Computer Supported Collaborative Work Between Plural Users Patents (Class 715/751)
  • Patent number: 8745537
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for managing and monitoring a graphical top model includes executing the graphical top model. The graphical top model references multiple instances of at least one graphical model. The method also generates a graphical user interface that displays a component from a graphical model. The displayed component is referenced by at least two of the model instances. The graphical user interface displays a current calling hierarchy indicative of a specific model instance that is associated with the displayed component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The Mathworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Mojdeh Shakeri, Michael David Tocci, John Ciolfi, Pieter J. Mosterman
  • Patent number: 8745538
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reminding and browsing related information of contacts, and a recording medium using the same are provided. In the present method, a communication device displays a contact list comprising at least one contact on a screen thereof. Meanwhile, the communication device checks whether each contact has unread related information and displays an indicating icon on the corresponding contact in the contact list when it is determined that the contact has related information unread, so as to remind a user of the communication device that the contact has unread related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Yuan-Mao Tsui
  • Publication number: 20140149883
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for collecting and aggregating user-generated data based on user provided parameters and measures of relevance of underlying content. A user's data is combined with already existing collective data to generate relevant mark-ups for a document or other consumable data file, such as audio or video. The marked-up version of the document or data file is then displayed to users to, inter alia, help increase efficiency and assist in comprehension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Indu Mati Anand, Anurag Wakhlu, Pranav Anand, Ishan Anand
  • Publication number: 20140149882
    Abstract: A method for collaborative CAx editing may include (1) enabling editing of a proprietary representation of an engineering object by a user, where the proprietary representation includes one or more features of the engineering object, (2) storing an operations log of the engineering object on a collaborative CAx server, (3) detecting creation of a feature of the engineering object within the proprietary CAx application, and (4) inserting a feature identifier corresponding to the feature within the proprietary representation of the engineering object. A system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium corresponding to the above method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Thomas Trevor Nysetvold, Joshua John Bennett, Charles Gregory Jensen
  • Patent number: 8738697
    Abstract: Provided are a system capable of providing a highlight of a real-time event using message streams of social media and a highlight service providing method using the same. The disclosed highlight providing system includes: a hot event session detection unit detecting a hot event session where a hot event occurs using message streams of social media; a keyword detection unit detecting keywords related with the hot event from the hot event session detected by the hot event session detection unit using a predetermined algorithm; a hot event generating unit generating the hot event using a semantic relation between the keywords detected by the keyword detection unit; and a highlight providing unit providing a highlight of the social media along with a description in a natural language based on the hot event generated by the hot event generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Ho Gun Park, Hee Dong Ko, Sun Bum Youn
  • Patent number: 8739044
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating collaborative browsing of a network site by multiple users. A user interface is rendered in a computing device, and the user interface facilitates participation in a collaborative browsing session by multiple users including a master user and one or more other users. The user interface includes a browsing window that is configured to facilitate browsing of a network site by the master user. An indication of a status change of the browsing window is sent to another computing device when the computing device corresponds to a client in use by the master user. The indication of the status change excludes graphical screen capture data. The status change is replicated in the browsing window when the computing device corresponds to a client in use by the one or more other users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anand Varadarajan
  • Publication number: 20140143680
    Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of electronic items includes: for each item of the electronic items, each item being associated with an item identifier, segmenting, on a processing device, each item into a plurality of segments, for each segment of the plurality of segments: hashing the segment to produce a segment hash value; updating a first table with the segment and the segment hash value; and adding an entry to a second table, the entry including the item identifier and the segment hash value; and outputting, from the processing device, the first table and the second table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Guidance Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Angarita, Shawn McCreight
  • Patent number: 8731455
    Abstract: A method for facilitating the creation of a digital communications network by collaborative interaction among users at computer interfaces, the method comprising, at a terminal in a digital communications network: receiving question data; collecting answer data, collaboration data, and selection data relating to the terminal; transmitting the collected answer data to at least one first remote terminal; receiving answer data from the at least one first remote terminal responsive to identical question data as the received question data; receiving collaborative data from the first remote terminal; one or more of storing and displaying the question data and responsive answer data; and displaying answer data from the at least one first remote terminal in accordance with whether the at least one first remote terminal is assigned to a same predetermined first-tier group as the terminal in an answer data driven device hierarchy. A terminal, system and computer-readable medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Minapsys Software Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Allyn Colby, Aaron Austin Colby
