Abstract: Modifying a componentized workflow model during execution of the workflow. Each step of the workflow is modeled as an activity that has metadata to describe design time aspects, compile time aspects, and runtime aspects of the workflow step. A user selects and arranges the activities to create the workflow via user interfaces or application programming interfaces. Metadata is associated with each of the activities in the workflow. During execution of the workflow, the user modifies the metadata to affect execution of the workflow without recompiling the workflow.

Abstract: Automated facilities are provided for uploading media program information through a network connection to an automated encoding system. An encoding request is received from a client which requests that the media program information be encoded in one or more encoding formats to produce publication-ready-media information. Automated facilities also provide ancillary services associated with the publication-ready-media information such as organization control, design control and publication control of the publication-ready-media information.

Abstract: A multimedia message system automatically generates visual representations (thumbnails) of message or media objects and references (links) between media objects; nests messages within themselves; and automatically updates generated thumbnails. An object, including a thumbnail image of the object's contents and a link to the original content, is created in response to simple user inputs or commands. An image of the object is generated whether the object be a web page, a multimedia message, a hypertext link, a video clip, or a document. A link or reference to the original object from which the image was formed is also generated. The system retrieves and displays information referenced by an object and shown by the thumbnail image corresponding to the object. The system also automatically updates the thumbnail image(s) representing an object any time the underlying object or information from which the image was generated has been modified.

Abstract: A respective user modifies (e.g., selects, drags, and drops) either one or both of a first visual representation of a first video clip segment and second visual representation of a second video clip segment to overlap with each other in order to create a so-called transition region while in an editing phase. In response to creating the overlap, a respective video editor application herein splices respective ends of the first visual representation and the second visual representation to indicate where respective first and second content overlap with each other. For example, to more clearly depict the spliced ends of content on a respective display screen, the video editor application initiates display of an overlapping content region to include a first region in which the first content appears to be overlaid on the second content and a second region in which the second content appears to be overlaid on the first content.

Abstract: Identity plates are described, including importing identity data into an application, the identity data being used to configure one or more identity elements, configuring an identity plate using the one or more identity elements, and presenting the identity plate within an interface associated with the application, the identity plate being configured to display the one or more identity elements in one or more associated positions configured to receive the one or more identity elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of authoring a DVD video recording on an external storage device, the steps of this method comprise; receiving authoring data, the authoring data is used to modify a recording file. The recording file records the authoring of the DVD video recording. Then, modifying the recording file according to the received authoring data on an external storage device until all authoring operations are done. Finally, burning the recording file on a specific area of the DVD.

Abstract: Groups of photo thumbnails are presented to the user, and where a user selects one of the thumbnails, a transition is provided replacing the group of thumbnails with the photo represented by the selected thumbnail. The photo may be displayed without cropping or stretching. In addition, a zoom/enlargement animation of the selected thumbnail is provided, and also possibly of the remaining thumbnails in the group, which then transitions into the represented photo. In addition, after or during the zooming animation, a cross-fading may occur such that the thumbnails fade out and the represented photo fades in. These types of transitions and user inputs both while the user is manually browsing thumbnails and when the user is viewing an automated slideshow of the thumbnails.

Abstract: A system and method allows a user to specify a presentation by arranging content into a hierarchical arrangement. The presentation is generated in response to the content and the hierarchical arrangement.

Abstract: A virtual film reader system and method includes a digital cinema server configured to render a presentation (124). A graphical user interface is coupled to the server which includes one or more virtual automation cue tracks (108) which define a temporal domain corresponding with the presentation (124). Cues (108) are positioned by a user employing the graphical user interface on the one or more tracks, the cues (108) corresponding to a time and duration of (104) the presentation (124) when an event is to occur.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention sets forth a system, method and/or computer program product which may include a graphical user interface (GUI) application embodied on a computer readable medium, which when executed on a processor performs a method. The method may include receiving a playlist may include a plurality of content of a plurality of different formats; and enabling a presenter to seamlessly deliver a presentation of the plurality of content to an audience.

Abstract: A method of creating multiple, alternative presentations within a single electronic presentation, by assigning one or more presentation constraint parameters to the electronic slides, and generating a sequence for presenting less than all of the electronic slides based on the presentation constraint parameters. Different sequences can be generated using different presentation constraint parameters that are assigned to the electronic slides. For example, a first electronic slide could be included in a first sequence, and a second electronic slide (or multiple slides) can be substituted for the first electronic slide in a second sequence. A sequence can be generated by adjusting a scalable constraint associated with the presentation constraint parameters to determine which electronic slides to include. The presentation constraint parameters can include a time factor and a content level.

