Abstract: A system and method for the organization, display, and navigation of digital information. The system allows for the easy navigation of a primary source of information, as well as the navigation of secondary information related to the primary information source. The system may be used to organize, display, or navigate any type of digital information, but is primarily intended to be used to organize, display, or navigate the results of a web based search engine. Primary source information is displayed in a search results window while secondary information is displayed in an operational window. The primary source information may be displayed as thumbnail images of web pages that satisfy a search request. The user may scroll through the thumbnail images of the web pages of the primary information source and navigate web pages of interest in the operational window.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for using the existing Universal Resource Identifier (URI) history feature of browsers to maintain user preference settings, or other state information, used by one or more web sites or other systems. In one embodiment, when a user makes a particular preference selection on a web site, the user's selection is recorded in the browser's URI history by causing the browser to access a URI (or a set of URIs) representing the particular selection. The same or a different web site may subsequently test the browser's URI history for this particular URI by including appropriate JavaScript or other executable code in a page requested by the browser. Depending upon the outcome of this test, the web site and/or the page's executable code may take an appropriate action or inaction consistent with the preference selection.

Abstract: A method to assist in tagging an entity includes a user selecting at least one threshold for the user's activity of at least one entity; monitoring user activity of the at least one entity; and when the at least one threshold is reached, automatically suggesting or recommending to the user that the at least one entity be tagged. The user has the option to tag or not tag the at least one entity. Usage data is associated with a tagged entity.

Abstract: Methods and systems present commands to a user within a software application program by determining the user's context within the application program and automatically presenting in a user interface commands that pertain to the user's current context. When the user's context changes, the context-sensitive commands are automatically removed from the user interface. In one implementation context blocks and context panes are employed to present the commands.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for controlling a display on a computer-aided design (CAD) data editing screen, whereby commands more likely to be utilized are preferentially displayed.

Abstract: Markers that describe a user's actions are monitored in order to determine his or her level of proficiency with a user interface. A proficiency level is determined based on the markers. The proficiency level is adjusted periodically or in response to trigger events, to provide updated proficiency level information as the user becomes more experienced. One or more user interface features are automatically configured according to the detected proficiency level, so that the user is presented with an interface that is appropriate for his or her level of proficiency.

Abstract: Software optimized to use fewer computer resources provides a more appropriate user interface. The invention provides a display device for displaying a screen specified by an instruction. The display includes a display screen, a display frequency setting and a transitioned destination screen. Display control responds to instructions to set the screen to be displayed. A screen display sequentially displays each of a number of screens in response to a number of instructions. A display frequency for a transition destination screen is set in response to an instruction, and a display control sets a screen that the screen display means displays.

Abstract: Methods, systems and program storage devices for generating search engine search results. Online files relevant to a requested search query are located by a search engine, while simultaneously previously accessed offline files residing on a client computer are located using the same search query. The search engine retrieves the offline files from the client computer and combines such offline files with the locate online files in a single search result overview. The listing of files within the combined search results are ranked according to relevancy to the search query using a search engine scoring algorithm, whereby the offline files within the combined search results are preferably brought to a user's attention to indicate that such files reside on the client computer.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to maintaining a history of user interaction data within a sliding window, where the sliding window may be sized based at least in part on a quantification of such user interaction.

Abstract: A power saving method for self-luminous displays and an apparatus thereof, comprises determining active and inactive portions of a display screen. The inactive portions of the display screen are modified in accordance with criteria to save power by reducing energy consumption of the inactive portions while the active portions remain powered.

Abstract: Implementations are described and claimed herein to enable a user to quickly and efficiently locate preferred web pages or resources based on previous navigation. Implementations may utilize an “intelligent forward” resource navigation scheme which analyzes a user's navigation to determine web pages or resources that the user is likely to target. Shortcuts to the “forward target resources” may be presented in a manner that allows the user to readily and directly access a desired web page or resource without having to navigate among a series of intervening web pages or resources. In addition, the forward target resources may be ranked (e.g., based on frequency of access) and shortcuts may be presented to the user based on rank.

