Abstract: The present invention, a method for a customizing and determining how a multimedia character or avatar is animated. The method provides a user with interaction with the avatar that involves animation of the face of the multimedia character. In addition, the method further comprises offering the multimedia character or avatar with a default setting for a mechanism of muscle movement and interacting with the mechanism of muscle movement. Further, the method is preferably used in a stand-alone mode and with multimedia communication, such as Internet, email and wireless applications. Furthermore, the method comprises a set rules and intelligent systems for analyzing, displaying and capturing messages and alerting the user to these messages in real time.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter can provide an architecture and various mechanism whereby a communication client can facilitate a more robust collaboration experience. The communication client can provide configurable menus for launching third-party resources locally and transmitting resource invites to remote entities along with appropriate information to enable the remote entities to launch the resource locally as well. The architecture can provide for peer-to-peer collaboration sessions as well as server directed collaboration sessions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically locating web-based social network members are provided. According to one embodiment, contact content including an associated GPS identifier and status for web-based social network members located at or near the same location automatically appears on a GPS-enabled device. A further exemplary system includes a GPS-enabled device configured to receive a GPS identifier and a status representing a location and a current state for a web-based social network member, a processing module that associates the received GPS-identifier and the received status, and a communications module that sends the associated GPS-identifier and status to a server comprising a web-based social network database. Contact content in a web-based social network database record in the web-based social network database is updated to include the associated GPS identifier and status for the web-based social network member.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples is a method of aggregating social networking data by receiving first authentication information for a first social networking service, the first authentication information being associated with a user and being received from a first social networking application, receiving second authentication information for a second social networking service, the second authentication information being associated with the user and being received from a second social networking application, requesting first information regarding the user from the first social networking service using the first authentication information, receiving the first information regarding the user from the first social networking service and storing the received first information, requesting second information regarding the user from the second social networking service using the second authentication information; and receiving the second information regarding the user from the second social networking service and storing t

Abstract: An active meeting can be identified that occurs in a collaborative environment that is an electronic meeting system. The meeting can be associated with a meeting identifier, a ranking value, and/or a plurality of participants. Relationship information of the participants with regard to a specified entity can be determined. Relationship information can include a social network relationship, presence information, and/or collaboration metadata. A ranking value, which is a numerical or alphanumeric value, for the meeting can be programmatically established based on the relationship information.

Abstract: Among other disclosures, a method may include identifying one or more of personal or public data that is related to a party in a message. The message delivered by a communication system where the personal or public data is unrelated to and otherwise inaccessible to the communication system. The method may include displaying the personal or public data upon a predetermined trigger.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture are provided for communicating confidential information during an electronic chat session. The chat session has a plurality of participants, including human users and associated software controlled agents. The software controlled agents have artificial intelligence. A first human user requests a first software controlled agent associated with the first human user to request information from a second software controlled agent associated with a second human user. The second agent receives authorization to release the requested information. The second agent transmits the requested information, wherein the transmitted information is not revealed to the human users.

Abstract: An activity tracker defines a context for a screen sharing session, wherein the context includes at least one term of metadata. The activity tracker establishes a shared link to a second computer, comprising authenticating the second computer. The activity tracker shares at least a first resource rendered by a first application, wherein the first application renders data of the first resource. The activity tracker receives a preliminary user input to access a second resource, wherein the preliminary user input to access is a command to render a resource. The activity tracker or sharing controller renders the second resource to form a rendered second resource, wherein a computer environment comprises the first resource and the second resource. The activity tracker determines that the second resource fails to satisfy the context.

Abstract: The system and method described herein for recording collaborative information technology processes in an intelligent workload management system may include a computing environment having a model-driven, service-oriented architecture for creating collaborative threads to manage workloads. In particular, the management threads may include one or more data structures that converge information describing interaction between managed entities and content that may relate to such interaction in time-ordered series of events. The time-ordered event stream may then be replayed in a real-time stream to remediate, roll back, or otherwise analyze the collaborative information technology processes.

Abstract: An approach is described for managing item access in a collaborative workspace. A user interacts with the collaborative workspace through a workspace user interface presentation. The approach entails presenting an item user interface presentation to the user without losing a context associated with the workspace user interface presentation. The user can enter searching and filtering selections into the item user interface presentation to narrow an initial set of items provided by that presentation. Upon locating a desired item, the user can add it to the collaborative workspace using a drag-and-drop operation or other technique.

