Abstract: This document describes tools capable of differentiating a superset of entities from which a user may receive current updates effective to provide current updates for only some of the entities of the superset. In one embodiment, for example, the tools enable a user of a mobile device to select a set of entities from which the user will automatically receive updates that are current, easily accessible, and visible at-a-glance. The tools may forgo providing current updates for entities that are not selected by the user, though the tools may provide these updates when explicitly requested by the user or at particular times or events.

Abstract: User input from a reduced keypad is disambiguated and compared with a first dynamic lexicon, and predicted matches (e.g. either a single word or phrase) are offered. If a user continues to type beyond a boundary condition, then input is no longer predicted from the first lexicon, but instead is interpreted as a request for matches from a second, quasi-static lexicon allowing words or phrases to be entered. When the entry is accepted, data is transmitted to a remote receiver and may be parsed as an inquiry for subsequent operation. Following acceptance, the apparatus invokes a program suitable for interacting with the response generated to the inquiry.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide numerous applications and implementations of a social network to facilitate individuals to resolve various life issues. These issues may include issues that arise when individuals or families relocate, including logistic problems, assimilation of family members in a community, and roommate pairings. As will be described, embodiments described herein greatly facilitate corporations in relocating their employees logistically, and also assist employees and their families with life issues that may determine whether the employees' relocation will be a success.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for collaborative online gaming, including at least one of providing a central repository master browser system; providing an experience calibrated match-making service; providing a dynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment and aggregation system; providing a lobby centric simultaneous and collaborative client game play launching feature; and providing a video game screen over-layer technology giving users access to a control interface while inside a video game being played.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a communication unit which performs communication with a management server; and a data processing unit which performs copy processing for recording recorded data of a first medium in a second medium, wherein the data processing unit performs processing for displaying a content list having a data entry compatible with a copy unit included in recorded data of the first medium on a display unit on the basis of the received information from the management server, and the data processing unit displays a data entry in which the data form of each copy unit is identifiable in accordance with selection information included in the received information from the management server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for that allow for the creation and management of a centralized gift registry are described. Gifts are added to the centralized gift registry from retailer-specific registries. A gift list is created and displayed. Gift givers may select a gift from the gift list of the centralized gift registry. In one embodiment, when a purchase of a gift occurs, the gift list is updated. Updates to gifts are sent between the centralized gift registry and the retailer-specific registries, such that the gifts common to these registries are synchronized. This synchronization may involve the use of APIs at the centralized gift registry or the retailer-specific registries. The centralized gift registry system automatically searches for all retailer-specific registries pertaining to the gift registrant. The centralized gift registry system may request a retailer's system to create a retailer-specific registry.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a user interface for a user to discover and control devices that are currently connected to a network, such that at least one of the devices performs steps, by: (a) obtaining information from one or more of the devices currently connected to the network, the information including device information; and (b) generating a user interface description based at least on the obtained information, the user interface description including a reference associated with the device information of each of the devices currently connected to the network, such that the reference includes at least one link to information contained in the devices currently connected to the network. As such, a user interface can be displayed using the references in the user interface description, for controlling the devices currently connected to the network.

Abstract: Viewing apparel in a store or a catalog may not show a purchaser how the item will look in different light or settings. A user may select elements of a scene, such as a setting, a mannequin, a pose for the mannequin, and apparel/accessories from a web browser-based application. The selected elements are processed by a hierarchy of services that first divide the scene into component elements, render each element, and return the result to a composition server that combines and flattens the renderings into a 2D image. The 2D image is viewable on any platform or browser without the need for special graphics hardware.

Abstract: A method or system for synchronizing e-mail messages for a user, particularly for POP3 protocols. E-mail messages addressed to the user are received at an e-mail control at a local server, from an external e-mail server. The e-mail control stores each e-mail message in a consolidated e-mail storage at the local server. The e-mail control stores a message identifier for each e-mail message, in a message identifier storage at the local server. It is determined whether an e-mail message in the consolidated e-mail storage has been deleted from the external e-mail server, and if so, then the e-mail message is deleted from the consolidated e-mail storage. The invention provides for forward and/or reverse synchronization of e-mail messages. Optionally, the step of determining includes comparing message identifiers in the message identifier storage to message identifiers in e-mail received from the external e-mail server.

