Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for aggregating task data for multiple users. In one aspect, a method includes accessing action trail data that corresponds to a task and resources related to that task, wherein each task relates to one or more related topics and is defined by a sequence of user actions corresponding to the resources related to that task; clustering the action trails based on the action trail data such that each action trail cluster corresponds to a particular task and includes the action trails corresponding to that particular task; and for each action trail cluster, ranking the resources that correspond to the included action trails according to the topics of the particular task.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for aggregating task data for multiple users. In one aspect, a method includes accessing action trail data that corresponds to a task and resources related to that task, wherein each task relates to one or more related topics and is defined by a sequence of user actions corresponding to the resources related to that task; clustering the action trails based on the action trail data such that each action trail cluster corresponds to a particular task and includes the action trails corresponding to that particular task; and for each action trail cluster, ranking the resources that correspond to the included action trails according to the topics of the particular task.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for aggregating task data for multiple users. In one aspect, a method includes accessing action trail data that corresponds to a task and resources related to that task, wherein each task relates to one or more related topics and is defined by a sequence of user actions corresponding to the resources related to that task; clustering the action trails based on the action trail data such that each action trail cluster corresponds to a particular task and includes the action trails corresponding to that particular task; and for each action trail cluster, ranking the resources that correspond to the included action trails according to the topics of the particular task.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for aggregating task data for multiple users. In one aspect, a method includes accessing action trail data that corresponds to a task and resources related to that task, wherein each task relates to one or more related topics and is defined by a sequence of user actions corresponding to the resources related to that task; clustering the action trails based on the action trail data such that each action trail cluster corresponds to a particular task and includes the action trails corresponding to that particular task; and for each action trail cluster, ranking the resources that correspond to the included action trails according to the topics of the particular task.

Abstract: A system for creating an activity-based social includes receiving information from a computing device of a participant in an activity, and determining that the information qualifies the participant for membership in a social network associated with the activity. The system also includes associating the participant with the social network, and enabling access, by the participant, to an electronic portal that provides access to the social network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for generating action trails from web history are described. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a web content access history of a user, the content access history including one or more user actions, each user action being associated with a content item upon which the user action is performed and identifying one or more action trails from the content access history, each action trail including a sequence of user actions performed one content items relating to a topic. Identifying a particular action trail includes clustering the user actions into a series of segments using temporal criteria; calculating semantic similarities between the content items, and adding a segment of the series of segments to the action trail when the semantic similarities between the segment and another segment satisfy a similarity threshold.

Abstract: A system that can enable the atomization of application functionality in connection with an activity-centric system is provided. The system can be utilized as a programmatic tool that decomposes an application's constituent functionality into atoms thereafter monitoring and aggregating atoms with respect to a particular activity. In doing so, the functionality of the system can be scaled based upon complexity and needs of the activity. Additionally, the system can be employed to monetize the atoms or activity capabilities based upon respective use.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention pertain to user interface visualizations, enabling efficient display of content on a display device. At least some content is presented having diagonal views to emphasize certain portions of the content while deemphasizing other portions of the content.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention pertain to user interface visualizations, enabling efficient display of content on a display device. At least some content is presented having diagonal views to emphasize certain portions of the content while deemphasizing other portions of the content.

Abstract: A system that can enable the atomization of application functionality in connection with an activity-centric system is provided. The system can be utilized as a programmatic tool that decomposes an application's constituent functionality into atoms thereafter monitoring and aggregating atoms with respect to a particular activity. In doing so, the functionality of the system can be scaled based upon complexity and needs of the activity. Additionally, the system can be employed to monetize the atoms or activity capabilities based upon respective use.

Abstract: A system that can enable the atomization of application functionality in connection with an activity-centric system is provided. The system can be utilized as a programmatic tool that decomposes an application's constituent functionality into atoms thereafter monitoring and aggregating atoms with respect to a particular activity. In doing so, the functionality of the system can be scaled based upon complexity and needs of the activity. Additionally, the system can be employed to monetize the atoms or activity capabilities based upon respective use.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention pertain to user interface visualizations, enabling efficient display of content on a display device. At least some content is presented having diagonal views to emphasize certain portions of the content while deemphasizing other portions of the content.

