Abstract: A system and machine-implemented method for providing access to one or more shared objects to a user participating in a collaboration session, including receiving a request from a user to receive access to one of one or more shared objects within a collaboration session, each shared object having a corresponding access control list including one or more authorized users having access to the shared object, determining whether the user has access to the one of the one or more shared objects by referencing the access control list in response to receiving the request and adding the user as an authorized user within the access control list for each of the one or more shared objects when it is determined that the user does not have access to the one of the one or more shared objects, such that the user is provided access to the one or more shared objects.

Abstract: A control system, for controlling a process that repeats in a number of cycles, is arranged to control at least one input to the process and to modify the input or inputs iteratively over successive cycles so that an output of the process approaches a desired reference output, and so that, at each iteration a current input is determined by a two stage process the first being to minimize a cost function, the cost function including the tracking error between a calculated output for the current input and the reference output, and the change between the input of a previous iteration and the current iteration, the second through the introduction of a relaxation parameter obtained by empirical methods or mathematical optimization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulation of data in a computer-controlled display system. A user may select data from a first application program and drag it to an area on the computer system display representing a third application program. The first application program creates a series of formats into which the data may be provided and, in some instance, the data itself. Moreover, a second process appends to that list of formats a series of formats that it can provide the data in. Then, upon receipt of the list of formats and/or data of the first item, the third process can request the data in any of the formats from either the first or second processes, if required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring control between application programs. A messaging means is provided which allows a first application program to indicate to the messaging means that a second application program should assume control. The messaging means receives the message and performs an orderly shutdown of the first application program and messages the second application program that it should commence operation. Upon valid and proper operation of the second application program, the first application program is caused to be suspended, and the second application program is invoked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved user interaction and feedback on a computer system display. Interapplication dragging upon a user interface display is provided allowing a user to select a first item in a first window and move that first item to a second window which is under control of second process. Feedback is provided in the second window under control of the second process if the second application program can accept the data. In addition, other improved user interface actions are described, such as improved selection feedback, improved navigation, and improved completion feedback.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting data in an application which is not a currently active context. The method comprises a user selecting information within a window under control of a first application program and moving the information to a second window under control of an active application program. This operation is performed providing a simple select, drag-and-drop operation. The active application program can arbitrate and communicate with a handler installed for the first application program to cause data from the first application program to be provided without activating the first application program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring control between application programs. A messaging means is provided which allows a first application program to indicate to the messaging means that a second application program should assume control. The messaging means receives the message and performs an orderly shutdown of the first application program and messages the second application program that it should commence operation. Upon valid and proper operation of the second application program, the first application program is caused to be suspended, and the second application program is invoked.