Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method is provided for enhancing a user experience within an environment. The experience is enhanced using a number of devices that are connected on a network. The method involves monitoring the environment for cues, such as words from a user reading a book. Upon receiving a cue, one or more of the networked devices are prompted to produce a desired effect that is associated with the cue. The experience of those in the environment is enhanced or augmented by the effects produced. The system of the invention uses a computer that executes a script manager component and a device dispatcher component. The script manager component receives the cues and matches the cue with a desired effect that the network device(s) are to produce. The script manager informs the device dispatcher, which instructs the network devices(s) to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: A user interface architecture wherein user content and user interface are composed of documents with links is described. User content documents and user interface documents are both displayed in a single viewing frame. A non-linear navigation history is maintained such that a user can navigate along a first path, back up using a previous link, navigate along a second path, back up along the second path using the previous link, and re-navigate along the first path again using a next link. Every document page to which a user navigates is saved in the user's navigation history. Users can query their navigation histories and view their navigation histories in various ways. Users can access, annotate, and customize the user interface in the same manner in which users access, annotate, and modify user content documents.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simultaneously displaying multiple-contexts in a page-oriented viewing architecture utilize the concept of page pinning in which a portion of a first document context is displayed as a fixed frame overlayed on or placed beside the display of a second document context. A user may navigate within the second document context while viewing the portion of the first document context as a pinned page on the display. Thus, a single navigational focus is maintained even though multiple contexts are displayed in the page-oriented architecture. Page pinning may be used to view two non-contiguous locations in a single electronic document or to view two pages of respective different electronic documents. A pinned page can be used to hold a particular context while a command set is executed from a command document viewed as the second context.

Abstract: A user interface architecture wherein user content and user interface are composed of documents with links is described. Links have properties that indicate how links should be displayed. Link display may depend upon characteristics of the linked-to frame. Commands are implemented as links that link to command code. The display format of a document page depends upon the path a user navigated in order to get to the displayed page. User content documents and user interface documents are both displayed in a single viewing frame. A non-linear navigation history is maintained such that a user can navigate along a first path, back up using a previous link, navigate along a second path, back up along the second path using the previous link, and re-navigate along the first path again using a next link. Every document page to which a user navigates is saved in the user's navigation history.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in customizing, organizing and presenting digital information for selection and interaction by end users. The present invention conveys multiple pieces of information to a user in a multi-dimensional metaphor. A user is presented with a selection of content options that are catered to the user. Presented information is filtered on the basis of configurable user criteria, wherein the criteria includes both what is represented and how it is presented, as it relates to current and past user choices of content. The present invention also presents ancillary information that is associated with the digital content. Additionally, the present invention provides user interface features directed to content from a variety of media, including on air, video, photos, music, games and books.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simultaneously displaying multiple-contexts in a page-oriented viewing architecture utilize the concept of page pinning in which a portion of a first document context is displayed as a fixed frame overlayed on or placed beside the display of a second document context. A user may navigate within the second document context while viewing the portion of the first document context as a pinned page on the display. Thus, a single navigational focus is maintained even though multiple contexts are displayed in the page-oriented architecture. Page pinning may be used to view two non-contiguous locations in a single electronic document or to view two pages of respective different electronic documents. The invention contemplates the use of a pinned page to hold a particular context while a command set is executed from a command document viewed as the second context.

Abstract: A user interface architecture wherein user content and user interface are composed of documents with links. Links have properties that indicate how links should be displayed. Link display may depend upon characteristics of the linked-to frame. Commands are implemented as links that link to command code. The display format of a document page depends upon the path a user navigated in order to get to the displayed page. User content documents and user interface documents are both displayed in a single viewing frame. A non-linear navigation history is maintained such that a user can navigate along a first path, back up using a previous link, navigate along a second path, back up along the second path using the previous link, and re-navigate along the first path again using a next link. Every document page to which a user navigates is saved in the user's navigation history. Users can query their navigation histories and view their navigation histories in various ways.

Abstract: A method is provided for using an identity service for protecting identity information during an electronic transaction. The method includes registering an identity client, wherein the identity client possesses an associated multi-component identity. The method further includes regulating access to the multi-component identity such that the identity service authorizes dissemination of fewer than all components of the multi-component identity to an identity requestor. Additionally, a method for providing client identity repair protect a client from fraudulent distribution of electronically available client identity information. Upon detection of fraudulent distribution of identity information, a new identity reference is created and attempts to access an old identity reference are tracked. If the attempts to access the old identity reference are authorized, the attempts are re-directed to the new identity reference. However, if the attempts were unauthorized, access to the new identity reference is denied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing historical data are provided. Based upon user interaction, a time period of interest and historical data, the systems and methods perform cross-correlation algorithms and interpret which items are to be accessed and displayed to the user via a user interface vis-a-vis a timeline portion and navigation region. Based on frequency and recency usage patterns, and/or user preferences, items are assigned relative weights and displayed accordingly in the timeline portion and navigation region of the user interface. Each item that can be displayed within the system has a unique identification, which may be translated to one or more visual symbols within the user interface. In various non-limiting embodiments, the system leverages a distributed database store which stores and indexes items that make up a digital history.

Abstract: While viewing an electronically displayed document, a user creates a bookmark by selecting a desired part of a document to be marked. In response, a visual indicator is displayed and a bookmark object is created preferably separate from the document. The bookmark object comprises information linking the bookmark object to the desired part of the document as well as user-modifiable properties. If another part of the document is subsequently displayed, at least a portion of the visual indicator is still displayed. Later selection of the portion of the visual indicator causes the desired portion of the document to be re-displayed. Because the object is separate from the document, it may be viewed and sorted by its properties apart from its display with the document. A placemark is created whenever the display of a current document is discontinued. In response to a discontinuation signal, a placemark object comprising information linking the placemark object to a last-viewed part of the document is created.

