Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) device having a volume control function for external audio reproduction units by using volume control buttons of a remote controller is provided. The A/V device includes speakers, an audio output port for externally outputting an audio signal, an audio signal processing unit for reproducing and amplifying the audio signal and applying the amplified audio signal to the speakers or the audio output port, a memory unit for storing volume control values, and a control unit for applying to the audio signal processing unit any of the volume control values stored in the memory based on whether the external audio reproduction unit is plugged in the audio output port. The control unit controls the audio signal processing unit to adjust the volume control values for the audio output port by the volume control buttons when the external audio reproduction unit is plugged in the audio output port.

Abstract: A system for presentation of help files on a computer with an operating system and a display is provided. Presentation-independent information associated with an application is stored on the computer. A help application is adapted to access the presentation-independent information based on user interactions and automatically to select between available rendering applications at runtime for displaying the presentation-independent information on the display.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing content includes extracting preconfigured content from an application; selecting, from second content associated with the application, a plurality of portions of the second content using the extracted preconfigured content; ranking the plurality of portions based at least in part on the preconfigured content; and associating a reference with the preconfigured content in the application such that the reference is displayed with the application, the reference providing user navigation to at least one of the plurality of portions selected based on the ranking.

Abstract: Method, article of manufacture and apparatus for playing back recorded database activity in a graphical user interface. Chronologically ordered database event information is dynamically displayed in a user interface having user-selectable graphical elements associated with predefined playback controls.

Abstract: A first application executes in an identified state. The first application broadcasts the identified state. The broadcasted identified state of the first application is received by a second application. The second application determines contextual content based on the received identified state of the first application. The contextual content is displayed.

Abstract: A method for displaying a form involves checking an input to determine whether an error exists, where the input corresponds to a field within the form, updating a tally of errors for the form reflecting the error when the error is contained in the field within the form, and visualizing the tally of errors by concurrently displaying the tally of errors and the form, where the field corresponding to the error is identified within the form.

Abstract: Tickers are populated with location-based information that is selected according to the geographic location of communication devices. The location of a communication device is identified based on a GPS system, proximity to transmitters in a wireless network, user input, or using other techniques. Location-appropriate content is obtained either in real-time from the network or from a local data store at the communication device. In general location-based, context-aware content can be displayed on tickers associated with a variety of communication devices, including mobile communication devices and “immobile” or stationary personal computers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive multimedia system for providing structured information systems, for example help systems for desktop and network based applications. The invention employs an interactive multimedia runtime container and rich media content and other data files for the structured system navigational components such as the Table of Contents (TOC), Index, Search, and Glossary. In another aspect, the invention provides a structured navigation interface through the use of rich media files driven by data files which allow the user or the author to create a customized appearance for the structured information system. The system is advantageously cross-browser and cross-platform compatible and ensures consistent navigation and look and feel across platforms and browsers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating a composite data source having a common data representation from disparate sources of voice data. Data transmission links are established to heterogeneous messaging data sources, requests for voice data is sent using data access protocols, the voice data is received, and a set of voice data transformation rules are selectively applied to the voice data to transform the data into a common data representation. The common data representation can also be used as a source for reporting and graphical displays to monitor the operational aspects of the sources of voice data.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for displaying and managing information on a webpage using an indicator in which, a memo and so forth can be recorded in the desired contents of the webpage through the indicator and the URL of the webpage can be stored with the indicator to call out them at anytime, whereby providing a convenience in terms of search and manage of information. The system having a client server and a system server comprises an indicator displayed on a surface of specific contents of each webpage with reference to coordinate values corresponding to the specific contents of each webpage and for classifying and elaborating on the specific contents and may use an indicator generation module, an input portion for inputting information, a storage portion storing coordinate values, and an output portion for outputting an indicator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interface presentation are described. A user interface for the user may be selected among a plurality of available user interfaces in accordance with the personal characteristic information. A user access profile level for the user may be selected among a plurality of available user access profile levels in accordance with the personal characteristic information. Product information may be selected in accordance with the age data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology to assist users with data access activities and that includes such activities as routine web browsing and/or data access applications. A coalesced display or montage of aggregated information is provided that is focused from a plurality of sources to achieve substantially one-button access to user's desired web or data source information/destinations in order to mitigate efforts in retrieving and viewing such information. Past web or other type data access patterns can be mined to predict future browsing sites or desired access locations. A system is provided that builds personalized web portals for associated users based on models mined from past data access patterns. The portals can provide links to web resources as well as embed content from distal (remote) pages or sites producing a montage of web or other type data content. Automated topic classification is employed to create multiple topic-centric views that can be invoked by a user.

