Abstract: A system and method for implementing open-protocol remote device control are provided. A user accesses a common user interface for controlling one or more networked devices. Utilizing the interface, the user selects one or more actions. The selection is encoded in a standard protocol and transmitted to a premises server. The premises server obtains the selection, accesses a device interface database and translates the selection into a device-specific protocol. The translated instruction is transmitted to the selected device for implementation. The user interface then obtains any device return data for display on the user interface.

Abstract: The invention features a method and apparatus for displaying the status of networked resources, including rendering in a fishbone layout a hierarchy that includes a plurality of resource profiles and a plurality of dependency relationships among resource profiles in the plurality of resource profiles, where the resource profiles represent networked resources. The invention also features a method and apparatus for displaying the status of networked resources, to include rendering fishbone layouts in a snowflake layout. Each fishbone layout features a hierarchy with resource profiles and dependency relationships among the resource profiles. The resource profiles represent networked resources. Hierarchies in the snowflake layout share a common root.

Abstract: A selection accelerator in topology views is presented. A user uses a topology view to manage a computer network whereby the topology view includes a plurality of nodes and their relationships that correspond to computer network components. When a user selects a primary node, processing identifies related nodes, and displays a relationship identifier next the related nodes, such as a hierarchal level corresponding to the primary node. By viewing the relationship identifiers, the user is able to depress a key to select a plurality of related nodes based upon their relationships. In addition, the user is able to request an invert select which informs processing to select nodes related to the primary node which are not currently selected.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide a method, apparatus, and software for selecting interconnectivity rules for a computer network environment and visualization on a display of a data processing system interconnectivity rules in an auto provisioning environment, including: selecting a network environment specification having characteristics describing the environment, the characteristics including: number of network security tiers, firewalls, and other network constraints; displaying a graphical representation of the selected network environment, including security tiers, and proposed firewalls, to a user on the display; selecting network objects for the selected network environment, the network objects being selected from a group of objects including: operating systems and other software applications having predefined or configurable characteristics including interconnectivity rules, and firewall rules; populating the displayed network environment with the selected objects; determining network interconn

Abstract: A selection accelerator in topology views is presented. A user uses a topology view to manage a computer network whereby the topology view includes a plurality of nodes and their relationships that correspond to computer network components. When a user selects a primary node, processing identifies related nodes, and displays a relationship identifier next the related nodes, such as a hierarchal level corresponding to the primary node. By viewing the relationship identifiers, the user is able to depress a key to select a plurality of related nodes based upon their relationships. In addition, the user is able to request an invert select which informs processing to select nodes related to the primary node which are not currently selected.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for customization of internet applications. Multiple levels of customization are applied to both static and functional aspects of user interface elements including, for example, tab-order, tab-over, immediate access keys, and hotkeys. Customization is also achieved with respect to searching over multiple user interfaces, presentation of information on a user interface, and the interaction model used by the internet application. Customization is enabled on any client supporting standard browser functionality.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process is provided for interfacing a legacy application and internet-based application and for displaying information from each application in a frame of a multi-frame browser on a client workstation. Further, the interface system enables users to transact business with the legacy application based on information retrieved from the internet-based application, and to retrieve information from the internet-based application based on information retrieved from the legacy application.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for certifying a performance of a content server using a content server interface. The method includes requesting, by a test program, an address of the content server and a security key from the content server interface; receiving the address and the security key from the content server interface; writing one or more documents to the address using hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP); recording a first amount of time for the writing; requesting a retrieval of data from the content server using HTTP; receiving the data from the content server; recording a second amount of time for the receiving; and certifying the content server if the first and second amounts of time are less than predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: A data-driven, hierarchical information search and navigation system and method enable search and navigation of sets of materials by certain common attributes that characterize the materials. A rules engine provides for manipulation of the content displayed to the user based on the query entered by the user. The rules engine includes one or more rules with a trigger and an action. The action of a rule is performed only if the trigger is satisfied. A trigger may be specified in terms of expressions of attribute-value pairs and is evaluated against a given query or navigation state. The actions can include various techniques for content manipulation, such as supplementing content, rendering content in a particular way, and sorting content in a particular way. An action may be specified in terms of navigation states. The rules engine may include a script for processing the rules.

Abstract: Systems and methods that automatically arrange, or re-arrange, object nodes in a diagram such that the total length of all associations between nodes and the number of overlapping associations is reduced or minimized. In mathematical terms, the process simplifies the graphical representation of an arbitrary graph. In one aspect, processes of the invention use a physical model of particle interactions to determine a minimal energy state, with object nodes modeled as particles and the associations between the object nodes modeled as interaction forces. Perturbations applied to the system allow for a determination of a minimal energy state.

