Abstract: A system, method or program for controlling a repair and maintenance process for equipment is provided. A database of source data based on original equipment manufacturer information is maintained, and a maintenance plan based at least in part on the source data is generated, which designates a workscope, and which can be electronically approved. A maintenance instruction based at least in part on the workscope is generated and a logical order is communicated within a maintenance center for inspection of the equipment based at least in part on the maintenance instruction. A repair instruction is communicated to a repair unit based at least in part on the inspection and a repair task is performed based at least in part on the repair instruction.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for identifying embedded objects in a user interface. The technology identifies the objects when a user interface device is positioned over the object. The technology is included in a computer system having a graphical user interface, a display and a user interface selection device. A method of illustrating a characteristic of an object in a document on the display comprises the steps of retrieving an event indicating the position of the user interface selection device over an object; and displaying an indicator illustrating boundaries of the object in a document.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a system level user interface that can be invoked at any time during operation of a multimedia console are provided, enabling a user to interact with system level user data and/or initiate secondary behaviors or functionality not normally possible to achieve when the multimedia console is engaged only by a primary application. The system level user interface may either interrupt, e.g., pause, the primary application or allow the primary application to continue, and simultaneously displaying the operation of the primary application and the system level user interface. In one embodiment, the system level user interface layer is called a “Head's Up” Display, or HUD, and the HUD is invocable via peripheral input means, such as a button on a controller or remote device, and the HUD enables the user to perform secondary system level tasks not available through the primary gaming application.

Abstract: A system for providing system level notifications in a multimedia console has a notification system application native to the multimedia console which subscribes to all notification events generated by the application manager of the multimedia console. Through an application programming interface (API), a game developer can easily specify the location of user notifications and also delay the display of user notifications for the developer's game. A user is notified that a particular notification is intended for him or her in a multi-player environment by a visual indication corresponding to that user's controller. The user may then press a button on the controller to be immediately directed to further information regarding the notification.

Abstract: A user interface for displaying a user profile in a gaming console that communicates to a remote service. A “Gamer Profile” is created that serves as a building block for services and applications that aim to create a social community of garners and grow relationships among players. In accordance with the present invention, the Gamer Profile is the entirety of information (e.g., metadata) related to a specific user. The Gamer Profile is developed from a set of services that collect and expose this information in a meaningful way to the community. Feedback information may be included that is provided by other users to further enhance the profile. The Gamer Profile also provides for personalization such that users can customize their gaming experience.

Abstract: Systems and method for providing a game achievements system where players are rewarded with game achievements based on mastering certain in-game facets of the games they play. Each game achievement may be conveyed in a profile as a badge or trophy, title, description, date, etc. Players may also accumulate points based on game achievements. A display interface may be made available such that a player may see his achievements and total points, as well as those of others.

Abstract: Systems and method for providing a single sign in a gaming console that associates online activity that is out-of-game/cross game, and/or online activity that is in-game, and/or activity that is offline and in-game with that account. While online, a service tracks activity of gamers and provides usage statistics in a profile. While offline, the game console tracks the player's activity via a mechanism to collect detailed information about a specific player's in-game statistics and accomplishments. The offline activity is cached and uploaded when the console connects to the online service. Players can accumulate achievements offline that are credited towards online activities.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing dynamic emoticons during chat sessions across game consoles are disclosed. A dynamic emoticon may include haptic, visual, and/or auditory components. Each component may have an associated intensity level, e.g., based on a pressure with which a user of the game console presses a controller button or actuates a control input. The emoticon's auditory component may include or identify a sound effects filter or a known audio file; the emoticon's visual component may include or identify a visual effects filter or a known video or graphic file; the emoticon's haptic component may cause vibration of or force feedback on the controller. Emoticons may be sent from one voice chat participant's game console to another voice chat participant's game console across a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing dynamic emoticons during chat sessions across game consoles are disclosed. A dynamic emoticon may include haptic, visual, and/or auditory components. Each component may have an associated intensity level, e.g., based on a pressure with which a user of the game console presses a controller button or actuates a control input. The emoticon's auditory component may include or identify a sound effects filter or a known audio file; the emoticon's visual component may include or identify a visual effects filter or a known video or graphic file; the emoticon's haptic component may cause vibration of or force feedback on the controller. Emoticons may be sent from one voice chat participant's game console to another voice chat participant's game console across a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A user interface on a controller for a gaming console that provides access to system software from within any gaming application running on the console. The system software runs concurrently with other gaming applications and renders a system user interface, system notifications, and messages on top of running gaming applications. The user interface can be added to any controller and other peripheral to access to the system menu such that users can have a uniform experience without requiring substantial effort by gaming application developers.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an out-of-game voice chat service over an online gaming environment is disclosed. A game console may provide a voice chat mode as part of a native application running on the game console. A user of the game console can establish a voice chat session and communicate with users of other game consoles connected to the online gaming environment by navigating menus as part of the game console's default system application.

Abstract: A system architecture within a multimedia console having a host application that provides information to a user related to a configuration of a controller of a multimedia application with which user is currently interacting A system application residing in the memory and running concurrently with a multimedia application receives a request to display the active controller configuration and displays a graphical representation of the active configuration. The configuration may be stored in a user profile and retrieved or applied to all similar types of applications.