Abstract: In a terminal with a display screen that is too small to accept a required input in its entirety, a user is enabled to perform the input without intricate operation. The terminal displays input pages downloaded from a server via a network, and transmits input information entered into the pages by the user. The terminal comprises a page display section, which displays a plurality of input pages using a browser executed on the terminal, an input information storage section, which stores a plurality of input parameters entered into more than one of the input pages, and an input information transmission section, which combines the input parameters and transmits the combination to the server in response to an instruction.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for providing document management services to a terminal, wherein a document notification is provided to one or more notification destinations.

Abstract: A way for enabling a user to discover, present, save and share Web content is disclosed. A user is provided a means of executing searches across Web services, as well as for saving those searches for later use. An embodiment of the method and system employs the use of a Transmuter to display Web media in a format deemed optimal by the user. Users are also provided a means of saving references to Web content on their device, as well as posting those references along with certain annotations using Web services.

Abstract: A software application executed at a user computer and/or server allows a user to select one or more multimedia files. The multimedia files may be provided at the user computer, sold at the server, or procured from a third party provider. The user can arrange the multimedia files into a presentation. A user can then specify a display device that will be used to present the multimedia presentation. The display device can be a television, portable media player, a computer, or other device. The system can translate the multimedia presentation into a format compatible with the device. Thus, the user is provided with a simple system to create multimedia presentation and receive the file in a format compatible with a device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for quick and efficient searches. In one embodiment, a search system, comprises an email search interface having at least a first email-specific attribute search field, a file search interface having at least a first file-specific attribute search field, a Web history search interface having at least a first Web-specific attribute search field, and an apparatus configured to perform incremental searching as the user enters characters into one or more attribute search fields.

Abstract: Provided is a digital apparatus displaying a user interface for a contents transmission. The digital apparatus generates and displays a user interface including a first area, a second area, and a third area, the first area displaying, based on the communication records, user lists up to a predetermined communication record rank among the plurality of user lists, the second area displaying, based on the usage records, contents lists up to a predetermined usage record rank among the plurality of contents lists, and the third area dynamically displaying at least one function menu list that is applicable to the plurality of the displayed contents lists.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the delivery of targeted content. When a user desires to opt-out of receiving targeted content, the user registers with a do-not-target (DNT) registry and is issued a DNT cookie. The DNT cookie is a domain cookie that is stored on a user network access device. A provider of targeted content may look for the DNT cookie stored on the user's network access device. When the DNT cookie is not found, then the provider may deliver targeted content to the user. When the DNT cookie is found, then the provider may not deliver targeted content to the user. A Web site may offer the user an “override” cookie that allows that Web site to provide targeted content, or selected targeted content, even when the user has a DNT cookie. Alternatively, a DNT header can be added to a Web page request that indicates that the user does not want to receive targeted content. The DNT header may be overridden by an override cookie.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method according to the invention, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts.

Abstract: A broadcaster-specific service module is provided for applications hosted by a processing device. The broadcaster-specific service module and the applications communicate through a common service bus. The broadcaster-specific service module receives items from an online broadcaster via a network, with each item associated with a media file or stream available from the online broadcaster. The broadcaster-specific service module generates a catalog containing a tree of the items, and sends the catalog to a target application via the service bus to display the catalog for user selection. The broadcaster-specific service module formats data of the catalog can be understood by all of the applications attached to the service bus.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for providing an ordered arrangement of data items pertaining to contacts of a user. The order of the arrangement may be determined based on a comparison of ranks of the contacts. An exemplary method comprises registering communications in at least two communication formats between the user and the contacts. A weight may be assigned to each communication format. The exemplary method also comprises determining a rank of a contact based on the communications registered for the contact. A communication may be incorporated into the determination of the rank with a weight. Further, the weight may be determined based on the weight assigned to the communication format used for the communication.

