Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing a shared dynamic content experience are disclosed. A method for sharing a dynamic content experience according to the invention includes an inviter computer communicating, via a first communication path between an invitee computer and a network based communication server, an invitation to establish a shared dynamic content experience between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. If the invitation is accepted, a content sharing communication path is established between and inviter computer and the invitee computer. Information relating to a current dynamic content experience at the inviter computer is communicated, via the content sharing communication path, to the invitee computer. Information relating to a current dynamic content experience at the invitee computer is communicated, via the content sharing communication path, to the inviter computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and maintaining a shared browsing experience are disclosed. A method for establishing a shared browsing experience includes an inviter computer communicating to an invitee computer, via an online messenger communication path, an invitation to establish a co-browsing experience. The invitee computer communicates to the inviter computer, via the first communication path, an acceptance of the invitation. A co-browsing communication path is then established between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. Information relating to the shared browsing experience is then communicated between the inviter and invitee computers via the co-browsing communication path.

Abstract: A system and method for platform and language-independent delivery of page-based content. Content defined in a relatively abstract format is rendered into multiple platform formats in client-side applications' user interfaces in multiple human languages. The relatively abstract format is a subset of XML and is used to define user interface elements to be displayed on a page. A Model-View-Controller architecture is implemented comprising a plurality of servlet filters, a servlet pipeline and a plurality of rendering processors for client detection, client tracking, relatively abstract format preprocessing, relatively abstract format processing and validating, and transforming and rendering of the relatively abstract format into multiple platform formats in client-side applications' user interfaces in multiple human languages. A creation, modification and management tool is also disclosed for creating, modifying and managing platform and language-independent page-based content.

Abstract: A system for limiting group access is provided. A representative system includes a group access management system operable to store a plurality of resource lists, the resource lists comprising at least one contact and at least one group comprising at least one member and further comprising a group class of service marker associated with the at least one group. The system further comprises a network service router coupled to the group access management system and being operable to route a service request, if the service request includes an adequate class of service marker with respect to the group class of service marker. Methods and other systems for limiting group access are also provided.

Abstract: The system, method, and article of manufacture of the present invention allow for recording an on-line meeting (also referred to as an “on-line conference”) and saving the recording as a meeting recording file. Additionally, the saved meeting recording file may be played back and/or edited. Moreover, a user may open a meeting recording file during an on-line meeting, and all attendees of the on-line meting can see, as well as hear, the recording content.

Abstract: A method for data access in a multinode, shared storage data processing environment is provided by enhancing the file locking mechanism structure so as to permit nodes not normally designated as metadata controller nodes to fulfill that function for limited times thus at least temporarily eliminating the need for continual node-to-node coordination. This is particularly advantageous in the access and transfer of large files such as video files or files containing complex visualization data.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program for instant remote document sharing. In one embodiment, referred to as “remote document sharing,” a file on a remote server is converted to a “shared document” which is distributed to the members of a data conference for review. In another embodiment, referred to as “remote application viewing,” the “owner” of a document on a remote server shares the screens created by an application associated with the document. The other members of the data conference can view the screens, but cannot interact with the application. In another embodiment, referred to as “remote application sharing,” the “owner” of a document on a remote server shares the screens created by an application associated with the document. The other members of the data conference can view the screens and interact with the application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-user application that is configured to operate in various network communication configurations and that can dynamically change communication configurations during an online session of the application. One of the network communication configurations is a client-server configuration, wherein network computers, including at least one server computer and at least one client computer, participate in an online session of the application. The server computer serves application-related data to the client computer during the online session. In another communication configuration of the application, the network computers operate in a peer-to-peer configuration wherein the network computers have the ability to both serve data to and receive data from any of the other network computers that are participating in the online session.

