Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described herein that are configured to provide, to a user, network based functionality enabling the user to first add another user to their community and optionally to their news feed. One example embodiment may include a method for providing the first user an option to add a second user to a community of the first user, providing a response communication configured to indicate an acceptance to add the second user to the community of the first user, and providing a visual link configured to indicate an intention of the first user to post information provided by the second user to a news feed of the first user, the news feed of the first user configured to provide post information provided by the second user and one or more other connected and added users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring an occluded window in application sharing. The method includes the steps of: detecting whether an unshared window occludes part of all of a shared window; making the unshared window semitransparent by an alpha blending operation in response to detecting an unshared window that occludes part or all of a shared window; changing the value of the alpha factor in the alpha blending operation, thus obtaining two alpha blended images; and restoring the occluded shared window by using the two alpha blended images.

Abstract: A software-implemented method which allows the streaming of applications from a server or cluster of server to one or more clients, typically mobile devices. The invention also enables the sharing, through a social network cloud service, of applications located on connected computers or on the cloud. When applications are streamed to mobile devices, the user interface of the application may be modified to fit the native user interface of the device.

Abstract: A multimedia comment system and a multimedia comment method are disclosed herein. The multimedia comment system includes a video unit and a comment unit. The video unit can provide a video content for a client device. The comment unit can make the client device render a multimedia comment interface related to the video content, in which the multimedia comment interface has a multimedia comment button. When a commentator selects the multimedia comment button, the comment unit allows the commentator to perform operation of a multimedia comment on the video content.

Abstract: For an online community advocacy management platform, techniques (APIs) are described for pulling comments in from the app/plug-in, and cross-pollinating the social online community (e.g., social network website “walls”) and app/plug-in content in an intelligent manner (which content, how often, etc.).

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilized in operating a feedback forum in an online auction environment is described. Instead of allowing users of the system to enter free-form comments for and about other users, a number of predefined feedback comments are provided that relate to an auction transaction. Users leaving feedback for other users are permitted to select a comment they desire to leave for or about another user relative to a transaction. The predefined feedback comments selected by the users are associated with the users whom the comment is about, and at some time thereafter, the predefined feedback comment is displayed for viewing by other users of the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for marking electronic messages to indicate human origination are provided. According to one embodiment, an electronic message and information verifying the electronic message is human originated are received. Then, the fact that the electronic message is human originated is conveyed to one or more recipients of the electronic message by associating with the electronic message a human origination indication.

Abstract: Systems and methods of batch uploading of content to a web-based collaboration environment are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, for receiving an upload request from a user through a user interface to upload multiple items and sequentially uploading each of the multiple items to the host server. In one embodiment, the user is able to navigate away from the user interface through which the upload request was submitted prior to completion of the uploading of each of the multiple items to the host server. In addition, the upload of the multiple items is not interrupted if the user accesses a link on the user interface causing another user interface to launch in a browser.

Abstract: Assisting navigation of a first browser executing on a first data processing system is provided by navigating, responsive to a second browser executing on a second data processing system, to identify information to be displayed using the first browser on the first data processing system. An identifier is request to associate with the identified information and the identifier is dynamically generated responsive to the request for an identifier. The identifier is associated with the identified information to be displayed using the first browser such that the identified information may be retrieved using the identifier.

Abstract: A system is described for managing a collaborative environment. The system may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory may store items provided by users in a collaborative environment. Each item may be related to at least one other item. The processor may identify the collaborative environment and may receive a request from a user to flag an item in the collaborative environment. The request may include a reason for flagging the item and a description of the reason. The processor may determine a priority level of a plurality of priority levels for handling the item based at least on the reason. Each priority level may be associated with an action to be performed on the item. The processor may perform the action associated with the determined priority level.

Abstract: A system and method for providing context-based user experiences is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises determining a user's context and a user's device. A plurality of user interface cards to the user's device is provided based on the user's context. Each of the plurality of user interface cards has a data portion and a form portion, and the data portion and the form portion of each of the plurality of user interface cards are delivered separately to the user's device.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system of exchanging information between at least two parties over a network. The system includes a chat room generator module, executed by one or more processors, to receive a comparison result between an existing first key word search from a first party and a subsequent second key word search from a second party via a network, and to generate a new chat room embedded into a search result web page associated with the second party, when the comparison result indicates no substantial similarity between the first key word search and the second key word search.

