Abstract: A computer is disclosed that performs an electronic mail creation process. The computer creates an electronic mail by referring to a storage part in which received electronic mails are stored, using at least one electronic mail of the received electronic mails stored in the storage part, the at least one electronic mail selected based on a criteria being set beforehand, and changing at least one of header information and a body text of the at least one electronic mail.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing inadvertent activation of user interface settings on an electronic device. The electronic device receives a user input indicating that the user is having difficulty operating the electronic device. The device then determines whether a setting was changed on the device within a predetermined time period prior to receiving the user input. When a first setting was changed within the predetermined time period prior to receiving the user input, the device restores the changed setting to a prior setting.

Abstract: A dynamic voice user interface system is provided. The dynamic voice user interface system interacts with a user at a first level of formality. The voice user interface system then monitors history of user interaction and adjusts the voice user interface to interact with the user with a second level of formality based on the history of user interaction.

Abstract: Contextual help is provided in an unobtrusive manner. The optimum point in time for displaying a help notification is determined by triggers associated with each help notification. The triggers may take into account various factors, such as the action currently being performed by the user, whether the tip has been presented to the user before, the user's past experience with the feature, and so forth.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method performed by a computing device. The method includes (1) receiving a command from a user to display a current GUI page of a set of GUI pages on a client device, the set of GUI pages providing the user with control over a system, (2) selecting, with reference to a proficiency level associated with the user, a version of the current GUI page from a plurality of versions of the current GUI page, and (3) causing the selected version of the current GUI page to be displayed to the user on a display of the client device. Other embodiments are directed to a computerized apparatus and a computer program product for performing a method similar to that described above.

Abstract: Objects shown on a display interface can be collected for a running application. Identifications (IDs) representing the objects can also be collected. A determination can be made concerning whether there are object identifications of objects with help contents associated. A transparent layer can be displayed on the display interface. All the objects associated with help contents of the layer can be visually indicated in the transparent layer. The visual indicators can indicate that help is available for a corresponding object. When no help is available, no visual indicator is shown in the transparent layer proximate to corresponding object.

Abstract: A method for tailoring help systems to the expertise of users includes recording data related to a user's interaction with a product. The data is then analyzed to ascertain a level of expertise of the user relative to using the product. Upon receiving a request for assistance from the user with respect to the product, a help system may be selected based on the determined level of expertise of the user. The method may automatically provide assistance to the user through a more advanced help system in the event the user is ascertained to have a more advanced level of expertise. Similarly, the method may automatically provide assistance to the user through a less advanced help system in the event the user is ascertained to have a less advanced level of expertise. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A help interface is generated to present static help content and customized help content for an application. Help content data is accessed to define the static help content and a control command to support incorporation of the customized help content. The control command is implemented to determine a configuration of the application, and a user context is determined based on a user characteristic and the application configuration. The customized help content is then resolved based on the control command and the user context. In some cases, a help system may include a help viewer module or program in communication with a computer-readable memory storing the help content data. The help viewer may then render the help interface based on the static help content and customized help content resolved from the control command, the application configuration, and other aspects of the user context in which it is presented.

Abstract: As a start operation for an auxiliary line mode is accepted, the projector displays an auxiliary line. When an auxiliary line mode end operation is accepted or a non-drawing state exceeds a certain time, the projector erases the auxiliary line and ends the auxiliary line mode.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for generating a mobile device's user interface is provided. The method may include: receiving, via the mobile device, input from a user of the mobile device, the input being related to a property for presenting dynamic context-dependent informational cues; determining a context; identifying a subset of a set of informational cues, the subset being associated with the context; and predominately presenting, via the mobile device, the identified subset to the user, the presentation being predominate as compared to any presentation of other informational cues in the set of informational cues, wherein the presentation accords with the received user input.

Abstract: A method for capturing a picture in a portable terminal is provided, in which a capturing position is set on a preview screen in a capturing mode, it is determined whether an object is inside the capturing position, then a user is notified when the object is inside and of the picture is taken when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A sever with processor(s) and memory provides a user interface to a client device for presentation to a user including user interface objects corresponding to functions of an online application. The server obtains a user profile for the user, including performance metrics of the user and determines whether to provide informative materials to the client device based on the user profile. In accordance with a determination that the informative materials are to be superimposed on the user interface, the server: determines a portion of the informative materials to be provided to the client device based on the performance metrics of the user; and provides the portion of the informative materials to the client device for presentation to the user, including media content overlaid on the user interface. The server responds to user interaction with any of the user interface objects by performing corresponding functions of the online application.