Abstract: A connection between a secure shared space and an external system is created with a connector tool. The connector tool code is included in an independent agent called a “bot” that is created by a software developer. Bots run in the background in an automated and unattended manner in a specialized enterprise integration server. Each bot has a unique identity and runs under an account assigned to the enterprise integration server. A bot can be invited to a shared space much as another collaborator. Bots can also invite others to shared spaces. All bots running in the enterprise integration server are administered by a centralized administrative control. This allows account and identity policies to be established and global behaviors, including authentication settings, startup options and scope to be determined centrally. The centralized control allows simple installation, configuration and deployment and administrative control of bot operation and access.

Abstract: A system and method facilitating business process(es) employing a correlation set is provided. The invention includes a system for sending message(s) having a data retrieval component and a service component. The data retrieval provides an output to the service component based on a schema and a business process type. The service component generates a message having a correlation set based on the output of the data retrieval component. To initiate a business process, the service component generates an activation message and the correlation set, the correlation set uniquely identifying the business process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting two or more individuals to an Internet conversation based on their mutual interests, the current content they may be viewing and what they want to talk about at that time. The techniques of the present invention allow an individual who starts a conversation to maintain full control over who is able to join that conversation as well as how many are able to join at any one time. A user who desires to start or join a conversation about a particular topic or story selects an indicator, such as an icon, associated with the specific topic or story. The user is presented with an option to start or join a conversation. If the user opts to start a conversation, the user is presented with a comment page, and the user enters a comment, or comments, that preferably is intended to spark an interest in other users. The comment is then presented to other users.

Abstract: Publishing content associated with an electronic file attached to an electronic mail message by executing instructions contained in the electronic mail attachment and accessing the content at a remote computer server identified by the attached file. The attached file includes computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program or script, which include an identifier for a remote server connected to a distributed computer network. This identified remote server typically hosts a web site containing content intended for viewing by the recipient of the electronic mail message. In response to launching the attached file of the electronic mail message with a viewer program, a browser program can be opened to enable the recipient to view the content of the identified remote server, typically a web site on an intranet or the global Internet.

Abstract: A method for a file server to support snapshots in a storage area network (SAN) providing a plurality of clients with concurrent direct I/O access to a file system in the SAN, in which the SAN uses an access protocol for file system access. The method includes operating the file server to: start to maintain, at a time T1, a time T1 snapshot volume of a live volume of data in the file system; receive, from a client C1 at a time subsequent to T1, an update access request for a portion of a file that includes data stored in access unit B1 of the live volume subsequent to time T1; and responsive to the update access request, allocate, to the time T1 snapshot volume, a new access unit B2 corresponding to access unit B1, and copy data stored in access unit B1 to access unit B2.

Abstract: An event-driven information publication system includes one or more digital computer networks and one or more nodes on the one or more digital computer networks. A node executes an information publication system application or applet. The node is capable of subscribing to one or more information item categories and receiving an information item that was published according to the one or more information item categories. The information publication system application processes the information item for display.

Abstract: An enhanced-productivity electronic meeting system environment integrates a multiplicity of meeting tools allowing a group of people to collaborate in a fluid and intuitive way, sharing ideas on a common workspace while preserving the privacy of individual notes and communications. In the preferred embodiment, participants interact through a set of tablet computers connected via a local-area wireless network to provide a superior alternative to handouts, presentations, whiteboards, and personal notepads, in a single, integrated system. The primary system components include a server application program interfaced to a document database and meeting controller application program, and a meeting clients program executing on the computer of each participant.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates automatically using a predefined networking group, such as a peer-to-peer group as a context for an application. The system starts by executing the application on behalf of a peer. During execution of the application, the system determines if the peer is a member of a networking group, and if so, the system uses the networking group as a context for the application.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for testing an information-processing system-under-test. This includes using few system-under-test resources by driving native operating software stimulation commands to a system-under-test software test agent over a platform-neutral, open-standard connection, capturing an output from the system-under-test for comparison with an expected output for success determination. This also includes the use of a host testing system having a target interface for interfacing with a system-under-test by issuing a stimulation instruction to the target interface, processing the instruction to derive a stimulation signal for the system-under-test, and sending the signal to the software test agent running in the system-under-test unit. The use of the software test agent includes executing a set of test commands to derive and issue a stimulation input to the native operating software of the system-under-test based on a stimulation signal received from the target interface.