Abstract: A method and system for providing anonymous sidebars between participants in a existing conference session such as a push-to-talk session for instance. Each applicable participant in the session has a private handle that represents the participant but that does not reveal the true identity of the participant. Further, the conference server hosting the session maintains or has access to mapping data that correlates each participant's private handle with a participant identifier that is sufficient to allow the conference server to engage in network communication with the participant. The server provides each participant with a list of other participant's private handles, and a given participant can then initiate a sidebar by sending a sidebar-initiation request designating one or more private handles selected from the list. Using its mapping data, the server then identifies the corresponding participants and sets up the anonymous sidebar.

Abstract: A method of sorting articles for subsequent treatment in an appliance. The method may sort the articles on a mobile device and the sorted articles may be treated according to a cycle of operation implemented by the appliance.

Abstract: A content sharing method is provided. The content sharing method is performed by a display device connected to at least one user terminal. The content sharing method includes displaying content on the display device, receiving information included in a transparent layer of a first user terminal among the at least one user terminal from the first user terminal, and overlapping the transparent layer, including the information received from the first user terminal, on the displayed content.

Abstract: Techniques for real-time observation assessment are provided. The techniques, which are designed for educators, take advantage of handheld computers, desktop/laptop computers and Internet access in order to reduce the paperwork associated with conventional educational assessments. An array of instructional assessment applications are designed to run on handheld computers. The instructional assessment applications may be based on existing and widely used paper methodologies. A common Web-based platform for assessment application distribution, selection, download, data management and reporting is also provided. Users can then periodically synchronize instructional data (assessments, diagnostic results, notes and/or schedules) to the Web site. At the Web site, browser-based reports and analysis can be viewed, administered and shared via electronic mail.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a chat session with multiple chat members. The chat system receives chat comments from the chat members. The chat system attempts to identify a topic or subject of the chat comment. The chat system may then retrieve product or product category advertisements relevant to the identified topic. The chat system then effects the display of the chat comment along with the retrieved advertisements to each chat member. The chat system thus dynamically recognizes the topic of chat comments and displays relevant additional information along with the chat comments.

Abstract: A method of performing an operation by using information that is input to a terminal is provided. The method includes generating a first virtual space that includes at least one object, and displaying the first virtual space on a screen of the terminal; selecting one of the at least one object, based on location information about a character in the first virtual space; and performing the operation that corresponds to the selected object, based on information about the selected object.

Abstract: A movie production system includes a computer system having machine readable memory and at least one processor executing a plurality of program modules. The computer system includes actor defined scene input data stored on the memory and that defines one or more scenes to be included in a movie produced the computer system. The program modules include a screenplay module, a virtual director module, and a movie compiler module. The screenplay module generates a screenplay that includes a sequence of scenes based on the actor defined scene input data. The virtual director module is in operable communication with movie-making equipment at a movie set where the movie is shot and provides visual and/or audible cues to the actor while acting the screenplay, indicating a change of scenes in the sequence of scenes. The movie compiler module receives video and audio data from the movie-making equipment and compiles the movie.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and user interface for displaying an inquiry indication related to an inquiring user's inquiry are described. An inquiring user prepares and submits an inquiry in an inquiry application. Upon preparing and submitting an inquiry, a notice of the inquiry is generated and routed to the inquiring user's network contacts. An inquiry indication is generated to notify network contacts that an inquiry has been submitted by the inquiring user. A network contact may select the inquiry indication to display an inquiry feature and may select an inquiry feature to view the inquiry and respond to the inquiry.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein include one or more of systems, methods, and software operable to identify a location of or position a gesture tool, such as a mouse pointer or cursor, within a web conference display. Some embodiments may communicate an identified location of a gesture tool within a user interface control of a web conference presenter to web conference participants. The communicated location of the gesture tool may cause the gesture tool to be displayed in a corresponding location within a display of a web conference participant despite differences between a view of the presenter and participant. The gesture tool may include a pointer under the control of a mouse, a cursor, or other gesturing tool. Some embodiments include a web conference recording module operable to record data associated with a web conference, including gesture tool positioning data.

