Abstract: A unique system and method is provided that facilitates managing an activity centric environment via a master profile (which includes user, group, and device profiles). The master profile follows or stays with the user and can be applied universally across devices and activities (activity templates). When profile data does not currently exist (e.g., a new activity or a new device), portions of the existing profile data can be applied to such new activities or device as appropriate. Thus, current profile data for existing or known user interactions and devices can be inferentially extended to new user interactions and devices. When conflicts arise between applicable profile data, they can be solved by applying the profile data in accordance with their priority. User intervention can be requested whereby the system can adapt previous user-based resolutions to future conflicts. Profile data can also be scaled according to the context of the user-device-activity interaction.

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 unique monitoring system and method is provided that involves monitoring user activity in order to facilitate managing and optimizing the utilization of various system resources. In particular, the system can monitor user activity, detect when users need assistance with their specific activities, and identify at least one other user that can assist them. Assistance can be in the form of answering questions, providing guidance to the user as the user completes the activity, or completing the activity such as in the case of taking on an assigned activity. In addition, the system can aggregate activity data across users and/or devices. As a result, problems with activity templates or activities themselves can be more readily identified, user performance can be readily compared, and users can communicate and exchange information regarding similar activity experiences. Furthermore, synchronicity and time-sensitive scheduling of activities between users can be facilitated and improved overall.

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: 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 integrate activities across machines and/or devices is disclosed. The innovation can be used in an “asynchronous” manner that enables a user to move or direct a set of activities and/or tasks within an activity from one device to another. Further, the system can facilitate adapting user interface factors with respect to a particular device such that a user can “synchronously” utilize all devices for the given activities and/or tasks. In other words, the “synchronous” scenario enables a user to share activity information between devices when simultaneously utilizing multiple devices in accordance with a particular activity.

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: A method, system and article of manufacture for providing a spy-resistant keyboard. The spy-resistant keyboard provides a user with additional protection against unauthorized observers while the user is interfacing with a system implementing the spy-resistant keyboard. The keyboard may include a number of tiles with a number of user-selectable characters randomly associated with each tile. A spy-resistant keyboard may also include a number of movable tiles with user-selectable characters. Before a user selects a user-selectable associated with one of the tiles, all the user-selectable characters in the tiles are at least blanked to avoid unauthorized viewing of a chosen tile.

Abstract: Collaborative electronic mail messages are fully integrated into traditional electronic mail on the client end. The collaborative electronic mail allows users to have online discussions without the clutter of numerous related individual electronic mails in the inbox, while at the same time reducing any deviation from the electronic mail user interface as seen by the end users.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for facilitating navigation techniques in a three-dimensional virtual environment. The present invention couples input driving techniques to the state of one or more workspace variables (e.g., object state, virtual body state, environment state) to change the user's viewing context within a single input control motion. Modification of the user's viewing context allows navigation to various positions and orientations with out the need to be provided with that viewing context prior to navigation. The modification of the user's viewing context also allows for single input motion employing the same input drive controls.

Abstract: A user interface for a computer system controls the creation and appearance of windows in a computer display. Aspects of the interface include utilizing three-dimensional rendering technology to render two-dimensional windows as texture on three-dimensional objects, automatically positioning windows in a primary viewing area so that the windows appear aligned with each other, and providing a three-dimensional start palette that contains icons for opening windows on the display.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for facilitating navigation techniques in a three-dimensional virtual environment. The present invention couples input driving techniques to the state of one or more workspace variables (e.g., object state, virtual body state, environment state) to change the user's viewing context within a single input control motion. Modification of the user's viewing context allows navigation to various positions and orientations with out the need to be provided with that viewing context prior to navigation. The modification of the user's viewing context also allows for single input motion employing the same input drive controls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user interface, data structure and method to facilitate management and/or access to data, such as by grouping graphical representations of the data in an image space relative to cluster indicators. A given graphical representation for selected data (e.g., a graphical object) can be associated with a corresponding cluster indicator based on its proximity to the cluster indicator. Thus, cluster membership can be changed, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, by moving graphical objects relative to the cluster indicators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional user interface for a computer system that allows a user to combine and store a group of windows as a task. The image of each task can be positioned within a three-dimensional environment such that the user may utilize spatial memory in order to remember where a particular task is located. In further embodiments of the invention, the three-dimensional environment includes a stage, which is used to display the task with the current focus. When a user selects a new task in the gallery, the task is moved to the stage and given focus. If a previous task was on the stage, an image of the previous task is captured. This image is then moved into the task gallery away from the stage. This process allows users to switch between multiple window configurations with a simple action.

Abstract: An object having first and second intersecting hierarchies is specified. The object is illustrated with respect to the first hierarchy. The second intersecting hierarchy is presented for selection to illustrate the object with respect to the second intersecting hierarchy. In response to selecting the second intersecting hierarchy, the object is illustrated within the second intersecting hierarchy. To illustrate the object within the second intersecting hierarchy, the procedure visually morphs from the first intersecting hierarchy to the second intersecting hierarchy. This means that a first structure representing the first hierarchy is gradually changed to a second structure that represents the second hierarchy.

Abstract: A system and method for representing content state in a file system is provided. A file system includes a unique database object that is representative of the object content. The unique database object serves as a link container and includes a plurality of links to additional unique database objects that are properties of the representation of content. The link container database object also maintains additional fields that define additional properties for the representation of content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that facilitates multi-tasking in a computing environment. A focus area component defines a focus area within a display space—the focus area occupying a subset area of the display space area. A scaling component scales display objects as a function of proximity to the focus area, and a behavior modification component modifies respective behavior of the display objects as a function their location of the display space. Thus, and more particularly the subject invention provides for interaction technique(s) and user interface(s) in connection with managing display objects on a display surface. One aspect of the invention defines a central focus area where the display objects are displayed and behave as usual, and a periphery outside the focus area where the display objects are reduced in size based on their location, getting smaller as they near an edge of the display surface so that many more objects can remain visible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling a dismissed dialogue box that displays an animation in which the dialogue box moves to an off-screen space beyond the perimeter of a computer display. Based on a later user request to view the dismissed dialogue box, the present invention provides a further animation that brings the off-screen space and the dialogue box into view. Under some embodiments, multiple dismissed dialogue boxes are stored in the off-screen space and the user can manipulate the boxes when viewing the off-screen space. In some embodiments, the off-screen space is brought into view by rotating the space into the user's current view. In other embodiments, the user's current view is rotated to show the space.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for facilitating navigation techniques in a three-dimensional virtual environment. The present invention couples input driving techniques to the state of one or more workspace variables (e.g., object state, virtual body state, environment state) to change the user's viewing context within a single input control motion. Modification of the user's viewing context allows navigation to various positions and orientations with out the need to be provided with that viewing context prior to navigation. The modification of the user's viewing context also allows for single input motion employing the same input drive controls.

Abstract: Collaborative electronic mail messages are fully integrated into traditional electronic mail on the client end. The collaborative electronic mail allows users to have online discussions without the clutter of numerous related individual electronic mails in the inbox, while at the same time reducing any deviation from the electronic mail user interface as seen by the end users.