Abstract: A system, method, and software architecture/program (10) for handheld PDA (110) applications and users of handheld applications to implement real time wireless collaboration conferencing with a physically remote communication device. Advantageously, the program (10) provides for wireless collaboration conferencing without significant changes to the handheld applications. The handheld application updates its internal state to mirror that of the other participant's devices. The wireless collaboration software implements wireless collaboration conferencing methods which are optimized for the data communication bandwidth, uses native handheld applications fitted to their performance and metrics of a handheld device, communicates using small packets of information, provides a common programmable and user interface for peer-to-peer, peer-to-multi-peer, and peer-to-machine application conferencing, and which software enables end users to schedule, share, manage, and be billed for such conference activity.

Abstract: Device and method for transporting a protocol message, which permits PBXs (Private Branch Exchanges) connected through a PX(Public Exchange) or PX subscriber stations to transport a new protocol message between end terminals thereof through a PX, the device including a non-ISDN protocol processor for converting a message in a non-ISDN protocol data format into a message in its own protocol data format, an interfacing part for converting the message from the non-ISDN protocol processor into a message in a UUS service message format, and a UUS service part for transferring the message in the UUS service message format to a PX, thereby permitting a message transmission/reception between PBX subscribers or PX subscribers even if a communication protocol the PX gives no support.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the shortcoming of the prior art by providing a network support mechanism that is transparent to real-time multi-user distributed applications. In particular, the proposed invention is well suited for the type of online multi-player games in which a fair order of player actions is critical to the outcome. Without fairness support, remote players often receive much delayed data to act on, and their actions cannot compete in time with other players. The present invention proposes a network support mechanism, called Sync-VPN, for real time multi-user distributed applications such as multi-player online games. The approach assumes a client/server application model, where the server is responsible for coordinating state updates based on action messages sent by the clients. The approach addresses three desired features: predictable packet service, state update fairness, and player action fairness.

Abstract: A multi-user online application network computing configuration maintains application level information at a portal or lobby server, rather than at each individual application server or host machine. Users can therefore learn about and select a desired application, such as an online game, through communication with the lobby server. After appropriate authorization processing, users can contact the associated application server, such as a game host, to begin their participation. The lobby server can therefore reduce the bandwidth requirements and other operating demands on the application server. In addition, cross-application communications in real-time are facilitated through the lobby server concept. The multi-user application environment also provides a common data model for maintaining user information, such as for establishing a ladder ranking system in the online gaming context in which user achievements are recorded and shared among users and among the different game applications.

Abstract: A network service system according to the present invention is configured by one or more, generally, a plurality of intention realization data processing devices, an overall external environment data managing unit, and a network. Each intention realization data processing device comprises a common platform as an interface with a party, and an object network for realizing the intention of the party. The overall external environment data managing unit can be referenced in a parallel manner via each intention realization data processing device when each party requires the data, and centrally manages common data for providing/receiving a service.

Abstract: A communication method of sending and receiving messages via n communication lines. For each sending line there is corresponding receiving line with the same identification (e.g. mobile phone number). The first message to a receiver is sent via the first communication line, the second message to a receiver is sent via the second communication line, . . . the n-th message to this receiver is sent via the n-th communication line. When a reply from a receiver comes back via the i-th communication line, it is assigned to the i-th message sent. For each sent message the communication system remembers the sender, so that the reply can be delivered to this sender.

Abstract: Collaboration space object model provides for a Place consisting of rooms made up of pages. Folders are used to organize pages. Members belong to rooms, and are those users authorized to access them. Place type controls the creation of a place, including how many rooms it has, for example. Room type controls the appearance and content of rooms. A form employs scripts to process and compute data. A page is the basic vehicle for content. Content is created using or importing content from an external source. A member is also a data note, and each place contains its own member directory. A place is created and managed from a client browser in on-line mode and in offline mode with respect to a replicated copy of the space. Room security is independently managed, and security and aesthetics characteristics of subrooms selectively inherited.