Abstract: A web page has a player for playing media objects, a sequencer which displays a play list that defines an order in which media objects are played by the player, and a media access area for containing a plurality of graphical icons. Each graphical icon representing a media object, and the graphical icons can be manipulated by a user to modify the play list. For example, the media icons may be dragged to the sequencer to add them to the sequencer.

Abstract: Methods and systems present commands to a user within a software application program by determining the user's context within the application program and automatically presenting in a user interface commands that pertain to the user's current context. When the user's context changes, the context-sensitive commands are automatically removed from the user interface. In one implementation context blocks and context panes are employed to present the commands.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for controlling a display on a computer-aided design (CAD) data editing screen, whereby commands more likely to be utilized are preferentially displayed.

Abstract: System, method and program for user selection of a menu option. A multiplicity of menu options are automatically and sequentially displayed, one at a time, in a display window of a computing device. A user selection is received at a time during the automatic and sequential display of the menu options. A determination is made which of the menu options corresponds to the user selection based on the time that the user selection was received in relation to time periods during which the menu options were displayed. Optionally, there is a two step process to selecting a menu option. Display of a corresponding menu option is temporarily frozen in the window. A predetermined time period is waited for receipt of confirmation from the user that the user wants to select the corresponding menu option which is frozen in the window.

Abstract: There is provided a method for use with a software application. The method includes a step of generating a palette window having a drawing mode and a properties mode. The method includes a step of generating on the palette window in the drawing mode a first thumbnail representative of a first data object having first attributes associated therewith. The first thumbnail is operative to initiate placement on a workspace window a second data object having second attributes derived from the first attributes. The method includes a step of generating on the palette window in the properties mode a first icon representative one of the first attributes. There is also provided a method for using such computer application.

Abstract: A system for arranging symbols for display and selection in a mobile communication terminal is provided. The system comprises user interface configured for selecting a first symbol having a first display priority; and means for assigning a second display priority to a second symbol associated with the first symbol, wherein the second symbol is displayed according to the second display priority, in response to a request for displaying a symbol set.

Abstract: Methods, systems and articles of manufacture for enhanced control over the positioning of dialog boxes in relation to hyperlinks within electronic documents. The controlled positioning is implemented to mitigate any undesirable placement of dialog boxes that might limit to user access to hyperlinks contained within the electronic document. Accordingly, embodiments are provided for determining a location within a displayed electronic document at which a dialog box may be positioned without obscuring any hyperlinks. In the event that such positioning is not possible, steps are taken to position the dialog box in a location that will result in the least interference between the user and a displayed document.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods advantageously select content items for dynamically-generated web pages in an intelligent and virtually autonomous manner. This permits the operator of the web site to rapidly identify and respond to trends, thereby advantageously updating the web site relatively quickly and efficiently without or with less time consuming and expensive manual labor. User interaction for a plurality of users with the web site is collected in a database. For various content items, the database is mined to extract relationships between probability and references of select attributes in probability models. When a new web page is requested, attributes, which can include attributes associated with a user, are used as references to the applicable probability models of selected content items, combined with value weighting to generate expected values, and selected for use in the web page at least partially based on the expected values.

Abstract: A visualization system for heterogeneous data sets comprises: a unique visualization interface created by a visualization engine. The visualization interface comprises a first area defining a center of attention, second area defining a parameter space and a plurality of correlation elements. The first area is a two-dimensional space for the display of items of interest. The second area provides a space in which parameters associated with the items of interest can be displayed. The correlation elements indicate relationships and their strength between items of interest and parameters in the second area. The visualization engine preferably comprises an input module, a control module, a retrieving module, a rendering module, and an analysis module. These components are coupled together to receive input from a user, retrieve data from a data source, and present the unique visualization interface to the user.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for controlling a display on a computer-aided design (CAD) data editing screen, whereby commands more likely to be utilized are preferentially displayed.