Abstract: System, method and computer program product for verifying an avatar owner as a human user of an avatar in a virtual world environment in which humans interact through avatars via client devices in network communication with a server device. A request for challenging an avatar in the virtual world environment is received to determine whether that avatar is controlled by an application program user (bot). A user client device associated with a challenged avatar is identified and a Human Identification Proof (HIP) message for detecting a human user versus a bot controlling the challenged avatar is generated and communicated, for receipt at the identified user client device. It is determined from the response, whether the user is a bot or a human user. If a challenged avatar is determined to be a bot, then the server device prevents the challenged avatar from further interaction in the virtual world environment.

Abstract: A source device, system and method for managing displaying of information on a sink device including a sink device connection determining unit to determine whether an external sink device is connected to the source device, a page configuring unit to generate a virtual page interlinked with the sink device and to connect the virtual page to a basic page where the sink device is communicatively connected to the source device; a display unit to display the basic page or the virtual page, and a page processing unit to output frame data for displaying the basic page and the virtual page, respectively, to the display unit and to transmit the frame data for displaying the virtual page and update information of the virtual page to the sink device. Accordingly, the virtual page of the sink device may be managed and displayed independently from the basic page displayed at the source device.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products for tracking rescheduled meetings on an electronic calendar. When a meeting is rescheduled from a first time to a second time, the visual appearance of the meeting notice for the first time is altered. A link that changes the calendar page to the page showing the second time is provided on the page corresponding to the first time, so that the user may move conveniently to the rescheduled meeting notice. The meeting notice at the second time may be provided with a link that changes the calendar page to the page showing the first time, so that the user may move conveniently to the meeting notice as originally scheduled.

Abstract: A machine-implemented social networking system includes a hierarchy tree containing topic nodes. New nodes are added as new topics emerge in online public forums. Each topic node can link to an on-topic real time chat room whose occupants are currently discussing the topic of the node. A node-seeking automated process operates in the background and seeks out nodes that currently have topics appearing to be the same as or similar to what topics the user appears to have in mind. Content browsing experience of the user is enhanced by addition of an invitations displaying subsystem that automatically invites him or her to co-compatible chat rooms currently discussing the topic(s) the user appears to have in mind.

Abstract: Control of multiple display screens associated with a computer, wherein the auxiliary screen display content that depends on conditions of the computer. During some times the auxiliary screen displays content associated with the presently executing program, and during other times the auxiliary screen displays history information. The rules can be automatically changed or manually changed.

Abstract: A method includes associating a user-defined shortcut command with at least two different user-drafted status responses. In response to a user receiving a first instant message from a first sender at an inopportune time and the user then inputting the user-defined shortcut command, the method includes automatically transmitting a first user-draft status response to the first sender of the first instant message that was received at the inopportune time. In response to the user receiving a second message from a second sender at the inopportune time and the user then inputting the user-defined shortcut command, the method includes automatically transmitting a second user-draft status response to the second sender of the instant message that was received at the inopportune time. A relationship between the first sender and the user is different than a relationship between the second sender and the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product of managing and sharing entries into a webpage are presented. The computer-implemented method receives an input to an input box located in a first webpage on a first network. This input is analyzed to determine its subject matter, and is then migrated into an appropriate subject box on the webpage. In one embodiment, the input is then shared with another webpage, for the same user, which is on a second network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing IM conversations is provided. In response to idle time and, preferably, read message status, particular current conversations are removed from a list of current conversations. The removed conversations may be moved to an archive which may be automatically maintained in response to size constraints. An archive interface is facilitated to review conversations, save all or portions thereof, delete, etc. The archived conversations are preferably associated with the contact for the conversation to show a history of conversations.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect a collaboration session with a plurality of current participants; detect a subject matter of the collaboration session; and search for an additional participant based on the subject matter.

Abstract: Propagating user feedback on shared posts is described, including receiving a user indication associated with repost content. The repost content is associated with post content. The post content includes at least one item provided on a website. The repost content includes at least one other item provided on another website or the website, and the at least one other item is associated with the at least one item. The repost content is determined to be associated with the post content. Post feedback data based on the user indication is identified. The post feedback data is associated with the post content, and the post feedback data represents previous user indication. The post feedback data is updated based on the user indication.

