Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for linking time-based metadata to media content so that as the metadata changes in synchronicity with media content during play, information associated with the media content can be outreached in the context of the media presentation. More particularly, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a media player device is provided that renders media content and retrieves and displays appropriate metadata information associated with the media content at an appropriate time to an ancillary metadata viewer device during play of a media resource.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting active usage of a group-based communication system having a group-based communication interface. The apparatus includes a memory and processor(s) configured to detect group-based activity data stored in the memory of the apparatus. The processor is further configured to determine an active user subset of a group-based communication system user group based on the group-based activity data. The processor is further configured to compare the active user subset to a predetermined user activity threshold. The processor is further configured to, in circumstances where the active user subset satisfies the predetermined user activity threshold, render a trigger component to the group-based communication interface. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method of providing an instant messaging service and multiple services expanded from the instant messaging service, the method including displaying a chat window for a chat room related to an instant messaging service, receiving a touch event input by a user on the chat window, selecting one service among a plurality of services expanded from the instant messaging service in response to the touch event, and displaying a window related to the selected service.

Abstract: An association logic that associates a non-text message type with specified information is established. The association logic includes at least identification of the non-text message type, allowing a message type in line with the association logic to be identified by the identification. A first message is monitored. A first identification corresponding to the first message is obtained by analysing the first message. It is detected, according to the first identification, whether the first message is of the message type in line with the association logic. It is determined that the first message supports display of the specified information when it is detected that the first message is of the message type in line with the association logic.

Abstract: Approaches presented herein enable resuming a context for a group of electronic devices based on a prior activity of the group members. Specifically, a current context of a user electronic device is collected at a conclusion of a first collaboration session. One or more participant electronic devices associated with the user electronic device are identified, either by being in a same location or virtually connected. A current context of each of the identified participant electronic devices is collected. The context of the user electronic device and each of the participant electronic devices are stored in a context database. The current context of the user electronic device and each of the participant electronic devices are resumed at a beginning of a second collaboration session when the user electronic device is resumed (e.g., powered on or brought out of “sleep” mode).

Abstract: Approaches presented herein enable resuming a context for a group of electronic devices based on a prior activity of the group members. Specifically, a current context of a user electronic device is collected at a conclusion of a first collaboration session. One or more participant electronic devices associated with the user electronic device are identified, either by being in a same location or virtually connected. A current context of each of the identified participant electronic devices is collected. The context of the user electronic device and each of the participant electronic devices are stored in a context database. The current context of the user electronic device and each of the participant electronic devices are resumed at a beginning of a second collaboration session when the user electronic device is resumed (e.g., powered on or brought out of “sleep” mode).

Abstract: Aspects include engaging a user in a chat flow by a dialog system. A user sentiment associated with a system response provided by the dialog system as part of the chat flow is determined based on observation of the user. A next system response is rerouted from a planned sequence of the chat flow to a sentiment-based repair sequence to alter content delivered to the user based on a detected aspect of the user sentiment.

Abstract: The display method executed by a terminal including setting a first user name of the first user on the terminal, displaying the first user name and a second user name of the second user in a display area of the terminal based on a first input on the terminal, deleting the displayed second user name from the display area of the terminal based on a second input constituting at least a portion of the set first user name being inputted into the terminal, the displayed second user name being different from the set first user name, based on a second input constituting a part of the first user name, displaying first information representing that a message is destined for the first user, based on a selection of the first user by the user of the terminal, and transmitting the message including the first information to the terminals may be provided.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a controller that displays conversation contents of a plurality of conversation groups making a conversation with a user, on the same screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for selecting recipients, channels, and messages for delivery via multi-channel communications. A message may be delivered to a recipient via multiple delivery channels, and the recipient may engage in a conversion event or activity associated with the message. Each potential delivery of the message may be associated with an incremental probability of causing the conversion event. The incremental probabilities may be used to determine the channel and recipient with the highest incremental probability of causing a conversion event for a given message, the recipient and message having the highest incremental probability of causing a conversion event when delivered via a given channel, and other combinations. Profiles may be used to compare messages, channels, and recipients in order to predict incremental probabilities, and messaging resources may be allocated according to budgets, cost-benefit analyses, or other criteria.

Abstract: A method for providing a virtual conference is described. The method includes: a conferencing system receiving a request to schedule a meeting; the conferencing system displaying a calendar associated with a first conference participant identifier of the virtual conference; and the conferencing system receiving a request to retrieve calendar data associated with one or more second conference participant identifiers of the virtual conference. The conferencing system then receives calendar data through one or more communication channels associated with one or more second conference participant identifiers.