Abstract: A new slide layout having an arbitrary number of placeholders is applied to an existing slide. Placeholders in an original slide are mapped to placeholders within a new slide layout configuration. The slide layouts may be predefined slide layouts that include a predetermined number of placeholders or customized slide layouts that include an arbitrary number of placeholders. The placeholders in the original slide are mapped to a new slide layout that may have fewer, the same, or more placeholders than the original slide layout. The placeholders may be matched based on many different criteria, including, the function of the placeholder; the name of the placeholder; the type of the placeholder; and the position ID of the placeholder.

Abstract: The present invention enables combining personal media content and additional content with the purpose of generating a more appealing and engaging experience to the user when being presented the personal media content. The invention therefore relates to a method and a device for generating a multimedia presentation, comprising obtaining a user selection of a first media file (step 202), obtaining a user selection of a media file source (step 208), matching content associated data of the first media file, with content associated data of at least one second media file from the media file source (step 214), generating at least one user inquiry related to the content associated data of at least the first media file (step 216), and creating the multimedia presentation, based on the first media file and the at least one second media file, said multimedia presentation comprising the at least one generated user inquiry (step 218).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simultaneously displaying multiple-contexts in a page-oriented viewing architecture utilize the concept of page pinning in which a portion of a first document context is displayed as a fixed frame overlayed on or placed beside the display of a second document context. A user may navigate within the second document context while viewing the portion of the first document context as a pinned page on the display. Thus, a single navigational focus is maintained even though multiple contexts are displayed in the page-oriented architecture. Page pinning may be used to view two non-contiguous locations in a single electronic document or to view two pages of respective different electronic documents. A pinned page can be used to hold a particular context while a command set is executed from a command document viewed as the second context.

Abstract: A method of entering a presentation into a computer. A dynamic grid is provided by adding graphical objects to a logical container, i.e. an empty presentation page. The dynamic grid facilitates entering of constraints. The constraints can be used as an input for a constraint solver to provide an automatic layout.

Abstract: A method of preparing and displaying a cumulative presentation and a presentation system are provided. A listing of available individual presentation files is provided through a user interface. Each of the presentation files comprises a plurality of presentation slides. A user is queried through the user interface to select presentation files from the available individual presentation files for inclusion in a cumulative presentation in a selected presentation order. A listing of presentation files selected by the user is displayed in the user interface. In response to a first command received from the user, a first slide from a first presentation from the cumulative presentation is provided to a display device for display thereon. In response to a second command received from the user, a second slide from the cumulative presentation is provided to the display device for display thereon.

Abstract: A method of preparing and displaying a cumulative presentation and a presentation system are provided. A listing of available individual presentation files is provided through a user interface. Each of the presentation files comprises a plurality of presentation slides. A user is queried through the user interface to select presentation files from the available individual presentation files for inclusion in a cumulative presentation in a selected presentation order. A listing of presentation files selected by the user is displayed in the user interface. In response to a first command received from the user, a first slide from a first presentation from the cumulative presentation is provided to a display device for display thereon. In response to a second command received from the user, a second slide from the cumulative presentation is provided to the display device for display thereon.

Abstract: A computer aided workstation programmed to facilitate and enhance the process for creating complex graphics and associated presentation design through the use of multiple software tools/agents in conjunction with retail presentation products. Critical branding/theme characteristics are seamlessly established during the Build process by software/program controls. A high quality, professional presentation can be achieved with minimal training or software knowledge/skill set.

Abstract: An online application enables an end user to navigate to a web site, upload digital images, and to combine those images with words in a stylized template to create a user-generated story. A story is a web page, typically a collection of photos and words that are brought together by a stylized template that can be customized by the end user. Preferably, a given story is available from the site at a given location (at a URL) that may be private or public. A given story may be shared with other end users, published to other web sites or web logs, or maintained solely for one's own use. The invention also provides for multiple end users to collaborate to create a “shared” story.

Abstract: An online application enables an end user to navigate to a web site, upload digital images, and to combine those images with words in a stylized template to create a user-generated story. A story is a web page, typically a collection of photos and words that are brought together by a stylized template that can be customized by the end user. Preferably, a given story is available from the site at a given location (at a URL) that may be private or public. A given story may be shared with other end users, published to other web sites or web logs, or maintained solely for one's own use. The invention also provides for multiple end users to collaborate to create a “shared” story.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating a media presentation. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving first media selection criteria associated with a media presentation for identifying a characteristic of media to be included in the media presentation. The method also includes retrieving a first set of media objects according to the first media selection criteria. The method further includes generating second media selection criteria from metadata associated with the first set of media objects. The method still further includes retrieving a second set of media objects according to the second media selection criteria. The method includes receiving presentation information defining a format for the media presentation.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for defining a selected non-sequential content template. The selected non-sequential content template defines a plurality of data objects and includes at least one non-sequential navigation object that allows for non-sequential navigation between at least a portion of the plurality of data objects defined within the selected non-sequential content template.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for generating a data file. A selected physical media emulation format is defined, which is chosen from one or more available physical media emulation formats. The data file is formatted in accordance with the selected physical media emulation format, thus generating a formatted data file. The formatted data file is published.

