Abstract: An update management system includes one or more processors that obtain collective data compiled from a group of computer devices that run an updated version of a software program. The collective data includes at least one of usage data of the computer devices in the group or user feedback directed to operation of the updated version of the software program. The one or more processors determine, based at least on an analysis of the collective data, that the updated version of the software program should be installed on a first computer device controlled by a first user, and generate a control signal to at least one of notify the first user that the updated version is recommended, schedule installation of the updated version, or automatically install the updated version on the first computer device.

Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system for use with an environment divided into a plurality of predefined regions. The method comprises acquiring first image information including a first person, determining location information for the first person, and identifying a first behavior of the first person from a plurality of predefined behaviors. The method further comprises performing a first predefined action responsive to identifying the first behavior. Performing the first predefined action comprises determining a first region of the plurality of predefined regions corresponding to the location information, and accessing a memory storing predefined relationship information between the plurality of predefined behaviors and the plurality of predefined regions. The predefined relationship information comprises a plurality of predefined actions.

Abstract: Method, computer program product, and system for use with an environment divided into a plurality of predefined regions. The method comprises acquiring first image information including a first person, determining location information for the first person, and identifying a first behavior of the first person from a plurality of predefined behaviors. The method further comprises performing a first predefined action responsive to identifying the first behavior. Performing the first predefined action comprises determining a first region of the plurality of predefined regions corresponding to the location information, and accessing a memory storing predefined relationship information between the plurality of predefined behaviors and the plurality of predefined regions. The predefined relationship information comprises a plurality of predefined actions.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provide which control events associated with an element of a user interface by determining a characteristic(s) of pointer movement of a pointing device and adjusting a condition(s) for triggering an event associated with the element based on the determined characteristic of pointer movement. The triggering of the event is controlled utilizing the adjusted condition. By determining characteristics of pointer movement, a user's intent may be inferred from that pointer movement and, based on the inferred intent, the conditions for triggering of events may be adjusted consistent with such inferred intent.

Abstract: A method and system is presented which enables the user to maintain the receipt of information from an application bar while the application bar is minimized. In addition, the conveyance of information and availability of controls to the user is maintained while the user moves the window which the application bar is docked to off or around the presentation space.

Abstract: A method, data processing system and program product for providing a connection from a portable data processor to a second data processor by acquiring a geographic location of the portable data processor and selecting a connection technique and/or a connection path associated with the acquired location of the portable data processor. The portable data processor then connects to the second data processor utilizing the selected connection technique and/or connection path. The connection technique and/or connection path may be selected from a plurality of connection techniques and/or connection paths which may be prioritized.

Abstract: A method and system is presented which enables the user to maintain the receipt of information from an application bar while the application bar is minimized. In addition, the conveyance of information and availability of controls to the user is maintained while the user moves the window which the application bar is docked to off or around the presentation space.

Abstract: A method and system is presented which enables the user to maintain the receipt of information from an application bar while the application bar is minimized. In addition, the conveyance of information and availability of controls to the user is maintained while the user moves the window which the application bar is docked to off or around the presentation space.

Abstract: A system-integrated input device for manipulating objects on the display of a computer screen. The device is integrated as a pointer stick, which may be located on an existing keyboard, on an existing mouse device, or elsewhere. Both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional user input are supported. In a first embodiment, the device is easily convertible between 2D and 3D input mode. Preferably, this conversion occurs by pressing down on the pointer stick, which is implemented as a spring-loaded device. The device supports input in the X and Y direction while in 2D mode, and adds the Z direction while in 3D mode. Movement in the Z direction is indicated by rotating the pointer stick to the left or right. In a second embodiment, movement in the Z direction is indicated by pushing and pulling on a sliding, or telescoping, pointer stick.

Abstract: A method and system is presented which enables the user to maintain the receipt of information from an application bar while the application bar is minimized. In addition, the conveyance of information and availability of controls to the user is maintained while the user moves the window which the application bar is docked to off or around the presentation space.

Abstract: A method of interacting with one or more objects in a virtual reality (VR) space. A user input establishes a pointing mode, whereupon a visual indicator, such as a pointer, is displayed on the user's viewing device, and the visual indicator is moved on the viewing device to refer to an object in the VR space, in response to actuation of a pointing device such as a mouse, joystick or pen. An image of the user's avatar may also be displayed in the VR space, and the avatar may have an appendage or pointing appliance to point to a target in the 3-D space. A user can point in this manner with high precision, as well as draw illustrations, etc. Other users (viewers) of the same VR space can see the first user's avatar pointing to the target. Another viewer's display can be dynamically adjusted to present an appropriate perspective of the VR space to show the target.

Abstract: A user interface for a data processing system includes a desktop workspace with a background containing one or more sets of interactive graphical elements arranged in respective repeating patterns. Each of the graphical elements of the one or more sets is responsive to user input for performing various functions associated with one or more application programs. The graphical elements of the one or more sets may change appearances in response to changes in status of one or more of the application programs.

Abstract: A method, data processing system and program product for providing a location sensitive user interface by acquiring a geographic location of the portable data processor and selecting a user interface environment associated with the acquired location of the portable data processor. The selected user interface environment is activated as the user interface environment of the portable data processor. The portable data processor may also determine if it is in motion. A user interface environment associated with the portable data processor being in motion is then selected and activated. Location sensitive data may also be provided based upon the acquired location of the portable data processor. The location of the portable data processor may be acquired from an automated position sensing system.

Abstract: Methods, systems and program products which provide dynamic status to a user. The status is provided by providing a plurality of icons arranged in a pattern corresponding to the relationship between the items the icons represent. User input is acquired which indicates whether the plurality of icons are to be displayed and the icons are selectively displayed based on the user input. A segmented status line is displayed adjacent the plurality of icons. The segmented status line is made up of a plurality of linearly arranged status segments. Each segment of the status line corresponds to at least one of the plurality of icons such that the appearance of a segment of the segmented status line reflects the status of the item associated with the icon corresponding to the segment of the status line.

Abstract: Methods, data processing systems and program products for providing user interfaces with context sensitive borders to user selectable options. The context sensitive borders are created by providing a border to a user selectable option comprised of a plurality of picture elements wherein color characteristics from picture elements neighboring the border are varied to define the color characteristics of the picture elements of the border. The borders provided may provide a three dimensional appearance to the user selectable option and the user selectable option may be represented on the screen by an icon. The border may have a different perimeter than the icon corresponding to the user selectable option. The neighboring picture elements from which the border is derived may be adjacent to the border or may be the underlying elements of the border. The color characteristics may be varied by varying brightness and/or saturation.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the usability of a pushbutton in a graphical user interface (GUI) by allowing for multi-function pushbuttons where the secondary function can be one of many alternatives. This allows a user to have a straight-forward graphical interface to actuating functions that does not clutter the screen, yet still has the ability to offer many combinations of functions.