Abstract: In embodiments of document layer extraction for mobile devices, a cloud-based image service can receive a request from a mobile file browser for a multi-layered image, and the image service communicates an image preview and image layer previews of multiple layers of the multi-layered image to the mobile device for display. The image service generates a layer extraction that is a full-resolution image of each of the multiple layers of the multi-layered image. The image service can receive identifiers of layers that correspond to user selections of one or more image layer previews from the mobile device. The image service can then generate a component representation of the layer extractions that correspond to the identified layers of the multi-layered image, and then communicate the component representation of the identified layers to the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media for persistent conversations are described. In some implementations, a method can include receiving a communication message sent from a first user to at least one other user, and generating a persistent conversation object having a conversation content section and conversation state information. The method can also include storing the communication message in the conversation content section of the persistent conversation object, and forwarding the communication message to the at least one other user. The method can further include updating the conversation state information to reflect the receiving, storing and forwarding of the communication message.

Abstract: A messaging platform operates as a mobile device environment giving the user the ability to search for and add content into text message as well as to gain access to other applications and functionality. The messaging platform presents a user interface for construction messages and a trey that includes a wide variety of selectable elements including movies, photos, etc. The messaging platform enables live video chatting within the text GUI.

Abstract: Segmenting hashtags is provided. A selection of a sub-hashtag contained within a hashtag is received from a client device via a network. A set of content linked only to the selected sub-hashtag within the hashtag is retrieved. The set of content linked only to the selected sub-hashtag is sent to the client device via the network.

Abstract: Users in public forums often mention certain topics in the course of their discussions. Member's comments in messages to other members are analyzed to obtain terms that co-occur with topics. Frequencies of co-occurrence of a term with topics are normalized based on frequency of the term in a random sample of message. The terms are ranked by their normalized frequency of co-occurrence with a topic in messages. The top terms are selected based on their rank. Analysis of demographic information associated with members that mentioned top terms associated with a topic is displayed in graphical format that highlights the relationship between the age, gender, and usage of the top terms over time. The demographic information presented includes average age of members that mentioned a top term or their gender information within a selected time interval.

Abstract: A computer monitors communications between at least two users on the electronic communication platform. The computer associates the monitored communications with one or more communication segments, while each communication segment being associated with a corresponding graphical user interface (GUI) component of a communication program. The computer identifies a question within the monitored communications and associates the identified question with at least one question component of the GUI of at least one of the one or more communication segments.

Abstract: A computer monitors communications between at least two users on the electronic communication platform. The computer associates the monitored communications with one or more communication segments, while each communication segment being associated with a corresponding graphical user interface (GUI) component of a communication program. The computer identifies a question within the monitored communications and associates the identified question with at least one question component of the GUI of at least one of the one or more communication segments.

Abstract: Content curation can be facilitated by an application programming interface (API) for creating an address for a block of content in a document identified through a location identifier as well as APIs for retrieving content from the created address and pushing or merging the content back to the created address. Access services including conversion and merge services can be used to provide the content blocks in a suitable format for various clients. A document view is described in which a plurality of content blocks are presented as a single document even though the content blocks may be retrieved using at least two uniform resource locators (URLs).

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a Threaded Conversation User Interface (“TCUI”) on a display area of a computer used to connect a social network. The TCUI comprises a plurality of nested columns. First, second, and third nested columns of the plurality of nested columns includes first, second, and third comments, respectively. The first nested column is positioned at a left margin of the display area, the second nested column is indented a single indentation width from the display area's left margin, and the third nested column is indented multiple indentation widths from the display area's left margin. A type of input gesture is determined from a received input gesture and in response, the TCUI is scrolled. The scrolling is terminated with at least one of second, third, or another nested column positioned at the left edge of the display area, the termination being based at least on the determined input gesture.

Abstract: An easy-to-use metadata modifying system to obscure video metadata when sharing a video between different client devices to encourage the recipient to view the video is described. Content items are received at a first client device associated with a first user account. The content items can include metadata associated with the content item and metadata associated with the sender of the content item. The content item can be displayed on the client device with at least some of the metadata obscured from view. In response from an input to the client device, the metadata that was previously obscured can be provided for display on the client device.