Abstract: Social network service synchronization techniques are described. In an implementation, a determination is made by a client that a browser has been used to navigate to a website. A prompt is displayed by the client, responsive to the determination, that is selectable to cause data that describes activities that are performable in conjunction with the website to be communicated to a social network service to be stored in conjunction with a user account of the user at the social network service.

Abstract: Particular embodiments receive an indication from a first user that the first user desires to play a game; retrieve, from a social-networking system, one or more second users who are connected to the first user within a threshold degree of separation within the social-networking system; and invite each second user to play the game with the first user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining mutation regions for a spreadsheet. Mutation regions are iteratively assigned to a first region of cells in the spreadsheet. To assign a mutation region, a column is selected from the first region. A first row in the first region of cells is associated with the selected column that is not assigned to a mutation region and that is not included in a second region of the spreadsheet is determined. A largest region contained within the first region that does not overlap with the second region for which the cell in the selected column and the first row is in a designated position is determined. The largest region is assigned as a mutation region for the spreadsheet.

Abstract: To avoid the need for off-line collaboration, a primary user who is attempting to enter data required for computer-based process may, as part of the data entry process, delegate data entry tasks for specific input fields to designated delegate users who are more likely to be knowledgeable about the data to be entered. Data entry operations performed by the primary user are recorded and used to build a transaction model which will enable a server to provide required data input screens to delegate users. Data entered by the delegate users is merged with data entered by the primary user to meet the requirements of the computer-based process.

Abstract: A method for displaying a received message on a terminal. The method includes receiving messages, displaying on a display unit of the terminal different icons according to a type of the received messages, and displaying on the display unit of the terminal information indicating a number of unread received messages among the received messages.

Abstract: Particular embodiments access a search query submitted by a first user of a social-networking system; identify one or more web pages in response to the search query; for each of the one or more web pages, determine a value indicating a number of user clicks associated with the web page by one or more second users of the social-networking system who are connected to the first user within the social-networking system; and send a set of hyperlinks for the one or more web pages, wherein hyperlinks for web pages where the value is greater than zero are visually emphasized over other hyperlinks.

Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for augmenting search using association information. Searches can be performed using a combination of index information and association information. In some examples, index information is stored in a first data store and association information is stored in a second data store. Search queries can be received and modified using association information. Modified search queries can be executed using a combination of index information and association information. Index information can be generated by indexing a set of documents. Association information can be generated by monitoring user activity occurring between users and a set of documents.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting a group conversation on an electronic device of a user, via displaying, on a graphical user interface of the device, a group of contacts with which the user can communicate, the group of contacts comprising one or more individual contacts and one or more social circles which define a preset collection of contacts associated with one another. User input is received via the graphical user interface, the user input specifying a selection of participants from the group of contacts for a group conversation. The group conversation provides for sharing communication messages among the participants. A conversation window is presented on the graphical user interface. The conversation window displays a collection of contact icons with each contact icon respectively corresponding to one of the selected participants of the group conversation, and a conversation thread with the shared communication messages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and tool for collaborating in a video conference using a non-electronically enhance whiteboard and without the use of electronically enhanced writing and/or pointing tools. An embodiment may set up a front camera to capture an overall video stream that is split into at least two video feeds, a whiteboard feed and presenter feeds. The front camera may be set up to have a depth of field and focus to capture the whiteboard and presenter as well as specific video capture settings for each feed to optimize the whiteboard or the presenter. An embodiment may capture the two feeds according to the appropriate settings and deliver the two feeds to other video conference member devices. Embodiments may add additional cameras to permit additional optimization such as eliminating whiteboard occluded areas and/or automatically selecting a presenter from a plurality of people who are in the video capture frame.

Abstract: A system facilitates collaborative communications and information sharing in a network defined by a model. The model and a portion of the system are stored on a storage component coupled to a terminal. The system captures context information and user-defined data, the user-defined data provided during user interaction of the user in a first domain of the network, and dynamically stores the context information as metadata associated with the user-defined data, the user-defined data and the metadata stored on the storage component; a tracking component for tracking a change of the user from the first domain to a second domain of the network and dynamically updating the stored metadata based on the change, where the user accesses the user-defined data from the second domain; and an interface to the system that permits the user to create and view the user-defined data according to the model of the network.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a detecting unit that detects terminal position information including information concerning a position of another display apparatus with respect to the display apparatus; and a display unit that displays a part of a given image based on the terminal position information detected by the detecting unit.

