Abstract: A system, system, and program for automatically inferring and updating an availability status of a user are provided. At least one current activity of a user is detected, where the current activity includes at least one system level event within a computer environment accessible to the user. A current availability status for a particular communication request is inferred from the current activity of the user in view of multiple availability rules, where the multiple availability rules map current activity to multiple possible availability statuses. In addition, inference of the current availability status is determined based on the identity of the requester of communication with the user, where the multiple availability rules map the requester identity in combination with the current activity to multiple availability rules.

Abstract: Layout rules are provided that enable white-space sensitive literals to be developed within a source program according to arbitrarily defined or virtual margins. In one aspect, a computerized programming system is provided. The system includes a source program having one or more computer program codes or instructions. A rules component enables a virtual margin to be positioned within the source program, where the virtual margin can be offset from a default margin by at least one position in the source program. The rules component enables a plurality of virtual margins to be nested within the source program. This includes allowing deviations in the margin such as a hole to be declared in the virtual margin.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a display unit, a plurality of types of input units, an input unit recognizing unit that recognizes a type of input unit via which input is being performed, and a display control unit. If a function menu has been selected of the first screen via the input unit, the display control unit displays a second screen, on the display unit, for selecting an item in the function menu selected on the first screen. Herein, based on a type of input unit recognized by the input unit recognizing unit when the function menu was selected on the first screen, the display control unit displays the second screen that corresponds to the recognized input unit on the display unit.

Abstract: A method of providing a notification of widget availability may include receiving an indication of a visited location associated with a user, determining whether the visited location is associated with a widget on a device associated with the user, and providing a notification to the user of an availability of the widget for installation on the device based on the determining.

Abstract: A mobile device includes at least one application and a user-controllable pivoting input switch. This application has a number of selectable items. This switch has a number of operational modes. Several of these operational modes direct the operation of the application to determine a current item according to an order.

Abstract: A real-time communications device, a real-time communications system of networked distributed such devices and method and program product for operating such devices. The device includes a personal information manager (PIM), an instant messenger and a Messenger Assistant. The device may also include an e-mail client. The Messenger Assistant automatically provides appointment/status information from the PIM to the instant messenger, which passes status to identified buddies. The Messenger Assistant may also monitor local presence and e-mail and update status based on local presence changes and on incoming e-mail.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for dynamically enhancing a software application, such as a video game, executing on a computing device, without having to change and recompile the original application code. The system includes a staging environment that monitors the execution of the application and indexes each item of graphical and/or audio information generated by the application into a first database. A system administrator or other entity then populates a second database by manual or automated means with one or more business rules, wherein each business rule is associated with one or more of the objects indexed in the first database.

Abstract: Media center icons are used to navigate a media center. The media center icons may include media device icons, a remote control icon, and media player icons. The media center icons may be used during a setup process, to select between media devices, and to navigate between media devices and media content.

Abstract: A method of receiving inputs by an electronic device comprising a user interface component is disclosed. The user interface component is set in an inactive operating mode, such as a keypad locking mode or a screen saver mode, for substantially non-active usage of the user interface component. An input is received in the inactive mode. The input received in the inactive operating mode may be stored and presented on a user interface component.

Abstract: A central notifications manager user interface is employed for presenting and managing notifications and alerts received from a plurality of different sources in a consistent and uniform format. The different sources can include one or more business productivity programs, such as a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager, or email/personal information manager software application, as well a messaging service that produces alerts transmitted over the Internet. The user can selectively enable the display of pop-up reminders to notify the user when a task becomes due, and can selectively display an entire list of notifications and alerts that are active, enabling the user to manage (i.e., edit) the notifications and alerts within the source application. Pop-up display of notifications is automatically disabled during a presentation to avoid undesired display interruptions.