  • Patent number: 8732614
    Abstract: A system may provide a toolbar in a browser at a client, where the toolbar permits user selection from multiple different services for sharing document content. The system may receive a selection of a first one of the multiple different services from a user via the toolbar and may receive a selection of content of a first document browsed by the user. The system may post the selected content in a second document associated with the first one of the multiple different services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Blain, Alex Mendes da Costa, Na Tang
  • Patent number: 8732228
    Abstract: Documents are published in a publish subscribe data processing system. A first document to be published may have an associated topic. The first document is retained as a retained document. A second document to be published is retained as the retained document in response to receiving the second document before a predetermined time interval has passed. A copy of the second document is sent to a subscriber of the topic. A copy of the retained document is sent to the subscriber of the topic in response to a determination that the predetermined time interval has passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Stephen Marcus Edwards, Andrew Ian Hickson, Martin Robert Holder, Trevor Lobban
  • Patent number: 8732599
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses/systems, and software for identifying and resolving conflicts within a drawing by highlighting each conflict in a unique way and generating various reflections of conflicted graphic objects to test different conflict resolution proposals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: M.E.P. CAD Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Reghetti, Phillip M. Schaeffer, Shane Hoeft
  • Publication number: 20140136938
    Abstract: A document management system includes a list management application that manages one or more lists stored by the document management system. The list management application exposes list management functionality to users that access the lists in the document management system. The lists are stored as list management application files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Johnny S. Campbell, Steven C. Tullis
  • Patent number: 8726169
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling structured communication among a social network is disclosed. The system enables a user to formulate a question and answer pattern including potential responses to the question based upon the form of question. The system then translates and transmits a message including the question and answer pattern to users over a plurality of different messaging platforms for eliciting responses to the question using the answer pattern. The system then aggregates responses to the question and presents the responses in a summary format. A language for defining messages according to static and dynamic content and other attributes is disclosed. Collaborative filtering reduces the decision space and as a result increases the possible range of specialized communications a user can choose from and apply or the message processing space available to contemplate alternatives resulting in more effective choices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: CircleUP, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Payne, Douglas W. Tung
  • Patent number: 8726170
    Abstract: A communication is initiated between a first user and a second user via a collaboration channel. Thereafter, an identification of the second user relating to the collaboration channel is associated with a business entity (also referred to sometimes as a business partner). A service is automatically initiated that retrieves contextual information associated with the business entity in response to the initiation of the communication. A scope of the retrieved contextual information is based on a business partner type for the business entity. Subsequently, the first user is presented with at least a portion of the retrieved contextual information concurrently with the communication between the first user and the second user via the collaboration channel. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Marc De Gibon, Christelle Scott
  • Patent number: 8726184
    Abstract: An embodiment relates generally to a method of messaging. The method includes providing a message activation widget on a lock dialog box of a screen saver application and activating the message activation widget. The method also includes displaying a message user interface configured to accept a message and displaying a screen saver image in response to saving an entered message in the message user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Red Hat, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Strode, Matthias Clasen
  • Patent number: 8726171
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing communication initiation controls. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a term that a user has entered into a text field, selecting one or more contacts that match the term, providing a communication initiation control for each of multiple communication modes, determining, for each of the multiple communication modes, whether any of the selected contacts are available or are capable of communicating through the communication mode, and enabling or disabling, for each of the multiple communication modes, the communication initiation control for the communication mode based on determining whether any of the selected contacts are available or are capable of communicating through the communication mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Lachapelle, John E. Knapp, Rian Liebenberg
  • Publication number: 20140129959
    Abstract: A content publisher can use a publisher tool to tag various content elements, which enables a user viewing content from the publisher to view related advertising. In at least some embodiments, the tool is a toolbar that the publisher can use to tag content elements such as images and text, whereby the toolbar can recommend related items to be linked to those content elements. The items can be associated with an entity, such as an advertiser or electronic retailer, that will provide some level of compensation to the publisher in return for the linking. Such an approach enables the publisher to monetize the content in a way that is minimally intrusive for the end user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hamilton Battles, Pradeep Desai, Balaji Hariharan Chandra, Prasanth Radhakrishnan, Harshit Beri, Gaurav Gupta, Vignesh Annamalai Paramadhayalan
  • Publication number: 20140129960