Abstract: A system and method simplifying the creation process for multimedia slideshows, collages, movies, and other imaging products. Users can share their stories using imaging services, which will handle the formatting and delivery of content for recipients. Recipients can then easily request output from the shared stories in the form of prints, DVDs, collage, poster, picture book or custom output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for automatically combining image and audio data to create a multimedia presentation. In one embodiment, audio and image data are received by the system. The audio data includes a list of events that correspond to points of interest in an audio file. The audio data may also include an audio file or audio stream. The received images are then matched to the audio file or stream using the time. In one embodiment, the events represent times within the audio file or stream at which there is a certain feature or characteristic in the audio file. The audio events list may be processed to remove, sort or predict or otherwise generate audio events. Images processing may also occur, and may include image analysis to determine image matching to the event list, deleting images, and processing images to incorporate effects. Image effects may include cropping, panning, zooming and other visual effects.

Abstract: Video, stills, panorama, sound and all forms of media as Rich Media in a Multimedia Vehicle Repository (MVR) file editable with a Rich Media Content description file. The Rich Media Content description file enables users to specify a vocabulary that defines the media elements and relations among the media elements thereby permitting the users to easily create and edit the Rich Media Content and compose various raw or compressed Rich Media components using any text editor. A multimedia authoring server side processor accepts the raw formatted Rich Media Content along with description text file in XML format and outputs the Rich Media, text and graphic components as an edited MVR file in accordance with user's design for execution on a multimedia player.

Abstract: A summary for a collection of related documents can be generated by extracting phrases from the documents which include common focus elements. Phrase intersection analysis is then performed on the extracted phrases to generate a phrase intersection table, where identical or equivalent phrases are identified. Temporal processing on the phrases in the phrase intersection table is performed to remove ambiguous time references and to sort the phrases in a temporal sequence. Sentence generation is then used to combine the phrases in the phrase intersection table into a coherent summary.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method of dynamically creating real-time presentations responsive to search expressions. The method comprises retrieving information from search engines, parsing the retrieved information to create dynamically a structured document including mark-up tags, and rendering the structured document as a slide show presentation of images by a multimedia presentation module. The structured document may be editable, annotatable, storable, and publishable by a user viewing the slide show presentation on the client device. The information retrieved from the one or more search engines may be restricted to one or more specified web domains. Pertinent textual information about the object of interest may also be retrieved along with the image information for convenient review by the user. Each displayed image in the slideshow presentation may have an embedded hyperlink to the source page of the image.

Abstract: A system for producing presentations of computer application programs that also allows the inclusion of advertising, or other information, into a presentation and which can be updated by a central ad server. When the presentation is viewed offline, default ads are kept in the presentation. Authoring software is used to create a sequence of screenshot images of an application program to be presented. Each screenshot is a slide in the presentation and is displayed for an interval of time during playback of the presentation. Text description in the form of “bubble text,” “memo text,” “questions,” etc. can be specified along with the position, size and other properties of the text. Characteristics such as cursor shape, speed of movement, starting and ending positions, alignment, etc. can be set, and a “click area” in association with a question, or prompt, to the viewer of the presentation can be specified.

Abstract: A rich-media content production and distribution system includes a rich-media content production mechanism including a one or more studio production tools for producing content including at least one of dynamic or static images, dynamic video or audio, text, HTML, mixed media presentation, Microsoft PowerPoint slides, Adobe PDF pages, etc., wherein the produced content resides on one or more proprietary servers remote from a user of the production studio, and a syndicated rich-media content distribution mechanism including one or more distribution tools for publishing such content to consumers, wherein the content production and content distribution mechanisms collectively enable two-way, end-to-end, produce-and-distribute capability. An Internet-based rich-media content production system and syndicated rich-media content production and distribution methods also are described. Finally, a website-embeddable rich-media content player apparatus is described.