Abstract: Device, system, and method for providing interactive guidance with execution of operations. For example, a method of providing interactive guidance to a user of a computerized application includes: receiving a user request to obtain interactive guidance with respect to the computerized application; based on the user request, selectively retrieving an interactive guidance script from a repository of previously-recorded interactive guidance scripts; playing the interactive guidance script with respect to the computerized application; and automatically executing by the interactive guidance script at least one action on behalf of the user with regard to the computerized application.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for implementing, via a communication device, a set of algorithms to learn about user's usage of the device and provide automated customization to the device's user interface to improve ease of use and productivity of the end-user. This approach does not require the user's involvement by manually customizing the user interface, such as by setting up a speed dial list or a screen layout. The system automates rendering decisions and the content that is rendered based on the usage information. For example, if a user consistently calls a number every Tuesday and Wednesday morning regardless of scheduled calendar information, the communication device can provide a dynamic widget in the user interface for easy access to that number every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. The user can dial the number easily via the widget without the dial pad or a contacts application.

Abstract: Data for performing help document animated visualization is obtained by generating operation records from a text-based help document of an application. Each of the operation records may include data for animating an operation action that is performed on a user interface (UI) element of the application. The help document is further enhanced to include controls that load the operation records. The enhanced help documents and the operation records are distributed for use.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling access to applications of a mobile device. An example method includes collecting, by a controlled shell of an OS of the mobile device, information about an application of the user device; determining a category designation of the application based on the collected information; determining, by the controlled shell, whether the category designation of the application complies with one or more rules of a usage policy of the mobile device; blocking user access to the application if it is determined that a rule exists prohibiting use of applications in the designated category or if no rule exists permitting use of the applications in the designated category; and permitting user access to the application if it is determined that a rule exists allowing use of applications in the designated category or if no rule exists prohibiting use of the applications in the designated category.

Abstract: A device, method and system for automatically inferring a mobile user's current context includes applying a user activity knowledge base to real-time inputs and stored user-specific information to determine a current situation. Automated reasoning is used to infer a user-specific context of the current situation. Automated candidate actions may be generated and performed in accordance with the current situation and user-specific context.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an image analysis unit that executes a process for analyzing an image captured by a camera, a speech analysis unit that executes a process for analyzing speech input from a microphone, and a data processing unit that receives a result of the analysis conducted by the image analysis unit and a result of the analysis conducted by the speech analysis unit and that executes output control of help information for a user. The data processing unit calculates a degree of difficulty of the user on the basis of at least either the result of the image analysis or the result of the speech analysis and, if the degree of difficulty that has been calculated is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, executes a process for outputting help information to the user.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an image-viewing application. The application receives a selection of a help activation item in a graphical user interface (GUI) of the image-viewing application. The application displays help indicators for a first set of selectable GUI items. The application receives a selection of one of the first set of selectable GUI items. In response to receiving the selection, the application displays (i) a second set of GUI items and (ii) help indicators for the second set of GUI items, and removes the help indicators from the first set of selectable GUI items while maintaining the display of the first set of selectable GUI items.

Abstract: A computer system identifies a pattern of usage of the computer system by a first user, wherein the identified pattern of usage comprises of a first and a second step. The computer system determines the number of times that the first user performs the steps of the identified pattern of usage surpasses a first threshold value. The computer system creates an automation so that each time the first user performs the first step of the identified pattern of usage, the computer system performs the second step of the identified pattern of usage.

Abstract: The display computer displays a management screen having a first area and a second area. In the first area, information related to a computer system, and an input object for a work operation that is a user operation for registering a task of a processing to a computer system into a management computer or an object for displaying the input object are displayed. In the second area, a summary view related to at least one task registered into the management computer is displayed. The summary view has a status object for each status of task, the status object includes an object indicating a status and a value indicating a number of tasks of the status. When the management computer detects a modification of a status of each task that has been registered, the display computer updates a value of a number of tasks in the second area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables identification of customer characteristics and behavior, and predicts the customer's intent. Such prediction can be used to adopt various business strategies to increase the chances of conversion of customer interaction to a sale, and thereby can increase revenue, and/or enhance the customer's experience.