Abstract: A method of segmenting relative user preferences into fine-grain and coarse-grain collections is provided. The method includes providing a set of content items having associated descriptive terms. The method also includes receiving user search input and, in response thereto, presenting a subset of content items. The method includes receiving user selection actions and analyzing the selections to learn the user's preferred descriptive terms. The method includes expressing the learned preferred descriptive terms as a segmented probability distribution function having at least one fine grain segment and at least one coarse grain segment. In response to subsequent search input, the method calls for selecting and ordering a collection of content items by promoting the ranking of content items associated with the learned preferred descriptive terms of the user according to the differentiation provided by the segmented probability distribution function.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in a computing environment to present and provide access to information that a user cares about. A scheme is provided for presenting frequently used controls and information in tiles within a sidebar. Tiles are hosted individually or in groups, within a sidebar, for interaction by a user. Tiles can be added or removed from the sidebar automatically or by user request. The present invention is further directed to a method for providing a scaleable and useable preview of tiles within a sidebar. Further still, the present invention is directed to maintaining an overflow area of icons for tiles that would not fit within the sidebar. The sidebar has content that dynamically adjusts in response to the addition, expansion, squishing or removal of tiles. Even Further, a user can customize the sidebar of the present invention.

Abstract: Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and computer systems for generating a destination list from usage data captured at a data store and for rending destinations within a submenu area upon detecting a request from a user. Generating the destination list may involve selecting items from a listing of frequently used items, a listing of recently used items, or any other listing of items compiled internal to an operating system or provided by a target application. Typically, the items are selected according to configuration settings of the destination list. Rendering destinations within the submenu area may involve accessing the destination list by selecting a split button proximate to a presentation of an application launcher. Typically, the destination list references items managed by an application invoked by the application launcher. Destinations retrieved from the destination list are populated into the submenu area based on size characteristics thereof.

Abstract: A resource manager (e.g., a computer, a software application, etc.) initiates display of a list of managed objects associated with respective resources in a storage area network. The resource manager then receives a command from a user viewing the list to display view mode options associated with a set of two or more selected managed objects in the list. In response to receiving the command, the resource manager initiates display of a menu of view mode options that can be applied to each of the two or more managed objects in the set. The menu provided by the resource manager excludes any view mode options that pertain only to one of the managed objects or fewer than all managed objects in the set. Common view modes that can be applied to all managed objects in the set appear in the menu for selection by the user.

Abstract: A communications terminal apparatus, a reception apparatus, and a method can enhance the effect of reducing the amount of information to be transmitted when text data is generated and transmitted. The communications terminal apparatus 100 stores key identifier definition information in a key identifier definition-storage area 1071. The communications terminal apparatus 100 obtains a key identifier corresponding to an operated key from the key identifier definition-storage area 1071 when the key is operated, and adds and stores it as a key identifier string in the input key identifier storage area 1073. The communications terminal apparatus 100 transmits the key identifier string stored in the input key identifier storage area 1073 by the transmission function 1031 when a transmit instruction is detected.

Abstract: When starting a small thumbnail display mode, predetermined data prioritized by a priority setting unit are sequentially output from a data storage unit to a decoder and a display processing unit to preliminarily generate large thumbnail image data. The generated large thumbnail image data are temporarily stored in a thumbnail image data storage unit so as to be efficiently displayed in the priority order after switching of the display node to the large thumbnail display mode.

Abstract: In a broadcasting receiver having a function to set and select an operation mode of the receiver for each user based on input by a plurality of users, the operation mode is selected for each user to make a user setting and stored in a memory in correlation with a predetermined input pattern of an operation key. When having received a user's input in the predetermined pattern, the receiver refers to the memory to select a user setting that corresponds to this input pattern, thus switching the operation mode. It is thus possible to identify the operation mode for each user in use by simple operations.