Abstract: Members of a community work collaboratively on a task using a plurality of collaboration tools. A list of members and assigned roles is created. A central application provides the tools for each role. When a logon request and role selection is received from a member, the central application presents a menu of tools based on the list and roles selected. The member selects tools from the menu which are then automatically activated for the member's use by transferring the logon request and role section to each selected tool.

Abstract: A proxy server is inserted between an SBC server, which is furnished with SBC middleware capable of installation of an application, and a plurality of SBC clients connected to the SBC server via a network in a server-based computing system. The proxy server comprises a manipulation right controller that gives a manipulation right to execute the application to a first SBC client, a manipulation information relay unit that receives first input manipulation information for executing the application from the first SBC client and transmits the first input manipulation information to the SBC server to cause the application to be executed, and an execution screen distributor that receives an execution screen of the application from the SBC server and distributes the execution screen to each of the SBC clients.

Abstract: A Method and System for Parallel Operation and Control of Legacy Computer Clusters is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system that permits the creation of a cluster computer using the legacy operating systems already existing on the computing devices. The system is further be able to seamlessly operate over a standard wide are network, such as the “Internet,” as well as over local area networks. The system further permits the individual computers to operate either as part of the cluster, or on local operations, without any need for modification to the other computers involved in the cluster. Still further, the system utilizes standard TCP/IP format for all internodal messaging. Finally, the system maintains performance “grades” for each cluster node, either by node self-grading, or by node reporting, such that the user can select which nodes to participate in a particular parallel application.

Abstract: A system for effecting conference calling in a telecommunication network includes: (a) a plurality of subscriber units coupled with the telecommunication network; and (b) a conference control unit coupled with the telecommunication network. The conference control unit responds to a request message from a requesting subscriber unit to effect coupling of a conference-set of subscriber units in a conference calling configuration. The conference control unit controls inclusion in the conference-set by respective subscriber units. The system may provide that the conference control unit provides and controls conferencing services for the conference-set of subscriber units.

Abstract: A search system (10) employing a scheme of meta-folders (14) in which conventional objects (18) and search objects (20) may be stored in an intermingling manner. Upon opening a meta-folder (14) the search objects (20) are resolved into conventional static pointers, and thus into conventional objects (18). Optionally, an unresolved meta-folder (14a) may very fleetingly appear while this occurs. A resolved meta-folder (14a) then results, presenting only conventional objects (18). In particular, the search objects (20) may be search criteria which the process of resolving causes to produce only such searched out conventional objects (18) which are currently available. Users (80) of the search system (10) my employ it in large network environments (82), including the Internet (96).

Abstract: A system for monitoring user activity in an instant messaging session on a computer network periodically sends an activity message to other participants in the instant messaging session if the user has actively entered data during a first predetermined time interval. The system periodically sends a new activity message at intervals corresponding to the first predetermined time interval so long as the user is actively entering data during each time interval. If the user has not entered data during the first predetermined time interval, the system will not send an activity message. Other participants in the instant messaging session receive the activity message and generate an activity indicator on their respective displays. The computer receiving the activity message displays an activity indicator on the computer display in response to receipt of an activity message and starts a timer to measure a second predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A method for managing messages so that redundant messages need not be reviewed by a user. The method monitors electronic messages received by a user, and determines whether the received electronic messages are related to pending electronic messages for the user, such as by being a part of the same message thread. Redundant messages among the related messages are then identified, and are indicated in one or more ways such as by deleting the redundant messages or by altering the visual indicators of the messages presented to the user.