Abstract: A method is used in managing approval of a data storage management operation. An approval module is provided. A request to perform a management operation is received from a first user where the first user is associated with a first user access level. The management operation is forwarded to the approval module. The management operation is evaluated to determine an approval status, the evaluation based on the first user access level and the management operation. Based on the evaluation, an approval status is provided.

Abstract: Clickstream data describes a pathway or sequence taken by a user while accessing webpages or other user interfaces. The clickstream data may be parsed or processed to identify the time the user spent viewing each webpage, the number of elements on each webpage, the user's access bandwidth, and other data defining respective user access metrics. The user access metrics may be applied toward the generation of more effective user interfaces having idealized element counts, element placements or counts targeted to a particular user, elements based on estimated user access times, and so on.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device-based eCare solution that facilitates computerized consumer service on consumer devices. The system may include an end device, a back-end server eCare system, and a communications technology. One or more consumer eCare applications, such as balance and pricing applications, consumer assistance applications, diagnostic applications, and anticipatory applications, may be resident on the device. The end device may be configured to monitor the consumer's activity and collect and store a set of data regarding the consumer's activity. The end device may be further programmed to proactively offer the consumer a consumer eCare application based on the set of data and execute the consumer eCare application in accordance with the consumer's instructions. The system may create a collaborative environment between the device, other devices, and the back-end server eCare system.

Abstract: Techniques for mapping actions and objects to tasks may include identifying a task to be performed by a virtual assistant for an action and/or object. The task may be identified based on a task map of the virtual assistant. In some examples, the task may be identified based on contextual information of a user, such as a conversation history, content output history, user preferences, and so on. The techniques may also include customizing a task map for a particular context, such as a particular user, industry, platform, device type, and so on. The customization may include assigning an action, object, and/or variable value to a particular task.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, determine a first impairment associated with a first user of a first end user device, receive user input captured at a second end user device during a communication session between the first and second end user devices, store instructions for executing a group of adjustment techniques for modifying the user input where the group of adjustment techniques includes amplifying selective frequencies and translating the user input into sign language images, select an adjustment technique from among the group of adjustment techniques, adjust the user input according to the adjustment technique to generate adjusted user input, and provide the adjusted user input to the first end user device during the communication session. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A machine vision system program editing environment including synchronized selection and/or identification of related features in a plurality of different user interface windows is provided. In particular, one of the windows is an editing window where a part program representation is displayed for editing by a user. In one embodiment, a user may select data or another feature of interest in a window that is not the editing window (e.g., a results window, or graphical workpiece inspection feature display window) and the associated part program instruction representation is automatically highlighted and/or selected in the editing window. Conversely, a part program instruction representation may be selected by a user in the editing window and the associated results or feature in another window is automatically highlighted and/or selected. User interface navigation, rapid program quality assessment, and overall part program creation and editing efficiency are significantly enhanced in such an editing environment.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and when a virtual game is started, the CPU generates game image data and displays a corresponding game screen on a monitor. In the game screen, an operating instruction describing operation procedure is displayed and contents of the instruction changes according to a progress of the game. For example, as the game advances, an operating instruction including how to perform a new operation is displayed when a player object learns a new attack, or when a level (experience) of the player object increases or an operation level of the player increases. However, if the virtual game has not been played for a relatively long period of time, the operating instruction is displayed regardless of the progress of the game.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assigning reputation to communications entities include collecting communications data from distributed agents, aggregating the communications data, analyzing the communications data and identifying relationships between communications entities based upon the communications data.

Abstract: Elements of game play, such as usage statistics, scores, levels, challenges, achievements, competition, and the like, are incorporated into a productivity application to assist in motivating users to learn features of the productivity application. A recommendation system is utilized to assist users in determining what features of the application to learn next. Help content that is associated with the productivity application can also be tied to the features that are currently being learned and used by the user such that the linked help content is readily available. Users may compare their scores and compete with other persons that are also participating in the game play learning system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a learning management system that is embedded in an application, operating system, or multiple applications. The learning management system is adapted to identify whether training courses would be desirable for a user, based on usage of one or more applications, installment of one or more applications, or occurrence of one or more key words within an application.