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for instant messaging based on a user interface is provided. The method comprises providing a window having a plurality of regions in the user interface, wherein the plurality of regions comprise at least one navigation region, and at least one message region to display one or more dialog windows; receiving a navigation input within navigation region; navigating among the one or more dialog windows based on the navigation input; and displaying the one or more dialog windows in the message region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Wentao WANG, Shundong GAO, Yehui LIN, Shourun ZENG, Wenxiang WANG
  • Patent number: 8719222
    Abstract: Tools and techniques are described for synchronization and collaboration within peer-to-peer and client/server environments. These tools may provide methods that include establishing peer-to-peer relationships between two or more client systems. These relationships enable the client systems to create respective local instances of workspaces, shared between the client systems to allow them to collaborate with one another. The client systems may participate in peer-to-peer synchronization flows with one another, with the synchronization flows representing updates made local to the shared workspaces of the client systems. The methods may also establish establishing a client/server relationship between one of the client systems and a server system. Through this client/server relationship, the client and server systems may participate in client/server synchronization flows, with these flows representing updates made to the local shared workspace at the client system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ransom Lloyd Richardson, Edward J. Fischer, Dana Zircher, Christopher Norman, Hugh Francis Pyle, Michael Andrew Jeffers, Robert Sean Slapikoff
  • Patent number: 8719077
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for cross promoting real objects in a real world and virtual objects in a virtual world. A redemption code is received from a first participant in the virtual world. A virtual object corresponding to the redemption code is provided to the first participant. A request for information regarding the real object is received from a second participant of the virtual world and via the virtual object. Upon receiving the request via the virtual object, information regarding the real object is provided to the second participant and via the virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Tobin Titus, Ernie Booth, Erik Porter
  • Patent number: 8713448
    Abstract: A portable communication terminal includes a display unit, a memory that stores content information and community information, an identifier display unit that displays on the display unit a content identifier capable of identifying the content and a community identifier capable of identifying a community, a first identifier reception unit that receives a designation of the content identifier, an upload determination unit that determines whether upload of content to a community is possible based on the content information and the community information, and an upload display unit that displays the community identifier of a community determined as being uploadable to be distinguishable from another community identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Hirako
  • Patent number: 8713450
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for detecting patterns of abuse in users of a virtual world. The patterns of abuse may be detected by examining records of inappropriate interactions between users. Subsequently, preventative actions may be taken to prevent further abuse. The preventative actions may include blocking access to all or part of the virtual world, blocking interactions with other users, warning other users, or notifying authorities of the behavior of the other user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zachary Adam Garbow, Linda Irene Larson, Candace Trielle Pederson
  • Patent number: 8713454
    Abstract: An approach is provided for sharing the virtual workspaces of a plurality of user devices. One of the plurality of devices is designated as the only active device. The active device submits an update of the virtual workspace of the active device. Then an update of the virtual workspaces of the other devices is initiated that includes the workspace of the active device. A request from one of the other devices to become active is granted and the previously active device is undesignated as active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Priyanka G. Sriraghavan, Lakshmi Nrusimhan N. V.
  • Publication number: 20140115494
    Abstract: A method of quoting content from a post in a discussion forum can include selecting content within a source post of the discussion forum and performing a drag operation. A representation of the selected content can be dragged in coordination with motion of an onscreen pointer. The method further can include inserting the selected content within an open reply form in the discussion forum upon termination of the drag operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alexander Kordun
  • Patent number: 8706579
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented interactive account management system operated in cooperation with a financial institution on behalf of multiple account holders. The interactive account management system may include a financial networking engine implemented by a processor for defining a financial network for each account holder and for identifying each member of an account holder financial network based on stored account information and account holder input. The system may additionally include interactive processing components for processing information to provide collaborative interaction between the members of the account holder financial network defined by the financial networking engine and user interface presentation tools for displaying financial guidance and collaborative interaction interfaces and inviting active participation from the financial network members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Marcia Keld, Manning Field
  • Patent number: 8706812
    Abstract: Systems methods and devices are provided for a presentation including a communications console with component aggregation. In one potential implementation, a computing device with an application framework receives a communication manager object via a network connectivity device and executes the communication manager object within the application framework. The computing device may then receive and execute communications components and a presentation components within the application framework using the communication manager object. The communication manager object may then manages interface and display of the presentation information via the application framework, as modified by communication components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: ON24, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayesh Sahasi, Brent Rojas
