Abstract: An audience platform is disclosed. In a first example case, a first question is received. A preference event associated with the first question is received. A score is determined for the first question based at least in part on the preference. In a second example case, indications of a first and second potential interviewee are received. Preference events associated with the first and second potential interviewees are received. Scores are determined for the first and second potential interviewees based at least in part on the received preference events. A designated interviewee is selected based on the first and second scores. In a third example case, indications of a first and second potential awardee are received. Preference events associated with the first and second potential awardee are received. Scores are determined for the first and second potential awardees based at least in part on the received preference events.

Abstract: A user is enabled to interact with a virtual world environment using an instant messenger application by enabling a user to enter the virtual world environment using the instant messenger application that includes an instant messaging (IM) user interface, generating and managing an avatar to represent the user in the virtual world environment, monitoring a sub-portion of the virtual world environment corresponding to a current location of the user in the virtual world environment, determining descriptions of activities taking place in the sub-portion of the virtual world environment based on the monitoring, and providing the user with the determined descriptions of activities taking place in the sub-portion of the virtual world environment via the IM user interface.

Abstract: A method for showing a display panel in a graphical user interface involves associating a client-side script variable with a display panel wrapper, where the display panel is embedded in the display panel wrapper, and where the client-side script variable indicates that the display panel is hidden. The method further involves modifying the client-side script variable to show the display panel in the graphical user interface, where showing the display panel involves showing an input control for manipulating a data area in the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method for presenting information to a host vehicle having a user interface. The method comprises remotely creating an information set including user accessible information pertaining to troubleshooting onboard components of the host vehicle, wirelessly communicating a portion of the information set to the host vehicle, and operating the user interface to selectively make available the user accessible information in the portion of the information set for access at the host vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to permit subscribers to a service to engage in real time communications with users who are not subscribers to the service. The method comprises receiving, from a non-subscriber to a service, a request for real time communications with a subscriber to the service and providing real time communications between the subscriber and the non-subscriber.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and managing snapshots of Virtual Machine (i.e., virtual snapshots) and creating a centralized integrated backup for the Virtual Machine (VM). Proposed method and system allow users to roll back to any previous version of the VM and instantiate this version using the logic encapsulated in a virtual snapshot of the VM. The virtual snapshots taken at various times can be combined into a chronological tree viewable via a virtual snapshot image viewer. The snapshot trees for different VMs are combined into centralized integrated system backup (CIB) that can be managed by a central console including a GUI of the virtual snapshot image viewer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to implement a technique for using location information to identify and select movies or other content. In one implementation, an application for a device such as a smart phone or tablet computer uses location information to identify a movie that corresponds to the location, e.g., by fictional location or by where shots were filmed. Variations leverage the combination of user or target physical location and location information from a movie.

Abstract: A display of an icon includes creating and displaying an icon that provides indicia regarding information relevant to an application to which the icon is assigned. The indicia provides information to a user and is always in the foreground of a display when the application is running regardless of whether the application is currently actively in use and being interacted with by a user or not. At least one expandable indicia is included within the icon. Input provided by clicking the expandable indicia actuates an expanded window for displaying more detailed information. Indicia is also presentable on the icon to provide real time information to a user who is actively using another application such as whether a connection to a server hosting services for the application is lost. A presence state of the user is displayable via presence indicia located on the icon as well.

Abstract: The systems and methods taught herein provide a choreographed, crowd forum at an event, including offering to send a media display to a plurality of participants in a crowd attending the event. Each of the plurality of participants have (i) a close-visual proximity to other participants; and, (ii) it's own respective computing device with a graphical user interface, a processor, a database, and a choreography. Each respective computing device is operable to at least receive and display a choreographed portion of the crowd media display. The choreographed portions can be configured to be received and displayed by each respective computing device in a choreographed manner in the crowd coordinated with an activity at the event. In this manner, the plurality of participants have at least the experience of receiving and displaying a respective choreographed portion of the crowd media display at the event.

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising storing on a first computing device having a user interface and a memory pieces of information for displaying, and providing a user interface on the first computing device an option for displaying the pieces of information stored on the first computing device onto a common display area while sharing the common display area with a second computing device. The second computing device is allowed to also display pieces information from the second computing device simultaneously with the first computing device on the common display area. The first computing device comprises a camera, and the first computing device is configured to capture images for display onto the common display area. The pieces of information can relate to properties. The common display area can be projected onto a display unit or multiple display units.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic historical browsing of a collection of documents, such as a collection of webpages. In some embodiments, the entry point of the browsing experience may be a timestamp-based or version-based. The entry point may be established by a navigation parameter, such as a graphical slider, for example. A historical browsing experience may be replicated based on the entry point. The system may be implemented via client-side implementation or a server-side implementation. A rich interface application (RIA) may be used.