Abstract: A digital interactive dialogue system which acts as a catalyst on collaborative dialogues, allowing a moderator to more efficiently guide disparate teams of members or system users, brought together by a common project. The project structure limits the user's access to just the information to those authorized categories and likewise any information the user inputs is moderated by a moderator and distributed only to those other users having access to the category and/or sub-category the author was reviewing when he or she entered the information. The attention of these other users having access to the category will be diverted by the entered information only when they direct their attention to that category. Thus, the user authorization methods can be used to restrict access both for security purposes and for efficiency purposes. Each category within the system comprises both a content module and a points module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate resource access using prioritized multicast responses to a discovery request.

Abstract: Successor versions of an application service provision runtime library of an application service provision apparatus are provided with corresponding update services to facilitate upgrade of applications to selected ones of the successor versions on request. In various embodiments, a dispatcher of the application service provision apparatus is provided with complementary functions to coordinate the servicing of the upgrade requests. In some embodiments, each of the update services is equipped to upgrade the application from an immediate predecessor version of the runtime library. In other embodiments, each of the update services is equipped to upgrade the application from any predecessor version of the runtime library.

Abstract: A messaging system and method suitable for use with wireless mobile terminals. The system includes a message server for receiving and sending messages and converting messages to a baseline such as an XML representation; a message processor for controlling the system's operation; a database for storing information about messaging capabilities of mobile terminals; and a transcoder for filtering the baseline representation according to the capability of a mobile terminal. A subscriber enters a profile that includes the messaging capability of the mobile terminal, which is stored in the database. When the server receives a message for the subscriber's terminal, it converts the message to the baseline. The transcoder filters the baseline according to the capability of the terminal, and returns the result to the server for format and protocol conversion and sending to the terminal.

Abstract: The data distribution infrastructure includes user application systems; infrastructure subsystems; a run-time infrastructure (RTI); a communications subsystem; and, a connection subsystem. A first user application system is operable by a first user for communicating data with a second user. The first user application system is non-simulated, and includes a first infrastructure interface element. A second user application system is operable by the second user for communicating data with the first user application system. The second user application system is also non-simulated and includes a second infrastructure interface element. A first infrastructure subsystem provides interoperability between the first user application system and the second user application system.

Abstract: The present invention quickly resolves troubles in an analyzer and performs effective external quality control management. An analyzer (2) and a control device (1) are connected by a network (3). Error data and sample data taken from assay of a quality control substance are transmitted from the control device (1) to the analyzer (2). The analyzer (2) is made to be remotely operable from the control device (1) and when troubles arise repair from the control device (1) is possible. The control device (1) tallies sample data, and provides the tally results to a Web page. The analyzer (2) accesses the Web page using a WWW browser, and can perform external quality control in real time.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the scope of user participation in an ongoing communication session. A communication controller receives a predefined control signal, such as from one of the conference participants, during the ongoing session. The control signal indicates a request to change the scope of participation of at least one user in the session. In response, the server changes the scope of participation of at least one user, while retaining participation of that user in the session. For instance, the request may be to switch one of the users to a listen-only mode, and the server may respond accordingly.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture that allow a document containing custom objects to be shared in a distributed collaborative computer system. This is accomplished by allowing custom objects to be embedded in a document. When the document is to be shared, the document with custom objects is converted to a Rich Multi-Media (RMM) format. Furthermore, the converted document may be shared during a collaborative session among multiple computers. Alternatively, the converted document may be viewed by a user independent of a collaborative session.

Abstract: The present invention describes a multi-processor computer system (10) based on dataflow principles. The present invention relates to distributed processing in a shared memory computer and provides a memory controller (14) that is able to perform logical and arithmetic operations on memory (15) on behalf of a processor (11), each memory leaf having its own controller. A processor need only make a single memory transaction to perform complex operations and does not need critical sections in order to resolve memory contention.