Abstract: An improved system and method for supporting web system services is provided for storing data and context of client applications on the web. A client application may include a web system services interface for invoking web system services to support web applications to operate over the web using different devices that may store data and context of web applications as a web application document onto a web server. A web application document may be represented by components that may include view information, content, and context information. The application may also include a web system services user interface for providing a graphical user interface for a user to invoke web system services that may include a new document system service, a store document system service, and a restore document system service. A schema for context scope may be implemented for collecting context information relevant to the web application document.

Abstract: A method of sending notice to a group of users in a cooperative online platform which has a page with a content area and a question and answer area is described. The method provides a first notice method to receive benefit by a first user and a responsibility to answer a second notice by the first user. The second notice is given by the person have contribution in the page. The user question is designated by the person who contributes content in the page to the page and a second notice is sent to the first user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a graphic user interface composed of a plurality of columns. The apparatus includes a command receiving unit, a determining unit, a display unit, and a transmitting/receiving unit. The command receiving unit receives a movement command or a selection command for a selector for selecting an item of at least one of the columns on the graphic user interface. The determining unit determines whether to activate items of the other columns associated with the selected item of a column. The display unit outputs the activated items of the other columns using the graphic user interface. The transmitting/receiving unit transmits a command message according to item selection with respect to the output activated columns.

Abstract: A workflow manager application transfers message data received from an originating device via a communication network to a target application for processing. A graphical user interface displays the received message data and allows the user to view and designate one or more target applications for processing the message data. The workflow manger application is responsive to user input to transfer message data to the designated one or more target applications for processing the message data. Alternatively, the workflow manager application analyzes received message data to identify one or more target applications, and transfers the message data to the identified one or more target applications for processing.

Abstract: A method and computer program product includes displaying a plurality of recipient databases for enabling a user to select a recipient database. The recipient databases at least include contact names associated with elected offices and profiles of the contact names. Contact names contained within a selected recipient database are displayed for enabling the user to select at least one contact name from the recipient database to receive a message. A profile associated with a selected contact name is displayed. A plurality of communication templates is displayed for enabling the user to select a communication template for generating the message. A selected communication template is displayed for editing by the user. A plurality of delivery options is displayed for enabling the user to select a delivery option for the message.

Abstract: An online service provider (OSP) operates online data centers to store members' data objects relating to various online member services of the OSP. An aggregated catalog lists members' data objects residing in the online data centers and also those residing in member computers' local storage. An aggregator monitors contents of the online storage facilities to detect new storage of prescribed types of data objects owned by the members, and also communicates with member computers to identify prescribed types of data objects newly stored in the respective local storage. The aggregator updates the aggregated catalog to list the newly stored data objects. Responsive to a request by a member, a finder searches the aggregated catalog and utilizes results of the search to provide, for display at the requesting member's computer, a consolidated listing of online data objects and locally stored data objects owned by the requesting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate automatic display and management of data items associated with a hierarchical tree arrangement of folders and subfolders. A computerized interface for data presentation is provided having a sorting component to determine categories relating to one or more items for display. A cluster component groups the categories according to discretized states in order to control visible output to the display. Such states can include packed and unpacked states, wherein packed states can cluster a plurality of items together and across several nodes, whereas unpacked items are controlled and displayed under a grouped heading in one context and as individual data items or entities in another context.

Abstract: A system and method for providing metadata interaction and visualization with task-related objects is described. A plurality of task-oriented items is defined. Each task-oriented item includes a storage component specifying metadata relating to at least one of planning, executing or completing a task. A visualization is provided to tie in the task-oriented items and associate modeling logic operating on at least one such task-oriented item. The visualization is displayed by highlighting at least one of interdependencies and conflicts between the metadata of the task-oriented items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a first user input indicative of a geographical locus; selecting a first dictionary from a plurality of available dictionaries, based upon said geographical locus; and enabling use of the first dictionary during a second user input. Exemplary uses of the dictionary include predictive text, spellchecking, autocompletion, and translation in respect of the second user input.

Abstract: A system and method are described for managing a contacts database within an online stationery service.

Abstract: A system and method for using a webpad to select a target device which is to receive from a source device a stream of a digital representation of a media.