Abstract: Multiple contact lists of a user, which individual lists are maintained in varying formats associated with varying internet-based services or computer-based applications, are federated through the use of an intermediate schema used by a federating messenger application. The federating messenger application may be instantiated as a client resident at a computer system and/or as a server-based application accessible via a Web browser or dedicated client application. In one instance, the federated messenger application includes both client-based and server-based components, and on the client-side may be resident as a browser extension or similar application.

Abstract: A run-book automation system is provided having a run-book repository having one or more run-books stored thereon. The automation system can include process logic for implementing an automation workflow including one or more automated tasks. The system can also include at least one invokable run-book document comprising procedural information related to the workflow and comprising at least one actionable link. The system may also include a run-book process module configured to initiate execution of the process logic of a first run-book and to provide the run-book document for display to a user. The system can include an automation engine in communication with the run-book process module and configured to initiate at least a first automated task of the one or more the automated tasks in response to user selection of the at least one actionable link.

Abstract: A browser enabled communication device capable of conducting conversations, including multiple media types, in either a real-time or a time-shifted mode, with the ability to seamlessly transition between the two modes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon. The instructions when executed by the processor, cause that processor to schedule a network-based media event; and to invite an attendee to attend the network-based media event. Other aspects of the invention includes a process and a method.

Abstract: A system (and corresponding method) is provided that enables virtual spaces to be created based upon user activity and populated with users associated with, interested in or active within the same areas as the user, thus facilitating serendipitous interactions and exchange of knowledge. The system dynamically binds user representations (e.g., avatars, links) into a virtual space that is associated with an activity or topic. Essentially, the system is capable of dynamically gathering or generating representations of users associated with a workflow or tasks within an activity, project or topic thereby enhancing collaboration between users with regard to communications as well as generation and sharing of data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and managing dynamic propositions for online community feedback are provided. Example embodiments include, providing a user interface, by use of a processor, to enable a creator to create a proposition; inserting tags into variable portions of the proposition to parameterize the proposition; identifying a target audience for the parameterized proposition; and publishing the parameterized proposition to the identified target audience.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for the implementation of a real-time, sharable web browsing experience on a guest device, utilizing the transfer of URL and form data information. The present invention further describes a method for joining a synchronized browsing session administered by a synchronization server, comprising activating a hyperlink associated with the synchronized browsing session, sending a request to join the synchronized browsing session to the synchronization server in response to the activation of the hyperlink, and joining the synchronized browsing session. The present invention further describes a method for implementing a synchronized browsing session, comprising receiving information related to a shared web browsing interaction performed by a host device from a synchronization server, and performing the shared web browsing interaction based on the information received from the synchronization server.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely editing a video file involve: receiving, at a server, a video editing command from a remote client; modifying, at the server, a virtual representation of a media file in accordance with the received command, the virtual representation including a reference to a source media file stored on a storage device, the storage device being connected to the server over a high-speed link; and generating and transmitting, from the server to the remote client, a proxy representation of the source media file modified by the editing commands, wherein the various regions of the proxy representation are rendered either in the background or in real-time according to their complexity. Rendered frames, whether generated in the background or in real time, are stored for reuse. Individual frames of the edited video file may be transmitted upon request from a client. Simultaneous editing of independent projects by multiple users connected to the server via multiple thin clients is supported.

Abstract: An application and method for dynamically presenting data regarding end points and services relative to a subscriber. In one embodiment, the application is operable with a service management system and is configured to employ the service management system to determine relationships between a subscriber and services and end points associated therewith and generate a user interface that provides a view, based on the relationships, of at least one of: (1) one of the services in terms of end points that play roles in the one of the services and (2) one of the end points in terms of services in which the one of the end points plays a role.