  • Patent number: 8707187
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium are presented for concurrent markup of a document by a plurality of reviewers. A method includes combining a document and markups associated with a plurality of reviewers into a reviewing file for use by a user. Markups associated with the user are locked and a markup associated with the reviewer is updated. Then the markups associated with the user are unlocked. Updating the markup includes receiving a revised reviewing file that includes a change to the markup, extracting the change to the markup from the revised reviewing file, and saving the changed markup separate from the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Products Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry J. Zhou
  • Patent number: 8706811
    Abstract: A system for preventing redirection loops during collaborative web browsing is provided comprising: a CPU; a memory in communication with the CPU; instructions stored in the memory and executable by the CPU to prevent redirects encountered during a collaborative web browsing session, the instructions further comprising: instructions enabling a device to join a collaborative web browsing session; instructions enabling detection of a redirection loop; and instructions enabling termination of the redirect loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Sean M. Ulrich, Jennifer G. Zawacki, David C. Challener, Julie A. Morris, James J. Thrasher, Justin T. Dubs, Peter G. Gaucher
  • Patent number: 8707186
    Abstract: A method, system, and device are provided for presenting event views via a calendaring application or the like. In particular, the event view is alterable depending upon whether or not the event currently being viewed is a past event or not. Past events may posses additional attributes not possessed by other events and, therefore, the presentation of a past event and the information related thereto may differ from the presentation of other events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventor: Ramanujan Kashi
  • Patent number: 8707185
    Abstract: Disclosed are tools, methods, and systems for establishing generally live, Content-based social networks, and for concurrently sharing Content and Content-relevant information within a social network. A Service registers Viewers and/or n-Users, and provides tools that enable a Viewer to identify n-Users concurrently viewing the same or similar Content, or having an interest in the same or similar Content. A Viewer can initiate or join a Content-based social network, and can share their Content with others, or view others' Content, and interact with n-Users via any of several methods. Service tools also enable a Viewer to define and selectively block or alter objectionable material so that it is no longer perceivable in its objectionable form. The described tools, methods, and systems also enable numerous innovative approaches to generate revenue for a Service, for providers of product and/or services, for Content providers, and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: ADDnCLICK, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Robinson, Peter Muller, Timothy Noke, Teng Lew Lim, Wallace Glausi, Larry Fullerton, Dusan Hamar
  • Patent number: 8706809
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and tangible computer-readable storage mediums for tracking collaboration are presented. More particularly, embodiments relate to providing, using a processor, an environment for collaboration between users; and tracking, using the processor, information regarding the collaboration; such that the tracked information includes rights information regarding rights of the collaborating users. Some further embodiments include storing, in a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium, the rights information. Some further embodiments include determining compensation for at least one user based on the rights information. Some further embodiments include: storing, in a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium, initial content; and storing, in the storage medium, additional content, such that the additional content builds on the initial content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Brandon E. D'Amore, Joel P. Thatcher, Gregory A. Piccionelli
  • Patent number: 8701017
    Abstract: A presence system is provided with a communications device associated with a presentity that is capable of displaying a respective presentity presence state indicating a respective availability of the presentity as provided by a presence system to each contact on a contact list of the presentity. The communications device includes a presence user client communicatively coupled to the presence system to receive presence information associated with the presentity, in which the presence information includes the respective presentity presence states for the contacts on the contact list, and a display for displaying the contact list and a respective representation of the respective presentity presence state for each contact on the contact list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Timucin Ozugur, Jack Jachner
  • Patent number: 8698873
    Abstract: Techniques for enabling video conferencing with interactive sharing of drawings and/or other information. In one set of embodiments, a system is provided that includes a drawing surface, a video camera embedded or integrated into the drawing surface, and a front projector. The drawing surface can capture drawings made on the surface by a user, and the video camera can capture a video stream of the user. The system can send digital information representing the captured drawings and the video stream to a remote system. The system can also receive digital information representing drawings made by a remote user and a video stream of the remote user from the remote system. The front projector can project a video signal onto the drawing surface that incorporates the captured drawings, the drawings made by the remote user, and the video stream of the remote user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: John Barrus
  • Patent number: 8701018
    Abstract: A system and technique provide management and display of information objects (IOs) in an electronic personal information management application. The system further provides a graphical user interface which allows every object to be used as a folder and the ability to subordinate any other type of object. A unique list view through which IOs can be displayed and managed is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Erich Keel, Jeffrey Huang
  • Patent number: 8700192
