Abstract: A method is provided for accessing user personal information. In such method, personal information belonging to a particular user is stored at a user information processing system such as a user computer. A form may then be displayed on the user information processing system. A user-provided recall input can then be received at the user information processing system and the fact of its receipt can be indicated on the form. Using the recall input, the stored user personal information can be accessed for processing in connection with the displayed form. Display of information at the user information processing system may then be manipulated based on a result of the processing.

Abstract: Preventing unintended distribution of audio information may comprise analyzing audio data of a speaker's speech received by a microphone; determining automatically by a processor, from the analyzing whether the speaker's speech is intended to be distributed to an audience via the microphone; and in response to determining that the speaker's speech is not intended to be distributed to the audience via the microphone, performing one or more actions.

Abstract: A method, executed by one or more processors, includes receiving a message that is addressed to a user, determining, via one or more sensors, whether the user is occupied with an attention critical situation, and conducting a user-directed response process responsive to determining that the user is not occupied with an attention critical situation. In some embodiments, the user-directed response process includes conducting a text substitution process on the message, presenting an abbreviated version of the message and a list of response options to the user, determining a response option that is selected by the user, and sending a response to the message that corresponds to the response option that is selected by the user. In some embodiments, the list of response options includes a plurality of message-dependent formulated responses, a null response, and a spoken response. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method, executed by one or more processors, includes receiving a message that is addressed to a user, determining, via one or more sensors, whether the user is occupied with an attention critical situation, and conducting a user-directed response process responsive to determining that the user is not occupied with an attention critical situation. In some embodiments, the user-directed response process includes conducting a text substitution process on the message, presenting an abbreviated version of the message and a list of response options to the user, determining a response option that is selected by the user, and sending a response to the message that corresponds to the response option that is selected by the user. In some embodiments, the list of response options includes a plurality of message-dependent formulated responses, a null response, and a spoken response. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An electronic photographic device that automatically communicates an authorization signal that enables receivers of the authorization signal to authorize use of a likeness captured in a photographic image. The electronic authorization device includes an image capture mechanism for capturing the photographic image, a controller for initiating photographic authorization by generating an authorization signal at the capture of the photographic image by the image capture mechanism and a transmitter for transmitting the authorization signal generated by the controller towards a physical location at which the photographic image is captured. The authorization signal identifies a website URL at which information relating to the captured photographic image can be accessed to allow a person who has received the authorization signal to access the website and provide or deny an authorization for its use.

Abstract: A method comprises presenting content on a display associated with a computing device, determining one or more security characteristics associated with respective portions of the content on the display, detecting a presence of one or more individuals proximate to the display associated with the computing device, and modifying presentation of at least one of the portions of the content on the display based on an authorization status of at least one individual proximate to the display associated with the computing device and the security characteristics associated with the at least one portion of the content on the display.

Abstract: A simulation method and system. A computing system receives a first audio and/or video data stream. The first audio and/or video data stream includes data associated with a first person. The computing system monitors the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system identifies emotional attributes comprised by the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system generates a second audio and/or video data stream associated with the first audio and/or video data stream. The second audio and/or video data stream includes the data without the emotional attributes. The computing system stores the second audio and/or video data stream.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product dynamically configures a delivery system for delivering products to smart mats. A delivery coordination server determines a location of multiple smart mats. Each of the smart mats includes a positioning system and a transmitter that transmits a message describing the real-time geophysical location of the smart mats. The delivery coordination server receives a message describing a location of a first delivery vehicle that is transporting a first package addressed for delivery to a first smart mat. The delivery coordination server determines that the first smart mat has moved to a location that is within a predetermined distance of a second smart mat, to which a second delivery vehicle is scheduled to deliver a second package. The delivery coordination server directs the first delivery vehicle to transfer the first package to the second delivery vehicle for delivery to the first smart mat.