Abstract: A computer system executes a host application that generates a graphical user interface for display on a respective user's display screen. In addition to executing the host application, the computer system (or other computer) provides an environment for executing a so-called help agent (e.g., a plug-in module) associated with the host application. The help agent can initiate display of a help window along with a graphical user interface displayed by the host application. Depending on the embodiment, the help agent can provide one or more functions such as retrieval and display of help information links in the help window to different types of help information, application of commands to the graphical user interface application via input with respect to the help window, and viewing of application hint information in the help window.

Abstract: The present invention provides a search capability to allow a user to easily locate a menu command or other user interface element associated with a search result. In one embodiment, a user enters a search term (or a portion thereof) in a search field. A list of results is displayed, for example in a results menu. The user can select or highlight any of the listed results; in response, the corresponding command is brought into view in context within the user interface, and is highlighted. The user can activate the selected command directly from the search results menu.

Abstract: A help facility for a graphical modeling environment that determines the domain of a multi-domain graphical object and provides the correct documentation for that object in that domain is discussed. The help facility determines the identity of the multi-domain graphical object and the domain in which the multi-domain graphical object is instantiated. Once the domain and the graphical object identity are determined, the help facility triggers a help callback restricted to that domain that provides domain appropriate help for the object.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system and apparatus for producing a composite help view for an aggregation of applications. The method can include obtaining at least two separate help documents. Each of the separate help documents can have an association with a corresponding one of separate interface units aggregated together into a single aggregated view. Importantly, the separate help documents can be combined into a composition of help documents corresponding to the single aggregated view. Subsequently, the composition of help documents can be rendered in a help system view responsive to a request for help initiated in the single aggregated view.

Abstract: An interactive Internet-based system and method provides a number of components that can be used to provide interactivity, including chat, polling, and trivia functionalities, particularly for use in enhancing other events, such as television programs.

Abstract: A method for providing context-sensitive help across variable environments. In each of the variable environments, the method can include tokenizing a received network request for help, the tokenization producing a contextually pertinent help file name and a base address of a corresponding help file. Subsequently, the corresponding help file can be located in a fixed storage location referenced by associating the help file name with the base address. Finally, the located help file can be encoded with the base address, and transmitting to a requesting client.

Abstract: A method for providing customized help, the method comprising: retrieving a first help content from a first help datastore in response to a help request received from a user, the first help datastore storing a plurality of help content each associated with a respective help identifier; retrieving a second help content from a second help datastore, the second help datastore storing a plurality of help content each associated with a respective help identifier, the second help content having the same help identifier as the first help content; generating a help presentation file comprising the first help content and the second help content; wherein one the first help datastore or the second help datastore is editable by the user and the other help datastore is non-editable by the user.

Abstract: Method and systems for generating notifications in a notifications system. A parameter-driven template received from a content provider contains one or more parameters related to a subscription for notifications. The notifications system enables an application based on the received template and executes it to map a recurring event to one or more subscribers as a function of the parameters specified by the content provider. In response to the recurring event, the notification system generates a notification. Other aspects of the invention relate to a computer-readable medium that defines the application for use in a notifications system.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for updating help content. Initially, information relating to issues associated with software is gathered from a plurality of users. Such software includes a first set of help content. Next, an additional set of help content is gathered based on the information. Further, the additional set of help content is distributed to the users based on an update schedule, utilizing a network. Thus, the additional set of help content is capable of being integrated with the first set of help content and presented to the user via a single interface, utilizing the software.

Abstract: Dynamically configuring an application program at run-time via one or more extension objects. The invention software implements a framework with one or more extension objects providing functionality to an application program and an application manager for integrating the functionality with the application program during execution of the application program. The framework of the invention also formulates and routes application messages between extensible objects of one application program and extensible objects of other application programs implementing a similar, dynamically extensible application program framework. On receipt of messages or notifications, the framework of the receiving application program facilitates the discovery of the intended recipient extension object and routes the message accordingly.

Abstract: A method of generating a help file used commonly in different models of image forming apparatuses includes reading a setting value indicating a function provided by one of the image forming apparatuses, setting a field value of a parameter corresponding to the read setting value, and configuring a help message based on the set field value of the parameter. A system to generate a help message includes a configuration module to determine identification information regarding each of a plurality of functions of an object included in one of software versions and characteristic data regarding the software version, and a universal help file including function descriptions for all of the software versions provided in a computer, receiving the identification information and the characteristic data, and generating the help message regarding the object using the function descriptions according to the identification information and the characteristic data.