Abstract: An indicator method and system recommends people in a computerized social networking site. Indicators in a user interface indicate user-relatedness and/or connectedness information between a given user and other people of the social networking site. The user interface employs the indicators to consistently make people recommendations to the given user. The indicators may be visual including symbolic, graphically illustrative and recommendation score (extent) indicating. The user interface places and displays the indicator at each occurrence of the recommended person's name and/or image throughout each pertinent screen view/page of the social networking site.

Abstract: A feed system for an address book includes a news feed module and a sales feed module. The news feed module accesses news sources to find related news articles as a function of data in an address book. The sales feed module accesses sales sources to find related sales items as a function of the data in the address book. At least one of the news feed module and the sales feed module forwards the related news articles and the related sales items, respectively, to the address book to be displayed.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting a global view of content. A content mapping platform receives an access address of content, the content including location information. The content mapping platform then determines availability information of the content by causing, at least in part, detection of the content at the access address and causing, at least in part, presentation of the content on a user interface of a user device indicating the location information based on the availability information of the content.

Abstract: A graphical user interface, system and method are described for managing a contacts database within an online stationery service. For example, one embodiment of the invention comprises a graphical user interface comprising: a first region for displaying the listing of contacts received from the stationery service contacts manager, the contacts within the listing of contacts selectable via a user input device; a second region comprising a series of data field for entering a new contact via a user input device; a third region displaying a list of contacts to whom the online stationery service will mail stationery directly on behalf of the end user, the contacts within the third region selected from the first region or entered in the second region; and a print module to generate a print job to print the personalized stationery and envelopes containing the address information for the user-selected contacts.

Abstract: A method for providing a phonebook in a mobile terminal and a mobile terminal for performing the method are provided. The method for providing a phonebook in the mobile terminal includes displaying a phonebook list, searching, if a phonebook entry is selected from the phonebook entry list, for linkage information representing a specific phonebook entry, building a relationship diagram based on the linkage information, and displaying the relationship diagram graphically.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a multimedia device and a method for providing a graphic user interface are disclosed. In the apparatus, a network interface transmits and receives data to and from the at least one multimedia device. A display displays a screen. A controller controls to display at least one place selection menu indicating a place in which the at least one multimedia device is located on the screen, display, upon selection of the at least one place selection menu, at least one player selection menu indicating a player located in the place, on the screen, and display at least one source selection menu indicating a source capable of outputting contents to the player on the screen, upon selection of the at least one player selection menu.

Abstract: A method of visualizing a node-link structure includes determining a radius for at least one level of a circular tree obtaining data identifying a first node within the node-link structure, determining a first position of the first node, the first position being a center of the circular tree, wherein the radius of the at least one level is measured from the center of the circular tree and determining positions of any children nodes of the first node and drawing the children nodes on a first level of the at least one level of the circular tree along the determined radius.

Abstract: Hubs for social interaction via electronic devices are described. In one aspect, a data processing device includes a display screen displaying a social interaction hub, the social interaction hub including a collection of records. Each record includes a counterparty identifier identifying a counterparty of a past social interaction event, a mode indicium identifying a mode by which the past social interaction event with the counterparty occurred, and a collection of mode indicia each identifying a mode by which a future, outgoing social interaction event with the counterparty can occur. The counterparty identifier, the mode indicium, and the collection of mode indicia are associated with one another in the records of the social interaction hub.

Abstract: System and method for representing preference and policy in a contact list are described. One embodiment is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) for displaying a directory of contacts of a user. The GUI comprises a list of contacts displayed in a first window of the GUI; for each contact in the list of contacts, a preference and policy category for the contact, wherein the preference and policy category for the contact is displayed in the first window of the GUI; and for each contact in the list of contacts, a feature icon indicative of whether a feature is enabled for the contact according to the preference and policy category for the contact, wherein the feature icon is displayed in association with the contact in the first window of the GUI.

Abstract: One or more possibilities that are normally displayed in response to input from a user are augmented with real time information. Displaying real time information for one or more of the possibilities enables the user to take such information into account in deciding whether or not to continue with an action that the user was in the process of performing. For example, if a partial data entry provided by the user is indicative of an extension number to be dialed to place a phone call, and if a telephone call manager that receives the user's input displays call activity indicating that the user's intended callee is already on the phone, the user may decide to wait until the callee becomes available (as indicated by a change in callee's call activity).