Abstract: Customizable reproduction of electronic meetings is described. In one or more embodiments, content, such as slides or audio or chat, is obtained from multiple participants of an electronic meeting, such as a web conference. Obtained content is channelized by associating a unique identifier with content based at least partially on which participant contributed the content. Content events may be associated with a time stamp that is derived from a time index of the electronic meeting. Content may be contributed by a presenter participant or a non-presenter participant. To customize reproduction of an electronic meeting, a host may be empowered to select content by designating specific participants for inclusion or exclusion in the reproduction. A user interface may graphically indicate types or time slots of content contributed by individual participants. A host may designate individual content events for inclusion or exclusion by selection or non-selection of displayed time slots.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing a voicemail message to generate a textual representation of at least a portion of the voicemail message. At least one emotion expressed in the voicemail message is determined by applying at least one emotion classifier to the voicemail message and/or the textual representation. An indication of the determined at least one emotion is provided in a manner associated with the textual representation of the at least a portion of the voicemail message.

Abstract: A system adapted to link email conversations is disclosed. An email client identifies email conversations from email header information and presents the conversations along with other emails in a user's inbox. The user interface receives user inputs selecting first and second email conversations and specifying that the two should be linked. The email client generates an identifier and associates the identifier with emails that are comprised in the selected first and second conversations. When a recipient receives an email that is part of a conversation that has been linked by another user, the recipient's email client notifies the user of the prior linking and provides a button with which the recipient may also implement the link. A user may select to create a new email and link the new email to an existing conversation. An identifier is generated and associated with the new email and emails in the selected conversation.

Abstract: A workflow development system is described that enables users to easily develop and deploy bots. The system provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to select a plurality of steps for inclusion in a workflow and within which each user-selected step is represented as an interactive object. The plurality of steps includes at least one step of receiving a message directed to a bot or sending a message on behalf of the bot and at least one step of invoking an application to perform an action in response to receiving the message directed to the bot or to receive information upon which the sending of the message on behalf of the bot will be based. The system also receives information about each of the user-selected steps included in the workflow and generates workflow logic based on the received information that is executable to run the workflow.

Abstract: A method is provided, including: receiving a request to initiate a session of a cloud application for a first user; executing, by a cloud server computer, the first user's session of the cloud application to generate video content; streaming the video content to the first client device for rendering to a first display device; receiving a request from a second client device associated with a remote second user to view the video content; streaming the video content over the network to the second client device; processing a request to transition control of the first user's session to the second user; initiating control of the first user's session by the second user, wherein initiating control by the second user includes deactivating control by the first client device and activating control by the second client device.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus having a plurality of functions includes an operation unit that receives from a user an input of at least one among a character, a number, and a symbol into an entry field, which is provided on a screen for using one function among the plurality of functions; and a function call unit that performs a function calling process of calling another function among the plurality of functions other than the one function when the input of at least one among the character, the number, and the symbol includes the character, the number, or the symbol for calling any function among the plurality of functions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sharing location information during a message conversation are provided. An electronic device detects a location-sharing request from a first participant of a message conversation to share first participant location information with a second participant. The device then enables the second participant to obtain the first participant location information during a predetermined location-sharing time period. In response to detecting interaction by one of the first participant and the second participant with the message conversation during the predetermined location-sharing time period, the device extends the predetermined location-sharing time period.

Abstract: An audio and video broadcasting apparatus includes a plurality of sound signal capturing devices, an image capturing device, a controller, and a speaker. The sound signal capturing devices capture a plurality of sound signals. The image capturing device obtains a display image. The controller is configured to: divide the display image into a plurality of display regions; establish a correspondence between the disposition positions and relative positions of the display regions; receive a playback setting command of a selected region, and set a playing weight of each of the display regions according to the playback setting command; and adjust a volume playback setting corresponding to the sound signals according to the playing weight of each of the display regions and the correspondence, and generate an output sound signal according to the volume playback setting and the sound signals. The speaker performs a sound playing action.

Abstract: A method for expressing a user emotion during game play comprises displaying an emotion image received from an opponent terminal on a display of a terminal in which a game is played; displaying at least two emotion menus with respect to the displayed emotion image; making a first selection of an emotion type based on a user selection signal for any one of the displayed at least two emotion menus; making a second selection of an emotional scale based on a distance between a location on the display where the user selection signal is generated and the emotion image; changing the emotion image based on the first selected emotion type and the second selected emotional scale; and generating the changed emotion image into a response emotion image and transmitting the response emotion image to the opponent terminal.

Abstract: A method for preloading a user interface, the method comprising: anticipating, by a processor, an interaction with a customer of a customer contact center; creating, by the processor, an agent desktop session based on this anticipation; storing, by the processor, the agent desktop session in association with information for the customer; detecting, by the processor, an interaction with the customer; identifying, by the processor, an agent of the customer contact center for routing the interaction to the agent; and launching, by the processor, the agent desktop session on an agent device of the identified agent.

