Abstract: While a vehicle is off, an automatic trigger strategy activates a heating device that melts snow and ice off exterior vehicle sensors as it is needed. The automatic trigger strategy determines when to turn on the heating device while the vehicle is in a limited power state by using data pulled from memory or data obtained from a current data check. Collected, analyzed, and stored during key-off, data pulled from memory allows the invention to accurately choose the correct time to start the heating device without consuming additional power. If current data checks are required because data saved at key-off is not enough information to execute a decision, the invention may determine the least power consuming data checks. A power manager extends a threshold that is dependent on the energy reserve. Once the energy reserve is below the threshold, the power manager inactivates the heating device and voids manual commands.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided, in a first computing device, for sharing content of communication sessions. The mechanisms establish a first communication session between the first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is operated by a first user and the second computing device is operated by a second user. The apparatus establishes, in response to content of the first communication session indicating subject matter for which additional information is desired by at least one of the first user or the second user, a second communication session between the first computing device and a question and answer (QA) system. In response to an input by the first user requesting sharing of information, the first computing device automatically copies a portion of content of the first communication session to the second communication session as an input question submitted to the QA system.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided, in a first computing device, for sharing content of communication sessions. The mechanisms establish a first communication session between the first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is operated by a first user and the second computing device is operated by a second user. The apparatus establishes, in response to content of the first communication session indicating subject matter for which additional information is desired by at least one of the first user or the second user, a second communication session between the first computing device and a question and answer (QA) system. In response to an input by the first user requesting sharing of information, the first computing device automatically copies a portion of content of the first communication session to the second communication session as an input question submitted to the QA system.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided, in a first computing device, for sharing content of communication sessions. The mechanisms establish a first communication session between the first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is operated by a first user and the second computing device is operated by a second user. The apparatus establishes, in response to content of the first communication session indicating subject matter for which additional information is desired by at least one of the first user or the second user, a second communication session between the first computing device and a question and answer (QA) system. In response to an input by the first user requesting sharing of information, the first computing device automatically copies a portion of content of the first communication session to the second communication session as an input question submitted to the QA system.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for customizing a parameter value in a software program. The method includes one or more processors receiving one integrated input requesting a change to the original value of a parameter in a software program to a new value of the parameter and defining a persistence level of the new value of the parameter. The method further includes one or more processors changing the original value of the parameter to the new value of the parameter based on the one integrated input and setting the persistence level of the new value based on the one integrated input.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for customizing a parameter value in a software program. The method includes one or more processors receiving one integrated input requesting a change to the original value of a parameter in a software program to a new value of the parameter and defining a persistence level of the new value of the parameter. The method further includes one or more processors changing the original value of the parameter to the new value of the parameter based on the one integrated input and setting the persistence level of the new value based on the one integrated input.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for customizing a parameter value in a software program. The method includes one or more processors receiving one integrated input requesting a change to the original value of a parameter in a software program to a new value of the parameter and defining a persistence level of the new value of the parameter. The method further includes one or more processors changing the original value of the parameter to the new value of the parameter based on the one integrated input and setting the persistence level of the new value based on the one integrated input.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for customizing a parameter value in a software program. The method includes one or more processors receiving one integrated input requesting a change to the original value of a parameter in a software program to a new value of the parameter and defining a persistence level of the new value of the parameter. The method further includes one or more processors changing the original value of the parameter to the new value of the parameter based on the one integrated input and setting the persistence level of the new value based on the one integrated input.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided, in a first computing device, for sharing content of communication sessions. The mechanisms establish a first communication session between the first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is operated by a first user and the second computing device is operated by a second user. The apparatus establishes, in response to content of the first communication session indicating subject matter for which additional information is desired by at least one of the first user or the second user, a second communication session between the first computing device and a question and answer (QA) system. In response to an input by the first user requesting sharing of information, the first computing device automatically copies a portion of content of the first communication session to the second communication session as an input question submitted to the QA system.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided, in a first computing device, for sharing content of communication sessions. The mechanisms establish a first communication session between the first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is operated by a first user and the second computing device is operated by a second user. The apparatus establishes, in response to content of the first communication session indicating subject matter for which additional information is desired by at least one of the first user or the second user, a second communication session between the first computing device and a question and answer (QA) system. In response to an input by the first user requesting sharing of information, the first computing device automatically copies a portion of content of the first communication session to the second communication session as an input question submitted to the QA system.