Abstract: A method for predicting messaging addresses for an electronic message composed on an electronic device is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving a request to compose an electronic message; automatically filtering the contacts based on filter criteria comprising a type of the electronic message to generate a first list of contacts; displaying a message composition user interface screen on a display screen of the electronic device, the message composition user interface screen including one or more address fields for inputting message recipients; displaying the first list of contacts, the message recipients being selectable from the first list of contacts; and selecting a messaging address in accordance with selection of a contact from the first list of contacts and populating an active address field in the message composition user interface screen with the selected contact.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously displaying status of a plurality of contacts in an address book of a communication device includes accessing the address book, editing a plurality of accounts of a plurality of internet communication software of the contacts in the address book interface, connecting to the network, acquiring an online status of the accounts, and displaying images representing the contacts in the address book and displaying a plurality of status icons corresponding to the accounts of the plurality of internet communication software of the contacts so as to display the online status of the accounts of the contacts.

Abstract: Techniques are described for displaying a representation of a list of electronic search results while a user is reviewing content linked to by electronic search results included in the list. While the user is reviewing the search results, the user may jump between content linked to by different search results using the representation of the list of electronic search results displayed. The displayed representation of the list of search results may be updated based on the user's browsing activities in reviewing the search results, user input manipulating the list of search results, and supplemental information added to the list of search results by the user.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method according to the invention, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for improved type-ahead functionality in a type-ahead field based on activity of a user within a user interface. The method includes identifying a user activity context including one or more activities of a user within a user interface. Each activity includes an associated recipient identifier. The method includes determining a set of potential recipients based on the user activity context. Each potential recipient corresponds to one or more associated recipient identifiers from the user activity context. The method includes registering the set of potential recipients with one or more type-ahead modules of the user interface. The one or more type-ahead modules suggest one or more recipients from the set of potential recipients to autocomplete a type-ahead field managed by the one or more type-ahead modules.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing and monitoring controlled forms, and in particular, insurance policies and bonds. The system generally comprises a server computer and a client computer coupled by a communication link, such as the Internet. A controlled form may be created by a user stationed at the client computer, and subsequently reported to a controlled form issuer at the server computer. The method begins with a user selecting a controlled form issuer and a form. The user enters information into fields of one or more data entry screens corresponding to the selected form, and then transmits the entered information to the server computer. Subsequently, the agent receives a completed controlled form from the server computer corresponding to the selected form that may be printed at the client computer and provided to a form applicant.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a wireless communication unit communicating with a server providing a social network service, a memory storing a contact list and account information related to the social network service, a user input unit receiving a search query, a controller searching for a contact person in the contact list based on the search query, the controller also connecting and transmitting information of the contact person found in the contact list to the server, and receiving a search result from the server, and a display unit displaying the search result.

Abstract: The central controlled distributed scalable virtual machine (“CCDSVM”) of the present invention can be expanded across network domains such as Intranet and Internet, and thousands of systems in the virtual server can be organized into multiple groups (service pools) with a multi-layered hierarchy. The CCDSVM includes at least a control system to control and organize a management pool that comprising a plurality of middle level control systems, and each middle control system can control a service pool that comprising a plurality of system units. In addition, different privileged users can login different level of the control system to further centralized access the permitted system units in each pool. Specially, the present invention including a method of supporting of web folder tree and a method of supporting web based multi-tasking to enhance the manageability and operations of the CCDSVM.

Abstract: Techniques are described for displaying a representation of a list of electronic search results while a user is reviewing content linked to by electronic search results included in the list. While the user is reviewing the search results, the user may jump between content linked to by different search results using the representation of the list of electronic search results displayed. The displayed representation of the list of search results may be updated based on the user's browsing activities in reviewing the search results, user input manipulating the list of search results, and supplemental information added to the list of search results by the user.

Abstract: In a case where a plurality of service providing devices having different capabilities are operated in association and a service providing device is utilized, operability when setting functions is improved for the user. Provided is an information processing apparatus for utilizing services capable of being provided by a plurality of service providing devices that exist on a network.