Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for verifying the setup of a current computer in need of repair, parsing and updating a previously created activity log file to provide usable steps that refer to the appropriate configuration settings for the computer being repaired. The method includes obtaining an indication of a problem on a remote computer, reviewing stored log files to determine if an old log file associated with the problem exists and if the old log file does not exist, creating a new log file to store steps associated with repair operations. The method also includes if the old log file exists, retrieving the old log file and obtaining the remote computer configurations, parsing the old log file to identify references to configuration settings and comparing the configuration settings in the old log file with the remote computer configuration.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining and storing accurate skills data relative to human resource objects of an enterprise. Relevant data is extracted from runtime processes that monitor the activities of the human resource objects and a metric value indicative of a skill level attained for each of a list of skills is calculated for each human resource object.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for verifying the setup of a current computer in need of repair, parsing and updating a previously created activity log file to provide usable steps that refer to the appropriate configuration settings for the computer being repaired. The method includes obtaining an indication of a problem on a remote computer, reviewing stored log files to determine if an old log file associated with the problem exists and if the old log file does not exist, creating a new log file to store steps associated with repair operations. The method also includes if the old log file exists, retrieving the old log file and obtaining the remote computer configurations, parsing the old log file to identify references to configuration settings and comparing the configuration settings in the old log file with the remote computer configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for receiving help requests to solve a problem on a computer, generating a core problem description and retrieving at least one of contextual or environmental parameters associated with the computer. The method also includes assembling a formalized problem description. The method further includes obtaining previously stored formalized solution steps associated with the problem from a database and building a customized solution including context aware solution records that are tagged with at least one of contextual or environmental dependencies. The method also includes transmitting the customized solution to the computer for execution and monitoring the execution of the customized solution.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for projecting an image onto a surface suitable for interaction with a user while avoiding user occlusion, and while correcting for distortion due to oblique projection. The displayed image moves to a suitable surface at a suitable size and orientation as a user moves around an environment, resulting in a user-following interface. Surfaces are selected in which the projected interface is not occluded by the user or other objects in the environment. Displayed images may be interactive, and moved into an interaction area on a suitable surface that is convenient for the user. The interaction area may or may not coincide with the display area. Adaptation of the projected interface is allowed so that the content of the display and the style of interaction widgets are modified based on distance from the user and orientation of the user with respect to a projected interface.

Abstract: Techniques for collocating a processing unit and a visual unit are provided. An apparatus for such collocation can include a processing unit receiving portion, a visual unit mounting portion, and a connecting bracket. The processing unit receiving portion can be adapted to receive the processing unit, and the visual unit mounting portion can be adapted to mount the visual unit. A connecting bracket can have a first region secured to the processing unit receiving portion and a second region secured to the visual unit mounting portion, and can define a channel that can function as a “chimney” for flow of a cooling medium, and/or as a cable raceway.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for interacting with a subject in an environment are provided. In one aspect, an inventive apparatus includes a display device configured to display images on a number of surfaces in the environment, at least one sensing device, and at least one display controller. The at least one sensing device is configured to sense interactions between the subject and the environment. At least some of the interactions can be interactions dispersed through the environment and remote from the displayed image. The display controller can be coupled to the display device and the sensing device, and can be configured to modify image display by the display device, in response to one or more of the interactions that are sensed.

Abstract: Techniques for remotely calibrating an interactive system are provided. In one aspect, a three-dimensional model of the target environment is obtained, image and parameter data of the target environment are obtained, the image and parameter data are mapped onto the three-dimensional model, and calibration data of the target environment is developed based on the mapping. In another aspect, image and parameter data of the target environment is obtained, the image and parameter data is configured for transmission to a remote environment, calibration data is obtained from the remote environment, and display and sensor operation of the interactive system are updated based on the calibration data.

Abstract: An exemplary technique for interaction-based computer interfacing comprises determining if an interaction with a visible artifact is a recognized interaction. When the interaction is a recognized interaction, control information is determined that has one of a plurality of types. The control information is determined by using at least the visual artifact and characteristics of the recognized interaction. The control information is mapped to one or more tasks in an application, such that any task that requires control information of a specific type can get the control information from any visual artifact that creates control information of the specific type. The control information is suitable for use by the one or more tasks.

Abstract: A user interface input apparatus and method allows the detection of when and where a user touches a surface of a translucent screen by the processing of imagery generated by a camera that views an opposite surface of the screen. An input device and system includes a translucent screen; an image capture device located for imaging a first side of the screen opposite a second side where user interaction occurs; and an image processor coupled to the output of the image capture device to determine at least one of where and when a person touches an area on the second side of the screen by a change in intensity of light emanating from the touched area relative to a surrounding area.

Abstract: A positioning system for locating at least one interactive projection unit, and methods for operation thereof is disclosed. The positioning system includes equipment for providing multiple degrees of freedom for locating the at least one projection unit. The at least one projection unit is equipped with various components and capabilities to provide for projection onto surfaces within a variety of settings, and thus provide for display, information, interaction and computing in the variety of settings.