for an individual in an organization, determining a corresponding labor cost score for the individual, and computing an individual skills value index for the individual. The individual skills value index is the ratio of the capability level score to the labor cost score. The individual skill value index is used to maximize the labor value.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing messages. A viewport is displayed on a display in association with a chat window in which the viewport defines an area on the display. The image is defined as graphical data in the area defined by the viewport to form a selected image in response to a user input to select an image. A marker is placed in a text message in the chat window in which the marker is associated with the selected image.

Abstract: A method and implementing system are provided for enabling a user, through the use of a specialized viewing device, to view information on a display device which is not viewable by others who are not equipped with the device. In an exemplary embodiment, selected sensitive information on a display screen is obscured from normal view. A view-enabling device is provided to authorized individuals who are able to use the device to view the sensitive information on the display device. The user looks through the view-enabling device and is able to see the otherwise obscured sensitive information. Obscuring fields are overlaid upon the sensitive information during an obscuring phase at a known overlay frequency and the view-enabling device is synchronized to effectively block-out the user's view of the display during the obscuring phase resulting in an un-obscured view of the sensitive information on the display device to the user.

Abstract: A convenient and secure system and method for access to any number of password-protected computer applications, web sites and forms without adding to the user cognitive load and without circumventing the inherent security of such password-protection schemes. An existing password field on a device display is overlaid with password wallet pop-up field which allows a wallet “master” key to unlock the wallet. An application-specific and/or user-specific password is automatically retrieved from the wallet and entered into the password field with no other user action required.

Abstract: An improved methodology and implementing system are provided in which a docking station is arranged to receive and dock a number of individual wireless personal information management (IM) units. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal IM units include touch-sensitive flat display screens. One or more of the personal wireless IM units may be individually removed from the docking station and operated to selectively and individually communicate with the docking station to access and retrieve more detailed information related to a presentation being made in another medium such as a TV or even an associated live presentation. In one example, the docking station is arranged to receive input from a TV system relative to which channel is being presented on the TV and is enabled to access and retrieve detailed information from a server which is related to the content of the current TV presentation.

Abstract: A method and implementing computerized system are provided for enabling point-specific temperature control for a given airspace. In an exemplary embodiment, infrared sensing devices are positioned in a vehicle to sense and record temperatures at various points within the vehicle airspace. This temperature profile is mapped relative to points within the vehicle and compared to a preferred temperature database to provide temperature control signals. The temperature control signals are, in turn, applied to temperature control air vent devices which are effective to direct appropriate air flows to specific areas such that actual measured temperatures at control points in the vehicle airspace approach the preferred temperatures for the respective control points. In another example, when sensed temperatures are above or below predetermined emergency condition limits for a predetermined period of time, various alarm systems are activated until the sensed emergency condition is corrected.

Abstract: An improved methodology and implementing system are provided in which a docking station is arranged to receive and dock a number of individual wireless personal information management (IM) units. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal IM units include touch-sensitive flat display screens. One or more of the personal wireless IM units may be individually removed from the docking station and operated to selectively and individually communicate with the docking station to access and retrieve more detailed information related to a presentation being made in another medium such as a TV or even an associated live presentation. In one example, the docking station is arranged to receive input from a TV system relative to which channel is being presented on the TV and is enabled to access and retrieve detailed information from a server which is related to the content of the current TV presentation.

Abstract: An improved methodology and implementing system are provided in which a docking station is arranged to receive and dock a number of individual wireless personal information management (IM) units. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal IM units include touch-sensitive flat display screens. One or more of the personal wireless IM units may be individually removed from the docking station and operated to selectively and individually communicate with the docking station to access and retrieve more detailed information related to a presentation being made in another medium such as a TV or even an associated live presentation. In one example, the docking station is arranged to receive input from a TV system relative to which channel is being presented on the TV and is enabled to access and retrieve detailed information from a server which is related to the content of the current TV presentation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for remotely monitoring the status of a variety of illumination devices. A fiber optic cable coupled to a light fixture transmits a light display. Based on the light received, the status of the light is determined. The status is determined without the use of elegant and expensive electronics that are more subject to failure and with minimal power consumption.

Abstract: A method, program, and system for communicating between a host computer and a pointing device is provided. The program receives a control signal from a toggle-actuated mechanism operably connected to the pointing device. The program initiates data transfer between the pointing device and the host computer in response to the control signal. The program transfers data between the pointing device and the host computer via an infrared data link.