Abstract: A machine vision system program editing environment includes near real time context generation. Rather than requiring execution of all preceding instructions of a part program in order to generate a realistic context for subsequent edits, surrogate data operations using previously saved data replace execution of certain sets of instructions. The surrogate data may be saved during the actual execution of operations that are recorded in a part program. An edit mode of execution substitutes that data as a surrogate for executing the operations that would otherwise generate that data. Significant time savings may be achieved for context generation, such that editing occurs within an operating context which may be repeatedly refreshed for accuracy in near real time. This supports convenient program modification by relatively unskilled users, using the native user interface of the machine vision system, rather than difficult to use text-based or graphical object-based editing environments.

Abstract: A machine vision system editing environment is provided for a part program in which a continuous stream of image acquisition operations are performed during a run mode. In one embodiment, a new common syntax and representations are utilized wherein continuous image acquisition operations are recorded in the same way as regular operations, with the running of the part program being performed in two stages. In the first stage, the portion of the part program that is to have the continuous stream of image acquisition is scanned for image acquisition operations, and the most efficient order for acquiring the images is determined, after which the image acquisition process is begun. Then, in the second stage, while the image acquisition process is being performed, the portion of the part program is scanned again, with the image analysis operations then being performed.

Abstract: A handheld dedicated electronic book (“eBook”) reader device renders an image on a screen during periods of inactivity of the device. The device detects certain screen conversion events such as a timeout period or a user indication. Upon detection of such events, the device renders, as the last screen image to remain visible after the user ceases using the device, an image that conveys some meaningful association with a content item accessible by the device. In the context of eBooks, the eBook reader device renders a representation of an author of the eBook as the last screen image. A highlighted portion of the eBook may additionally or alternatively be presented as the last screen image.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a receiver which receives a broadcasting signal, a display which displays an image based on the received broadcasting signal, a communication unit which communicates with a mobile device, and a controller which determines whether the mobile device interferes with at least one channel of a plurality of broadcasting channels received through the receiver, and controls the display to display a user interface (UI) indicates a user whether image noise has resulted from channel interference by the mobile device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and articles, such as computer program products, including a method for managing presentation of information, performed by execution of computer readable program code by a processor of a computer system, is disclosed. The method includes retrieving information relating to one or more subject matters from one or more data repositories, the one or more subject matters including general non-personal information on medical conditions and treatments therefor, presenting one or more sets of data from the retrieved information specific to a practitioner type selectable by a user from a plurality of practitioner types, presenting another one or more sets of data from the retrieved information common to two or more practitioner types selectable from the plurality of practitioner types, and presenting a further one or more sets of data from the retrieved information specific to at least one non-practitioner type.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for automated generation and/or execution of an interactive content object having content related to a video game application. In some implementations, the interactive content object may comprise interactive digital content that may be distributed to and/or executed on one or more computer system gaming platforms and/or other interactive media devices. Interactive content objects may be configured such that they may be included in the video game application and/or executed by the video game application. Interactive content objects may also be configured as standalone products. Interactive content objects may be configured such that they may be remotely patched and/or updated without updating the video game application. In some implementations, the interactive content object may comprise one or more of an instruction manual, a strategy guidebook, a cheat book, a mini-game, episodic content, and/or other applications.

Abstract: A method for prompting expertise in a collaboration environment includes drafting a message for a collaboration environment in a graphical user interface; entering a name of at least one recipient for the message; obtaining expertise information about the at least one recipient; and highlighting at least one word of the message that is associated with the obtained expertise information in the graphical user interface.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a method is described that includes establishing a wireless communication link between a mobile device and a document processing device; transmitting, by a transmitter of the document processing device, data stored in a memory of the document processing device related to the functionality of the document processing device to the mobile device; and receiving, by a receiver of the document processing device, data to control a functionality of the document processing device from the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for a gesture tool. A capture device captures user movement and provides corresponding data to a gesture recognizer engine and an application. From that, the data is parsed to determine whether it satisfies one or more gesture filters, each filter corresponding to user-performed gesture. The data and the information about the filters is also sent to a gesture tool, which displays aspects of the data and filters. In response to user input corresponding to a change in a filter, the gesture tool sends an indication of such to the gesture recognizer engine and application, where that change occurs.

