Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to messaging and provide a method, system and computer program product for business object integration with messaging. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for messaging integration of a business object can be provided. The method can include embedding a business object in message text in a messaging session provided by a messenger, and applying an action to the business object from within the messaging session of the messenger. The method further can include forwarding a copy of the message text to a backend business component as a justification to the applied action.

Abstract: The information made available in a series of chat windows which each represent a different chat room is summarized and displayed in a single chat window summary screen. In this way a user can monitor a single window in a single display rather than many windows occupying a series of displays. When one of the chat room summaries indicates something of interest to the user, the user may return to a view of the entire chat window for that chat room. In some implementations the user may designate one or more of the chat room summaries as an active window. The active window may include more information in its summary that the chat room summaries for the remaining chat room summaries which are not designated as active windows.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an intermediary engine having a controller, and a storage medium for storing instructions to be executed by the controller. The instructions, when executed by the controller, can cause the controller to receive a measure of a mood of an individual, invoke an intermediary according to the measure of the mood of the individual, and present the intermediary to an entity requesting to interact with the individual. The measure of the mood can be synthesized from collected information associated with a behavior of the individual, and can have a plurality of dimensions. The mood can also indicate an availability of the individual and a receptiveness of the individual to accept a request to interact with an entity. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and machine-implemented method for differentiating participants in a group conversation within a graphical user interface of an electronic device of a user, via displaying a collection of contact icons on the graphical user interface, each contact icon respectively corresponding to one of a plurality of participants in a group conversation, wherein the group conversation provides for sharing communication messages among the plurality of participants including the user; determining which of the plurality of participants are currently accessing the group conversation; and differentiating, in the graphical user interface, display of the contact icons corresponding to those participants determined to be currently accessing the group conversation from the remaining contact icons.

Abstract: An example system includes a plurality of communication terminal devices each provided with: an environmental information acquisition part acquiring information concerning a surrounding environment; a communication data generating part, on the basis of the acquired environmental information, generating communication data having a smaller data amount than the environmental information; a transmitting part transmitting the generated communication data; a receiving part receiving communication data transmitted by another communication terminal device; an image generating part generating an image on the basis of the received communication data; and a display processing part performing processing of displaying the generated image in a manner of being related to a player participating in the game.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for navigating and interacting in virtual communication environments are described. At least some of these systems and methods provide a framework that includes one or more virtual areas and supports realtime communications between the communicants. At least some of these systems and methods provide an interface that includes navigation controls that enable a user to navigate virtual areas and interaction controls that enable the user to interact with other communicants in the one or more virtual areas.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus an methods which integrates users' avatars into IP-based calling and messaging telecommunication services in such a way that avatar can be animated in real-time according to spoken words, anticipated gestures and pre-set and stored emotions. The invention includes an online editor to generate and customize users avatars.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to grouping and displaying messages exchanging between a sender and a plurality of recipients. A first message including a first tag may be sent to a plurality of recipient terminals. A second message may be received from at least one of the recipient terminals. The received second message may be grouped into a related message group based on the first tag and a second tag. The second tag may be included in the second message. The received second messages may be displayed within the related message group.

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: Mobile input and sensor device for a computer-controlled video entertainment system, in particular a mobile input and sensor device providing user-related input data to said system. This provides an easy-to-handle mobile input and sensor device having direct access to an IP-based network, for transmitting sensor signals or data derived thereof as user-related input data via the IP-based network to a remote computing device or server, preferably to a cloud of servers, which then process these input data for controlling the running entertainment program. The mobile input and sensor device can be made simple, since it is designed to detect user activities and to generate sensor signals which are transmitted as input data to the remote computer(s) or server(s). The mobile input and sensor device directly communicates with any IP-based computing device (gaming server or the like) installed remotely and having powerful hardware and software to process the received input data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for collecting deployment information from a user for a multi-tier computer system. The method includes the steps of receiving a deployment size of the multi-tier system from the user and identifying a set of virtual appliances by function based upon the deployment size received from the user. The method further includes the steps of prompting the user for a name for each identified virtual appliance, collecting network information of each virtual appliance based upon the name and generating a deployment configuration file for a mandatory virtual appliance of the set of virtual appliances.

Abstract: A virtual venue application for displaying information is provided, where the virtual venue application is implemented as part of an apparatus, or a system. The virtual venue application allows one or more users to generate a virtual tour of a virtual venue within a virtual environment. The virtual tour is then displayed within the virtual environment.

Abstract: A user interface comprises a display and a controller, said controller being arranged to display an arrangement of at least one contact icon associated with a contact and to display a control icon, said control icon associated with a function.

