Abstract: Recording of various events in a video format that facilitates viewing and selective editing are provided. The video can be presented in a wiki-format that allows a multitude of subsequent users to add, modify and/or delete content to the original recorded event or a revision of that event. As edits and annotations are applied, either automatically or manually, such edits can be indexed based on criteria such as identification of an annotator, a time stamp associated with the edit, a revision number, or combinations thereof. The edits or annotations can be provided in various formats including video, audio, text, and so forth.

Abstract: A single device that receives communications intended for a user having multiple contact addresses associated with different user roles is provided. The single device can receive communications intended for multiple telephone numbers, email aliases, screen names, aliases, other means of contact, or combinations thereof. Since a user engaged in a particular role might not desire to be interrupted with communications intended for a different role, the communications for the other roles can be maintained until the user is actively engaged in the role for which the communication was intended. In situations where there is an important communication sent to a non-active role, selective convergence between roles is initiated and the important communication is presented to the user.

Abstract: A single device that receives communications, resources, data, and/or other information intended for a user having multiple contact addresses is provided. The single device can receive various information intended for multiple telephone numbers, email aliases, screen names, aliases, other means of contact, or combinations thereof. The device can selectively forward the information to the user based on a current user role, user preferences, contact information, or based on other criteria. If information is to be forwarded to the user at substantially the same time as receipt, automatic means of notifying the user of the role for which the communication is intended are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional user interface for a computer system that allows a user to combine and store a group of windows as a task. The image of each task can be positioned within a three-dimensional environment such that the user may utilize spatial memory in order remember where a particular task is located.

Abstract: An approach is described herein for providing feedback to the participants of a communication session. The approach entails automatically collecting cue information that characterizes, at least in part, the communication behavior that is exhibited during the communication session. The approach then generates signal information based on the cue information. In one case, the signal information conveys the empathy that is exhibited during the communication session. In one case, the signal information may have an affiliation dimension and a control dimension. Any participant can use the signal information during and/or after the communication session to gain awareness of his or her communication style, and to potentially modify his or behavior in response thereto.

Abstract: A user entering information in an application might desire functionality not supported by that application. Based on an input or a subset of the input, a functionality associated with a different application can be automatically applied within a current application. Sometimes, a particular application or mode of communication can be used to send information and reply information can be sent in a different mode of communication. The communications can be automatically associated or related to each other. A user can be presented with information relating to both communications, upon request, although the communications might be associated with different modes of communication. Constraints or parameters can be placed on a subsequent communication by either a sender or a recipient.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards a technology by which content items such as microblog postings may be returned to a requestor based upon a desired level of diversity based upon information entropy. Each content item is associated with a set of dimensions, which may have a learned relative importance, and the content items may be pruned into a pruned subset via a transform. A result set is constructed by finding a cluster of items having a level of entropy that is closest to a desired level. In one aspect, the result set may be ordered based upon evaluating distortion of each item in the result set.

Abstract: Described herein are various technologies pertaining to estimating affective states of a user by way of monitoring data streams output by sensors and user activity on a computing device. Models of valence, arousal, and engagement can be learned during a training phase, and such models can be employed to compute values that are indicative of valence, arousal, and engagement of a user in near-real time. A visualization that represents estimated affective states of a user over time is generated to facilitate user reflection.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate creation and management of an event-oriented transient network and can further manage decommission of the transient network. In particular, the architecture can construct temporary communities based upon a particular event, project, or activity; manage (e.g., filter, prioritize, or control) communications and content associated with the community; and disband the community by deconstructing the transient network according to an aging function that controls how the network decays. In addition, the architecture can leverage existing information (e.g. profile data) and content feeds associated with disparate social networking services or communities for the benefit of the temporary community.

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: The techniques described herein provide user interface(s) for managing display objects on a display surface. The techniques define 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: Embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to effectively visualize the mapping between two schemas, referred to herein as a source schema (or first schema) and a destination schema (or second schema), regardless of the size or complexity of the schemas and mappings. According to one aspect of the present invention a method for visually representing a mapping between a first schema and a second schema is provided. The method includes receiving a selection of an object, emphasizing the selected object and identifying a plurality of objects that are relevant to the selected object. The objects that are identified as being relevant to the selected object are also emphasized.

Abstract: Members working on the same project can access similar resources at substantially the same time to facilitate active participation in the project. A meeting associated with the project can be given a unique identifier that can allow the project members to access a meeting or other content and view similar documents or other content as it is discussed in the meeting. As information is edited, modified, created, etc. the members can selectively be presented with the information. A common repository can provide the members with an area or platform in which the project material can be accessed, discussed or other functions performed by the project members, allowing for collaboration of the project details.

Abstract: The system described herein 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.

Abstract: The disclosed functionality enables non-sessions users of an activity session to be provided awareness of the session. The non-sessions users are made aware of the session and can then choose to join (or not join) the session in an ad hoc manner based on the exposed session information. This functionality encourages serendipitous group interactions (or participations) that might not otherwise occur, does not require that all relevant and/or interested people be identified, and removes the overhead of explicitly inviting everyone who might be interested in the activity and managing responses received from each of the users. Rather than requiring an explicit invitation to join as in conventional applications systems, users can implicitly invite friends to join an activity.

Abstract: A method for managing windows in a display is disclosed. The method comprises forming clippings for windows located in a focal region of a display; displaying the clippings in a peripheral region of the display; hiding the windows in the focal region of the display; indicating the states of the clippings; and in response to a user action, displaying the windows and hiding the clippings. A clipping comprises an image of a region of a window and an icon. A clipping is formed when a window is dragged from the focal region into the peripheral region or when the minimize button of a window is clicked. A clipping list is formed when a clipping is moved near another clipping. A clipping moved near a clipping list is inserted into the clipping list.

Abstract: Non-linguistic signal information relating to one or more participants to an interaction may be determined using communication data received from the one or more participants. Feedback can be provided based on the determined non-linguistic signals. The participants may be given an opportunity to opt in to having their non-linguistic signal information collected, and may be provided complete control over how their information is shared or used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional user interface for a computer system that allows a user to combine and store a group of windows as a task. The image of each task can be positioned within a three-dimensional environment such that the user may utilize spatial memory in order remember where a particular task is located.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional user interface for a computer system that allows a user to combine and store a group of windows as a task. The image of each task can be positioned within a three-dimensional environment such that the user may utilize spatial memory in order remember where a particular task is located.

Abstract: A single device that receives communications, resources, data, and/or other information intended for a user having multiple contact addresses is provided. The single device can receive various information intended for multiple telephone numbers, email aliases, screen names, aliases, other means of contact, or combinations thereof. The device can selectively forward the information to the user based on a current user role, user preferences, contact information, or based on other criteria. If information is to be forwarded to the user at substantially the same time as receipt, automatic means of notifying the user of the role for which the communication is intended are provided.