Abstract: A communication system includes a communication server configured to receive a request to generate a communication and receive a request to associate the communication with one or more classifications from a plurality of classifications. The system further includes a store coupled to the communication server and configured to store the communications and/or store the classification received in the association request. The classifications are associated with a request for information from a recipient of the communication. The classifications are associated with a request for information from a recipient of the communication, a request for sharing information with the recipient of the communication, and a request for action from the recipient of the communication.

Abstract: A method for managing third-tier productivity applications, as part of remote application deployment, consists of using a controlling program, called an AppController, to initiate the application launch which then allows otherwise incompatible programs to control and/or enhance the functionality of the productivity application by accepting commands transmitted using standard network communications protocols.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for task decomposition of a task of a workflow. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include selecting, for decomposition, a task from a workflow including a plurality of tasks; indicating whether one or more portions of information associated with the decomposed task are restricted; and providing, to another user interface, the decomposed task including the one or more restricted portions. The received command is executed at the database. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing an answer to a question left unanswered in an electronic discussion forum. In some embodiments, a question that has not been answered may be identified in a first discussion forum. A second discussion forum in which to present the question may be determined, where the second discussion forum is more likely than the first discussion forum to result in an answer to the question. The question may then be presented in the second discussion forum, and one or more responses to the question may be received in the second discussion forum. It may then be determined whether one of the one or more responses includes a good answer to the question, and when the determination is that one of the one or more responses includes a good answer, the good answer may be presented in the first discussion forum.

Abstract: One conferencing system allows conference participants to share all or a portion of the display seen on their computer screens. The conferees may be at sites removed from each other, or may view a recorded presentation or archived conference at different times. Conference participants are either “presenters” who can modify the display or “attendees” who cannot modify the display. A pointer icon, which can be labeled to identify the conferee, is displayed on the shared image area. Each conferee can modify the position of his or her own pointer, even when not presenting, so that every participant can see what each conferee is pointing to, should a conferee choose to point to an element of the display. These and other features apply to other data streams shared in the conference or in meetings where there is no shared-image data stream.

Abstract: Changes made to a document are automatically summarized within an electronic message. The changes may be made to a document that is being collaborated on. For example, the document may be an attachment to an electronic message, a link to a shared document that is contained within the electronic message and/or a document that is being shared between a different users. The document may be any type of file to which changes/comments are made, such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, slides, and the like. A reviewer may make many different types of changes to the document (e.g. deleting/adding content, adding comments, and the like). After making any changes to the document, a summary of the changes is automatically inserted into an electronic message that is then sent to one or more recipients. Live information relating to the document may also be displayed with one or more electronic messages.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention include the creation of a virtual environment. A peer network is constructed with respect to the virtual business environment enables the interaction between peers as well as customization of portions of the virtual environment by authorized peers for the purpose of enabling virtual events. In addition, one aspect of the invention enables the creation of peer-to-peer networks enabling the development of cooperative businesses between a subset of peers on the network, thereby increasing collaboration between independent firms as well as automatic generation of leads.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a control method thereof are provided. The mobile terminal includes a radio communication unit; a display displaying at least part of e-book contents; and a controller transmitting position information about the at least part of the e-book contents and a user's input relating to the at least part of the e-book contents to a server through the radio communication unit when acquiring the user's input. Accordingly, a user' input relating to part of the e-book contents can be transmitted to the server to share a user's opinion on the e-book contents.

Abstract: A method for personal badges in a social network includes receiving a badge from a user, determining a degree of similarity between the badge and one or more other badges owned by one or more users connected to the user. The method also includes, when the degree of similarity is less than a predetermined amount, crediting the badge to particular ones of the one or more users as designated by the user. Badges credited to a user may be displayed in a profile page of the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving information from a user in a collaboration network, the information including a unit of content, a title, an indication of one or more entities in the collaboration network allowed to access the unit of content, and for each of the entities in the collaboration network allowed to access the unit of content, an indication of a permission level with respect to the access. The permission level includes view, comment, edit, or share. The method further includes determining a format for presentation of the unit of content based at least in part on the permission levels indicated for the one or more entities in the collaboration network allowed to access the unit of content, and publishing the unit of content and the title for the unit of content to the collaboration network in the determined format and according to the information.

