Abstract: A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members.

Abstract: A system described herein includes a receiver component that receives an indication that a conversation window for a first messaging contact is desirably collapsed, wherein the conversation window for the first messaging contact corresponds to an instant messaging application that is executable on a computing device. The system can further include a window minimizer component that collapses the conversation window into a contacts window of the instant messaging application, wherein the contacts window depicts a graphical indication of at least the first contact, wherein the graphical indication is highlighted to indicate that a conversation exists with the first messaging contact.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for allowing a user to quickly and directly responds to a turn in an instant messaging conversation. One or more instant messaging chat conversations are displayed to a user. User input is received selecting a turn in the one of more instant messaging chat conversations. Responsive to receiving the user input selecting a turn, a user input region is provided to the user, wherein the user input region is used to receive an instant message from the user. Upon the user entering an instant message into the user input region, the message is sent to a set of participants in the instant messaging chat conversation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for digital image management. In general, in one aspect, a method for digital image management includes receiving a digital image associated with a specific time. The method includes receiving a data unit associated with a time interval. The method includes associating the data unit with the digital image when the time interval associated with the data unit includes the specific time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes transitioning control to a virtual machine (VM) upon receiving a request from a virtual machine monitor (VMM), determining that the request to transition control is associated with a request to be informed of an open event window, performing an event window check to determine whether an even window of the VM is open, and transitioning control to the VMM if the event window check indicates that the event window of the VM is open.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system enable users to create a social network providing access to other users. By providing access to such networks via a visual presentation, the system renders content available for access by other network members. Access is sometimes provided through propagation of metadata or other uniquely identifying indicia associated with the social network to all or at least certain other network members.

Abstract: A method and a system for issuing information over a communications network, in particular over the Internet, wherein a central computer communicates with at least one user computer of a user for data exchange, wherein at least one file page of the central computer is opened after the communications connection is established, such that a query can be posted via the user computer to the central computer for information to be obtained from the user, wherein the query submitted via the user computer is displayed on a page of the central computer and can be read and answered by other users of other user computers that are also connected to the central computer.

Abstract: In the present invention, a user allows a computer to execute application software to display an object on a display and to move the object by dragging and dropping it using a pointing device, thus providing instructions of insertion or replacement of the displayed object. When the user drags and drops an object on a screen displayed on the display in accordance with the application software, an area corresponding to a position where the object is dragged or dropped is emphasized. Accordingly, the user can easily see a position where the object is dragged and dropped. When the type of process to be performed on the object varies in accordance with the position where the object is dropped, the area is emphasized with an emphasis pattern corresponding to a process to be executed. Accordingly, the user can easily determine a position where the object is dragged or dropped.

Abstract: A system and method for collaborative call management are disclosed. In one embodiment of a method incorporating teachings of the present disclosure, a graphical user interface (GUI) element may be presented in connection with a collaborative call. The GUI element may display a listing of call participants and a status of each participant. Example participant states may include an on-call state, an off-call state, a currently speaking state, a waiting to speak state, and a paused-call state. In operation, information presented in the GUI element may change in response to a status change of a call participant. The method may also involve recognizing that a caller has joined the collaborative call and updating the GUI element to add the joining caller to the list of participants.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a user interface directed to publication and discovery of the presence of users on a network. A sidebar tile is provided that peripherally and unobtrusively displays the presence information of nearby users on the network. The sidebar tile is also used to notify a local user that their information is also being published on the network. The sidebar tile provides options for selecting to change, enable, or disable the presence discovery service.

Abstract: Methods to manipulate a screen space of a display device are disclosed. A plurality of application windows of a plurality of applications are displayed on a screen space. At least a first application and a second application are executing to display a plurality of windows. A user interface of system level applications maybe displayed. A selection of a single application mode is received. In response to the receiving of the selection of the single application mode, all the windows are removed automatically from the screen space, except for a first application window. At least the first and second applications continue being executed. The user interface of the system level applications may continue to be displayed. Next, a request to display a second application window is received. The second application window is displayed while the first application window is removed from the screen space.

Abstract: A method for displaying a plurality of windows on a display screen is described. The method includes steps of displaying a first application window and a second application window on a display screen, declaring the first application window and the second application window as a group, the second application window being independent of and external to the first application window, grouping the first application window and the second window into a group, and displaying the group as a representation on the display screen. As new application windows are opened, they may be added to the group and/or they may become members of a second group of application windows. A user may switch between various groups.

