Abstract: An intelligent virtual device, which is a widget, as well as a widget container that allows users and providers to manage the display, layout and navigation of widgets, and which is a part of a distributed infrastructure where users can freely subscribe, embed/publish, and organize a multitude of virtual devices according to their interests. In addition, the virtual device is also designed to facilitate a seamless content/information update or service access flow by integrating with other applications that control functions including but not limited to those related to content capturing, personal information management and communication management. The virtual device also serves as a flexible and internet-accessible device user interface and component platform for hardware and software providers to customize their hardware and software offerings.

Abstract: A method of generating a customized image includes forming a first design including a first pattern having a first color and a second color. The method also includes receiving input from a user using a design modification element. The method further includes forming a second design including a second pattern including a third color and a fourth color. A change from the first design to the second design is proportional to the input received from the user using the design modification element.

Abstract: An approach to setting up a collabortive workspace involves receiving a user's instructions to convert an object to a collaborative workspace. In response to this instruction, the approach creates the collaborative workspace in a substantially automated manner. The approach may thereby facilitate the provisioning of a collaborative workspace, eliminating or at least reducing the manual effort involved in setting up a collaborative workspace.

Abstract: A solution for conducting a marketing activity is provided. Activities in a virtual environment are monitored and descriptions of a virtual object involved in the activities are collected. A tag may be assigned to the virtual object based on the characteristic of the activities and/or the descriptions of the virtual object. The tag may be used in marketing activities conducted in relation to the virtual environment.

Abstract: A method includes executing first processes to generate graphical displays. At least one graphical display includes a user interface associated with a process system. The method also includes executing a separate second process to generate a window for presentation to an operator. The method further includes inserting the graphical displays into the window and presenting the window with the graphical displays to the operator. The method could also include executing a separate third process to control the first and second processes. The third process could represent a watchdog that terminates and restarts processes in response to detecting a fault or that prioritizes the processes. The method could further include executing a separate fourth process to provide a service, which includes a function invoked on behalf of at least one of the first and second processes.

Abstract: A graphical user interface includes a primary color palette including a first plurality of colors and a secondary color palette including a second plurality of colors. A first color is defined as a primary color and a second color is defined as a secondary color. The secondary color is different from the primary color. The graphical user interface also includes a plurality of styles, with a style defined as an initial style. The graphical user interface further includes an intensity scale ranging from a minimum intensity value to a maximum intensity value. An indicator is positioned in association with an initial intensity value. Moreover, the graphical user interface includes a display tile including an initial pattern that is displayed based on the primary color, the secondary color, and the initial style and a subsequent pattern that is modified from the initial pattern based on the initial intensity value.

Abstract: Customized item that is usable on both a website as an item in a virtual world, and outside the website as a tangible item in the real world is provided and described. One single customization is used to create both items. The item can be the same in the virtual world as it is in the virtual world, or can be different in the virtual world.

Abstract: Supporting a visualization of an object model in which multiple dependencies exist between each of a plurality of objects by limiting one or more object instances in the object model and filtering one or more attributes associated with one or more of the object instances. The limiting and filtering is performed by utilizing a plurality of windows, panels, or sub-windows to display a corresponding list of one or more objects for a dimension, along with one or more attributes associated with each of the one or more objects; and updating a second window, panel, or sub-window in response to receiving a selection of an item from a first window, panel, or sub-window according to a relationship defined in the object model, wherein the updating is performed in a hierarchical manner.