Abstract: System and methods for managing content modification messages are provided. In some embodiments, a request to send a modification message to a second user is received from a first user. The request to send the modification message pertains to a modification made to a first user-specific version corresponding to the first user and represented by a first delta. The modification message comprising a second delta is generated. The modification message includes second instructions to modify a second user-specific version to include the modification within the second user-specific version by resolving the first delta and the first user-specific version to the second user-specific version. A message indicator for the modification message is provides to a client device of the second user. The message indicator identifies the first user as the sender of the modification message.

Abstract: A method and system for documenting collaboration by a team analyzing telemetry data, where the data is used to generate a three dimensional visual display modeling the objects and events recorded by the telemetry data. One of the collaborating team members controls display of the model, and each collaborator is able to interact with the visual display and to employ a virtual camera to display and record operation of the model from a perspective selected by the member. Collaborating team members enter time-stamped notes which are displayed in sequential order for all collaborators on a common portion of a display screen upon replay of the simulation. Each team member is provided with a microphone and audio gear to collaborate by voice with other members of the team. The notes and virtual camera views coupled to the simulation provide decision makers on the team with an improved understanding of the problem modeled by the simulation, thereby facilitating an improved decision.

Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for establishing at a network management server a presence on a network. A presence associated with one or more managed devices on the network is detected. An instant messaging (IM) session is established with the one or more managed devices. The IM session forms a virtual chat room for performing a management function on the one or more managed devices, and IM messages are sent that are configured to perform the management function on the one or more managed devices. Techniques are also provided herein for establishing on a network an enriched presence by a network management server that is configured to perform a management function via a presence function of a messaging and presence protocol.

Abstract: According to a general aspect, a method can include receiving a request, triggered via a consumer account, to access, using a social media application, a plurality of sharer content. The sharer content can be associated with a sharer account using the social media application. The method can include retrieving, in response to the request, a consumer value and a relationship value. The consumer value can represent an interaction with the social media application via the consumer account and the relationship value can characterize a relationship between a consumer identifier of the consumer account and a sharer identifier of the sharer account. The method can include selecting a subset of sharer content from the plurality of sharer content based on a combination of the consumer value and the relationship value, and can include defining a portion of a presentation customized for the consumer account using the selected subset of sharer content.

Abstract: A user engaged in an online chat session with one or more other users can start a screen sharing session with the other users without having to leave the context of the online chat session. In an implementation, a chat window for the chat session includes a screen sharing button. The screen sharing button can be clicked to start a screen sharing session with the other chat participants. A system generated message is displayed within the chat windows of the other chat participants inviting them to view the remote screen. Upon accepting the invite, a viewer is launched to show the information being displayed on the remote screen. A variety of enhanced features and functions are also presented in the context of screen sharing in an information networking environment.

Abstract: An integrated collaborative user interface for a document editor is provided. The integrated collaborative user interface includes a document pane, document details pane and a section details pane. Document details and section details are obtained and provided to authors. A collaborative author views the document details, section details and provides updates to a document in the document editor. Changes are then refreshed to the authors to provide a consistent and up-to-date status of the document.

Abstract: Graphical user interface relationship graph for displaying relationships between image backup files in a backup job. In one example embodiment, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media store a program that causes a processor to generate and visually present, on an electronic display device associated with the processor, a graphical user interface (GUI) relationship graph for displaying relationships between image backup files in a backup job. The GUI relationship graph includes multiple image nodes each representing an image backup file of a source storage and a chain path including multiple links. Each of the links represents a parent-child relationship between one of the image nodes and another of the image nodes.

Abstract: A system can include a framework for scenario-based assessment of a physical environment; and an integrator that includes an analyzer component for identifying an analyzer as one of a plurality of identifiable analyzers, a scenario component for framework and analyzer interactions for a scenario, and a results component for framework and analyzer interactions with respect to analyzer results for the scenario. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.