Abstract: A method is provided for exchanging an organizational scheme, such as a tag-based structural framework, that can be applied to data describing and containing information relating to Web service providers to facilitate creating, updating, and interpreting the data so that Web service providers are suitably presented to a user, depending on the user's country, language, locale, and the availability of Web service providers.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a system for providing help information supporting at least one executable application. The system can comprise an interface processor for receiving user-entered data representing a help message conveying help information, a creation time indicator identifying a creation time of the help message, and an identifier for identifying a help information repository associated with the help message. A data processor can store the help message in the help information repository in order of creation by using the creation time indicator.

Abstract: A user selectable evaluation indicia associated with a displayed unit of information within an application is provided. Responsive to a user interaction with the evaluation indicia, an evaluation opportunity is presented to the user. At least a portion of a user's activities comprising the user participation is transformed, responsive to the user's participation with the evaluation opportunity, into search framework metadata for the unit of information. The search framework metadata may facilitate ranking search results comprising the unit of information.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device having a remote control application user interface that functions to displays operational mode information to a user. The graphical user interface may be used, for example, to setup the remote control application to control appliances for one or more users in one or more rooms, to perform activities, and to access favorites. The remote control application is also adapted to be upgradeable. Furthermore, the remote control application provides for the sharing of operational mode information.

Abstract: A heterogeneous content channel manager is provided for content management and collaboration within and across interactive workspaces. A content channel bar, available on each of the displays in the workspace(s), contains two or more unique representations of respectively two or more different channels available in the interactive workspace(s). Within the set of available channels on each channel bar two or more different channel types are represented. Furthermore, each one of the unique representations in the content channel bar represents different and unique content supported by their respective channels and their types. Channel selection on the channel bar initiates display, on the display where the channel selection was made, of the content represented by the selected representation and channel in a manner appropriate for the channel's type.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices;, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: “In-situ editing” of a control property within a design surface is provided. “In-situ editing” refers to a feature that can allow a user (e.g., developer) to easily perform multi-pass configuration operations on their user interface (UI) components. This can be achieved by introducing the concept of a new editing mode or view to the integrated development environment (IDE)—(e.g., a Property Editing View (PEV)). The PEV mode can be active. In other words, the user will be presented with a mechanism of viewing and editing all properties without having to move off of the design surface. For example, editing can be performed in-place eliminating the conventional need to enter a property grid.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: Analyzing system malfunction data and associated direct and indirect effects in a collaborative tool to determine relationships between the effects and the system malfunction information. System malfunction cases and other data are received and stored. A user may view and/or modify the system malfunction data. The data may be presented in a relational structure. Each system malfunction case is linked to one or more direct effects, and each direct effect is linked to one or more indirect effects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing automatically generated recommendations. In various exemplary embodiments, a method of producing a recommendation digest for a user includes (a) generating a recommendation log for the user by storing a plurality of recommendations, one or more of the plurality of recommendations relating to a representation of a context that led to the creation of the one or more recommendations for the user, and (b) determining a subset of recommendations by using one or more statistics obtained from processing the plurality of recommendations stored in the log.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are described that provide a graphical illustration of a first possible outcome of a use of a treatment parameter with respect to at least one body portion, based on a first dataset associated with a first predictive basis, and that modify the graphical illustration to illustrate a second possible outcome of the use of the treatment parameter, based on a second dataset associated with a second predictive basis.

Abstract: A call center support and documentation system is provided. The call center support and documentation system assists an agent of a call center in processing calls. Specifically, the system assists the agent in processing calls more quickly by providing, on a single display screen, all of the information to process a call (including the customer's information, troubleshooting steps, and documentation). The system also assists the agent in documenting calls in an efficient and standardized manner. Documentation, such as the customer information and troubleshooting steps for a call, may be automatically populated in a uniform manner so that the agent may update the documentation database.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing content includes extracting preconfigured content from an application; selecting, from second content associated with the application, a plurality of portions of the second content using the extracted preconfigured content; ranking the plurality of portions based at least in part on the preconfigured content; and associating a reference with the preconfigured content in the application such that the reference is displayed with the application, the reference providing user navigation to at least one of the plurality of portions selected based on the ranking.