Abstract: A model of a domain is received, wherein the model has a plurality of elements. A corpus of select documents covering the plurality of elements of the model is also received. A plurality of select topics is generated from the corpus of select documents. Topics of an additional document are compared to the plurality of select topics to calculate a distance between the topics of the additional document and the plurality of select topics. Upon the distance meeting a threshold value, a new corpus is generated to include the additional document. The new document is annotated with the plurality of elements of the model.

Abstract: Receiving a first model associated with a user, a generic model of a generic domain, and a specific domain having an associated domain-specific corpus. A first set of query terms based on elements of the first model, and a second set of query terms based on elements of the generic model, are determined. A third set of query terms is generated based on the first and second sets of query terms. The domain specific corpus is queried using the third set of query terms, and a domain specific model is generated based on results of the querying.

Abstract: A simulation method and system. A computing system receives a first audio and/or video data stream. The first audio and/or video data stream includes data associated with a first person. The computing system monitors the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system identifies emotional attributes comprised by the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system generates a second audio and/or video data stream associated with the first audio and/or video data stream. The second audio and/or video data stream includes the data without the emotional attributes. The computing system stores the second audio and/or video data stream.

Abstract: A computer based tool and method for automatically producing, from an existing presentation, a new presentation that fits within a specific presentation duration based on the priority associated with each element within the existing presentation and the presentation time for each individual element.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a user seeking access to a secured system in a public area. Access is granted when a user demonstrates sufficient knowledge of the user's personal characteristics stored in the system. The user initiates the access process by tapping into the stored characteristics without overtly stating information that may be overheard. The user statements reflect an awareness about the categories of user uniqueness without divulging details. The system response statements act to elicit further information from the user for response and the response statements are scored. After a cumulative score threshold is met, the user is granted access.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing battery usage are provided. The techniques include sensing energy level of a battery, comparing the sensed energy level of the battery to a predetermined energy threshold for the battery, and controlling energy flow to and from the battery based on the comparison of the sensed energy level and the energy threshold.

Abstract: A simulation method and system. A computing system receives a first audio and/or video data stream. The first audio and/or video data stream includes data associated with a first person. The computing system monitors the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system identifies emotional attributes comprised by the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system generates a second audio and/or video data stream associated with the first audio and/or video data stream. The second audio and/or video data stream includes the data without the emotional attributes. The computing system stores the second audio and/or video data stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing global positioning system (GPS) feedback to a user are provided. A method for providing global positioning system (GPS) feedback to a user, comprises evaluating a route of the user to determine potential points of confusion, collecting at least one of behavioral information and physiological information from the user, analyzing the collected information to determine a level of user confusion at a point on the route and whether the level of the user confusion exceeds a threshold, and providing the user with clarifying feedback upon at least one of a determination of a potential point of confusion and the level of the user confusion exceeding the threshold.

Abstract: A model of a domain is received, wherein the model has a plurality of elements. A corpus of select documents covering the plurality of elements of the model is also received. A plurality of select topics is generated from the corpus of select documents. Topics of an additional document are compared to the plurality of select topics to calculate a distance between the topics of the additional document and the plurality of select topics. Upon the distance meeting a threshold value, a new corpus is generated to include the additional document. The new document is annotated with the plurality of elements of the model.

Abstract: Techniques for converting spoken speech into written speech are provided. The techniques include transcribing input speech via speech recognition, mapping each spoken utterance from input speech into a corresponding formal utterance, and mapping each formal utterance into a stylistically formatted written utterance.

Abstract: Dynamic modification of user interfaces is disclosed, based upon identification of the current state of the user and the sensing of a particular situation in which the user is involved and/or environment in which the user is situated. In particular, emotional and mental states of a user are identified and these states are taken into consideration when creating and/or adapting an interface to be used by the user. The interface is modified/created automatically based on identified user biometrics, that is, measured physical properties of the user.

Abstract: Methods and system for facilitating multi-dimensional personal heating and cooling. User information is used as a mean to configure the temperature in a surrounding environment, thereby facilitating comfort for a user and, in the case wherein multiple users are accessing an area, classifying the area into a number of regions and maintaining each region at a different temperature and guiding the users to desired regions.