Abstract: An invention for displaying patterns of utilization of a resource wherein the resource includes a plurality of correlated or uncorrelated objects. The method consists of providing a number of graphical formats from which a format is selected for display of patterns of utilization. Additionally, a query is submitted regarding a particular utilization of the resource. Along with the selected format and query inputs, the invention receives information regarding utilization of the resource from a system. Once the invention receives the inputs and the utilization information from the system, the invention processes the information to a format that conforms with the inputs. The invention then displays the processed information in the selected graphical format. The invention also allows the selection of a second graphical format from the graphical formats for altering the display to show the processed information in the second selected format.

Abstract: A system and method transfers personalization information to a portable storage device from a first computer system, and then adds personalization information to a second computer system from the portable storage device.

Abstract: In a method for generating a presentation for re-locating an information page that was already called proceeding from a home page of an information vendor, and which has been exited in the meantime, the home page being able to be called via the Internet, and an intranet or an extranet, the user is registered when the home page is called. Further, the information pages of the information vendor called by the user directly and indirectly proceeding from the home page are registered; and set up on the home page, and a displayable presentation is generated from which the sequence of the information pages of the information vendor called by the user can be recognized.

Abstract: Enabling an organization to control user assignments and assessment results while enabling a proprietary provider to maintain control over both network distribution of proprietary content comprising the assignments and use of proprietary assessment functions that evaluate the user's performance of the assignments. A student uses a browser to submit a request to a learning management system (LMS) that includes a URL to a network node hosting the proprietary learning content and assessment functions. The LMS sends a hidden form to the browser, causing the browser to automatically redirect to the network node. The proprietary provider then controls distribution of the proprietary learning content to the browser and controls the student's interaction with the proprietary learning content to accomplish the assignment. When the student submits responses to the assignment, the proprietary provider performs proprietary assessment functions and redirects only results data to the LMS through the browser.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for coordinating network communication between multiple communication devices of a user. A communication session is established with an application. A message is received from the application and sent to one of a plurality of communication devices based at least on a status and an output capability of each of the plurality of communication devices.

Abstract: A user interface function for a virtual machine system based on a server or a PC is provided only by applying software without using SVP or the like. A control virtual machine is provided for controlling a virtual machine control screen which is displayed for defining virtual machines and instructing operations to the virtual machines. A virtual machine control program exclusively displays either a screen for each virtual machine or the virtual machine control screen in response to a screen switching instruction from an input device.

Abstract: A computing system, which is in communication with a multimedia source and that includes at least one application for processing multimedia content from the multimedia source, includes an Application Programming Interface (API) for obtaining basic multimedia information that may be required by applications to process the multimedia content. By doing this, the invention enables multimedia application(s) to easily obtain the basic information from the API in a predetermined and standard manner, without having to obtain the information directly from the multimedia source, thereby reducing the functionality that has to be programmed directly into the application(s) for obtaining the basic information, and thereby reducing the cost, time, and resources that are required for creating the multimedia application(s).

Abstract: An information system engages in a communications session with a client to process a workflow. A context object stores information describing the session. Transfer objects store data utilized to process the workflow. A client action causes the information system to provide the transfer objects to a workflow engine. The workflow engine processes actions in the workflow utilizing the transfer objects. The information system selects among multiple screen definitions for the client based in part on the context. A transformation module filters the data in the transfer objects to isolate the data that are utilized by the screen definition. The screen definition and filtered data are provided to the client.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a wireless terminal to access and operate ubiquitous devices (“UDs”), such as televisions, DVD players, etc. The system comprises a server coupled to access points and UDs via a LAN or a WLAN. Each access point is associated with both a map of an associated area and an overlay indicating the location of the UDs within that area. In response to wireless terminal requests relayed by an access point, the server retrieves the map and overlay associated with the access point, and transmits that data to the terminal for display. Alternatively, a list of UDs may be transmitted. Selection of a UD from the display causes an image of the UD's control panel to be displayed, from which the device may be remotely controlled by the user. A mechanism is also provided to permit users to display maps of areas other than the one in which the user is currently located to permit remote control of UDs in such areas.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for providing problem and solution information, such as that relating to a particular application or protocol, to medical diagnostic institutions and systems. The information is created and stored on machine readable media. A user may enter a problem query at a user interface at the diagnostic institution or system and search a database of information located at a centralized service facility. A list of solutions to the query is displayed at the diagnostic institution. The user may then select and display a desired solution from the user interface. The particular solution may include textual and exemplary image descriptions of the solution. Moreover, additional links may be provided to access other related sources of information. The information stored on the machine readable media may be easily updated by adding new case problems and associated solutions as well as new solutions to existing case problems.