Abstract: A computer-based method for real-time communication authorization includes receiving, from a first communication device, a communication request, verifying, with a verification engine, a pre-approval status of the communication request, storing the communication request in an approval queue if the communication authorization the pre-approval status is set to false, issuing an alert to the authorization device, and receiving one or more authorization parameters from an authorization device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for facilitating user interactions while watching media content are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, the method comprises: associating a first user device with a second user device, wherein the first user device and the second user device are associated with a first user; causing, on the first user device, a media content item to be presented; receiving an indication that the media content item is being presented on a third user device associated with a second user; causing, on the first user device, a selectable indication that the media content item is being presented on the third user device to be presented; and in response to determining that the selectable indication has been selected on the first user device, causing a communication interface for exchanging messages between the second user device and the third user device to be presented on the second user device.

Abstract: A computerized human communication arbitrating and distributing system, including a controller digital computer and a plurality of participator digital computers, each of the participator computers including an input device for receiving human-input information from a human user and an output device for presenting information to the user. A connection, such as Internet, links the controller computer with each of the participator computers. Controller software runs on the controller computer to arbitrate in accordance with predefined rules, which ones of the participator computers can interact in one of a plurality of groups through the controller computer and to distribute real time data to the respective ones of the groups.

Abstract: This disclosure provides various embodiments for generating reports relating to UI models' compliance with a set of UI style guide rules. A digital UI model is parsed to determine whether a user interface, in a plurality of user interfaces within a software environment, satisfies at least one UI style guide rule in a plurality of UI style guide rules associated with the software environment. The digital UI model defines a plurality of attributes of the user interface. At least one statistical measure is calculated relating to compliance with UI style guide rules. The calculation of the statistical measure is based at least in part on the determination of whether the user interface satisfies the at least one UI style guide rule. A report is then generated identifying the at least one statistical measure, the report configured for presentation on a user interface of a computing device.

Abstract: A solution for providing an instant messaging (IM) space, such as for a chat session, is provided, which includes provisions for spinning off of chat threads. An embodiment of the invention provides a method of providing an IM space, the method comprising: providing a first graphical user interface (GUI) space for an IM conversation; obtaining a selected portion of the IM conversation represented on the first GUI; and creating a second GUI space for a second IM conversation based on the portion selected.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for generating visual instruction to a user of a system, such as for exercise instruction or rehabilitation purposes. Preferably, the system includes a user imaging system with the system generating an output adapted to couple to a display device. The systems and methods serve to guide a user body motion. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of receiving first user positional information from the user imaging system, and then generating a first mirror image of the user positional information. Additionally, the method includes generating a first instructional image having the same positional orientation as the first mirror image of the user positional information. Finally, the method and system generate a composite output display including the first mirror image of the user positional information and the first instructional image.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing shared folders and files within a remote and local file system includes determining a remote and local file system state. The remote file system state includes remote hash values for remote instances of shared folders, shared sub-folders, shared files, shared sub-level files, and shared shortcuts. The local file system state includes a local hash values for local instances of shared folders, shared sub-folders, shared files, shared sub-level files, and shared shortcuts. The method also includes comparing the remote file system state and the local file system state to determine any differences in the hash values within the remote file system state and the local file system state and synchronizing any shared folder, shared sub-folder, or shared file having a differing value in the remote file system state and the local file system state across the local file system and the remote file system.

Abstract: A method for providing remote control of a user's gameplay is provided. A live video feed of a first user's gameplay is presented to a remote second user. A request to transition control of the first user's gameplay to the second user is processed. Control of the first user's gameplay by the second user is initiated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to discussion forum management and provide a method, system and computer program product for instant conversations in a thread within a discussion forum. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for instant conversations in a thread within a discussion forum can be provided. The method can include providing a discussion forum and initiating a thread in the discussion forum and measuring a temporal proximity of postings between two or more users in the thread. In response to determining a close temporal proximity, an instant messaging session can be launched between the two or more users and entries in the instant messaging session can be inserted as responses to the thread in the discussion form.