Abstract: A social data network tool to collect (110), compile, analyze, graph (210) and search (230) data elements submitted by individual entities, has software modules and enabling hardware components that facilitate forming data sharing groups. A data sharing group serves as a mutually supporting and benefiting community where highly dependable data of common interest are securely shared, displayed, compared and analyzed. A Data-Discrepancy-Analysis tool (420) available on the Graphical User Interface (400), helps users with explanations on similarities or differences between data series, sets or groups. A slew of mathematical algorithms, external databases and domain experts assist the tool to reveal, quantify and interpret trends in data structures for the benefit of users. A high efficiency data mining engine is also part of this tool, which is designed to search (203) for numerical characteristics of data series or their numerical relationships with other data series or their associated storage tags.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for providing a spatial-input-based multi-user shared display session are disclosed herein. An exemplary system includes a spatial input subsystem configured to detect gestures made by a plurality of users within a physical user space associated with a display screen. The system further includes a shared display subsystem communicatively coupled to the spatial input subsystem and configured to authenticate the plurality of users, execute a multi-user shared display session that provides the plurality of authenticated users with concurrent control of a display on the display screen through the detected gestures, and control, based on a shared session heuristic, how at least one resource associated with the display is shared between the plurality of authenticated users during the multi-user shared display session. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering a presentation created using a presentation application program are disclosed. One method includes initiating, from a presentation computing system, display of a presentation to one or more remote computing devices. The method also includes creating an initial display package based on the presentation that includes metadata describing the presentation and an image representative of the presentation, and uploading the initial display package to a presentation server. The method includes, after uploading the initial display package, creating an initial set of presentation slides from the presentation, and uploading the initial set of presentation slides to the presentation server. The method further includes, after uploading the initial set of presentation slides, uploading at least a remaining portion of the presentation to the presentation server for display at one or more of the remote computing devices.

Abstract: A method for navigating posts in a discussion including parent posts and child posts, a child post being in reply to a parent post, wherein a further reply can be made to a child post and wherein multiple child posts can be made in reply to respective parent or child posts, the method including receiving posts and storing posts; arranging posts in a discussion linearly one below another; providing a parent navigator which, when actuated, causes a copy of a parent post to be inserted adjacent its child post. Some embodiment comprise providing a child navigator which, when actuated, causes a copy of a parent post to be inserted adjacent its child post. Various other methods and apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and sharing interactive charts are described. The interactive charts are generated in an online portal that allows users to customize the interactive features of the chart. An online portal may also be provided to allow users to automatically embed interactive chart(s) in another website without reprogramming the code of the website each time the interactive chart(s) are changed or new interactive chart(s) are added.

Abstract: A visualization design system is provided. The system includes a metadata component to describe characteristics of data. An analyzer determines attributes of a peer group, where the attributes are related to prior visualization design experiences of the group. A wizard component determines a subset of potential visualization types based in part on the characteristics of data and the attributes of the peer group.

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

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a feed event, a feed event document, and/or a feed event type business object.

Abstract: A team-oriented heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system, for use in support of operations of a vehicle. The system includes instructions that cause a processor to perform operations including communicating, to a human user, via a vehicle-user interface, a request to participate regularly, actively, and collaboratively as a member of a collaborative HVAC team, to include the system, in an ongoing team relationship of cooperation regarding operating the team-oriented HVAC system over time. The operations further include providing, to the user, a commitment communication advising the user that the system will be dedicated to participating regularly, actively, and collaboratively as a team member. The operations also include receiving, from the user, an agreement communication to participate as a member of the collaborative HVAC team. And the operations include forming, responsive to receiving the agreement communication, the collaborative HVAC team including the user and team-oriented HVAC system.

Abstract: A team-oriented adaptive cruise control system, for use in support of operations of a vehicle. The system includes instructions that cause a processor to perform operations including communicating, to a human user, via a vehicle-user interface, a request to participate regularly, actively, and collaboratively as a member of a collaborative adaptive-cruise-control (ACC) team, to include the system, in an ongoing team relationship of cooperation regarding operating the team-oriented ACC system over time. The operations further include providing, to the user, a commitment communication advising the user that the system will be dedicated to participating regularly, actively, and collaboratively as a team member. The operations also include receiving, from the user, an agreement communication to participate as a member of the collaborative ACC team. And the operations include forming, responsive to receiving the agreement communication, the collaborative ACC team including the user and team-oriented ACC system.

Abstract: A system includes a surface having a touch screen display, a computer connected to the touch screen display, and a login window displayed on the display, the display computer receiving identifying information from the user via the login window. Once a user logs in through the login window, the display computer starts a session and displays icons, the display computer collecting information regarding activity during the session, associating the activities of the session with that user, and, once the session ends, the display computer generating a report based for each user and activities associated with each user.

