Abstract: A hierarchy differences visualization system and method for visualizing differences between two hierarchical structures based on similarity metrics. The two hierarchical structures are merged into a merged hierarchical structure and differences between the two hierarchical structures are computed and displayed in a user interface using node visualization metrics. In addition, at least one path is computed to a root of the merged hierarchical structure from a selected node and displayed in the user interface. The user interface uses various node visualization metrics including color, shapes, size, underlining, strikethrough, and text transparency. In some embodiments the hierarchical structures are tree structures and the similarity metric is structural uncertainty including location uncertainty and sub-tree structure uncertainty. The location uncertainty of a node is indicated by a color of the node label and sub-tree structure uncertainty of a node is shown by various levels of transparency of node labels.

Abstract: A hierarchical shared resources spatial visualization system and method including a visualization runtime user interface that quickly and efficiently displays a spatial layout of a shared resource having a hierarchical nature. The user interface provides a spatial layout of the hierarchical shared resource and overlays salient activity information of a group's interaction with the shared resource. In software development, the user interface provides software teams with awareness of activity by other developers in the group regarding files in the shared source code base. The salient activity includes active file information (such as which files are open and by whom) and source repository actions (such as a developer's activity within a project's source repository system). Visual geometry and colors are employed to create a visually distinctive environment that is used to convey the salient activity information quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: A “Charting Animator” enhances computer-based charting/graphing systems by rendering dynamic animations of chart displays. In general, when a user changes from one chart type to another, adds new data to a chart, or changes, sorts or deletes data, a new chart is generated to replace the old chart. Conventional charting systems simply replace the existing chart with the new chart. In contrast to conventional systems, the Charting Animator renders animated transitions that dynamically morph the original chart into the new chart. Consequently, these animations avoid abrupt changes that can disorient users. Examples of these animations include animating changes from one chart family to another (e.g., changing from a “Bar Chart” to a “Pie Chart”), animating changes from one chart type within a chart family to another chart type (e.g., changing 2D Bar Charts to 3D Bar Charts or Stacked Bar Charts), animating data changes, animating sorts, etc.

Abstract: A user interface, system, and method are disclosed to facilitate specification of queries and displaying corresponding results. The user interface presents the user with dimensions that contain one or more headings arranged according to an information taxonomy, which can vary based on the intended implementation for the system and user interface. A corresponding filter or query is constructed based on the user selecting of one or more headings. The filter is applied to one or more databases to return results that satisfy the filter. The results are presented in the user interface and can include interactive items based on a particular query as well as can correspond to a fully specified task.

Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media are provided for supplementing and controlling the display of data set. According to one method, a view of a data set is adaptively rendered on a stationary display device. The location of a portable computing device with respect to the stationary display device is then determined. An area of the stationary display device corresponding to the location of the portable computing device is then determined, and the portion of the data set being rendered in the area is also calculated. Supplemental data corresponding to the portion of the data set rendered in the identified area is then adaptively rendered on a display of the portable computing device. Movement of the portable computing device may also be utilized to control the manner in which the data set is rendered on the stationary display device.

Abstract: A user interface is provided that includes a focused view of a task and a user interface object for a second task. If the object is selected, the user interface is fluidly zoomed into the object and then out from the object to focus on the second task. A user interface is also provided that includes a display area having a focus area and a periphery. If a task represented in the periphery is selected, the display area fluidly zooms into the task. The display area may be fluidly zoomed out of the task to show the focus area and periphery. A user interface is also provided that includes a 3D gallery with tasks represented in the gallery. If one of the tasks is selected, the user interface fluidly zooms into focus on the selected task. The user interface may fluidly zooms out of a task to reveal the gallery.

Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media are provided for the visualization and navigation of search results. Scaled visual representations of multiple search results may be displayed on a single display screen. The scaled visual representations of the search results may be organized by category. A user may fluidly zoom the display into a full-scale visual representation of a particular search result, fluidly zoom the display into visual representations of search results within a particular category, obtain scaled visual representations of additional search results within a particular category, or obtain scaled visual representations of search results within one or more sub-categories.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that facilitates multi-tasking in a computing environment. A focus area component defines a focus area within a display space—the focus area occupying a subset area of the display space area. A scaling component scales display objects as a function of proximity to the focus area, and a behavior modification component modifies respective behavior of the display objects as a function their location of the display space. Thus, and more particularly the subject invention provides for interaction technique(s) and user interface(s) in connection with managing display objects on a display surface. One aspect of the invention defines a central focus area where the display objects are displayed and behave as usual, and a periphery outside the focus area where the display objects are reduced in size based on their location, getting smaller as they near an edge of the display surface so that many more objects can remain visible.

Abstract: A “Spatial Navigator” provides a document navigation environment that leverages user spatial memory. Graphical thumbnail-type representations (“thumbnails”) provide scaled versions of entire documents. Changes to documents are immediately reflected in corresponding thumbnails. Similarly, document search results are highlighted in corresponding thumbnails. One or more dynamic document selection windows present arrangements of a plurality of these thumbnails for user selection and interaction. Each dynamic document selection window provides real-time inter-file navigation by allowing user selection and opening of documents, or any location or portion of a document, through user interaction with the corresponding thumbnail. Once a document is opened, intra-file navigation is enhanced by providing another scaled version of the entire document in a dynamic scrollbar adjacent to a primary document editing/viewing window.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying and managing data in hierarchies and polyarchies of information are described. In one aspect, an object having first and second intersecting hierarchies is specified. The object is illustrated with respect to the first hierarchy. A second intersecting hierarchy selection option is presented to a user to illustrate the object with respect to the second intersecting hierarchy in response to user selection.