Abstract: A system that can identify, create, update and/or process a workflow based upon a current, past or future activity is disclosed. A ‘workflow’ can be defined as an activity flow that includes interaction with, or assignment of work to, people, devices, or services by a single individual or a group of individuals. Once a workflow is determined in accordance with the innovation, the system can inform other users or groups that are performing, or intend to perform, a similar or like activity. In establishing the workflow, the innovation can operate in an ad hoc or authored manner. As well, the system can employ a combination of either ad hoc or authored mechanisms in establishment of the workflow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for negotiating a future communication are provided to facilitate interaction between persons who wish to interact but who presently may not be in a position or find it desirable to do so. Each party may be provided with an interaction manager that allows the parties to negotiate future time(s) for future communication by ascertaining mutually available free time and selecting from among these times. The parties may also elect to defer a communication until a particular communication channel becomes available.

Abstract: A technique for managing and representing dynamic context information. The system can manage local and remote activity information including sensor and computer application generated events such as calendar reminders. The technique allows users to store contextual relationship information associating an activity stream with temporary changes in the user interface that lie just outside a user's focus of attention in dynamic stylesheets. The dynamic stylesheets can be applied across work groups or companies and provide a similar contextual work environment. The dynamic stylesheets can also be customized to the specific needs of an individual. The techniques can be expanded beyond the computer desktop focus to include a user's complete work environment.

Abstract: A system that can log user actions associated with an activity is disclosed. For example, the system can maintain a log of user keystrokes, files accessed, files opened, files created, websites visited, communication events (e.g., phone calls, instant messaging communications), etc. Additionally, the system can log extrinsic data (e.g., context data) associated with the user actions. As well, these logged actions can be aggregated, synchronized and/or shared between multiple users and/or devices.

Abstract: The innovation enables “total system” experiences for activities and activity-specialized experiences for applications and gadgets that allow them to align more closely with the user, his work, and his goals. In particular, the system provides for dynamically changing the user interface (UI) of the system level shell (“desktop”), of applications, and of standalone UI parts (“gadgets”), based upon a current (or future) activity of the user and other context data. The system can consider context data that includes extended activity data, information about the user's state, and information about the current environment. Preprogrammed and/or inferred rules can be used to decide how to adapt the UI based upon the activity. These rules can include, user rules, group rules, and device rules. Additionally, activities and applications can also participate in the decision of how to adapt the UI.

Abstract: A system that enables generation and/or modification of an activity template is disclosed. The activity template describes overall actions and resources associated with an activity. The system can automatically convert activity logs into recipes thereby reducing effort in activity reproduction. Self-tuning via machine learning-based algorithms can be employed thereby dynamically altering the template in accordance with on-going or historical user action.

Abstract: User introspection is provided to help users achieve goals (e.g., work goals, personal goals) and become more effective at performing tasks. Activities can be monitored, logged, and compared to a set of goals or tasks. Feedback can be provided if a user has deviated from a specified goal or task, in the form of a recommendation as to a next action, or based upon user-defined criteria. Feedback can also be provided based on a multitude of parameters that can include prioritized goal definition and refinement, task avoidance behavior detection, baseline activity analysis (e.g. historical data), base-line capacity (personal and/or comparison to others), task reacquisition, etc.

Abstract: A system that can identify, create, update and/or process a workflow based upon a current, past or future activity is disclosed. A ‘workflow’ can be defined as an activity flow that includes interaction with, or assignment of work to, people, devices, or services by a single individual or a group of individuals. Once a workflow is determined in accordance with the innovation, the system can inform other users or groups that are performing, or intend to perform, a similar or like activity. In establishing the workflow, the innovation can operate in an ad hoc or authored manner. As well, the system can employ a combination of either ad hoc or authored mechanisms in establishment of the workflow.