Abstract: Regulating user interface controls includes receiving a user identifier, associating a grouping with the user identifier by selecting a grouping from among different groupings and automatically providing a set of user interface controls corresponding to the identified grouping, the set of user interface controls including a toolbar. The groupings can correspond to the maturity levels (e.g., kids and teenagers) of different network service provider users.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an enhanced method for displaying assessment and analysis of the risks of adverse effects resulting from the use of at least one substance of interest, comprising: identifying the at least one substance of interest; selecting the profile of the at least one substance of interest related to the safety of the at least one substance of interest, using at least one filter; analyzing the risks of adverse effects resulting from the use of the at least one substance of interest using at least one data mining engine; and displaying the results of the analysis of risks of adverse effects resulting from the use of the at least one substance of interest in a format that permits perception of correlations. Such a format is preferably at least one format selected from the group consisting of a radar display for display of correlations, a sortable table, and a sortable line listing and where the format contains elements linked to data regarding the adverse effects.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a user interface jump list application is disclosed, which reduces multiple functions into a single user interface function for electronic devices such as portable or mobile devices having computing and communication capabilities. First, the user interface jump list application provides a list of applications executing in the background on the electronic device. Second, the user interface application provides for the ability for the user to close, kill or quit (by giving an instruction) the application running in the background without having to activate or launch that application. The user interface application indicates applications that are active in a different font so the user can easily differentiate an application that is active from one that is not. The user interface application additionally provides a list of important or favorite applications for quick access and a list of recently used applications for quick access.

Abstract: An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for identifying the most likely recipients for a message or other communication from a source and building a most frequently used list of recipients. The present invention utilizes a contact list and determines the likelihood that a list of recipients from that contact list are the intended targets for a current message. The likelihood determination is made using both how recent and how frequent prior communications were made to particular individuals or groups of recipients. Further, a user is able to switch between a most frequently used list of recipients and full list of contacts.

Abstract: A method is implementable in an electronic system coupled to an electronic device, which is, in turn, coupled to a display device. A web page displayable on the display device is served to the electronic device. The displayed web page includes a user interface, which, in turn, includes a selection field. A first set of selectable tags is displayed in the selection field, each of the first-set tags corresponding to a respective vocational characteristic of a first set of vocational characteristics. A user selection of at least one first-set tag is received. An indication of a candidate profile associated with at least one vocational characteristic corresponding to the selected tag is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems present commands to a user within a software application program by determining the user's context within the application program and automatically presenting in a user interface commands that pertain to the user's current context. When the user's context changes, the context-sensitive commands are automatically removed from the user interface. In one implementation context blocks and context panes are employed to present the commands.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are described to generate a list of one or more links related to the content in an active window without a user having to request the query. The text from content in an active window may be analyzed. A query may be executed on the content in the active window without a user having to request the query. A first icon that represents a category of links related to the content may be embedded in an application operating in the active window. A list of links related to the content in the active window may be generated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ranking a menu list in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes storing, in an execution record table, execution information regarding at least one of an application and a file, updating a pattern table using information from the execution record table, and ranking a menu list according to information from the updated pattern table.

Abstract: A method of automatically creating a personalized homepage which infers one or more categories of interest from previous user activities in a different but related web service product, instead of expressly asking the user to input his/her areas of interest.

Abstract: A user-interface method of selecting and presenting a collection of content items based on user navigation and selection actions associated with the content is provided. The method includes associating a relevance weight on a per user basis with content items to indicate a relative measure of likelihood that the user desires the content item. The method includes receiving a user's navigation and selections actions for identifying desired content items, and in response, adjusting the associated relevance weight of the selected content item and group of content items containing the selected item. The method includes, in response to subsequent user input, selecting and presenting a subset of content items and content groups to the user ordered by the adjusted associated relevance weights assigned to the content items and content groups.

Abstract: Requests from a client to a network device are authenticated based on a session ID obtained by the network device. Requests may be authenticated by obtaining a session ID value when a session is initiated and transmitting a document to the client that embeds the session ID in such a manner that additional requests to the network device based on the document include the session ID in the request. The additional requests are authenticated based on a determination of whether the session ID is included in the additional requests.