Abstract: A real time notification system that tracks, for each user, the logon status of selected co-users of an on-line or network system and displays that information in real time to the tracking user in a unique graphical interface. The invention provides user definable on-line co-user lists, or “buddy lists”, that track specific co-users in real-time automatically. A user can create many separate buddy lists of co-users, either with intersecting or disjoint lists of users, and label these buddy lists according to the user's preference. The user can update a buddy list or create new buddy lists whenever necessary. When a user to logs on to a system, the user's set of buddy lists is presented to the buddy list system. The buddy list system attempts to match co-users currently logged into the system with the entries on the user's buddy list. Any matches are displayed to the user. As co-users logon and logoff, a user's buddy list is updated to reflect these changes.

Abstract: A very intuitive and simple set of touch-screen input steps along with the processing of those input steps allows a user to appear to gather shareable files with his fingers on one touch-screen apparatus, lift the files from the touch-screen and drop the shareable files on a touch screen of a second, co-located touch-screen apparatus. The touch-screen apparatus initiating the transfer of files is preset with sharing parameters to manage the transfer of files to a local or remote server. One or more touch-screen apparatus accepting the transfer of files is preset with acceptance parameters to manage the transfer of files from the server to the accepting touch-screen apparatus. Once the files are at the server, multiple touch-screen apparatus may be used to request shareable files from the server.

Abstract: A Graphical User Interface (GUI) for a user device provides an interface for communicating data with nodes in a cloud computing network. The GUI has a communication layer for establishing a dedicated communications session with the cloud computing network, and a cloud interface layer that displays data and information received from the cloud computing network to the user on a display of the device. The GUI usually remains off the visible display screen, but is moved onto the visible display screen over a current user workspace responsive to detecting a first user event. The contents of the GUI may be generated dynamically based on a context of the user workspace. The GUI is moved back to its “out-of-view” position responsive to detecting a subsequent user event, and is translucent to allow the user to see the workspace through the GUI.

Abstract: A data processing device is connected to a web data providing unit that provides web data via a network. The web data has at least one of first web data and second web data corresponding to the first web data. A screen reader can be installed on the data processing device. The displaying unit displays the web data. The screen reader voices the first web data displayed on the displaying unit and fails to voice the second web data displayed on the displaying unit. The acquiring unit acquires the web data from the web data providing unit. The determining unit determines, based on visually impaired information indicating that the user is a visually impaired, whether or not the acquiring unit should acquire the first web data from the web data providing unit even if the user instructs the acquiring unit to acquire the second web data from the web data providing unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for presenting, within a web page, a graphical representation of a content sharing interface including at least one button icon, receiving user input to the button icon, in response to the user input, expanding the content sharing interface to include an expanded content input area and a distribution interface, the expanded content input area displaying a graphical representation of digital content that is to be distributed, receiving user input to the distribution interface, the user input indicating contact(s) to which the digital content is to be distributed, in response to receiving the user input, displaying icon(s) within the distribution interface, the icon(s) being a graphical representation of the contact(s), and transmitting a post data set including digital content data and distribution data to a server computing system.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a client application configured to process and display a push notification specifying an appointment reminder originating from a server acting as an appointment manager. The client displays a menu of available options for conducting additional appointment-related transactions, such as confirmation, rescheduling, or cancellation of the appointment. Based on the user selection, the client conducts a user-interactive transaction with the server to complete the requested appointment service.

Abstract: Techniques for enabling video conferencing with interactive sharing of drawings and/or other information. In one set of embodiments, a system is provided that includes a drawing surface, a video camera embedded or integrated into the drawing surface, and a front projector. The drawing surface can capture drawings made on the surface by a user, and the video camera can capture a video stream of the user. The system can send digital information representing the captured drawings and the video stream to a remote system. The system can also receive digital information representing drawings made by a remote user and a video stream of the remote user from the remote system. The front projector can project a video signal onto the drawing surface that incorporates the captured drawings, the drawings made by the remote user, and the video stream of the remote user.

Abstract: A device, method, system and computer readable medium are disclosed for the remote, intelligent capture of screenshots and keystrokes which can subsequently be transmitted with reduced bandwidth requirements.

