Abstract: The invention is a data processing means wherein human perceptible elements of electronic information are gathered, prepared, formatted, or otherwise processed in forming a unified collection of such information storable as a distinct entity. In particular, the invention is a process for composing and displaying a consolidated message document. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a computer program that configures a general-purpose computer to implement the inventive process. Responsive to a user's selection of a message, the inventive process identifies all related messages that the user has received, inserts the related messages into a consolidated message document, and displays the consolidated message document on the user's output device.

Abstract: A method for updating a message on a plurality of devices from a single device comprising a Configuration Program (CP), an Audio Device Update Program (ADUP), and a Text Device Update Program (TDUP). Using the CP, the user may enable and disable the present invention, add or delete devices, create and save messages, select existing messages to play to callers or display to senders, enable automated status updates, enable multiple message levels, or enable availability updates. The automated status update automatically creates messages from the user's calendar. The multiple message levels are a hierarchy of messages in which the message sent to a caller or sender based on their identity. The availability update communicates the user's next available time to the caller or sender. The ADUP and TDUP select the appropriate message to play or send based on whether automated status updates, multiple message levels, and availability updates are enabled.

Abstract: A Duplicate Content Storage and Access Program (DCSAP) identifies duplicate content, stores the duplicate content in one location, and provides a doclink to the stored duplicate content so that the doclink may be automatically replaced with the duplicate content. DCSAP examines email to determine whether the email contains a section identifier. A section identifier is a data element assigned by an algorithm in such a manner that no two section identifiers can be the same. If the email does not contain a section identifier, DCSAP embeds a section identifier into the email and forwards the email. If the email contains a section identifier, DCSAP extracts the section. DCSAP stores the extracted section in a repository and creates a doclink to the stored section. DCSAP then embeds a section identifier in the remainder of the email, and forwards the remainder and the doclink to the recipient. The doclink may be activated by the recipient, or it may be activated automatically.

Abstract: The invention is a demand-based messaging system that enables a user to mark any location in a message and share the mark with a second user. The invention comprises a messaging program operable on a plurality of computers connected by one or more communications media. The program configures a first computer to accept message data, including markers and links, from a user. A marker identifies a specific location within message data, and a link refers to a specific marker within message data. The program further configures the first computer to transfer message data to a second computer. The program further configures the second computer to display the message data as it is received, and to synchronize the display with a marker when a user activates a link that refers to the marker.

Abstract: A method for grouping IM statements together into a plurality of topics and displaying the topics in separate windows comprising a Configuration Program (CP), a Topic Creation Program (TCP), and a Statement Classification Program (SCP). The CP allows a user to configure the global options for the present invention such as designating the parties authorized to create a topic, specifying whether the topic name and/or keywords are negotiable, and specifying whether icons should be displayed with the topic name. The TCP allows a user to create a topic by specifying the topic name, selecting a statement classification method, designating keywords to be used in searching the statements, and adding an icon to the topic name. When a statement is submitted to an IM channel, the SCP places the statement into one of the topics based on the statement classification method selected in the TCP.

Abstract: A method for storing a user evaluation of distributed content comprising an Evaluation Program (EP) that creates a user session when a user accesses distributed content. The user evaluation is saved with other information such as the time and date of the evaluation, the user's personal information, and the navigation path the user used to access the distributed content page. The EP records the user's navigation of the distributed content in the user session. The EP gives the user the opportunity to rate distributed content. The EP saves the user's evaluation with the user session data and external stimuli data. The EP closes the user session when the user leaves the distributed content. The EP reopens the user session when the user returns to the distributed content.

Abstract: A client device authenticated a one-time pad table stored in the client device, and a matching table maintained by a service provider. When a request for service is posted from the client to the service provider, the next unused pad is exchanged and verified with the current state of the service provider's copy of the table. If the OTP is the next unused code, service is granted, else the user is challenged to identify himself, which when successfully completed results in the client device being downloaded with a new OTP table, replacing the compromised table. Use of service by a cloned device causes the OTP table at the service provider to become out of synchronization with the authentic device's copy of the table, thereby setting up the ability to detect the fraud, stop the service consumption by the clone, and reprogram the authentic device to allow for uninterrupted service.

Abstract: A system and method for storing IM text in a repository where it can be searched by topic or participant based filters is disclosed. The repository may be a centralized database on the server side or it may be distributed in the client environment. The system comprises an IM Topic (IMT) program, an IM Filter (IMF) program, an IM save program (IMS), and an IM automatic alert (IMAL) program. The IMT program assigns topic tags to turns and topic shifts in the IM conversation. The IMF program searches the repository based on user selection of filters as well as full text search. There may be any number of topic tags. The IMS program automatically scans IM transcripts for topic tags and identifiers and saves transcripts or transcript segments that match pre-selected topic tags or identifiers to the repository.

Abstract: A method for capturing a user evaluation of distributed content comprising an Evaluation Program (EP). The user evaluation is saved with other information such as the time and date of distributed content access, the user's personal information, and the navigation path the user used to access the distributed content page. The EP creates a user session that records the user's navigation of the distributed content. The EP uses incentive programs to entice the user to rate the distributed content page. The EP gives the user the opportunity to rate distributed content if the distributed content page has a content rating window and if the user meets the minimum evaluation criteria for the distributed content page. The EP displays a content rating window allowing the user to rate the distributed content page. The EP saves the user's evaluation with the user session data and closes the user session when the user leaves the distributed content.

Abstract: A method for translating the string literals in a database script from a source language (i.e. English) into a target language (i.e. Chinese). The invention comprises a Conversion Program (CP) and a Field Expansion Program (FEP). The CP copies a database script in a source language and runs the FEP, which analyzes the database script and determines the maximum width of the fields. The user may then adjust the field length as necessary. The CP then substitutes labels for the string literals in the new database script, which creates a message file. The CP uses a pre-existing data file to translate the source language string literals into the target language string literals. The translated message file is called a label file. The CP then uses the label file to substitute the target language string literals for the labels in the database script.

Abstract: The invention comprises a Security Program (SP), a Simultaneous Approval Program (SAP), an Access Approval Program (AAP), and a Security Table (ST). A user's ability to access low security and high security applications depends on the user's security clearance, which is recorded in the ST. The SP limits a user's access to the applications. When a plurality of authorized users have logged in, the SP runs the SAP and AAP as required to allow the users to access and modify the high security applications. The SAP allows a user to modify the high security application only when a specified number of users approve the modification. The AAP allows a user to access a high security application only upon another user's approval. The SP terminates the users' access to the high security applications if one of the users logs out.

Abstract: A method for stateful toggling of check box status, implemented as a software program installed and operating on a computer comprising a computer processor coupled to computer memory. Embodiments of the invention include detecting a touch event on a first check box, toggling the status of the first check box to a new status, and repeatedly, for a multiplicity of repetitions, carrying out the steps of detecting a drag event for each additional check box onto which a user drags the pointer, wherein the user drags the pointer onto at least one additional check box, and statefully toggling the status of each additional touch box for which a drag event is detected to the new status of the first check box.