Abstract: This invention provides a data processing apparatus and a data processing method for reducing the amount of image data denoting a pattern drawn on a whiteboard by a pen or the like being moved so as to designate locations in a designated sequence. Specifically, a coordinate transformation circuit transforms first-precision coordinate data within first image data into coordinate data of a second precision lower than the first precision, thereby generating second image data. Given the coordinate data in the second image data, a changing point detection circuit detects the coordinate data that are changed in keeping with the locations being designated movably by the pen on the whiteboard, thereby generating third image data including the detected coordinate data in the designated sequence.

Abstract: Newly added, deleted, or changed data of a local storage in a distributed database system is prevented from being replicated until it has been approved via a specific process. Any new, deleted, or changed records are initially marked as being candidate data. The normal replication processing within the distributed database system ignores such data. In this way, the candidate data is not allowed to leave its source site, and potentially contaminate the rest of the replication network, until that data has been approved. The approval process is provided by a candidate data scanner that detects the candidate data and provides it to a candidate data resolver for processing. The candidate data resolver is architected to provide for per installation extensibility.

Abstract: Systems, methods, media, and other embodiments associated with facilitating intelligent navigation in a graphical user interface (GUI) are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes a control element configured to facilitate closing a window and identifying a GUI navigation target. The example system may also include a top-level object configured to selectively close an open window descended from a top-level window upon determining that the top-level window is being closed.

Abstract: A method for displaying a plurality of windows on a display screen is described. The method includes steps of associating a first window with a second window, where the second window is independent of the first window, arranging the first window and the second window on a display screen, where the first window and the second window are configured to fit within a predetermined region of the display screen, and notifying an application program corresponding to the first window that the second window is associated with the first window. An indicator may appear on the display as a target region when a user desires to associate the first and the second windows. Subsequent operations performed on the first window are performed automatically on the second window. For example, when a user is comparing two documents, she can scroll down one document and have the second document automatically scroll as well.

Abstract: A method for controlling distribution of network communications (messages). An incoming message either carries priority information, or is assigned priority information based on a shared characteristic with other messages. The priority information is used to determine how and/or when to deliver the message, e.g. by delaying the message for a fixed time. Preferences for receipt of messages by priority level may be communication to upstream hosts along a network path. Accordingly, an intermediary host may reject and/or delay messages that the intended recipient does not wish to receive. This pushes the burden of low-priority messages back to the sender, thereby reducing or eliminating burdens on network/system resources of the recipient and/or intermediaries between the recipient and the sender. Accordingly, it can “squelch” spam messages at or close to their source. Trusted senders complying with prescribed practices may include priority information allowing for delivery of their messages with higher priority.

Abstract: A dynamic collaboration assistant application for use in a computing system including a terminal connected to a server. The dynamic collaboration assistant application includes a collaborative gateway application for generating a collaborative gateway GUI on the terminal. A context listener module located on the terminal is used to continuously monitor a context in which a user is using the terminal. A context translator module analyzes the context message and dynamically adjusts the display of the plurality of collaboration applications in the collaborative gateway GUI as a function of the context in which the user is using the terminal.

Abstract: A web page is composed using a browser that displays an authoring web page containing an authoring tool embedded in the authoring web page. The authoring web page, as displayed in a browser window, includes a web page editing region that displays a web page under construction. The web page editing region further includes one or more user-specified instances of structured fields, each instance responsible for hosting content entered directly by the web page author through the browser window or identified by the web page authoring using the authoring tool. A composed web page is published, for example on the Internet. Thereafter, the composed web page can be rendered in a browser window of any client computer or device in a style consistent with the user-entered content in the web page editing region.

Abstract: A novel technique enables participants of an online group interaction to capture and encapsulate an ongoing activity at a particular moment in time. During the online group interaction, a user activates an icon, and is enabled to select properties of the saved memory, such as icon color/image for the saved material, what parts of the shared experience to save, etc. For example, the user may want to save all or some of the conversation, music played, scores for a game played, and the pictures viewed during the session, as well as any other portion desired. The saved material may represent a snapshot of the activity at save time, or may comprise a sequence of events up to the point that the material was saved. While saving the selected material, the application displays an animation such as an origami-type animation of a box folding up from a flat sheet.

