Abstract: 1. ImageRank is an heuristic methodology for incorporating user interaction with the results of a search for images in order to enhance the relevance of future search results. 2. ImageRank incorporates several other derivative factors such as user history, image history, image-source history, temporal data and the relationship between the image and the successful terminology used to locate that image. Success is iterative-based and determined by (1) above and its derivatives. 3. ImageRank provides for a methodology that records all of the successful and unsuccessful search criteria ever deployed to locate an image described in (1) above and its derivatives as described in (2) above.

Abstract: A user interface builder provides support for creation of customized user interfaces, enabling users to associate images, animation, sound clips and other media with specific predefined states of a user interface control. A set of object classes for each control predefined within the user interface builder include a first class defining the functional behavior and a comprehensive state model for the control, and a second class which encapsulates property attributes which may be set by a user to be associated with specific states of the control. In particular, desired graphics images, audio and animation sequences can be associated with a control via simple GUI interaction, avoiding the need for an interface creator to write code for standard interface control functions and so enabling easy creation of interfaces with semantic consistency and customized appearance.

Abstract: A set of object classes provide a framework supporting user modification of user interface properties. The classes include a properties class which is a template for creation of property objects encapsulating property values and the view attributes (GUI information) required for creating views of the property via a user interface. Property objects provide a single mechanism for representing a particular property, allowing a number of different views to be open on the same property. User interactions with different views of a property via the user interface result in messages being sent to the same property object. If a property value is changed, then the chance is propagated back to all associated applications having views for the object and so view concurrency is automatically achieved.

Abstract: A computer system connectable to a display device to display a graphical user interface through which a user can select an action in order to invoke a desired operation, and a method of operation of such a system. The action is selectable by one or more views of that action provided via the graphical user interface, and the system is characterized by means for providing a container object which is displayable via the graphical user interface on the display device, the container object being arranged to respond to user selection by creating a user page for display to the user. Further, the system is characterized by identifying means for identifying when a user selection of the container object has occurred, and for informing the container object of that selection, thereby causing a user page to be created, and view association means for enabling a user to associate views of actions with the user page created upon selection of the container object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer system having a user interface through which a user can select an action in order to invoke a desired operation, and to a method of operation of such a computer system. The action is selectable by one or more views provided via the user interface, and the system comprises generation means for representing an action by an action object, the action object defining, for each available view that can be employed to represent that action, the attributes required to provide that view, and an identifier to identify the operation to be invoked upon selection of the action. Further the system comprises identifying means for identifying when a user selection of a view has occurred, and for informing the associated action object of that selection, and the action object is responsive to the identifying means to employ the unique identifier to generate a command to invoke the desired operation.