Abstract: Responding to gestures made by third parties in a virtual world by receiving a gesture from a first avatar directed to at least one second avatar. For at least one second avatar, a reply gesture may be selected that corresponds to the received gesture. The reply gesture may be output for communication to the first avatar.

Abstract: A method performed by one or more processing devices includes transmitting, to a first client device, content items, wherein one of the content items is selected by a user of the first client device; receiving, from a second client device, information indicative of a selection, by a user of the second client device, of a reference in a social networking system to a resource associated with the selected content item; wherein the user of the first client device has a social connection in the social networking system to the user of the second client device; and generating, based on the information received, one or more viral metrics for the selected content item.

Abstract: A system and machine-implemented method for presenting profile information on an electronic device of a user, the profile information being associated with a contact of the user, via displaying a contact icon on a graphical user interface of the electronic device, the contact icon corresponding to a contact of the user; receiving user input which specifies selection of the contact icon; and displaying profile information, obtained from a profile associated with the contact corresponding to the selected contact icon, on the graphical user interface.

Abstract: Techniques are described for enabling the selection of wallpaper to modify the mood projected by an avatar. The mood projected by an avatar may be modified, for example, by modifying behaviors and/or appearance of the avatar to characterize a mood to be projected. The mood projected by an avatar also may be modified based on user action, such as user input of a mood to be projected by the avatar.

Abstract: A method for providing remote control of a user's gameplay is provided. A live video feed of a first user's gameplay is presented to a remote second user. A request to transition control of the first user's gameplay to the second user is processed. Control of the first user's gameplay by the second user is initiated.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques in which one or more computing devices receive a signal from a first client computing device. The signal indicates that the first client computing device is available for participation in a communication session that enables communication between the first client computing device and one or more other client computing devices. The one or more computing devices determine a context for a topic of discussion associated with the communication session. The context is associated with a content item capable of being outputted by the first client computing device. Responsive to receiving the signal, the one or more computing devices initiate the communication session and send an invitation to at least one of the one or more other client computing devices to join the communication session. The invitation indicates the context of the communication session to at least one of the one or more other client computing devices.

Abstract: A unified communications application is described herein. The unified communications application is displayable in one of two views: a full view and a condensed view. When displayed in the condensed view, which consumes less than fifty percent of a display screen, the unified communications application is employable by a user thereof to participate in real-time conversations/meetings with contacts of the user.

Abstract: A system provides a user an interactive graphic software interface to navigate to an image representative of any particular emotion from within a matrix containing representations of a continuous range of emotional states. The user can then send the selected image to one or more other users or to aggregator servers in order to communicate emotions or to tag or rate various things with emotional significance, so that quantitative statistics on emotional significance can be computed for those things. The system can also be used to track emotional state through a range of time periods or geospatial locations.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for automatically unsuppressing threads are provided. A message associated with a suppressed thread is received, using a communication interface of device. The suppressed thread is automatically unsuppressed by a processor of the device when one or more of: the message is from a contact that is flagged in a contact list; and, the contact that is flagged in the contact list has been added as a recipient of the message as compared to at least a last message in the suppressed thread.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for a simplified messaging interface are provided for allowing users to initiate and engage in messaging conversations. In some embodiments, the systems and methods reduce the overhead involved in initiating and/or engaging in messaging conversations. In addition, the messaging interface may allow users to initiate and/or engage in conversations without having to open a separate standard messaging window for every conversation. Further, the simplified messaging interface may be used in conjunction with a standard messaging interface.

Abstract: A conversation-simulating system facilitates simulating an intelligent conversation with a human user. During operation, the system can receive a user-statement from the user during a simulated conversation, and generates a set of automatic-statements that each responds to the user-statement. The system then determines a set of behavior-characteristics for the user, and computes relevance scores for the automatic-statements based on the behavior-characteristics. Each relevance score indicates an outcome quality that the user is likely to perceive for the automatic-statement as a response to the user-statement. The system selects an automatic-statement that has a highest relevance score from the set of automatic-statements, and provides the selected automatic-statement to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to discussion forum management and provide a method, system and computer program product for instant conversations in a thread within a discussion forum. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for instant conversations in a thread within a discussion forum can be provided. The method can include providing a discussion forum and initiating a thread in the discussion forum and measuring a temporal proximity of postings between two or more users in the thread. In response to determining a close temporal proximity, an instant messaging session can be launched between the two or more users and entries in the instant messaging session can be inserted as responses to the thread in the discussion forum.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for tracking and displaying the logon status of selected co-users of an on-line or network system in real time to a tracking user in a unique graphical interface. The invention provides user definable on-line co-user lists, or “buddy lists,” which track specific co-users in real-time automatically. When a user logs on to a system, one or more of the user's buddy lists are presented to the buddy list system. The buddy list system attempts to match co-users currently logged into the system with the entries on the user's buddy list. Any matches are displayed to the user. As co-users logon and logoff, a user's buddy list is updated to reflect these changes. An indication can also be added to show that a co-user just logged on or just left the system.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed in which a group of people are able to replicate the physical world experience of going with a group of friends to pick a movie, watch the movie together, and provide commentary on the movie itself in the virtual world on a virtual couch while each user is sitting in different physical locations. Additionally, the virtual representation of the destination that the group of people are watching the movie together in can be themed to allow users to watch movies in different locations pivoting on special events or by the users choice.