Abstract: A user interface (UI), which reflects exchanges in the past and the future between a user and entities. The UI includes a background having a user defined granularity, a plurality of dots, which each represent at least one collaborative exchange of a user and which are each arranged on the background, a graphic connection between any two or more dots which each represent exchanges between the user and similar entities, a first graphic which includes first level information, and a second graphic which includes second level information. For any set of one or more dots which each represent exchanges between the user and similar entities, the dot closest to or within the central area includes a graphical identifier that indicates whether the entity is currently available for a new exchange.

Abstract: An example of a solution provided here comprises receiving a signal for sending in a side conversation, and in response to the signal for sending, sending a first portion of text, in a side conversation. The first portion of text is new, and the first portion of text is not necessarily revealed to some participants.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention uses the message sequence chart (MSC) and various visual cues to provide an interactive visualization of threaded electronic conversations (e.g., in email, bulletin board, instant message, or social network) by presenting to users various information about a particular conversation or the conjunction of separate conversations, such as sequences of messages, conversation participants, time in transit, time send/received, and other message attributes.

Abstract: Visually identifying one or more known or anonymous voice speakers to a listener in a computing session. For each voice speaker, voice data include a speaker identifier that is associated with a visual indicator displayed to indicate the voice speaker who is currently speaking. The speaker identifier is first used to determine voice privileges before the visual indicator is displayed. The visual indicator is preferably associated with a visual element controlled by the voice speaker, such as an animated game character. Visually identifying a voice speaker enables the listener and/or a moderator of the computing session to control voice communications, such as muting an abusive voice speaker. The visual indicator can take various forms, such as an icon displayed adjacent to the voice speaker's animated character, or a different icon displayed in a predetermined location if the voice speaker's animated character is not currently visible to the listener.

Abstract: A convergence and automation system includes (a) an internet-protocol based network, (b) hardware implemented with a web service for devices (WSD) protocol, wherein the hardware includes a plurality of devices connected to the network, each device being configured to perform at least one service, and a server connected to network and configured to control the devices for converging and automating the services thereof; and (c) software implemented with the WSD protocol and configured to establish communication among the sever and the devices and perform a logging function to record events and errors taking places in the convergence and automation system.

Abstract: The present invention enables the management of arbitrary regions of a window. A surrogate window is created to contain a region of interest in a source window. A surrogate window may also be shared among multiple devices. A user may interact with the content in a source window or its surrogate window(s). A surrogate window is updated to reflect any content change in the region of interest in the source window. In the case that a user resizes a surrogate window, the entire content of the surrogate window is scaled accordingly so the entire content remains visible.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for handling instant messages. In response to receiving an instant message, a determination is made as to whether a picture of a sender of the instant message is associated with the instant message, wherein the picture is located in a preexisting database of pictures. The picture with the message is displayed on a display in the data processing system, if the picture is associated with the message.

Abstract: An example of a solution provided here comprises receiving a signal for sending in a side conversation, and in response to the signal for sending, sending a first portion of text, in a side conversation. The first portion of text is new, and the first portion of text is not necessarily revealed to some participants.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for allowing an email request to be sent to a group of recipients which requires one person to accept the request or task. Obtaining notification of the acceptance and completion status of the task is accomplished solely through exchanged emails, without the use of standalone tracking or modification to the underlying email system functionality. One responder emails are sent to a group of recipients, and when an accepting recipient accepts the request, the sender and non-accepting recipients are notified via email that the request has been accepted. Similarly, emails can be sent to the sender and non-accepting recipients that the request has been completed.

Abstract: Computer implemented method, system and computer usable program code for managing display properties of a shared display window in a shared display window environment, wherein the shared display window environment includes a host for managing display properties of shared display windows in the shared display window environment, and at least one user for receiving shared display windows on a user display. In response to a request of a user of the at least one user, at least one shared display window is detached from the shared display window environment, and the requesting user is enabled to manage display properties of the detached at least one shared display window on the user display of the requesting user independent of the shared display window environment.