Abstract: A method of facilitating collaboration and communication between individuals. According to the present invention, various different types of communications may be routed via a communication network having a modular framework. The method utilizes interchangeable modules that are each configured to facilitate a specific type of communication, such as a price quote, split commission, return merchandise authorization, product change notice, engineering change notice, vacation approval, meeting schedule, etc. A module may be configured to facilitate virtually any type of communication. The modular framework of the present invention permits different types of modules to be flexibly routed using the same method, regardless of the underlying content of the module.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer network propagates searches from client to client. Resources within each client are selectively searched in response to authentication and authorization processes. Authentication information may be included in a search request or may be performed by an authentication process external to the client. Authorization is performed by a process external to the client. Only after authentication or authorization may resources of any particular client be accessed. The system allows for secure propagated searches and resource access in a peer-to-peer network environment. The network may further include a server for maintaining a list of clients connected to the peer-to-peer network in order to more efficiently facilitate peer-to-peer communications.

Abstract: A method of detecting intrusion includes receiving a request for data from a client computer to a load balancer and having the load balancer send the request to a first server of a plurality of servers. The load balancer receives a first copy of content, such as a Web page, from the first server in response to the request. The load balancer compares the first copy of content to a master copy of content to determine if the first copy is valid.

Abstract: A method of managing a collaborative process includes defining a plurality of locales on a plurality of servers, creating a plurality of objects corresponding to players in the plurality of locales, and mediating object state of the objects between the locales in a seamless manner so that the locales form a seamless world.

Abstract: In a job transferring method of sending a request from a first computer to a second computer so as to cause the second computer to register and execute a job, the request is created so that it can include a plurality of scripts, the script being an aggregation of a plurality of commands. For example, the first computer creates a request data stream that includes the content of the plurality of scripts, then sending the created request data stream to the second computer. Moreover, the second computer extracts the content of the plurality of scripts included in the request data stream and stores the content as a script file for each script, then executing a script to be executed first of the plurality of scripts.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for data packet transport in a wireless transmission system supporting broadcast transmissions. A multicast tree is built between nodes through neighboring routers. The multicast tree forms a tunnel through which the broadcast content is transmitted. The broadcast message is encapsulated in an Internet Protocol packet for transmission through the mulitcast tree. At least one multicast tree is formed between the Internet portion of the system and the wireless portion of the system, such as the Access Network. In one embodiment, an external multicast tree is formed between a content source and a packet data service node, and an internal multicast tree is formed between the packet data service node and a packet control function node.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating a cost of receiving multicast data from a multicast session. A multicast network includes at least one multicast service, each multicast service including at least one multicast session. The apparatus receives a request to establish a connection to the multicast session, stores a start time for the connection and an end time for the connection and, after termination of the connection, calculates the cost of receiving the multicast data. The apparatus can receive a subsequent request to extend the connection, the subsequent request specifying a new end time for the connection, and store the new end time for the connection. Alternatively, the apparatus can receive a subsequent request to terminate the connection, the subsequent request specifying a new end time that precedes the end time for the connection, and store the new end time for the connection.

Abstract: A survey network system that allows gathering of information across a network quickly and efficiently, including a questionnaire server, a communication interface, a questionnaire distributor, a questionnaire designer and a questionnaire library.

Abstract: The states of activities by a plurality of users regarding a given project are kept track of, including activities personally carried out by individual users. An information processing unit processes, upon request from a user, work data in a joint work data management unit and personal work data management units. A shared activity information management unit and personal activity information management units manage joint work data and personal work data in the joint work data management unit and the personal work data management units as activity information. An activity information tracing unit, on the basis of activity information separately managed by the shared activity information management unit and the personal activity information management units, extracts particulars of a sequence of operations performed on a specific activity. The states of activities can be thereby kept track of, including activities personally carried out by individual users.

Abstract: A distributed processing, interactive computer network and method of its operation is described. The network is designed to provide very large numbers of simultaneous users access to large numbers of applications which feature interactive text/graphic sessions and advertising targeted to users. The network includes one or more host computers including computing resources capable of communicating with one and another. Additionally, the network includes a plurality of reception system computers capable of communicating with the host computers, the reception system computers being arranged so that users can request interactive applications and advertising at their respective reception systems. The method for operating the network includes steps for generating the interactive text/graphic sessions of at least some applications and advertising from information that include data and/or program instructions.