Abstract: A question-and-answer application with an “ask-to-answer” feature is described. The ask-to-answer feature enables any user to solicit an answer to a question from another user. Upon soliciting another user for an answer to a particular question, a message with a call to action is directed to the solicited user. The message may include a copy of the text of the question and may provide a mechanism (e.g., a selectable user interface element) enabling the solicited user to pass on answering the question. Subsequent to the solicitation, the question page for the question will include a notification with information about the solicitation, including in some instances information identifying the user who has been asked to answer the question and the number of times the user has been asked to provide an answer to the question.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, include sending a first electronic document to a first client device over a data network from a web server. The first electronic document includes multiple document elements formatted according to a first document schema for a first client application. The document elements include multiple content elements and one or more presence elements. Presence data is received over the data network at the web server from the first client device. The presence data includes an identification of one or more of the content elements of the first electronic document. The presence data also includes an identification of a status of the first electronic document for the first client device. An updated presence element for the first electronic document, which includes a first presence object, is stored.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes, among other things, systems, methods and program products for collaborative and non-collaborative work spaces, each of which can be defined by a workspace definition that includes a workspace identifier referring to a workspace where an application container having a user interface can instantiate the workspace based on the workspace definition, and a collection of application identifiers each referring to an application provider for an application. Each application can be configured to execute in the application container for the instantiated workspace, and each application can have a visual representation in the user interface. The workspace definition can also include one or more participants, where each participant refers to one or more workspace participants.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for coordinating the data update rate for a shared resource amongst multiple, different and independently executing computing applications. A method coordinates the data update rate for a shared monitored resource amongst multiple, different and independently executing monitoring applications. The method can include detecting a toggling active of a fast mode user interface control disposed in a window of a corresponding monitoring application. The method also can include the activation in response to the detection, of a fast mode of data acquisition for the shared monitored resource. Finally, in response to the detection, other monitoring applications can be messaged to deactivate a fast mode of data acquisition for the shared monitored resource.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for calendaring are provided. Exemplary systems include a natural language receiving component configured to receive a natural language entry corresponding to a future status, a calendar generation engine configured to create a calendar entry based on the natural language entry, a social network database configured for accessing and querying by the calendar generation engine, a privacy component configured to receive a privacy setting indicating a person who is approved to view the calendar entry, and a display module configured to display the calendar entry on a calendar. Exemplary methods include receiving a natural language entry corresponding to a future status, creating a calendar entry, and displaying the calendar entry.

Abstract: The present invention teaches, among other things, a graphical user interface system for enhancing the management of budgeting and scheduling of projects serviced by and among a plurality of independent parties, comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing a color-coded, multi-tier graphical user interface which illustrates a value-based sequence of project data, said interface being capable of providing the system user with physical and virtual product data relating to one or more of the industries such as, without limitation, architecture, construction, and filmmaking; capturing information relating to at least one particular trade; presenting captured data as a plurality of mini-projects; storing and linking data flow activities for a system user operation; providing based upon resource value and schedule a Web or cloud-based software-as-a-service model in a tree-like interactive graphic; graphically presenting to the system user the status of a given project; providing the system user, by one or mo

Abstract: A computer system that includes a processor for operating a software application in the computer system. The software application provides for creation, storage, and retrieval of a file, the file having a corresponding profile that the software application uses for at least the purpose of preparing the software application to display the file upon its retrieval by the software application. Also included is a plurality of storage media that are communicatively coupled to the processor. A storage management module distributes stored files and their accompanying profiles among the plurality of storage media according to predetermined patterns. One of such predetermined patterns is separate storage of a file and the file's corresponding profile.

Abstract: A system that executes a user editable application includes a user interface that includes a plurality of components organized in a tree structure. The system indicates which of the plurality of components may be editable by a user of the application. The system receives editing input from the user for an editable component, and then updates the component based on the editing input.

Abstract: A dual-screen user device and methods for revealing a combination of desktops on single and multiple screens are disclosed. Specifically, a determined number of desktops and/or running applications can be selectively displayed on dual screen displays conditioned upon inputs received and the state of the device. Desktop displays and applications can be selectively shifted between the screens by a user gesture in the form of a pinch gesture. This single user gesture prevents the user from having to open and close the running desktops and applications, or to execute multiple other user commands that otherwise would result in a laborious effort by the user to manage the multiple desktops and applications.

Abstract: An image generating system for simultaneous visual representative display of multiple computer users is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes hardware, software, and a system for generating various images for one or more users of a connected computer system, and imposing them onto the systems and ultimately the visual display of each user's system. The images, which may be known as avatars, may be static images, animated 2D, and/or animated 3D images. The images are simultaneously displayed on the outputs of each user. Each user may react and interact with the images of the other users through their own image.