Abstract: A method to expose status information is provided. The status information is associated with metadata extracted from multimedia files and stored in a metadata database. The metadata information that is extracted from the multimedia files is stored in a read queue to allow a background thread to process the metadata and populate the metadata database. Additionally, the metadata database may be updated to include user-define metadata, which is written back to the multimedia files. The user-defined metadata is included in a write queue and is written to the multimedia files associated with the user-defined metadata. The status of the read and write queues are exposed to a user through a graphical user interface. The status may include the list of multimedia files included in the read and write queues, the priorities of each multimedia file, and the number of remaining multimedia files.

Abstract: Computer system navigation tools provide “links” to various different files, lists, folders, and/or other storage elements and allow users to organize files, e.g., by hierarchical properties, lists, auto lists, folders, and the like. Such systems and methods allow users to assign properties to a file (optionally in a hierarchical manner), to change assigned properties, to search, view, and retrieve information based on the assigned properties, and the like.

Abstract: A method to expose status information is provided. The status information is associated with metadata extracted from multimedia files and stored in a metadata database. The metadata information that is extracted from the multimedia files is stored in a read queue to allow a background thread to process the metadata and populate the metadata database. Additionally, the metadata database may be updated to include user-define metadata, which is written back to the multimedia files. The user-defined metadata is included in a write queue and is written to the multimedia files associated with the user-defined metadata. The status of the read and write queues are exposed to a user through a graphical user interface. The status may include the list of multimedia files included in the read and write queues, the priorities of each multimedia file, and the number of remaining multimedia files.

Abstract: Topic-centric-media sharing allows a user to search for and share media objects related to a topic. The user can select media objects stored on a client computing device to share with other users. The client computing device contains software that, in operation, searches for a set of media objects related to the same topic as the selected media objects. If such a set is located, the software on the client computing device can associate the selected media objects with the set. If no such set is located, the user can create a new set to share with other users.

Abstract: Computer system navigation tools provide “links” to various different files, lists, folders, and/or other storage elements and allow users to organize files, e.g., by hierarchical properties, lists, auto lists, folders, and the like. Such systems and methods allow users to assign properties to a file (optionally in a hierarchical manner), to change assigned properties, to search, view, and retrieve information based on the assigned properties, and the like.

Abstract: Computer system navigation tools provide “links” to various different files, lists, folders, and/or other storage elements and allow users to organize files, e.g., by hierarchical properties, lists, auto lists, folders, and the like. Such systems and methods allow users to assign properties to a file (optionally in a hierarchical manner), to change assigned properties, to search, view, and retrieve information based on the assigned properties, and the like.

Abstract: A method to expose status information is provided. The status information is associated with metadata extracted from multimedia files and stored in a metadata database. The metadata information that is extracted from the multimedia files is stored in a read queue to allow a background thread to process the metadata and populate the metadata database. Additionally, the metadata database may be updated to include user-define metadata, which is written back to the multimedia files. The user-defined metadata is included in a write queue and is written to the multimedia files associated with the user-defined metadata. The status of the read and write queues are exposed to a user through a graphical user interface. The status may include the list of multimedia files included in the read and write queues, the priorities of each multimedia file, and the number of remaining multimedia files.

Abstract: A method to expose status information is provided. The status information is associated with metadata extracted from multimedia files and stored in a metadata database. The metadata information that is extracted from the multimedia files is stored in a read queue to allow a background thread to process the metadata and populate the metadata database. Additionally, the metadata database may be updated to include user-define metadata, which is written back to the multimedia files. The user-defined metadata is included in a write queue and is written to the multimedia files associated with the user-defined metadata. The status of the read and write queues are exposed to a user through a graphical user interface. The status may include the list of multimedia files included in the read and write queues, the priorities of each multimedia file, and the number of remaining multimedia files.

Abstract: A technology for automatically saving an original copy of an image file in a location hidden from a user is disclosed. The technology accesses metadata associated with an image file and determines whether an original copy of the image file exists. Provided an original copy of the image file exists, an edited version of the image file along with an identifier is saved. If an original copy of the image file does not exist, an original copy of the image file is created, the original copy of the image file is stored, and an edited version of the image file along with an identifier is saved.