Abstract: A system and method that implements top-down and bottom-up model-driven transformations between platform-independent (business view) modeling approaches and platform-specific (IT architectural) models. On the business level, business view models may be expressed in, but not limited to ADF or UML2, whereas on the IT architecture side, service-oriented architectures with Web service interfaces and processes are specified in business process protocol languages including, but not limited to, BPEL4WS, or workflow definitions. An architecture and a transformation method based on typed information flows automatically transforms platform-independent business models into executable information technology (IT) architecture specifications constrained by a specific IT platform, and vice versa. The models generated span the entire life cycle of a software system and ease the software production, deployment and maintenance tasks.

Abstract: Multiple Views of an Industrial Plant are graphically displayed and viewed. A graphical user interface displays the views in corresponding panes or windows of the graphical user interface. The views, being graphical representations of systems of the Industrial Plant, are coupled by a coupler according to a predetermined relationship between the underlying systems of the Industrial Plant represented by the coupled views. The coupler automatically refocuses the panes to display different views of the Industrial Plant based on a selection of an object in any of the panes or on a manual refocus of one view and on the predetermined relationship for coupling the views. The Coupled views represent different domains of the Industrial Plant or Industrial Network e.g.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides methods and apparatus for supporting a user interface of a terminal. The user interface enables the user to manipulate display objects on a display of the user interface in order to download software objects of other users, execute software objects of the user or of other users, and share software objects with other users. In an embodiment of the invention, the display is partitioned into three areas comprising a user's data area, an applications area, and another user's data area. The user can drag a display object between the user's data area and the other user's data area in order to download or publish a corresponding software object. Also, the user can drag a display object from either the user's data area or the other user's data area to the application area in order to execute or view the corresponding software object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clustered, collaged, and artistically integrated, presentation of digitally stored objects and their images. The clusters are each embedded with each of its own link-tokens and connected to a different set of related information and objects. The clustering also enables simultaneous and collective access of information associated to all objects in the cluster. A method and apparatus for composing the clustered image from individual images, partitioning existing integrated images or photograph of multiple objects, and composing and partitioning clustered images from multiple sources, for the purpose of presenting, associating, and grouping access of categorically related objects and their associated detailed information.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of validating parameters defining an image, each parameter being represented by one of the tops of a polygon and being able to be associated with one or more functionalities. A point, being able to move in the polygon, makes it possible to validate the parameters and the associated functionalities according to the position of this point with respect to the tops of the polygon. The present invention also describes a search method including at least one parameter validation step as described above.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is arranged to communicate over a cellular communication system with a control system connected to a plurality of field devices in an industrial process, in order to remote control, configure or monitor the field devices. The mobile terminal accesses through a dedicated data connection established over the cellular communication system an interactive user interface associated with the control system and arranged to utilize the configuration, control and management data of the control system. In the preferred embodiment, the interactive user interface is provided by a World Wide Web server.

Abstract: A virtual environment browser (64) holds a number of clip-in files (70, 72, 74) defining guide characters—locally generated visual aids to navigation that appear within a generated image of a virtual environment and follow a user's input (80) navigational commands to provide an advance cue as to the effects of an input command. Where the virtual environment data is supplied from a remote source (62) and includes (78) an indication of a preferred mode for navigating that environment, for example, flying or walking, the browser (64) detects this indication and automatically selects the appropriate guide character. Scaling (84) of the guide character to match the scale of the virtual environment, or such as to render the guide character unobtrusive, may also be provided.

Abstract: A personal smart pointer device comprises a conventional computer mouse or like pointing device equipped with additional hardware and software for increased functionality. The personal smart pointer device readily connects with any computer and is provisioned with hardware and software for facilitating network computer-like applications, including enabling receipt and storage of information, and transfer of information to adjunct devices such as a PC, a mobile computer, and other pervasive devices such as a cellular phone and PDA. Information to be transferred includes those personal preferences, features and customizations of applications/programs used by the user on his/her own personal device, in order to facilitate use of the application/program on an adjunct device. The communication of personal preferences and customizations may be accomplished wirelessly.