Abstract: A graphical user interface utility for message data sent from a sender personal communications device to a recipient personal communications device displays a base response prompt, according to an instruction from the sender, in the message data that appears on the recipient personal communications device. The graphical user interface utility changes the appearance of the base response prompt when the base response prompt is selected by the recipient by displaying one or more recipient-actuable selection elements along with the message content. At least one of the one or more recipient-actuable selection elements has an associated response signal that is transmitted back to the sender according to recipient selection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to question and answer management in a collaborative environment, and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and apparatus for synchronizing questions and answers in an instant messaging session. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of synchronizing questions and answers in an instant messaging session can be provided. The method can include maintaining an instant messaging session between first and second participants, identifying questions and answers in the instant messaging text, matching each of the answers to a corresponding one of the questions, and displaying the matched questions and answers supplementally to the displaying of the chat transcript, ensuring that a participant does not overlook a question where response on their part is required.

Abstract: A computer program or method provides away messages from a first user to other users of a communications system, where the first user has grouped the other users into two or more groups. An interface is provided to the first user that displays representations of the other users in a manner that identifies how the first user has grouped the other users into the groups. The first user is able to select a selected group from the groups using the interface. The first user also is able to set a group away message for the selected group using the interface. The group away message is sent to a second user that has been grouped in the selected group when the second user attempts to communicate with the first user using the communications system and the first user is offline.

Abstract: Architecture presents in a display related content in association with (an annotation) a social media post, as derived from post information of the social media post itself. The related content can be presented in the user interface proximate the social media post or elsewhere in the user interface. The related content can be presented as search engine queries, images, videos, and/or links to related websites. More specifically, the disclosed architecture facilitates the automated annotation of a social media post with related content derived from: post information such as a URL (uniform resource locator) referred to in the social media post, post information such as the text, image(s), and/or video content in a social media post itself, and post information such as content linked-to by a URL referred to in a social media post.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for visualizing synthetic objects within a real-world video clip. The embodiments allow interactive, synthetic objects or characters to appear as if they are “embedded” inside or form part of a video clip. These objects move independently of the environment within the video clip and are controlled by a user. In one embodiment the video frames are set as textures in the furthermost layer in a 3D environment viewer or 3D “engine”. In another embodiment separate layers of video frames are superimposed with the synthetic objects on an output screen and synchronizing the movements and the field of view settings to give the perception that only one camera is used.

Abstract: A method for automated avatar mood effects in a virtual world may include detecting occurrence of a mood changing condition relatable to a user's avatar. The method may also include determining an avatar mood effect from a plurality of predefined avatar mood effects to be applied to the user's avatar in the virtual world based on the detected mood changing condition. The method may further include automatically applying the avatar mood effect to the user's avatar in the virtual world in response to detecting occurrence of the mood changing condition and determining an applicable avatar mood effect based on the detected mood changing condition and presenting the automatically applied avatar mood effect in association with the user's avatar in the virtual world.

Abstract: Providing visual indication that an item of content is associated with a collaboration environment is disclosed. It is determined that a set of content items comprising one or more items of content comprising a body of managed content are to be displayed to a user. In the event that a collaboration content item included in the set of content items is associated with a collaboration environment of which the user is a member, visual indication is provided that the content item is associated with the collaboration environment.

Abstract: Creating message files in a publication subscription computer system by: (i) receiving data corresponding to a first message; (ii) receiving a list of subscribers that subscribe to a topic of the first message; and (iii) creating a digital data file that includes a payload data and a consumption metadata. The payload data includes content data corresponding to the first message. The consumption metadata includes data relating to whether one or more subscribers of the list of subscribers will potentially consume the first message at a later period in time from the time of receiving the content data corresponding to the first message.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for accomplishing a virtual call on hold. A client communication device, such as a telephone, smartphone, or computer, receives a notification of a communication session to which the user is invited, and establishes a relationship with the communication session. Alternatively, a server associated with the communication session can establish the relationship with the client communication device. Then, the communication device can present an indication of the relationship with the communication session for a duration of the communication session, such that the user can join the communication session at will via a communication channel, and such that the communication channel is not occupied by the communication session unless or until the user joins the communication session. The communication session can be a conference call, video conference, a multi-modal chat wherein multiple users communicate via different modalities.

Abstract: A method of redirecting traffic on a network includes receiving a subscriber request to use a parental control service, assigning to the subscriber's access device an Internet protocol (IP) address from a block of addresses reserved for the service, receiving a transaction, determining that the transaction is from an address in the block, and redirecting the transaction to a parental control device on the network. A network-based parental control system includes an access device for an account that uses a parental control service, a dynamic host configuration protocol server that assigns to the access device an IP address from a block of addresses reserved for the parental control service, a parental control policy device, and a router that receives a transaction from the access device, determines that the transaction is from an address in the block, and redirects the transaction to the parental control policy device.