Abstract: A method of displaying a plurality of digital objects includes storing the plurality of objects in a database, associating fixed parameter metadata and dynamic metadata with each of the digital objects, and classifying each of the digital objects in the database based on at least one of the fixed parameter metadata and the dynamic metadata. A user search request is then received and a subset of requested objects is defined that correspond to the user search request. A relevancy value is computed for each of the subset of requested objects using the fixed parameter metadata and/or the dynamic metadata. The objects are then displayed on a user display such that the most relevant objects are presented to the user and less relevant objects are spaced from the most relevant object. The display maybe two- or three-dimensional and includes all relevant images in a single display.

Abstract: Input is received from at least two different input sources. Information from these sources are combined together to provide a result. In a particular example, input from one source corresponds to potential recognition candidates, and input from another source corresponds to other potential candidates. These candidates are combined together to select a result.

Abstract: Among other disclosures, a method may include collecting historical communication data and personal data relating to a portion of a plurality of communications, a sender of one or more of the communications or one or more recipients of the communications. The method may include depositing the collected data into a repository of historical communication data and personal data. The method may include presenting one or more items in the repository, in response to user behavior.

Abstract: A home system for supporting a life behavior, in which a user can effectively select a function or content quickly according to attributes and states of display devices arranged in respective locations and the user behavior. A storage unit holds location attribute information on the devices, time band dependent use frequency for each user, and location dependence of each. A user identifier input unit identifies a user using a function or content. When displaying a menu for the user to select a content and a function, a calculation unit references each database of the storage unit in accordance with the menu display state and generates menu content information correlated to the content and the function. A display unit displays such a menu that the user can easily select a content and a function with higher priority rank according to the menu content information.

Abstract: A system and method for targeting content to be shown to a user, such as advertisements. The members of taste network of a user can be identified according to a given similarity threshold. An advertisement or other content can be selected based upon a favorable response to the advertisement or other content by members of the user's similarity threshold taste network. The degree of the favorable response required for advertisement or other content selection can be given as a favorable response threshold. The selected advertisement or other content can be caused to be shown to a user.

Abstract: A system for generating a widget that can show the similarity between users. A web server can host a web page that is associated with an owner user. A similarity engine can determine the similarity of a visitor user from whom a request for the web page is received at the web server and the owner user. A widget generation module can create a widget that can include a graphical element that displays the similarity determined by the similarity engine between the visitor user and the owner user, as well as code that can be adapted to be executed by the visitor user computer. A widget transmission module can send the widget to the visitor user.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing bidirectional communication between a user agent and an Internet Web server. Some applications include user agent initiated on demand access to Web content without requiring a Web page reload, updating of shopping cart information, extension of displayed product information and tracking of user interaction history. Web content can be accessed in response to a user agent detectable event, including such as the selection of a text field or a button. This approach enables user agent resident JAVA script to access and process Web content before it is rendered to a user.

Abstract: Display of menu items on a display of an electronic device, such as a cellphone or other portable device, is managed by defining first and second menus including respective first and second groups of menu items (e.g., graphic icons and/or text), wherein the first group of menu items is a subset of the second group of menu items. The device transitions from display of the first menu to display of the second menu responsive to user activation of a menu expansion function. Menu items may be organized responsive to user input.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to monitor usage of software applications and services. According to some embodiments, it may be determined that an application event has occurred. At least a portion of a file name may be accessed and compared to one or more actual file identifiers. An actual file identifier may then be selected based on the comparison.

Abstract: A network usage history associated with a user is obtained (202). The network usage history includes information relating to a first usage and a second usage of the network by the user. A graphical representation is formed that distinguishes the first usage and the second usage of the at least one network by the user and characterizes the first usage and the second usage (204). The graphical representation is presented to the user at the mobile station (206). Interactive navigation through the graphical representation presented to the user is facilitated in order to obtain information relating to a contact of the user and enable communication with the contact (208).