Abstract: Automatically summarizing electronic communication conversation threads is provided. Electronic mails, text messages, tasks, questions and answers, meeting requests, calendar items, and the like are processed via a combination of natural language processing and heuristics. For a given conversation thread, for example, an electronic mail thread associated with a given task, a text summary of the thread is generated to highlight the most important text in the thread. The text summary is presented to a user in a visual user interface to allow the user to quickly understand the significance or relevance of the thread.

Abstract: Technology is described for user assembly of lightweight user interfaces for games, e.g., massively multiplayer online games. The technology can include a set of pre-selectable action modules; an interface element, a messaging element, and a display element for each pre-selectable action module; and a component configured to enable a user to select a subset from the set of pre-selectable action modules. A first subset of the pre-selectable action modules can provide a different user interface than a second subset of the pre-selectable action modules when at least one pre-selectable action module is in the first subset but not the second subset. Action modules may be capable of communicating using a messaging platform with at least one server computing device and relates to a massively multiplayer online gaming system operating at a server computing device.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and (2) retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and (2) retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer-readable mediums are provided for implementing a contest between various social networks. A contest is staged between at least two teams using a server accessible by a plurality of clients. The contest requires each of the teams to achieve a predefined goal. The membership to each one of the teams is restricted to a plurality of individuals associated with a respective one of a plurality of social networks accessible by the server.

Abstract: A centralized barcode system is described. The centralized barcode system includes a barcode generation system configured to create a customized barcode by creating a new barcode or enhancing an existing barcode.

Abstract: A message screen display comprises a static non-scrollable display area for display of at least part of a first message, the first message having an associated first message time. The message screen display further comprises a scrollable display area for display of at least part of a second message, the second message having an associated second message time. The message screen display further comprises a feature applied to at least part of the first message that varies based on time as referenced to the associated first message time.

Abstract: Under the present disclosure, a chat interface and computer program product for comparing free time between instant message chat members in order to schedule an upcoming event are provided. One approach includes: storing individual calendars corresponding to each member of the chat; initiating a free time comparison; and combining the individual calendars corresponding to each member of the chat into a free time summary calendar, wherein the free time summary calendar indicates at least one of free time periods that are simultaneously available to all of the members of the chat and conflict time periods during which at least two chat members simultaneously have an event scheduled. The free time summary calendar may be viewed in day, week, and month view formats.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for transmitting a text message in a wireless terminal. The apparatus and method include displaying data input when creating a text message and analyzing the data in order to check whether the data are character display instruction words. Character image information corresponding to the character display instruction words is searched. The character image information is added to the display instruction words, and the display instruction words having the character image information are added to the text message. Character data are added to the text message if the data are general character data. The above steps are repeated and recipient information for the character text message is input when the character text message has been created. The created character text message is then transmitted.

Abstract: The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing collaboration among users within a group for improved communication and scheduling.

Abstract: Real-time interactive broadcast sessions for client devices include: for each client device in the interactive broadcast session, configuring downstream video and audio ports for the interactive broadcast session between a central controller and the client device; receiving from each client device a selected broadcaster corresponding to a broadcaster flow control signal; in response to receiving the selected broadcaster from each client device, sending video and audio streams of the selected broadcaster to each client device over the interactive broadcast session; receiving a request from a given client device on the interactive broadcast session to interact with the selected broadcaster; configuring upstream and downstream video ports for one-to-one video chat session between the central controller and the given client device; and sending the video and audio streams of the given client device, and the video and audio streams of the selected broadcaster, to each client device over the interactive broadcast se

Abstract: Provided is a mobile chatting system for allowing cartoon story-type chatting between chatting users of a mobile terminal on which a cartoon-type chatting application is installed and a mobile terminal on which the cartoon-type chatting application is not installed, which includes: a first mobile terminal on which a cartoon-type chatting application is installed; a second mobile terminal for allowing chatting in a cartoon story form through a web page; a chatting server for relaying chatting between the first and second mobile terminals; and a chatting web server for, when a chatting message is input from the second mobile terminal, displaying the message and the user of the second mobile terminal with a cartoon character on the chatting web page.