Abstract: A software module for displaying gender-based avatar representations of users in instant messaging communications comprises a username analysis component and an interface component. The username analysis component is configured to be implemented within an instant messaging system providing for communication between a first user and a second user each having a user account registered with the instant messaging system. The username analysis component is configured to perform an anthroponomastic analysis of a username of the first user to assign a probable gender for the first user. The probable gender is selected from male, female, and neutral. The interface component is configured to display a gender-based avatar representation indicative of the probable gender for the first user to the second user when the first user and the second user are participating in a communication session with one another via the instant messaging system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a software system, PointRight, that allows for smooth and effortless control of pointing and input devices among multiple displays. With PointRight, a single free-floating mouse and keyboard can be used to control multiple screens. When the cursor reaches the edge of a screen it seamlessly moves to the adjacent screen and keyboard control is simultaneously redirected to the appropriate machine. Laptops may also redirect their keyboard and pointing device, and multiple pointers are supported simultaneously. The system automatically reconfigures itself as displays go on, go off, or change the machine they display.

Abstract: A system for entering objects from a set of objects into an electronic device is arranged to determine a first pointer position (11) on a display (10) and display, surrounding the first point position, a first plurality of individually selectable fields (12), each of which represents a subset of objects from the set of objects. Selection of a subset is performed by moving the pointer to the field (12a) containing the desired subset. The system then alternately displays, surrounding a selected field (12a), at least one additional plurality of individually selected fields (13), each of which represents either an individual object or a further subset of objects from the subset of objects represented in the previously selected field, and moving the pointer for selecting an additional field, until a field (13a) which represents an individual object has been selected. The selected individual object can then be entered by the user.

Abstract: A method of organizing information is disclosed. The method comprises providing a visualization of actor communications in the context of one or more discussion, a discussion including at least one actor and at least one documented communication.

Abstract: The sharing of data via a multi-user data sharing display device is described. One disclosed embodiment comprises a body, a display disposed on the body, a first data input disposed on the body, and a second input disposed on the body. The device also comprises a controller configured to divide the display into a plurality of workspaces comprising a first workspace and a second workspace, to display data received at the first data input in the first workspace, and to display data received at the second data input in the second workspace. In this manner, multiple users may display data, such as digital images, on a single display for sharing with other users.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for segmenting sets of distinct entities into groups with associated boundaries, wherein the associated boundaries have an associated logic are disclosed. The interaction of an object, a set of objects, another group, or combinations thereof with a group's associated boundary is accounted for by the logic of the invention such that the group and its associated boundary are modified with respect to the interaction.

Abstract: This invention concerns virtual rooms for communicating information about specific topics. The virtual room comprises an identification code to identify the address of each virtual room, and a web site to enable communication between users of a virtual room and to receive and publish information relating to the specific topic. The identification code includes a telephonic prefix and a telephonic subscriber number the later which corresponds to a subject category in a bibliographic classification convention. The virtual room further comprises a data repository to store information relating to the specific topic including communication between users of the virtual room. The data repository is organised according to learning objects and users search an index of the bibliographic classification convention to locate a virtual room related to a specific topic. The invention further concerns an information system for sharing information.

Abstract: An information-sharing system includes a server in a wide-area network coupled to a data repository, software executing on the server, providing services for a first person, wherein the first person is enabled to create one or more personae stored in the data repository, at least one interactive window associated with individual ones of the personae and deployable to one or more electronic appliances, and one or more rule sets associated with individual ones of the personae, the rule sets defining and limiting server functions that may be initiated through individual ones of deployed interactive windows, the interactive windows and rule sets enabling the first person to control identity and contact information made available to users of deployed interactive windows.

Abstract: A user interface (UI), which reflects exchanges in the past and the future between a user and entities. The UI includes a background having a user defined granularity, a plurality of dots, which can represent at least one collaborative exchange of a user and which are each arranged on the background, a graphic connection between any two or more dots which each represent exchanges between the user and similar entities, a first graphic which includes first level information, and a second graphic which includes second level information. For any set of one or more dots which each represent exchanges between the user and similar entities, the dot closest to or within the central area includes a graphical identifier that indicates whether the entity is currently available for a new exchange.