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dynamic view in a modeling of an automation system. A first portion of the model may be described in a first sequence description and a second portion of the model may be described in a second sequence description. The sequence descriptions are linked together. In one embodiment, the links are visually provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Heller, Venkata Prasad Mukka, Oswin Noetzelmann, Prithvi Raju, Dirk Schaumburg, Edward Slavin
  • Patent number: 8694896
    Abstract: An online collaborative story system allows multiple people to collaborate on creating a story by contributing content of various types to a server computer, where it is voted on by the collaborators or a designated editor to create the finished story. Additionally, one or more of the collaborators can be rewarded for their participation in the story.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Edwards, Clay Harvey Fisher, Kurt Jonach, Neal Jacob Manowitz
  • Patent number: 8694895
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for providing human interaction with a business application from an email client. To complete a business process, individuals often must provide information to a business application. However, it may be difficult for the individual to interact with the application if the user is not familiar with the application's user interface (UI) or if it is necessary to navigate to the application's UI. Accordingly, it may be more efficient to interact with the application using a UI within an email client. User input for an automated business process can be submitted from a general-purpose email client. Benefits from such include providing input to a business application while working within the familiar email interface; not needing to switch contexts to complete work for the application; and completing work for the application while being offline or having limited corporate network connectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Sanchez, Jeff Staiman, Zoltan Pekic
  • Patent number: 8694953
    Abstract: A system for creating and viewing simulation models that are used for managing requirements and design specifications for complex systems. Users simultaneously collaborate on the description of a complex system such as an enterprise software project throughout its life cycle. User interfaces, designed to assist in the visualization of a particular form of knowledge, allow users to describe the complex system with simple interactive elements. Information in all perspectives is presented so that it is legible and discernable to a non-technical audience. Multi-dimensional data structures record all the resulting information, creating a simulation model of the complex system, and the tasks required for construction and maintenance. Tasks are driven from the specifications not as a separate activity, but as part of the same activity to facilitate project management by allowing decisions to be tracked virtually throughout the simulation model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Payman Khodabandehloo, Harold Laurence Reed
  • Patent number: 8693842
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for enriching audio/video recordings using annotation data provided by attendees of a presentation, in which annotations from attendees are received by a server which merges and synchronizes the annotation data, performs text data mining to identify key messages and temporal segments of the audio/video data, and constructs an enriched audio/video recording including audio and/or video data as well as segment data and key message data for ease of user navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Sharath Srinivas, Johannes Antonius Koomen
  • Publication number: 20140096031
    Abstract: An image display system is provided. The image display system includes a data server configured to store image data, a display terminal configured to display an image based on image data obtained from the data server and configured to receive additional information from an operator to be added to the image, and an information sharing unit configured to store specification information and the additional information, the specification information specifying additional image data added on the image with the additional information. The information sharing unit is configured to store additional information and specification information inputted at a plurality of display terminals, and, when the image data obtained from the data server coincides with the additional image data, the display terminal is configured to display the image and the additional information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Tatsuo Kawanaka
  • Patent number: 8689115
    Abstract: A method and system for distributed computing interface are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer implemented method comprises accessing a collaborative interface, wherein the collaborative interface comprises persistent shared space, wherein visual representation of the collaborative interface is identical for each client accessing the collaborative interface. In a single action, an object is dragged into the collaborative interface and the object is displayed in real time in the collaborative interface. The object is accessible to other clients in the collaborative interface and the state of the object is continuously synchronized. The object is manipulated in the collaborative interface and other clients accessing the collaborative interface are viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Net Power and Light, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanislav Vonog, Nikolay Surin, Gilman Louie, Vladimir Kuznetsov
  • Patent number: 8689106
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying logical information upon devices within a computer system. The method and apparatus include a logical volume information server coupled to a volume manager that provides the logical information that is created by the volume manager to at least one device. The at least one device comprise a logical volume information client that receives the logical information from the logical volume information server and displays that logical volume information upon the network or storage device. In this manner, an operator may quickly identify the logical information that corresponds to a physical device within a network or a storage appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Symantec Corporation
    Inventor: Xiaoshan Zuo
  • Patent number: 8689133