Abstract: A method of displaying a message on a chat window is provided. The method includes selecting a cartoon image group including a plurality of cartoon cut images, receiving a chat content, selecting a cartoon cut image from the selected cartoon cut image group, and displaying the selected cartoon cut image including the received chat content in some areas of the selected cartoon cut image on a messenger chat window.

Abstract: A method for providing assets in a collaboration medium includes receiving information from an entity; analyzing the information to identify metadata; searching a system to locate assets relevant to the identified metadata; filtering the assets located on the system according to at least one of a predetermined user profile or a environment profile; sending pointers to the filtered assets on the entity's system to a second entity's system; and displaying pointers to the filtered assets in the collaboration medium.

Abstract: A method, system and graphical user interface for displaying conversation messages is disclosed. One aspect of certain embodiments includes displaying messages in a first set of conversation messages, and selecting, without user involvement, a second set of conversation messages. The second set of conversation messages are selected by comparing a topic for the first set of conversation messages with a second topic for the second set of conversation messages, or determining that the second set of conversation messages is similar to the first set of conversation messages. Messages in the first set of conversation messages and messages in the selected set of conversation messages are both displayed in a single context to the user.

Abstract: A collaborative chat room media player may enable a user to create or join a virtual lounge for a group of remotely located members to share a media experience. The virtual lounge may include a media player, an interactive communication component (e.g., instant messaging, comment board, blog, etc.), and a collaborative music queue and/or playlist. The media player may provide and/or make available recommendations to the members of the group. For example, the members may populate a playlist with media content from their media library. The media player may then add recommendations to the playlist based on the groups interests (media content selection, media content ownership, etc.). The members may vote on the content in the playlist and influence, via collaboration, when (or if) a piece of media content is played to the group.

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 make a plan from a social networking service feature the user is currently utilizing. One example embodiment may include a method for providing a social networking service feature comprising a visual link, the selection of the visual link configured for enabling plan making functionality, the visual link associated with at least one of a second user, a group of users, a destination, or an event, detecting activation of the visual link, and providing plan making functionality, the plan making functionality configured to provide functionality for inviting one or more other users, and receiving information indicative of at least one of one or more users invited to attend, a date or time, and an intent of the plan by use of tags or selected from one or more destinations or events.

Abstract: A server-based system is provided for analyzing and valuating social media campaign performance. The system collects online traffic data from member users of a social media channel, and tracks engagement activity with respect to a social media campaign operating on the channel according to parameters defined with respect to specific activities including: user interactions with media content of the campaign; user transactions as non-commercial data exchanges or commercial purchases conducted via the campaign; and user sharing of the campaign with other member users of the social media channel. The system establishes baseline performance thresholds and aggregates the tracked engagement activity with respect to the defined parameters. A graphical user interface is generated to display client feedback related to a comparison of the aggregated engagement activity with the established baseline performance thresholds for each of the defined parameters.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for providing a virtual space associated with a user. The apparatus may include a storage to store context information of the user of the virtual space, and a controller to provide, to another user, the virtual space transformed based on the context information of the user when the other user visits the virtual space of the user. The context information may include at least one of a connection time when the user connects to the virtual space, a location of the user during the connection time, a current emotion of the user as determined by the user, and a current status of the user as determined by the user.

Abstract: A remote desktop capability includes a message area on the agent's remote desktop display. Incoming instant messages on an instant messaging application on the agent's primary desktop are passed through to the message area on the remote desktop display.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for providing access to a plurality of services through a unified application. In use, a plurality of services is associated with a unified application of an entity. Additionally, the unified application is installed within a landing page of the entity. Further, access to the plurality of services is provided to a plurality of users through the unified application of the landing page.

Abstract: Solutions for providing integrated media services, e.g., in the context of communications services offered through a user supersystem configured as an interactive graphical communications hub. For example, interactions with a messaging interface may provide access to media creation functionality, including doodle functionality, in the context of the messaging and/or in the context of other media. In one implementation, the communications interface allows a user to doodle in the context of an image file (e.g., a photo) while in the context of a chat application.

Abstract: A persona determination approach can be utilized to apply digital personas across multiple communications domains. A service gateway can determine whether to transfer a request for communications services to a Persona Determination Mechanism (PDM). The PDM can select a digital persona based on available information and transmit the digital persona to the service gateway. The service gateway can process the communications services based on the selected digital persona or based on the determination not to transfer the request. In some methods, the service gateway can forward the processed request to one or more network elements for further processing. Related systems are also disclosed.