Abstract: A prototype page for simulating navigation between objects in a computer program. A selection of a distribution of presentation areas is received. A placement of first and second icon symbols in at least one of the presentation areas is received. The first and second icon symbols represent first and second objects, respectively, of a computer program. A placement of a navigation symbol is received. The navigation symbol represents a navigation between the first and second objects. Markup language code is provided for a prototype page. The code includes location indicating code corresponding to the distribution of presentation areas. The code includes picture code for first and second pictures corresponding to the first and second icon symbols, respectively. The markup language code further includes interaction code corresponding to the navigation symbol. The prototype page is capable of simulating the navigation between the first and second objects in the computer program.

Abstract: Techniques are described for generating and implementing dynamic surveys, in which a subsequent query is presented based at least in part on a selected response option of a previous query. For example, a system may include presentation logic configured to display a plurality of queries, each query being associated with a plurality of response options. Sequence logic of the system may be configured to display a graphical sequence controller in association with each of the plurality of response options, and to receive a graphical manipulation of the graphical sequence controllers by which a sequence is designated for presenting a subsequent query based on a selected response option of a previous query. Thus, during implementation of the resulting dynamic survey, the subsequent query may be presented based on the selected response option.

Abstract: There is provided a wedding ceremony information distribution system for playing photographs taken in a wedding ceremony and names of participants, in a wedding reception hall. The system includes: a camera for imaging the wedding ceremony; a video image projection device for playing a video image edited/processed according to the image picked up; a computer terminal arranged in the wedding reception hall for transmitting the picked-up image data to an edition/distribution center so as to create moving picture data edited/processed by adding names of the participants in the wedding reception, illustrations, and animation, again receiving the data in the wedding reception hall so as to write video image onto a recording medium and reproducing/playing it by a video image projection device; and an edition/distribution center connected to a communication line for editing/processing the picked-up image data.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically modifying a media presentation is disclosed. A first presentation theme associated with a media presentation is determined. A plurality of multi-media data files are accessed, wherein each of the plurality of multi-media data files comprises associated metadata. A first of the plurality of multi-media data files are associated with the first presentation theme based on the associated metadata and the first of the plurality of multi-media data files is presented.

Abstract: A system and a method for the creation and customization of interactivity are described. An interactivity builder is provided that includes a Interaction Model Selector Module, an interactivity editor, and an Interaction Model Library comprising Interaction Models. An interaction model selector is also provided that accesses to the available Interaction Models. A user is allowed to select an Interaction Model from the Interaction Model Library through the Interaction Model Selector and the Interaction Model Selector accepts the user-selected interaction model and copies it to create an interactivity that can be any time modified by the interactivity editor according to input received from the user. Interactivity thus created can be used in training modules. The invention could also be used equally well in other applications, such as, for instance, websites, presentations, electronic documents, online advertising, e-commerce and more such applications.

Abstract: A method (and structure) of managing a software slide deck that includes a plurality of slides. Tag data is associated with one or more slides in the slide deck for purpose of processing at least one function related to managing the slide deck.

Abstract: With spreadsheet software, such as the MICROSOFT EXCEL, a radar chart can be compiled by the use of data in a table made.

Abstract: An indexing method for allowing a viewer to control the mode of delivery of program material. By mapping from time to data position, data delivery can begin at any selected time in the program material. The indexing method also provides for controlling data delivery to begin at the beginning of a frame of data. A synchronizing method is provided to minimize a time offset between audio and vide data, particularly in environments using groups of pictures.

Abstract: A system and method for creating graphical presentations is disclosed. A pre-existing graphical presentation is scanned. Data points are extracted from the pre-existing graphical presentation. Corresponding data points are extracted from tabulated data. These corresponding data points are then inserted into the pre-existing graphical presentation to create a new graphical presentation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: By the use of program scripts, databases, and other software elements, taking as input a set of text files making up a work of literature of substantial size, converting the files to an electronically-readable form, linking the files to each other to provide readers with a rich set of associations to be explored within the work, muting the presentation of the links in order to preserve the immersive character of the reading process, and simplifying the user browsing interface to limit distractions that vitiate the immersive reading experience. By the richness and simplicity of carefully-designed outputs, offering the author a new range of opportunities for engaging the reader, offering the publisher a new opportunity for succeeding in purveying electronic literature, and presenting the reader with an “electronic literary macramé”: a new class of work permitting a level of immersive reading practice obtainable only in the world of electronic text.