Abstract: A property inspector with a partial functionality indicator is described that analyzes a selected group of objects within the design canvas of an ADE to determine the properties available to each of the objects and also which of the properties applies to the individual objects. The inspector interacts with a user by identifying which properties apply to only some of the selected objects. This interaction may take on any useful form of sensual identification data, such as visible, audible, or tactile indications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for calculating, maintaining, and displaying information regarding the relative distance from nodes associated with telecommunication cable to high bandwidth telecommunication cables in metropolitan areas. The present invention allows a user to select the cable from at least one of the vendors who own telecommunication cable in the area and a specific node or series of nodes for calculation. The present invention provides a fast and convenient means by which to determine this relative distance and may be useful in the planning, budgeting, and vendor selection of connecting to customers.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method in which one or more modules are arranged and configured for determining in a device an operational context of a given functionality, providing in response to the determined operational context one or more operative sub-functionalities for selection associated with the determined operational context, and hinting at one or more one next probable operative sub-functionalities of the one or more operative sub-functionalities associated with the determined operational context. In one embodiment, at least one next probable operative sub-functionality is communicated via a suitable alerting mechanism, wherein the suitable alerting mechanism is a first text menu list of suggested operative sub-functionalities available for selection, the first text menu list being shown on a display in response to a chosen desired operational context.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an object selection mechanism for touch screen devices may include a processing element. The processing element may be configured to receive an indication of a detection of an event associated with a display, determine a type of the event, determine a candidate object associated with the type of the event, and generate a user interface component based on the determination of the candidate object.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for rendering visual effects, or other types of effects, in response to an occurrence of one or more events. The visual effects may be rendered on a user desktop in order to alert or otherwise notify a user that the one or more events have occurred. The events may reflect incoming messages (e.g., e-mails, instant messages, etc.), application and/or system problems, downloads, appointments, alarms, updates, network status, or other software and/or hardware related events. The visual effects may be rendered on the desktop to subtly notify the user when an event of interest occurs.

Abstract: In aspects, object types are placed in a task repository and controls register with the task repository for notification when a different object type is selected. When a different object type is selected, the task repository is notified of the object type. In response, the task repository determines a list of one or more tasks associated with the selected object type. The task repository then notifies controls that have registered for notification and passes the list of one or more tasks. Using the list and the information included in the tasks, controls may rebuild their portion of a user interface. When a user or process indicates that the actions associated with an element are to be performed, the element calls the task repository and indicates a task to perform. In response, the task repository executes the actions associated with the task.

Abstract: A checklist system comprising a computer and portable unit, according to one implementation, is described herein. The computer of the checklist system is configured to store a first portion of checklist software and one or more checklists. The computer is also configured to download checklists and software updates from a data network. The portable unit of the checklist system is configured to store a second portion of checklist software, where the second portion of checklist software is configured to operate in conjunction with the first portion of checklist software. At least one portion of the portable unit is configured to communicate with the computer in a data-sharing mode. In addition, the portable unit is configured to operate in a checklist-item-prompting mode when the at least one portion of the portable unit is removed from communication with the computer.

Abstract: A communications device provides a user with a sensory cue that informs the user of certain characteristics of a subsequent action that includes data communications. By informing the user of the data communication characteristics before the user initiates the data communication action, the invention appropriately sets user expectations regarding the data communication characteristics. For example, one embodiment of the invention is implemented in a portable communications device with a screen. For subsequent actions that include wireless communications, the portable communications device simultaneously displays a wireless link icon sensory cue next to a user interface graphic element. The user interface element is used to initiate the subsequent action. The user interface element can be an operating system object having an embedded link type icon.

Abstract: A time stamp device provides a timer for reminding a user how long ago or when an activity was last completed.

Abstract: System and program product are provided for facilitating on-line help information in an office application which includes one or more objects. The on-line help information is dependent on content of a selected object of the office application. A user of the office application is provided with help information setting forth an example directly derived from content of the currently selected object or cell. Content of a user entry field within the object is parsed to determine whether a predefined keyword is present, and if so, at least one parameter associated with the keyword and at least one format or rule related to the at least one parameter are identified. The at least one format and rule specified in the help information are employed in correcting content of the user entry field, for example, for display to the user.