Abstract: An electronic device with one or more processors and memory provides a user interface for presentation to a user including a plurality user interface objects corresponding to functions of an online application. The device determines whether to superimpose a portion of the informative materials on the user interface. In accordance with a determination that the portion of the informative materials is to be superimposed on the user interface, the device provides the portion of the informative materials for presentation to the user, including: media content overlaid on the user interface; and a focus indicator overlaid on the user interface that is configured to draw the respective user's attention to one or more user interface objects of the user interface in coordination with the media content. The device responds to user interaction with a user interface objects by performing a corresponding function of the online application.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing search skills of human guides in an information search system. The method allows human guides to be trained when they are not particularly busy fielding search queries from information seekers. The method can include determining whether a guide is idle and presenting to a human guide at least one video or audio source for training the human guide. The video training can include a demonstration of the most effective method for providing search results for an information search query, thereby enabling a guide to learn effective strategies and skills for conducting information searching. The training can contribute to the likelihood of the guide being promoted to a level of a more experienced human guide, thereby allowing greater effectiveness in fielding search queries for information seekers.

Abstract: A set-top box device includes an interactive help module configured to receive a request for a list of interactive help applications for a service in an Internet Protocol television network, retrieve a first interactive help application from a server in the Internet Protocol television network, and output first text associated with a first step in the first interactive help application to a display. The interactive help module is also configured to receive a first input for the first step, compare the first input with a first correct input, output second text associated with a second step to the display if the first input matches the first correct input, and otherwise output to the display third text associated with a wrong input received and the first text associated with the first step.

Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing behavior of a computing system based on details of interactions with the computing system by a user, such as a direction, intensity, or magnitude of a particular input from a user input device.

Abstract: A guided natural language interface, a method for guiding a user in specifying a color problem with a document image, and a set of templates for use in the interface and method are provided. The interface includes computer readable memory which stores a set of issue description templates, each template being configured for guiding a user in formulating a problem statement characterizing, in natural language, a problem related to color identified in an input document. A natural rendering engine receives information input by a user and/or information input from an associated problem detector, and instantiates one of the templates in response thereto. The natural language rendering engine is configured for presenting the problem statement to the user as it is refined and communicating information based on the refined problem statement to an associated problem corrector.

Abstract: A failure analysis apparatus obtains information associated with an operational status of a data center, determines information regarding fault repair work for the data center, based on the information associated with the operational status, and transmits the information regarding the fault repair work to a head mounted display (HMD). The HMD synthesizes and presents computer graphics image data for providing guidance for a method of the fault repair work, with an image of real space, based on the information regarding the fault repair work. After the fault repair work according to the guidance presented by the HMD, if the information associated with the operational status of the data center is newly obtained, the failure analysis apparatus newly determines the information regarding the fault repair work for the data center based on the information associated with the operational status, and transmits the information to the HMD.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing instructional help, at multiple levels of sophistication, in a learning application includes assistance in the form to at least two optional levels of sophistication. The user can select any level of sophistication according to desire or need. The levels allow for flexibility in learning relative to the person involved, the amount of previous knowledge the person has about the subject matter, the differences in how different people learn. In one embodiment, the assistance is contained in programming on a CD-ROM which is used in an interactive computerized system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modifying a user interface as a function of the detected emotional state of a system user are described. In one embodiment, stress analysis is performed on received speech to generate an emotional state indicator value, e.g., a stress level indicator value. The stress level indicator value is compared to one or more thresholds. If a first threshold is exceeded the user interface is modified, e.g., the presentation rate of speech is slowed. If a second threshold is not exceeded, another modification to the user interface is made, e.g., the speech presentation rate is accelerated. If the stress level indicator value is between first and second thresholds, user interface operation continues unchanged. The user interface modification techniques of the present invention may be used in combination with known knowledge or expertise based user interface adaptation features.