Abstract: A method and a data network for automatically configuring a parameterizing surface of at least one controller of machine tools or production machines. An actual machine topology is determined via a data network when the machine starts up and compared with stored desired machine topologies. If the actual machine topology differs from the desired machine topology, a corresponding dedicated parameterizing surface is generated from the determined actual machine topology, whereby for parameterizing the controller of the machine only the parameters and/or functions of the identified machine components are indicated to the user. In this way, a dedicated parameterizing surface matching the actual machine configuration can be easily generated.

Abstract: A display showing an imported story track, an authored story track, and a story-in-progress track. Each story contains one or more objects. The display also shows a large photo corresponding to a selected object in a story. Furthermore, the display also provides visual forms showing audio clips associated with the large photo displayed. The photo may have more than one associated audio clips. Control buttons are available to navigate among the three tracks and among the objects on each track. Other control buttons allow a user to record audio clips and to author new stories.

Abstract: The engineering of automation systems is configured more simply where the functionality of a control system is implemented via an object model. The object model permits the functional interconnection of technological objects. For this purpose, a project browser ensures the display of the interplay of all the components involved in an application in their mutual relationships.

Abstract: A visualization method for a hub network configuration allows exploration of a chosen network by way of a graphical display interface (GUI), wherein multiple distinct network segments such as lines or rings are shown attached to a common node or centralized hub. The technique combines a graphical view of the segments controlled by a segment selector. The selector is coupled to a series of display indicators and a list of the attached rings contained in the network. The list can contain descriptive elements of the segments, or can provide links to such detail. A mutually exclusive selection of the attached segments is enabled using either the selector or the list of attached segments. For each segment selected, the display indicators can show the currently displayed segments on the GUI, help to highlight on the GUI a selected attached segment and provide an indication of attached segments that are related in function to the selected segment.

Abstract: An automatic channel generator and a method for generating a channel based upon the utilization of a device and activities occurring on the device. A device is connected to a local network hub, which may be integral to an information appliance. The information appliance is capable of searching the Internet for data associated with media being delivered by a device on the local network system. The aggregates of content can be collected automatically, and its presentation may be customized by a user.

Abstract: A graphical user interfaces (GUI) depicts multiple wells of a well plate that represents biological samples stored in an actual well-plate. Each well includes visual representations of data that corresponds to results of analyses of the corresponding biological sample. For instance, in each well depicted in the GUI, several numbers are displayed. One number corresponds to an identifier designated by a LIMS (laboratory information management system) for the identification of the biological sample. Another alpha-numeric display in the well corresponds to a BLAST hit that correlates the analyzed biological sample to a sequence listed in the public BLAST database. Further, color and/or grey scale backgrounds in a portion or portions of each well provide an indication of the reliability of the displayed data in that well.

Abstract: A computer-implemented graphics system provides visual clues for navigating a three-dimensional space. The graphics system displays a two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space on a monitor attached to the computer. A cursor is moved through the two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space according to a position of the cursor control device attached to the computer. The graphics system determines a position of the cursor within the three-dimensional space relative to the two-dimensional viewport, and generates a visual representation of the cursor to indicate the position of the cursor within the three-dimensional space relative to the two-dimensional viewport. The visual representation of the cursor uses one or more human recognizable metaphors for three-dimensional distance cueing in order to provide an extra dimension of visual feedback to the operator navigating the cursor through the three-dimensional space related to the two dimensional viewport.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a wireless terminal to access and operate ubiquitous devices (“UDs”), such as televisions, DVD players, etc. The system comprises a server coupled to access points and UDs via a LAN or a WLAN. Each access point is associated with both a map of an associated area and an overlay indicating the location of the UDs within that area. In response to wireless terminal requests relayed by an access point, the server retrieves the map and overlay associated with the access point, and transmits that data to the terminal for display. Alternatively, a list of UDs may be transmitted. Selection of a UD from the display causes an image of the UD's control panel to be displayed, from which the device may be remotely controlled by the user. A mechanism is also provided to permit users to display maps of areas other than the one in which the user is currently located to permit remote control of UDs in such areas.

Abstract: A method and system for browsing and navigating web pages on a small screen device using a keypad are disclosed. A web page is divided into logical sections. In one embodiment, each section is mapped to at least one key on a keypad, such that when a user presses a key, the corresponding section of the web page is displayed on the device's display panel. In another embodiment, each section is mapped to a symbol which can be remembered by the user. The user then selects the symbol corresponding to the section of the web page that he or she desires to view. As each section of the web page is being viewed, an icon may be included on the screen to indicate that portion of the web page that is being viewed.