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for managing a catalog display in an e-commerce system. In an embodiment, an e-commerce data processing system can include a catalog sub-system and catalog display management logic. The catalog display management logic can include program code enabled to select between displaying an active mode view and a passive mode view for catalog items in a catalog. In this regard, the active mode can include a catalog display, a subset of catalog items rendered in a static view in the catalog display, and at least one detailed view of detailed information in the catalog display for a selected one of the catalog items in the static view. Likewise, the passive mode view can include a catalog display, a subset of catalog items rendered in a static view in the catalog display, and at least one detailed view of changing detailed information in the catalog display for cycled ones of the catalog items in the static view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Muller
  • Patent number: 8689114
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to activity thread management and provide a method, system and computer program product for activity objectification for non-activity objects in an activity-centric collaboration tool. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for activity objectifying non-activity/task objects in an activity-centric collaboration tool can be provided. The method can include selecting a non-activity/task object in an activity thread for an activity map of the activity-centric collaboration tool, and associating an activity attribute with the selected non-activity/task object. The non-activity/task object further can be decorated with a user interface control corresponding to a value for the activity attribute, and a state for the user interface control can be changed responsive to changes in the value for the activity attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Muller, Miguel A. Estrada, Thomas P. Moran, Andrew L. Schirmer, Werner Geyer, Suzanne O. Minassian, Michael Chi Hung Wu
  • Publication number: 20140089822
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for interaction management systems. The method commences upon receiving a first incoming communication pertaining to a first task, and launching a first task-centered context user interface being initially populated with a first screen device selected in response to the type of incoming communication (e.g., a phone call icon, etc.). An agent interacts with the client by responding to the incoming communication. Then, the method receives a second incoming communication pertaining to the same first task; and populates the first task-centered context user interface with a second screen device appropriate for the second incoming communication (e.g., a chat UI, etc.). Additional new incoming events are routed to its corresponding task-centered context (or a new task-centered context is created).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Min WU, Rami MUSA, Arin BHOWMICK, Kent Olen SWARTZ
  • Patent number: 8683334
    Abstract: A control system and method is described having a framework in which many applications in a user interaction system (UIS) can share common data regardless of which application obtained the data and all without prior knowledge of the other applications. The shared data is typically personal data of the current user, such as name, location, preferences, etc. However, the system can also be used to share style sheets, announcements, etc., that can be utilized by multiple applications. The data is stored in a standardized manner in a location available to any application. Application's have access to the data based upon user privileges at any particular time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Intervoice Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Laurence Potter, III, Stephen A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8683353
    Abstract: A method and system for collaborative communications is described. In one embodiment, a central virtual reality communications environment is created. A plurality of client communication devices are connected to the central virtual reality communications environment. Each one of the connected plurality of client communication devices are represented as an avatar present in the central virtual reality communications environment. An uploaded data object is received from any one of the connected plurality of client communication devices. Finally, the data object is displayed in the central virtual reality communications environment to the connected plurality of client communication devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Eric R Buhrke, Carl M. Danielsen, Renxiang Li, Magdi A. Mohamed, Mark A. Tarlton
  • Patent number: 8682972
    Abstract: An improved networked computer communications system handles arbitrary streams of data, and transports at varying speeds those steams where intermediate updates can be dropped if they are obsoleted by later arriving data updates, optimizing the utilization of network and node resources. 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. 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 pointer, even when not presenting, so that every participant can see what each conferee is pointing to. These and other features apply to other data streams shared in the conference or in meetings where there is no shared-image data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Pixion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Salesky, Peter Madams, John Flower, Clint Kaul, Benjamin Wells, Edward Arthur Ho-Ming Janne
  • Patent number: 8677250
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling a game to be played on an electronic device, comprising: enabling a game application on the electronic device to utilize a contact list for an instant messaging application, during a game in progress with a particular contact in the contact list, preparing game messages to be sent to the particular contact by including game progress data, communicating at least one game message during the game in progress with the particular contact using an instant messaging system used by the instant messaging application; displaying at least one instant message in an instant messaging conversation user interface; and displaying a game in progress user interface associated with the game play, after detecting a selection in the instant messaging conversation user interface to switch to the game in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Christopher R. Wormald, Gerhard Dietrich Klassen, Ronald Scotte Zinn, Samer Fahmy
  • Patent number: 8676658
    Abstract: Methods, computer-readable storage media, and apparatuses for dynamically generating a gallery of available designs for a particular kit configuration including a plurality of different products are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Vistaprint Schweiz GmbH
    Inventors: Joshua D. Marcus, Gregory T. Yu, Marion Thomas, Susan C. Rice