Abstract: A social networking system includes a question and answer system that displays to a viewing user questions and answers provides by other users of the social networking system. The question and answer system may display answers to a particular question in a way that visually indicates both the global answer set and a subset of the global answer set, such as the viewing user's friends. The social networking system may also display to a viewing user news stories about another user asking or answering a question, where the format of the displayed new stories is based on an affinity that the viewing user has for the user who provided the question or answer mentioned in the news story. The displayed questions and/or answers may be associated with an object in the social networking system, where the user interface provides additional information about those objects.

Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems include receiving first data that at least identifies one or more augmentations that were remotely displayed in one or more remotely displayed augmented views of one or more actual scenes, receiving second data indicating one or more user reactions of one or more users in response to the remote display of the one or more remotely displayed augmented views; and correlating the one or more user reactions with the one or more augmentations that were remotely displayed through the one or more remotely displayed augmented views. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for exchanging presentation data based on a communication. In an aspect, a view descriptor is exchanged via a communication protocol from a remote communications agent to a local communications agent. The view descriptor is identified by the local communications agent to access presentation data representing remote presentation information sent by a component operating in a remote execution environment including the remote communications agent. A protocol endpoint is configured, based on the view descriptor, in the local execution environment. The presentation data is exchanged, based on the protocol endpoint, from the remote execution environment to the local execution environment. Local presentation information, based on the presentation data, is sent to present a representation of the remote presentation information via an output device of the local execution environment.

Abstract: A constraint based product configurator determines a structure that is adapted to be associated with one or more components and determines if an arbitrary association is possible for the structure. If an arbitrary association is possible, the configurator associates a component with the structure and generates a component association choice for the association. The component association choice is an identity of the structure and the corresponding first component.

Abstract: A visual-collaborative system including a display screen configured to display images and a camera configured to capture images. The system also includes a video cross-talk reducer configured to estimate video cross-talk that is to be displayed on the display screen and captured by the camera, and reducing the estimated video cross-talk from captured images by the camera. The estimation of the video cross-talk and reduction of the video cross-talk is signal based.

Abstract: A system for creating and viewing simulation models that are used for managing requirements and design specifications for complex systems. Users simultaneously collaborate on the description of a complex system such as an enterprise software project throughout its life cycle. User interfaces, designed to assist in the visualization of a particular form of knowledge, allow users to describe the complex system with simple interactive elements. Information in all perspectives is presented so that it is legible and discernable to a non-technical audience. Multi-dimensional data structures record all the resulting information, creating a simulation model of the complex system, and the tasks required for construction and maintenance. Tasks are driven from the specifications not as a separate activity, but as part of the same activity to facilitate project management by allowing decisions to be tracked virtually throughout the simulation model.

Abstract: A system for creating and editing image and or text-based projects includes a server connected to a network, the server having access to a processor and a data repository, and software running from a non-transitory physical medium and providing for establishing a client server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI), accessing at least one asset associated with a layout of the image and or text-based project, assigning pre-specified physics properties to the asset, detecting a subsequent interaction with the asset on the layout from the perspective of at least one predetermined aspect of user input control, and applying the motion physics to the asset relative to the defined user input and assigned physics properties.

Abstract: A system for creating and editing image and or text-based projects includes a server connected to a network and having access a processor and a data repository, and software running from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing for establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI), establishing a layout grid and defining gridlines as snap-to targets, establishing snap guides for specified assets to be placed on a canvass in an image and or text-based project, and establishing a distance threshold representing the distance between an asset and a gridline before snapping occurs, selectively de-activating or deleting gridlines for snap-to functionality with certain assets based on breach of an asset population threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating modifying a client user interface display screen via a server and accompanying server-side software. An example method includes employing a client device to receive metadata from a server, wherein the metadata includes a description of one or more User Interface (UI) elements to be displayed on the client device; and using an application running on the client device to employ the metadata to display one or more platform-specific user interface features based on a platform on which the application is running. In general, example embodiments described herein include software and accompanying methods for enabling generation of dynamic native client user interfaces on multiple different client platforms based on common metadata definitions (or code for generating the metadata definitions) delivered to the different client platforms.

Abstract: A system for creating and editing image-based projects includes a server connected to a network, the server having access to least one processor and a data repository, the server including a non-transitory physical medium, and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing for establishing a client server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI);, analyzing in at least three dimensional values, all of the colors of an asset presented in the image-based project, creating a histogram of the asset based on the analysis by the third function, blending the histogram by adding new color contributions to augment the original colors in relevancy, and storing the blended histogram with the asset.