Abstract: A mechanism of specification of business process templates, to capture commonly performed business activities/workflows/projects within a business organization and encourage reuse of best practices. Long transaction workspaces based business process template execution mechanism are presented, which have several advantages over existing business process execution mechanisms in web collaboration frameworks. This execution approach provides support for an isolated environment for business process execution. This isolates the changes made on different resources while executing a business process from the external world until the business process completes. It enables the ability to concurrently manipulate same resources in different components of a business process, and later resolve conflicts if any and merge the different views of the same resource manipulated by different components of a business process.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a shared space for communicating information. In an embodiment a number of users associated with a computing environment can use a shared space to communicate information with one another. Each computing device of the computing environment can include a shared space application. The shared space application includes a number of interactive tools that can be used to persist various communications between associated computing devices of a computing environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for moving objects within the graphical user interface (GUI) of an operating system in a manner that provides a transitional effect between window states, which is pleasing to the user. This transitional effect includes changing the shape of a window while scaling and moving the window between two different sizes and positions. In one embodiment of the present invention, the transitional effect may be employed as a window is minimized into an icon, or restored from an icon. In another embodiment of the present invention, the transitional effect is employed as a window is minimized within its title bar, or restored therefrom. The rate of movement of objects is controlled in a non-linear manner, to further enhance the pleasing effect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for electronic-based communication between a plurality of remote users. The system includes a plurality of remote workstations, interconnected via a communication network, so that users may simultaneously view a target file. Further, the system may permit one or more of the users to view additional information, such as annotations or notes that relate to the target file. Such additional information may be part of the target file or it may be a separate file that corresponds to the target file. Also disclosed are methods for using such a system.

Abstract: A calendar bar utility with a special user interface may be integrated and displayed simultaneously with an electronic mail list inbox. The calendar bar user interface comprises a linear display arranged into multiple, chronologically-arranged, time periods. Upon selection of a specific time period, such as a day, or the current day, subdivisions of the time period, e.g. hours of a day, are displayed in a similar format. The calendar bar also allows multiple calendars, for example the personal calendar of the user, and a team calendar for multiple individuals, to be displayed simultaneously for easy access. Selection of a specific time period causes data associated with any event in that time period to be displayed next to the designated time period, or, alternatively, in a separate window. The data associated with the event may vary in detail and scope depending on the designer preferences, but will typically include the start and end times, the location, topic, type, i.e. call-in, video conference, etc.

Abstract: Integrating collaboration products or processes includes displaying a plurality of contacts in a collaboration display area, receiving a selection of one or more contacts from the plurality of contacts, displaying a plurality of collaboration service selections from a plurality of collaboration service providers in the collaboration display area, receiving a first collaboration request relating to one of the collaboration service selections provided by a first collaboration service provider, displaying a first collaboration session from the first collaboration service provider, and associating the the one or more selected contacts with the first collaboration session. A selection of business objects may also be received, and may be made available from the collaboration session.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and managing a computing service are disclosed. In one embodiment, an agent is installed at each of a plurality of clients. These agents periodically test performance of services of one or more application servers over a network. The agents then transmit the results of the tests to a management server. The management server also receives information regarding actual services delivered to users from the one or more application servers. Customers may then access the management server to obtain system information.

Abstract: First program code is executed at a content recipient so as to identify a content provider having posted content of interest to the content recipient. Second program code is executed at the content recipient so as to automatically access the content provider and initiate receipt by the content recipient of the posted content.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described for providing a thread messaging system for communications between users of thread client computing devices. The thread messaging system provides significant benefits over existing prior art messaging systems such as email, IM, chat and bulletin boards.

Abstract: Computing devices capable of internetworking and receiving, storing and viewing programmed (scheduled) television and multimedia content provide a platform for access to a combination of Internet and Television content and services. On this platform, a mix of pre-scripted and live interactive dialog (chat with offered responses) are broadcast by a connected server or servers to provide supplemental entertainment, information regarding programmed content, enhancements to scheduled television advertising, a community experience, and an interface to Internet applications and services. The dialog provides a “Social Interface” allowing fictional and non-fictional characters to interact with viewers. The fictional and non-fictional characters are each emblematic of a specific affinity group categorization, which a user personally identifies with and is drawn to. Selection of an affinity character also provides a filter for selecting internet and broadcast content associated with that character.

Abstract: An interface is provided for application sharing. An interface program facilitates application sharing by reducing it to a two step process hiding underlying details from a user. This interface program in cooperation with a conferencing program facilitates application sharing by enabling a user to select one or more files and one or more participants. Subsequently, this interface program automatically establishes application sharing. This interface program provides both an application list and a participant list to facilitate a user's selection thereof.