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for modifying an operation of a question answering (QA) system. An input question is received and processed to generate at least one query to be applied to a corpus of information. The at least one query is applied to the corpus of information to generate candidate answers to the input question from which a final answer is selected for output. A training engine modifies, using a machine learning technique that compares the final answer to a known correct answer for the input question, at least one of logic or configuration parameters of the QA system for at least one of the processing of the input question to generate the at least one query, applying of the at least one query to the corpus of information to generate the candidate answers, or the selecting of the final answer from the candidate answers.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for generating an output of confidence score for candidate answers of an input question. The mechanisms, implemented in a data processing system configured to answer an input question receive candidate answer information comprising confidence scores associated with candidate answers for the input question. The mechanisms categorize, for each candidate answer in the candidate answer information, the corresponding confidence score into one of a plurality of confidence score categories. For each candidate answer in the candidate answer information, a graphical representation of the confidence score category of the candidate answer is generated. A graphical user interface output comprising an entry for each candidate answer in the candidate answer information is generated where each entry comprises the corresponding graphical representation of the confidence score category of the candidate answer corresponding to the entry.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for generating an output of confidence score for candidate answers of an input question. The mechanisms, implemented in a data processing system configured to answer an input question receive candidate answer information comprising confidence scores associated with candidate answers for the input question. The mechanisms categorize, for each candidate answer in the candidate answer information, the corresponding confidence score into one of a plurality of confidence score categories. For each candidate answer in the candidate answer information, a graphical representation of the confidence score category of the candidate answer is generated. A graphical user interface output comprising an entry for each candidate answer in the candidate answer information is generated where each entry comprises the corresponding graphical representation of the confidence score category of the candidate answer corresponding to the entry.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for answering questions about at least one previous execution of a question answering (QA) system on a previous input question. An input question is received that is directed to a previous execution of a QA system with regard to a previous input question. The input question is processed to generate at least one query for application to a corpus of information, which comprises information about the QA system and the previous execution of the QA system on the previous input question. The at least one query is applied to the corpus of information to generate candidate answers to the input question which are ranked according to confidence measure values associated with the candidate answers. A final answer for the input question is output based on the ranking of the candidate answers.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided, in a first computing device, for sharing content of communication sessions. The mechanisms establish a first communication session between the first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is operated by a first user and the second computing device is operated by a second user. The apparatus establishes, in response to content of the first communication session indicating subject matter for which additional information is desired by at least one of the first user or the second user, a second communication session between the first computing device and a question and answer (QA) system. In response to an input by the first user requesting sharing of information, the first computing device automatically copies a portion of content of the first communication session to the second communication session as an input question submitted to the QA system.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for modifying an operation of a question answering (QA) system. An input question is received and processed to generate at least one query to be applied to a corpus of information. The at least one query is applied to the corpus of information to generate candidate answers to the input question from which a final answer is selected for output. A training engine modifies, using a machine learning technique that compares the final answer to a known correct answer for the input question, at least one of logic or configuration parameters of the QA system for at least one of the processing of the input question to generate the at least one query, applying of the at least one query to the corpus of information to generate the candidate answers, or the selecting of the final answer from the candidate answers.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for answering questions about at least one previous execution of a question answering (QA) system on a previous input question. An input question is received that is directed to a previous execution of a QA system with regard to a previous input question. The input question is processed to generate at least one query for application to a corpus of information, which comprises information about the QA system and the previous execution of the QA system on the previous input question. The at least one query is applied to the corpus of information to generate candidate answers to the input question which are ranked according to confidence measure values associated with the candidate answers. A final answer for the input question is output based on the ranking of the candidate answers.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter may include a method for selecting objects on a computing device having a touchscreen. The method can include initiating a marquee-selection mode on the computing device, wherein the initiating occurs in response to placing one or more fingers on the touchscreen. The method can include presenting a selection marquee on the touchscreen. The method can include detecting user input defining the selection marquee, wherein the selection marquee indicates at least one object for selection. The method can include determining the objects that are selected, as indicated by the selection marquee.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scrolling system with adjustable granularity. The system includes a user interface that displays data on a display device. The scrolling system further includes a system for scrolling through data. The system detects a scroll command in a first direction from a user interface. A display area is configured to shift in the first direction when a user issues the scroll command. The system also detects a granularity setting command in a second direction. A scroll bar is configured to shift in the second direction when the user issues the granularity setting command. The system is configured to adjust a granularity setting corresponding to a position of the scroll bar on the display when the scroll bar crosses a threshold point. The granularity setting corresponds to various levels of response sensitivity to the scroll command. Other embodiments of the system and methods are also described.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for creating a UML model of a user interface environment, such as a website. A UML design system is disclosed that includes: a system for defining use cases within the UML model; a system for associating an affinity representing a user-perceived relationship between use cases within the UML model; and a system for assigning a weight to the affinity within the UML model.