Abstract: A method for applying localized image effects to digital images is provided. The method includes receiving a selection representing a location in proximity to a region in the digital image requiring one or more correction. The region requiring correction is processed by an image processing engine to determine the boundaries of the region. The image processing engine applies one or more image effects to the region and varies an intensity level associated with each image effect according to the number clicks received at the location in proximity to the region requiring the correction.

Abstract: A computer readable medium and method to generate a multimedia database that represents a collection of files having different file extensions is provided. The method includes receiving the collection of files from a file system, extracting and storing metadata in multimedia objects stored in the multimedia database. The metadata includes fast and slow metadata associated with the collection of files, which are extracted from the collection of files. Policies associated with the file extensions are applied to the collection of files to determine the fast metadata that should be extracted before the slow metadata. The multimedia objects are created to store the fast metadata and references to the collection of files. After extracting the fast metadata from the collection of files, the slow metadata is extracted and stored in the multimedia objects.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically grouping items, e.g., digital photographs, by analyzing the statistical distributions of at least one piece of information associated with each of the items, for instance, creation time, are provided. In one embodiment, the creation time may be converted into a numeric value and the numeric values placed in ascending order such that gaps between adjacent numeric values may be determined. Subsequently, a median difference may be determined as well as an optimum difference. The items may then be organized into groups such that an additional group is created each time the difference between the numeric value for an item and the numeric value for the adjacent item located therebelow in the ascending array is greater than the optimum difference.

Abstract: A process for comparing two digital images is described. The process includes comparing texture moment data for the two images to provide a similarity index, combining the similarity index with other data to provide a similarity value and determining that the two images match when the similarity value exceeds a first threshold value.

Abstract: A method and system architecture for managing the objects used in simulating a financial-type plan. Objects are hierarchically arranged with fields therein that specify financial information including dates, rates, amounts of objects and strings. The fields may be selectively chosen to be dependent on the dates, rates or amounts of other objects, whereby any change made to the value in one field is automatically linked to any related fields. Each field alternatively be given a fixed value, and fields, whether fixed or referenced to another field, may be accompanied by an adjustment field that offsets the value in the field. Objects may be grouped in packages, and objects and packages may be selectively enabled and disabled, whereby such objects will be included or omitted from the financial simulation calculations without having to reenter or delete those objects. The objects used in the financial planning may be synchronized with financial information from another program so as to use more updated amounts.

Abstract: Topic-centric-media sharing allows a user to search for and share media objects related to a topic. The user can select media objects stored on a client computing device to share with other users. The client computing device contains software that, in operation, searches for a set of media objects related to the same topic as the selected media objects. If such a set is located, the software on the client computing device can associate the selected media objects with the set. If no such set is located, the user can create a new set to share with other users.

Abstract: Topic-centric-media sharing allows a user to search for and share media objects related to a topic. The user can associate media objects with other sets of media objects related to the topic. Subscription software can be configured to locate possible sets of media objects of interest to the user. The subscription software can also be configured to register the user to automatically receive media objects associated with various sets. Once registered, the media objects in the set can automatically be distributed to the user, including new media objects when they are associated with the set.

Abstract: A technology for automatically saving an original copy of an image file in a location hidden from a user is disclosed. The technology accesses metadata associated with an image file and determines whether an original copy of the image file exists. Provided an original copy of the image file exists, an edited version of the image file along with an identifier is saved. If an original copy of the image file does not exist, an original copy of the image file is created, the original copy of the image file is stored, and an edited version of the image file along with an identifier is saved.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for associating metadata with an identifier for the author thereof and for communicating metadata to one or more users having shared copies of the associated file, such communication being independent of communicating the associated file. Context is provided for each metadata value associated with a shared file as each metadata value is associated with an identifier for the author thereof. Additionally, each user of a shared file may be presented with metadata associated with a file that was not associated with the file at the time the file was shared.

Abstract: A stack-language interface between a client application and its underlying database. To query the database, the client application passes a search expression to a database API. The search expression includes simple operands, which define values for individual search criteria, and one or more operators, which define the logical relationship between two or more operands. Upon receiving the search expression, the database API searches the database to retrieve records satisfying the search criteria. For each record, the database API executes the search expression on the stack machine to determine if the record matches the search criteria as defined by the operands and operators in the search expression. Once the relevant records are retrieved, the database API may present a list of objects representing those records to the client application.