Abstract: M_IDs corresponding to “not available” and “recommended 1” in respective setup items are read, and images corresponding to “recommended 1” and “not available” are read (S803). An image indicating “not available” and that indicating “recommended 1” corresponding to respective setup items are displayed at neighboring positions of GUI components of the respective setup items displayed on the display screen (S804).

Abstract: A system, system, and program for automatically inferring and updating an availability status of a user are provided. At least one current activity of a user is detected, where the current activity includes at least one system level event within a computer environment accessible to the user. A current availability status for a particular communication request is inferred from the current activity of the user in view of multiple availability rules, where the multiple availability rules map current activity to multiple possible availability statuses. In addition, inference of the current availability status is determined based on the identity of the requester of communication with the user, where the multiple availability rules map the requester identity in combination with the current activity to multiple availability rules.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for calendar-based coverage monitoring are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a coverage rule defining multiple covering entities for performing an activity for a covered entity and at least one period of time during which the multiple covering entities is to perform the activity. Individual calendars for the multiple covering entities are monitored and a change in one of the calendars is detected. It is then determined whether the change causes the coverage rule to be violated, and in response to determining that the change causes the coverage rule to be violated, a notification indicating violation of the coverage rule is generated.

Abstract: A method for managing web content for a web page in such a manner that Internet content compliance and accessibility is ensured. The method comprises the step of validating the web content and/or the web page with respect to compliance and/or accessibility by accessing one or more external locations. The validation is performed as an automatically initiated background process, and it is thereby ensured that the validation takes place. In the case that the validation reveals that a noncompliant and/or an inaccessible element is present in the web content and/or the web page, a compliance warning and/or an accessibility warning is generated and displayed to the user. The method of the invention ensures that the web content and/or the web page is compliant with certain rules or requirements, e.g. legislative requirements, official standards, corporate policy, etc., and that it is accessible, e.g. for disabled persons.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided that display at least one user input field within a graphical user interface and automatically display reminder information associated with the user input field through a non-modal mechanism within the graphical user interface. The methods and arrangements monitor user input activities and automatically display the reminder information associated with the user input field through the non-modal mechanism after a defined period of user input inactivity. For example, if a user is unable to remember a password, then the methods and arrangements provide for an automatic non-intrusive way for the reminder information, which the user previously entered when setting up their password/account, to be displayed. A tip balloon is one type of a non-modal display mechanism that does require the user to respond and does not interfere graphically and/or operationally with the ongoing graphical user interface supported process.

Abstract: Help functionality is described for integrating help information into a primary application in a just-in-time fashion. The help functionality can perform this task by providing a see-through panel which is presented on top of an application interface provided by the primary application. A user can move a mark on the see-through panel to identify features of the application interface concerning which he or she may have questions. The help functionality responds by presenting potentially context-sensitive help information to the user in audio mode and/or visual mode. If the visual mode is selected, the help functionality can present the help information on the see-through panel itself, and/or can dynamically move parts of the application interface to accommodate the display of the help information. The help functionality can supply the help information from a local source and/or a remote source, in an automated manner and/or a manual manner (e.g., using a remote human assistant).

Abstract: A method for reminding a user of a mobile communication terminal of an event scheduled using a scheduling feature of the mobile communication terminal is provided. The method comprises displaying an alert, associated with a scheduled event, on a display screen of the mobile communication terminal, wherein the alert is in a format that conspicuously distinguishable from other information displayed on the display screen to prompt the user's immediate attention.

Abstract: A menu structure in an information presentation device enables navigation in the menu structure. The information presentation device may include a sound generating unit, at least one first user input unit, and a control unit that provides selectable items in the menu structure. The items may be related to functions, applications or settings of the information presentation device. Each item may be associated with at least one dedicated sound. Upon detection of selection of a specific item via a user input unit, the presentation device may control the sound generating unit to generate the sound associated with the selected item.