Abstract: A user interface architecture wherein user content and user interface are composed of documents with links is described. User content documents and user interface documents are both displayed in a single viewing frame. A non-linear navigation history is maintained such that a user can navigate along a first path, back up using a previous link, navigate along a second path, back up along the second path using the previous link, and re-navigate along the first path again using a next link. Every document page to which a user navigates is saved in the user's navigation history. Users can query their navigation histories and view their navigation histories in various ways. Users can access, annotate, and customize the user interface in the same manner in which users access, annotate, and modify user content documents.

Abstract: While viewing an electronically displayed document, a user creates a bookmark by selecting a desired part of a document to be marked. In response, a visual indicator is displayed and a bookmark object is created preferably separate from the document. The bookmark object comprises information linking the bookmark object to the desired part of the document as well as user-modifiable properties. If another part of the document is subsequently displayed, at least a portion of the visual indicator is still displayed. Later selection of the portion of the visual indicator causes the desired portion of the document to be re-displayed. Because the object is separate from the document, it may be viewed and sorted by its properties apart from its display with the document. A placemark is created whenever the display of a current document is discontinued. In response to a discontinuation signal, a placemark object comprising information linking the placemark object to a last-viewed part of the document is created.

Abstract: A user interface architecture wherein user content and user interface are composed of documents with links. Links have properties that indicate how links should be displayed. Link display may depend upon characteristics of the linked-to frame. Commands are implemented as links that link to command code. The display format of a document page depends upon the path a user navigated in order to get to the displayed page. User content documents and user interface documents are both displayed in a single viewing frame. A non-linear navigation history is maintained such that a user can navigate along a first path, back up using a previous link, navigate along a second path, back up along the second path using the previous link, and re-navigate along the first path again using a next link. Every document page to which a user navigates is saved in the user's navigation history. Users can query their navigation histories and view their navigation histories in various ways.

Abstract: A method is provided for using an identity service for protecting identity information during an electronic transaction. The method includes registering an identity client, wherein the identity client possesses an associated multi-component identity. The method further includes regulating access to the multi-component identity such that the identity service authorizes dissemination of fewer than all components of the multi-component identity to an identity requestor. The invention additionally includes a method for providing client identity repair in order to protect a client from fraudulent distribution of electronically available client identity information. The method for providing repair includes creating a new identity reference upon detection of fraudulent distribution of identity information and tracking attempts to access an old identity reference.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in security authentication in a network environment. The present invention enables shared security information by networked devices. It also allows access to networked devices on the basis of authentication surety. The system assigns surety levels on the basis of the modes and methods of user authentication to the network. Further, the present invention allows the gradual decay, of user authentication and thus access to networked devices over time. Further still, the present invention distinguishes between individual identities and personas within the network environment. Surety levels associated with an authentication provide a predetermined level of access to networked devices or device features. The present invention provides improved security and diminishes the risk of fraudulent access to a network via identity theft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in customizing, organizing and presenting digital information for selection and interaction by end users. The present invention conveys multiple pieces of information to a user in a multi-dimensional metaphor. A user is presented with a selection of content options that are catered to the user. Presented information is filtered on the basis of configurable user criteria, wherein the criteria includes both what is represented and how it is presented, as it relates to current and past user choices of content. The present invention also presents ancillary information that is associated with the digital content. Additionally, the present invention provides user interface features directed to content from a variety of media, including on air, video, photos, music, games and books.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method is provided for enhancing a user experience within an environment. The experience is enhanced using a number of devices that are connected on a network. The method involves monitoring the environment for cues, such as words from a user reading a book. Upon receiving a cue, one or more of the networked devices are prompted to produce a desired effect that is associated with the cue. The experience of those in the environment is enhanced or augmented by the effects produced. The system of the invention uses a computer that executes a script manager component and a device dispatcher component. The script manager component receives the cues and matches the cue with a desired effect that the network device(s) are to produce. The script manager informs the device dispatcher, which instructs the network devices(s) to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: A digital history service presents a user's collected data in an historical format such as a timeline that includes various interactions with objects and people over the course of time wherein the digital history data was retrieved and correlated from the various data stores. An example of such a retrieval is to select a sequence of items from the data store based on an algorithm that determines the next item based on its relationship to the current item. The relationship could be a complex combination of the date, time of year, historical events in the past, the person(s) or objects involved in a given event, the location of an event, past or upcoming national holidays, calendar items, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing historical data are provided. Based upon user interaction, a time period of interest and historical data, the systems and methods perform cross-correlation algorithms and interpret which items are to be accessed and displayed to the user via a user interface vis-a-vis a timeline portion and navigation region. Based on frequency and recency usage patterns, and/or user preferences, items are assigned relative weights and displayed accordingly in the timeline portion and navigation region of the user interface. Each item that can be displayed within the system has a unique identification, which may be translated to one or more visual symbols within the user interface. In various non-limiting embodiments, the system leverages a distributed database store which stores and indexes items that make up a digital history.

Abstract: An interactive network provides music to subscribers. A "more like" function allows a subscriber to use a seed song to identify other songs that are similar to the seed song, and to add the new songs to the current playlist. The similarity between songs is based on the subjective content of the songs, as reflected in style tables prepared by editors. The subscriber may control the closeness of the match by adjusting a style slider provided by the user interface. A style equalizer employs eight faders that indicate the predominant styles of the songs in the playlist. A subscriber may use the style equalizer to see what types of songs are included in the playlist, and to adjust the mix of songs that are played from the playlist.