Abstract: A method of displaying an image on a display of a portable wireless device is described. The method comprises receiving a plurality of picture files stored according to a picture naming protocol indicating, for each picture file, a location associated with the picture file; enabling the selection of one or more categories associated with picture files to be displayed; providing, on a display, an image associated with a picture file having the selected one or more categories stored with the picture file; and enabling the user to identify the location associated with the picture file. A portable wireless device enabling the display of an image is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for creating and editing image and or text-based projects includes a server and software running from the non-transitory physical medium, the software providing a first function for establishing a client-server connection between the server and at least one user-operated computing appliance connected to the network, a second function for initiating and maintaining an active data session between one or more users involved in project creation and or in project editing through a graphics user interface (GUI), a third function for reducing the size of a rendered project layout by a pre-specified factor of multiplication, a fourth function for overlaying the layout with a mask containing modifications to mimic higher-resolution, visual print output, and a fifth function for displaying the masked layout for the end device or devices.

Abstract: A system for creating image and or text-based projects includes a server having access to least one processor, a data repository, and a non-transitory physical medium. Software running from the medium provides a first function for establishing a client server connection between the server and the user-operated computing appliance, a second function for initiating an active data session with the user, a third function for provisioning a software mechanism to the computing appliance for facilitating upload of images to an image library associated with the project, a fourth function for detecting when the user is uploading images to the project, and a fifth function for notifying the user of the software mechanism and prompting the user to redistribute the software mechanism to interfaces operated by or otherwise controlled by friends and family of the user for the purpose of inviting them to add assets to the project.

Abstract: An image display system includes an image display device and an image information processing device. The image display device includes a display side input section receiving a plurality of pieces of image information and cursor position information, an image combining/displaying section for displaying a composite image of the plurality of pieces of image information, and a cursor display section for displaying a cursor based on the cursor position information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to activity thread management and provide a method, system and computer program product for activity objectification for non-activity objects in an activity-centric collaboration tool. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for activity objectifying non-activity/task objects in an activity-centric collaboration tool can be provided. The method can include selecting a non-activity/task object in an activity thread for an activity map of the activity-centric collaboration tool, and associating an activity attribute with the selected non-activity/task object. The non-activity/task object further can be decorated with a user interface control corresponding to a value for the activity attribute, and a state for the user interface control can be changed responsive to changes in the value for the activity attribute.

Abstract: Live action icons for the Internet which allow “functionality” and “actions” to occur wherever the user might intuitively think there is an “action” to be had or done. It may enable users to interact with various websites with a set of live action icons, each of which may be used to perform a certain function. One of the live action icons may be used to display the login interface of a website. Another live action icon may be used for online shopping. The live action icons may speed up the interaction between users and websites, saving users time for looking up a function button on a webpage or repeatedly inputting user information.

Abstract: A digital signage content management system is provided that uses existing interfaces such as web interfaces and turns existing commercially available graphics programs such as web based tools or locally run programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint® into a digital signage platform to facilitate developing and managing digital signage applications through the creation of smart objects and intelligent templates that are easy to create and easy to modify to suit different applications. This enables digital signage content to be professionally created without requiring custom programming for each and every stream of new and/or changing content. The smart objects and intelligent templates can also be used to provide content with changing elements in real-time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling the download of a set of media files with a specific order and specific contents and, more particularly, to enabling a download manager to automatically receive the information it requires to retrieve those elements required to replicate a streaming edit through local playback after the downloads complete.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a way to combing websites that can be edited over the Internet using distributed revision control. This also makes it possible to use writable web sites while not being connected to the Internet. In some embodiments, the present invention is applied to wikis. When a wiki reconnects, differences are automatically sent over and changes from other wikis are merged automatically. Wikis may also be synchronized on a periodic or event driven basis. Embodiments of the present invention may also be used for load balancing between wikis, or to share information with users who can only occasionally connect to the Internet.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a client accesses enterprise portal content from an enterprise portal server. The client also accesses supplemental content directly from a supplemental server. The supplemental server may, for example, be associated with a browser-based collaboration and/or document-management platform. Moreover, the client integrates the supplemental content into the enterprise portal content on a user interface display.

Abstract: Example systems and methods of Interaction with a native user interface via a web-based user interface are presented. In one example, a web-based transaction identifying a function to be executed in a processing system is launched in a web-based user interface session. A web application is invoked in the web-based transaction. A native user interface session is initiated from the web application. A native adapter transaction based on the web-based transaction is launched in the native user interface session. Execution of the function in the processing system is initiated In the native adapter transaction.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments disclose setting refresh rates for different portions of a shared screen in a sharing session. A processor sets an initial refresh rate for the sharing session. The processor selects a portion of the shared screen. The processor selects a refresh rate for the selected portion of the shared screen that is different from the initial refresh rate for the sharing session. The processor refreshes the selected portion based on the selected refresh rate and a portion not selected based on the initial refresh rate.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling a game to be played on an electronic device, comprising: enabling a game application on the electronic device to utilize a contact list for an instant messaging application, during a game in progress with a particular contact in the contact list, preparing game messages to be sent to the particular contact by including game progress data, communicating at least one game message during the game in progress with the particular contact using an instant messaging system used by the instant messaging application; displaying at least one instant message in an instant messaging conversation user interface; and displaying a game in progress user interface associated with the game play, after detecting a selection in the instant messaging conversation user interface to switch to the game in progress.