Abstract: A presentation is generated, and spreadsheets objects are embedded therein. The presentation may be customized prior to downloading. Mark-up language technology may be used in connection with the integration of spreadsheet and presentation technologies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating slide presentations enable a user (e.g., a sales professional) to generate presentations tailored to a specific presentation target (e.g., a potential customer) with the click of a button. An exemplary method includes: collecting information relating to a number of presentation targets; creating a number of presentation definition templates, each presentation definition template including a number of slide descriptions, certain of the slide descriptions including information placeholders; and generating a slide presentation for the particular presentation target in accordance with the slide descriptions of a selected one of the presentation definition templates, wherein collected information relating to the particular presentation target is substituted for the information place holders in the slide descriptions of the selected one of the presentation definition templates.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products related to multimedia applications are provided. In one implementation, a computer program product, encoded on a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer program product is operable to cause a data processing apparatus to perform operations including generating a user interface for receiving user input. The user interface includes a media content selection menu for selecting media content for a multimedia project and one or more regions for ordering selected media content for the multimedia project. The computer program product further includes automatically creating one or more menu screens according to the selected media content.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a control system. The control system may be adapted to control one or more lighting systems (e.g. stand-alone or networked lighting systems). The control system may also have a user interface (e.g. dial or button) such that a user can make a program selection and/or alter a lighting control feature. The control system may also include an enablement system. In an embodiment, the enablement system may be arranged to provide a user and/or installer with the ability to enable a program, program setting or the like. For example, the control system may be programmed with three lighting control programs and the user may only want to select from two of the three programs once the control system is installed. The user may make a selection on the enablement system such that only the two desired programs are available from through the user interface.

Abstract: An annotating system aids a user in mapping a large number of queries to tasks to obtain training data for training a search component. The annotating system includes a query log containing a large quantity of queries which have previously been submitted to a search engine. A task list containing a plurality of possible tasks is stored. A machine learning component processes the query log data and the task list data. For each of a plurality of query entries corresponding to the query log, the machine learning component suggests a best guess task for potential query-to-task mapping as a function of the training data. A graphical user interface generating component is configured to display the plurality of query entries in the query log in a manner which associates each of the displayed plurality of query entries with its corresponding suggested best guess task.

Abstract: A method that includes altering portions of a text of an original version of a digital document to produce a revised version of the digital document in which the text is shorter than the text of the original document, receiving over a communication channel a request for the digital document from a device connected to the channel, and transmitting the revised version over the communication channel in response to the request.

Abstract: A DVD authoring system in a processor-based system removes an author from consideration of the DVD Specification during authoring. According to a preferred embodiment, the authoring system provides an authoring engine having an interactive graphical authoring interface, a data management engine, an emulator, a compiler, a multiplexer and a simulator. Using summary authoring data, the compiler builds a skeleton-form PGC layout structure comprising control PGC abstractions and router PGC abstractions. The compiler then resolves the PGC abstractions according to source-target connections. During playback on a DVD player, the PGC abstractions form elements in a connection-switching abstraction superstructure. Accordingly, in response to DVD-consumer and other control events, a source PGC preferably determines target PGC information and then transfers control, via virtual connections through necessary router PGC abstractions, to a target PGC abstraction.

Abstract: A method and system for providing Web-based information that is relevant to a program being viewed on a television. A data stream providing a set of Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) is provided along with the program content. The URLs identify Web sites that are relevant to the program content. Based on user preferences specified in a user profile, URLs for Web sites that are likely to be of particular interest to the user can be culled from the overall set of URLs. These URLs are sent to a device connected to the Internet (e.g., a personal computer system), allowing the user to access Web-based information relevant to the program content. The program content continues to be displayed on the television and the Web-based information is displayed on the personal computer system. Accordingly, the user can view targeted information that is of interest without interrupting the display on the television.

Abstract: Triggers for interactive television display are incorporated into a video stream in coordination with graphics associated with the triggers. Graphic sources such as channels (16,18) of a character generator (21) supply graphics associated with the triggers to graphic signal inputs (26,28) of a switch. When a channel supplies a graphic, a message denoting the associated trigger and associating the trigger with the channel is forwarded to a gateway computer (60). The gateway computer monitors connections between graphic signal inputs (26,28) and the video output (32) of the switch, and forwards triggers associated with a particular channel to an inserter (40) only if such channel is connected to output (32).

Abstract: A system and method for authoring and playback of multimedia content together with sharing, interconnecting and navigating the content using a computer network is disclosed. Creation, presentation and sharing of multimedia content and applications takes place within an active authoring environment, where data is always “live,” and any piece of content can be played alongside any other piece of content at any time. In this environment, there are no formal delineations between one “presentation” and another based on such things as file boundaries, other data storage constructs or the like. Instead, any piece of content can potentially be part of the “current” presentation at any time simply by being “started.” As a result, three factors become critically important: (1) the framework in which content is organized, stored and distributed; (2) the control mechanisms by which content is played and presented, and (3) as with any authoring system, the methods and means by which users create and edit content.