Abstract: A print driver user interface method for printing copies of a document, which includes receiving a number corresponding to the number of copies to be printed from an application, receiving at least one command relating to an operation to be performed on each of the number of copies to be printed, and displaying a first feature to a user informing the user that the application may have a problem printing multiple copies. The method also includes offering the user a choice relating to printing copies of the document and transferring control of printing the copies from the application to the print driver.

Abstract: For validating user input fields in a graphical user interface, a data entry field includes a graphical validation indicator. In response to user activation of the validation indicator, such as by hovering with an on-screen pointer, a message is displayed in visual association with the data entry field. The message describes one or more expected characteristics of the data to be entered, for example that the data is numerical. As the user enters data consistent with the expected characteristics, the validation indicator is displayed with a neutral appearance, indicating that no errors have been detected. If incorrect data is detected, the validation indicator takes on an emphasized appearance, such as a higher intensity and/or an error-indicating color such as red, providing an immediate error indication to the user. An error message may also be displayed in visual association with the data entry field.

Abstract: A system for deploying applications over a distributed network to web-enabled devices uses a server, with stored text files containing application logic, and an application assembler. The application assembler downloads and installs on each web-enabled device. Then, the application assembler downloads one or more text files from the server, retrieves program logic from each of the downloaded text files, and assembles the retrieved program logic into a fuctioning application. In some instances, a plugin that is downloaded and installed on each web-enabled device is activated by web pages on the server to launch the application assembler.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for summarizing firewall activity. Initially, a plurality of types of events associated with a firewall of a local computer is organized. Further, a number of occurrences of each type of event is tracked utilizing the firewall. Further, a graphical representation is displayed indicating a severity of the number of the events utilizing the firewall.

Abstract: There is provided to developers and owners of Web documents, the ability to create Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) documents, which in addition to their basic set of natural language data conveying a first version of information of a particular content displayable to users at conventional Web desktop display stations, a second set of natural language data conveying a second version of condensed displayable information of the same particular content displayable to users of personal palm-type display computers connected to the Web. Also, in addition to the basic set of HTML tags which identify the basic set of natural language data, the document provides for a second set of tags identifying said second set of natural language data which is available only for the palm-type devices. The natural language data to be displayed may include both text and image data.

Abstract: A two-phase asynchronous print tracking system and method is described. The separation of detection of print activity and billing of print activity is accomplished by means of a quota-based message queue. Print jobs sent by a user are allowed to print without interruption until a quota number of print jobs for which no billing information has been entered are reached. When the quota is exceeded, the user may not continue until appropriate billing information is entered.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for ordering multiple elements within a set of elements in a list in a data processing system. The set of elements are presented in a list format in a graphical user interface. The present invention waits for a first user input selecting the elements within the set of elements. In response to detecting the first user input, monitoring is performed for a second user input indicating a movement of the selected elements within the set of elements. In response to detecting the second user input, the selected elements are automatically reordered within the set of elements based on the user input. In this manner, the elements may be manipulated within the list using a single user input rather that requiring a user input to manipulate each element individually.

Abstract: A method, system and program for displaying transparent resource aids are provided. A user interface is displayed comprising at least one displayable object within a display area controlled by a computer system. Responsive to an initiating event, a transparent resource aid is placed within the display area in association with the initiating event, such that the at least one displayable object is not obscured by the transparent resource aid. The transparency resource aid may indicate resource usage of hardware, software, and graphical characteristics.

Abstract: A computer keyboard designed to facilitate and simplify a user's interaction with medical software applications includes color-coded key groups and function specific icons. One key group is associated with medical image display tasks such as, for example, the display of Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and ultrasound scans of various portions of a patient's body. Another key group is associated with medical image navigation tasks such as moving to the next, previous, first or last image in a group of images. Each key in each key group has a function-specific indicator that identifies the key's function for a specified medical software application. For example, a key group associated with medical image acquisition for a radiographic software application may include keys having icons and/or text representing predetermined body regions such as the head, neck, lung, liver, knee, abdomen, bone, spine, mediastium, pelvis and/or whole body.