Abstract: Provided is an exclusive operation control apparatus which, when input operations of a plurality of users compete with each other, displays a content on which the plurality of input operations are reflected, instead of performing only one of the input operations. An operation determination section receives input information from the plurality of users, and determines an operation. An exclusive operation determination section determines an exclusive operation concerning a new operation by using the new operation and a previous operation. The content copying section copies the content based on a result of the determination. The content management section receives the new operation from the operation determination section and, when the new operation is an operation on the copied content, generates and displays on a display device display data which is obtained by reflecting the new operation on the copied content.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable storage media, and apparatuses for dynamically generating a gallery of available designs for a particular kit configuration including a plurality of different products are presented.

Abstract: Reaction information of participants to an interaction may be sensed and analyzed to determine one or more reactions or dispositions of the participants. Feedback may be provided based on the determined reactions. The participants may be given an opportunity to opt in to having their reaction information collected, and may be provided complete control over how their reaction information is shared or used.

Abstract: An approach is provided for incorporating media elements from content items into associated locations presented by a location-based view. A media element platform determines one or more locations associated with at least one location-based view. The media element platform further determines one or more content items associated with the one or more locations. The media element platform also processes the one or more content items to extract one or more media elements. The media element platform further causes a presentation of the one or more media elements in the at least one location-based view.

Abstract: A method and system for creating an electronic journal entry based on a mnemonic, wherein the mnemonic is created by a terminal in response to receiving a command from a user at a location-of-interest. The mnemonic comprises calendrical time of the command, an audio recording, and a photo that was recorded and captured at that location-of-interest. The user can retrieve the mnemonic from memory at a later time to listen to the audio recording and view the photo to help him recall the details of the location-of-interest. Once the user recalls the details, the journal entry is created by adding text, audio recordings, photos, and videos. As part of creating the journal entry, the user can provide authorization information for the journal entry. Once the user has finished creating the journal entry, the terminal transmits it to a data-processing system where an electronic journal of the user is updated.

Abstract: A real time notification system that tracks, for each user, the logon status of selected co-users of an on-line or network system and displays that information in real time to the tracking user in a unique graphical interface. The invention provides user definable on-line co-user lists, or “buddy lists”, that track specific co-users in real-time automatically. A user can create many separate buddy lists of co-users, either with intersecting or disjoint lists of users, and label these buddy lists according to the user's preference. The user can update a buddy list or create new buddy lists whenever necessary. When a user logs on to a system, the user's set of buddy lists is presented to the buddy list system. The buddy list system attempts to match co-users currently logged into the system with the entries on the user's buddy list. Any matches are displayed to the user. As co-users logon and loge, a user's buddy list is updated to reflect these changes.

Abstract: A real time notification system that tracks, for each user, the logon status of selected co-users of an on-line or network system and displays that information in real time to the tracking user in a unique graphical interface. The invention provides user definable on-line co-user lists, or “buddy lists”, that track specific co-users in real-time automatically. A user can create many separate buddy lists of co-users, either with intersecting or disjoint lists of users, and label these buddy lists according to the user's preference. The user can update a buddy list or create new buddy lists whenever necessary. When a user logs on to a system, the user's set of buddy lists is presented to the buddy list system. The buddy list system attempts to match co-users currently logged into the system with the entries on the user's buddy list. Any matches are displayed to the user. As co-users logon and logoff, a user's buddy list is updated to reflect these changes.

Abstract: A browser-based development tool is presented. The tool comprises an interactive user interface running in a browser resident on a client. The tool is programmed to enable a user to select a source of data from a server in communication with the client using the user interface and retrieve a limited data set from the selected data source. The data content of the limited data set is limited to that which is needed to populate a series of independent cells visible in a browser field. The tool is further programmed to display the retrieved data in the series of independent cells visible in the browser field and seamlessly scroll through the data displayed in the series of independent cells as requested by the user. Additionally, a browser-based application can be developed locally on the client using the tool, saved on the server and deployed to others through the server.