Abstract: A system that can log user actions associated with an activity is disclosed. For example, the system can maintain a log of user keystrokes, files accessed, files opened, files created, websites visited, communication events (e.g., phone calls, instant messaging communications), etc. Additionally, the system can log extrinsic data (e.g., context data) associated with the user actions. As well, these logged actions can be aggregated, synchronized and/or shared between multiple users and/or devices.

Abstract: A system that can enable the atomization of application functionality in connection with an activity-centric system is provided. The system can be utilized as a programmatic tool that decomposes an application's constituent functionality into atoms thereafter monitoring and aggregating atoms with respect to a particular activity. In doing so, the functionality of the system can be scaled based upon complexity and needs of the activity. Additionally, the system can be employed to monetize the atoms or activity capabilities based upon respective use.

Abstract: User introspection is provided to help users achieve goals (e.g., work goals, personal goals) and become more effective at performing tasks. Activities can be monitored, logged, and compared to a set of goals or tasks. Feedback can be provided if a user has deviated from a specified goal or task, in the form of a recommendation as to a next action, or based upon user-defined criteria. Feedback can also be provided based on a multitude of parameters that can include prioritized goal definition and refinement, task avoidance behavior detection, baseline activity analysis (e.g. historical data), base-line capacity (personal and/or comparison to others), task reacquisition, etc.

Abstract: A system that can identify, create, update and/or process a workflow based upon a current, past or future activity is disclosed. A ‘workflow’ can be defined as an activity flow that includes interaction with, or assignment of work to, people, devices, or services by a single individual or a group of individuals. Once a workflow is determined in accordance with the innovation, the system can inform other users or groups that are performing, or intend to perform, a similar or like activity. In establishing the workflow, the innovation can operate in an ad hoc or authored manner. As well, the system can employ a combination of either ad hoc or authored mechanisms in establishment of the workflow.

Abstract: A system that can automatically narrow the search space or recognition scope within an activity-centric environment based upon a current activity or set of activities is provided. In addition, the activity and context data can also be used to rank the results of the recognition or search activity. In accordance with the domain scoping, natural language processing (NLP) as well as other types of conversion and recognition systems can dynamically adjust to the scope of the activity or group of activities thereby increasing the recognition systems accuracy and usefulness. In operation, a user context, activity context, environment context and/or device profile can be employed to effectuate the scoping. As well, the system can combine context with extrinsic data, including but not limited to, calendar, profile, historical activity data, etc. in order to define the parameters for an appropriate scoping.

Abstract: A system that can integrate activities across machines and/or devices is disclosed. The innovation can be used in an “asynchronous” manner that enables a user to move or direct a set of activities and/or tasks within an activity from one device to another. Further, the system can facilitate adapting user interface factors with respect to a particular device such that a user can “synchronously” utilize all devices for the given activities and/or tasks. In other words, the “synchronous” scenario enables a user to share activity information between devices when simultaneously utilizing multiple devices in accordance with a particular activity.

Abstract: A unique monitoring system and method is provided that involves monitoring user activity in order to facilitate managing and optimizing the utilization of various system resources. In particular, the system can monitor user activity, detect when users need assistance with their specific activities, and identify at least one other user that can assist them. Assistance can be in the form of answering questions, providing guidance to the user as the user completes the activity, or completing the activity such as in the case of taking on an assigned activity. In addition, the system can aggregate activity data across users and/or devices. As a result, problems with activity templates or activities themselves can be more readily identified, user performance can be readily compared, and users can communicate and exchange information regarding similar activity experiences. Furthermore, synchronicity and time-sensitive scheduling of activities between users can be facilitated and improved overall.

Abstract: A system that enables generation and/or modification of an activity template is disclosed. The activity template describes overall actions and resources associated with an activity. The system can automatically convert activity logs into recipes thereby reducing effort in activity reproduction. Self-tuning via machine learning-based algorithms can be employed thereby dynamically altering the template in accordance with on-going or historical user action.

Abstract: The innovation enables “total system” experiences for activities and activity-specialized experiences for applications and gadgets that allow them to align more closely with the user, his work, and his goals. In particular, the system provides for dynamically changing the user interface (UI) of the system level shell (“desktop”), of applications, and of standalone UI parts (“gadgets”), based upon a current (or future) activity of the user and other context data. The system can consider context data that includes extended activity data, information about the user's state, and information about the current environment. Preprogrammed and/or inferred rules can be used to decide how to adapt the UI based upon the activity. These rules can include, user rules, group rules, and device rules. Additionally, activities and applications can also participate in the decision of how to adapt the UI.

Abstract: A unique system and method is provided that facilitates managing an activity centric environment via a master profile (which includes user, group, and device profiles). The master profile follows or stays with the user and can be applied universally across devices and activities (activity templates). When profile data does not currently exist (e.g., a new activity or a new device), portions of the existing profile data can be applied to such new activities or device as appropriate. Thus, current profile data for existing or known user interactions and devices can be inferentially extended to new user interactions and devices. When conflicts arise between applicable profile data, they can be solved by applying the profile data in accordance with their priority. User intervention can be requested whereby the system can adapt previous user-based resolutions to future conflicts. Profile data can also be scaled according to the context of the user-device-activity interaction.