Abstract: A method for recording a sequence of user actions made when interfacing with objects associated with an executable code is provided. In this method, a selection of a level of detail to record when user actions enable interfacing with the objects associated with the executable code is enabled. Subsequently, the sequence of user actions is recorded. The recorded sequence of user actions is defined by the selected level of detail. Thereafter, the recorded sequence of user actions is parsed by applying rules that enable the generation of a defined number of data types. The data types are capable of being utilized by an application that is designed to generate information that is related to one or more of the data types.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of domestic network technology. The control of an appliance in the network via a central appliance for the network and having a display unit is normally simplified with the aid of user interfaces. When an audio-video datastream has to be transmitted between two network appliances, then this takes place via data links that are set up. There is then a close relationship between the connected appliances, and this requires frequent switching between the user interfaces of the two appliances. For example, when the user interface for a CD player is displayed, this user interface must first of all be closed and a user interface for an amplifier in the network must be started, usually by selection from the list of all the appliances in the network, in order then to set the volume for the amplifier. The aim of the invention is to simplify the control of such appliances which are coupled to one another via a data link that has been set up.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating a composite data source having a common data representation from disparate sources of voice data. Data transmission links are established to heterogeneous messaging data sources, requests for voice data is sent using data access protocols, the voice data is received, and a set of voice data transformation rules are selectively applied to the voice data to transform the data into a common data representation. The common data representation can also be used as a source for reporting and graphical displays to monitor the operational aspects of the sources of voice data.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein enables a collection of computers and associated communications infrastructure to offer a new communications process which allows information providers to broadcast information to a population of information consumers. The information may be targeted to those consumers who have a precisely formulated need for the information. This targeting may be based on information which is inaccessible to other communications protocols. The targeting also includes a time element. Information can be brought to the attention of the consumer precisely when it has become applicable, which may occur immediately upon receipt of the message, but may also occur long after the message arrives. The communications process may operate without intruding on consumers who do not exhibit the precisely-specified need for the information, and it may operate without compromising the security or privacy of the consumers who participate.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A method for displaying a calendar event on an electronic map includes steps of: receiving a request to generate a map view of a selected timeline of calendar events, wherein the calendar events are associated with event locations; converting event locations to geographic locations; generating a map view showing the geographic locations of the calendar events and legends representing the calendar events; and displaying the map view with the legends shown in close proximity to the locations of the calendar events. A user can elect to switch between a display of the map view and a display of a view of the selected timeline. A user can also select to create a calendar event on an electronic map by selecting a location associated with the calendar event on the map; receive a graphical user interface display, enter information about the calendar event on the graphical user interface display, and view the electronic map.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for adaptively generating a tooltip to be displayed in association with an object, such as a push button or a check box, according to the state of the object. The method comprises determining a current state of the object; and generating a tooltip to be displayed in association with the object according to the current state of the object. Since a tooltip is adaptively generated for an object included in a GUI and is automatically displayed in association with the object. Thus, it is possible to conveniently control a device with reference to the tooltip without the need to additionally refer to instructions regarding the GUI.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing software help documentation obtains a feature name of a current interface of a software and a position of a cursor in the current interface, and receives a control command to invoke a help system of the software. The system and method further displays the help document of the help option corresponding to the position of the cursor in the current interface on a display device, in response to a determination that the help system comprises the feature name of the current interface, and further comprises a help option corresponding to the position of the cursor in the current interface.

Abstract: A method for implementing a help function in a digital television receiver is disclosed, wherein main help items including titles of external elements such as a rear panel and a front panel are displayed on a screen if a user pushes a help button of a remote controller or main body. When one of the main help items is selected, a configuration (or figure) of the selected main help item is displayed, and the user can indicate a desired part of the configuration by manipulating buttons of the remote controller and the main body. A help description of the indicated part is displayed on the screen together with it's configuration.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products verify compatibility between a document to be published for access via a server and capabilities of the server to support features of the document. A method involves receiving a document, scanning the document for features, comparing the features to the capabilities of the server, and determining whether the capabilities of the server support the features of the document. The method also involves generating an incompatibility notice for a feature of the document when the feature is not supported by the capabilities of the server.

Abstract: Computer assistance content related to a plurality of software entities is combined into a single assistance content corpus. The corpus may be organized hierarchically. The hierarchical organization can be done using content sets that relate assistance content with associated metadata. Content sets can be related to each other in parent-child relationships. The relationship definitions can be separate from the content set definitions. Scope and bias information can be used to constrain assistance content searching over the corpus and to bias search results based on one or more state variables of the user's computer. A remote assistance server can be used to provide updated or newer assistance content to the user. When the remote assistance server is used, an assistance request from the user is supplemented with scope information.