Abstract: Localizing software applications into target languages such as French, Italian, Chinese, etc. is time consuming, expensive and error prone. End users often need to install and operate multiple copies of the same software applications localized into different languages if they need to work in multiple languages. By providing a localization engine with access to information about resources used in a user interface and translations of those resources, on the fly localization of software applications is possible. Context information is stored in the localization database and used to identify appropriate translations of the resources. Run-time context information is obtained from the user interface and/or software application and optionally a context information store. In some examples, target language resource results are presented in tooltip like displays.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for converting numbers to text and to digit shapes expressed in different languages. When a string of text is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string of text includes a number expressed using digits. If the string of text includes a number expressed using digits, the number is semantically labeled with schema information. When a selection is received of the number, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion actions available for the number. One of the conversion options may then be selected resulting in the conversion of the selected number to text in one or more languages. A conversion option may also be selected for converting the number digits to digits expressed using other digit shapes. The converted number may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected number.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for recognizing names entered into a computer-generated document in the context of a plurality of spoken languages and for providing helpful actions to users upon the recognition of the entered names.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for converting currency values between types of currency. When a string of text is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string of text includes a currency value. If the string of text includes a currency value, the value is semantically labeled with schema information that identifies the type of currency associated with the value. When a selection is received of the currency value, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion options available for the value. One of the conversion options may then be selected resulting in the conversion of the selected currency value to the destination type of currency identified by the selected action. The converted currency value may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected currency value along with a currency notation corresponding to the destination currency value.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for converting dates between calendars and languages. When a string of text is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string of text includes a date. If the string of text includes a date, the date is semantically labeled with schema information that identifies the calendar and language used to express the date. When a selection is received of the date or an indication that the date is labeled with schema information, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion options available for the date. One of the conversion options may then be selected resulting in the conversion of the selected date to the calendar and language identified by the selected action. The converted date may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected date.

Abstract: Localizing software applications into target languages such as French, Chinese, etc. is time consuming, expensive and error prone. End users often need to install and operate multiple copies of the same software applications localized into different languages if they need to work in multiple languages. By providing a localization engine with access to information about resources used in a user interface and translations of those resources, on the fly localization of software applications is possible. Context information is stored in the localization database and used to identify appropriate translations of the resources. Run-time context information is obtained from the user interface and/or software application and optionally a context information store. In some examples, target language resource results are presented in tooltip like displays.

Abstract: A method of identifying one or more strings from a database of strings based on an input string is described. A user provides an input string, which is received and processed to produce one or more search terms. These search terms are compared to the database to identify potential matches and the potential matches are then filtered according to a field of use and the resultant strings are output to the user.

Abstract: Number conversion between different units of measurement in a document is enabled. A string of text entered into an application program is analyzed to determine whether it includes a number having an associated unit name. Found numbers with associated unit names are semantically labeled with schema information identifying the unit name as a source unit of measurement. When the number is selected or an indication received that the number is labeled with schema information, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion options for the number. In response to selection of one of the conversion options, the selected number is converted to the destination unit of measure identified by the selected action. The converted number may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected number along with a unit name corresponding to the destination unit of measure.

Abstract: A presentation timer provides a graphical representation of the presentation time during a presentation. The graphical representation of the presentation time is displayed in such a manner that it easily visible to the presenter but is not distracting to the presenter or the audience. An alert may also be configured such that the presenter is reminded of the time remaining within the presentation. The display and configuration of the presentation timer may be configured through a user interface. For example, a user may set the time allocated for the presentation, the alert time; the color, type, and location of the display as well as the parameters alert.

Abstract: A customized user interface for exposing customized application functionality sets is provided. A variety of customized user interface “skins” are provided for selectively overlaying a standard application user interface for hiding unwanted functionality and/or for exposing certain desired or non-standard functionality. While a standard application user interface is overlaid with a customized user interface skin, only the functionality exposed by the customized user interface skin will execute functionality of the associated application. Customized content, including games, educational information, business information and professional information may be provided via the customized user interface skin. A development wizard may be used for creating customized user interface skins or for further customizing customized user interface skins.

Abstract: Information management systems with time zone information, including event scheduling processes are disclosed. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a computer-implemented scheduling method that can include identifying a difference between a participant time zone and a user time zone, reviewing availability information for the participant and/or one or more selected time preference periods for the participant, and selecting a time range for an event. The method can further include reviewing one or more selected time preference periods for the user. Another aspect of the invention is directed toward a computer-implemented method for associating time zone information with a contact in an information management program application that includes selecting a contact, analyzing contact information associated with the contact, and determining a time zone for the contact based on the analysis of the contact information.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium are provided for consistent configuration of language support between an operating system and application programs. According to the method, an integrated process is provided for receiving and implementing one or more language settings for an operating system and one or more language settings for application programs. The integrated process includes prompting a user for new language settings for both the operating system and the application programs. The language settings for the operating system may include language group support, user interface language, keyboard layout, preferences for standards and formats, and other settings. The language settings for the application programs may include preferences for a user interface language and a default language for use in the application programs. Once the language settings have been received from the user, the new settings may be applied and utilized in future operations of the computer system.

Abstract: Described are techniques and mechanisms that implement an automated process for content acquisition using a Web portal. The process allows a content provider to visit a location on a wide area network and interact with one or more resources to upload a document. Within the process, several tasks are automated that would otherwise be performed by humans. For example, the document is automatically coupled with any legal terms corresponding to the submission and archived at the time of the submission. In this way, the uncertainty of which terms apply to the submission is avoided. In addition, the content is automatically connected to an editorially managed content review and publishing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for visually emphasizing all of the numerical data contained in an electronic document. A determination is made as to whether a request to emphasize all of the numerical data in the electronic document has been received. If such a request is received, all of the numerical data within the electronic document is located and emphasized. Emphasizing may include adding a highlighting attribute to the located numerical data or adding other formatting to visually distinguish the numerical data from the remainder of the electronic document. A request may also be received to deemphasize the located numerical data. In response to receiving such a request, the emphasis is removed from the located numerical data.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for providing information related to a location or geographic region. When a string is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string relates to one or more locations or geographic regions. If the string relates to a location or geographic region, the string is associated with additional information related to the location or geographic region. A list of actions may be provided, wherein each action allows for the selection of the additional information. In one embodiment, a geographical map, telephone area codes or time conversion information may be selected and displayed. In other embodiments, currency conversions related to a specific country may be selected and displayed.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for converting currency values between types of currency. When a string of text is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string of text includes a currency value. If the string of text includes a currency value, the value is semantically labeled with schema information that identifies the type of currency associated with the value. When a selection is received of the currency value, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion options available for the value. One of the conversion options may then be selected resulting in the conversion of the selected currency value to the destination type of currency identified by the selected action. The converted currency value may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected currency value along with a currency notation corresponding to the destination currency value.