Abstract: The described techniques automatically change the notification mode used by a mobile communications device to alert a user of an incoming communication to the mobile communications device. The notification mode is changed in response to a detected environmental condition. The mobile communications device monitors one or more environmental conditions, such as motion, light, sound, and heat, and compares the detected level of each environmental condition to a predetermined threshold. In response to the comparison result, the mobile communications device automatically adjusts the notification mode used to alert a user to an incoming communication. In some implementations, the notification mode change may be triggered only after the environmental condition persists for a predetermined interval of time. In some implementations, the types of automatic notification mode changes used may be based on a preference of a user and may be set through the use of an Internet protocol interface.

Abstract: A method implemented on a data processing device is described comprising: receiving an incoming electronic message having an identifiable sender address; querying data storage to determine if the sender address is a known sender address; if the sender address is a known sender address, then automatically retrieving alternate contact information associated with the sender address; and automatically generating an interface containing the alternate contact information, the interface accessible by the user of the data processing device.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing user profiles in an interactive television system. An interactive television system includes a broadcast station, a set-top box, and a remote mobile or fixed unit. The system is configured to create and/or update a user profile in response to an access made in a first access mode. In response to detecting a user access in a second access mode, the system accesses the user profile, selects data based at least in part on the user profile, and transmits the data to the user.

Abstract: System and method for securing a computing device using a master cryptographic key that is bound to the device. The master key is used to derive sensitive data that is transferred to storage that is only accessible in a restricted mode of operation. The master key is used to derive one or more application keys that are used to secure data that is specific to an application/device pair. Non-privileged programs can request functions that run in a more restricted mode to use these application keys. The restricted mode program checks the integrity of the non-privileged calling program to insure that it has the authority and/or integrity to perform each requested operation. One or more device authority servers may be used to issue and manage both master and application keys.

Abstract: A graphical user interface between a user of a computer service and the computer service includes a list of other users of the computer service selected by the user as significant to the user and an icon associated with one of the other listed users indicating that a communication has occurred between the user and the other user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel technique designed to provide a front-end graphical user interface for voice interaction, displaying a list of voice commands that can be used within a control scope of a medical system and that change depending on where the user is in the system. The user is presented with a quick reference guide to available commands without being overwhelmed. “Contextual voice cues” (CVC) provide a non-intrusive dynamic list of available commands to the user which automatically pop-up and change depending on the screen or mode the user is in. An indicator, such as a feedback light, may show whether a voice command is accepted. The technique may be utilized with medical information and diagnostic systems such as picture archival communication systems (PACS), ultrasound modalities, and so forth. Implementation of the technique should increase clinician adoption rates of voice recognition control and thus advance improvements in clinician workflow.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically grouping messaging buddies in an electronic network may include a user device that communicates with a server device in the electronic network for transmitting message information to one or more selected buddy devices in the electronic network. The server device may include a profile database that is configured to store profiles which each include designated profile attributes for a corresponding one of the messaging buddies. A device user may utilize a messaging application of the user device to enter a dynamic grouping mode for generating a dynamic buddy list from a static buddy list based upon a grouping query of the various profiles in the profile database.

Abstract: A multimodal network element (14) facilitates concurrent multimodal communication sessions through differing user agent programs (30, 34) on one or more devices (12, 16). For example, a user agent program communicating in a voice mode, such as a voice browser (34) in a voice gateway (16) that includes a speech engine and call/session termination, is synchronized with another user agent program operating in a different modality, such as a graphical browser (30) on a mobile device (12). The plurality of user agent programs (30, 34) are operatively coupled with a content server (18) during a session to enable concurrent multimodal interaction.

Abstract: A system for presenting advertisements to a user during video presentations. The system includes a memory with logic and a processor configured with the logic to detect a trick mode activation (810) during a media content instance presentation and then present an advertisement during a trick mode display (820) of the media content instance presentation.

Abstract: A data processing system including a processor operable in a plurality of modes and in either a secure domain or a non-secure domain. The system includes at least one secure mode being a mode in the secure domain, at least one non-secure mode being a mode in the non-secure domain, and a monitor mode. When the processor is executing a program in a secure mode the program has access to secure data which is not accessible when the processor is operating in a non-secure mode. Switching between the secure and non-secure modes takes place via the monitor mode and the processor is operable at least partially in the monitor mode to execute a monitor program managing switching between the secure and non-secure modes.

Abstract: A method for automatically setting a keypad input mode in response to a text message received on a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes a step for determining the language being predominant in the received text message and for setting the keypad input mode to a dictionary-based disambiguation mode which is based on a disambiguation model related to said predominant language determined when available or otherwise setting the keypad input mode to multitap-mode.

Abstract: A system and method in a computer network in which computer users may make handwritten annotations (to publication pages such as a slideshow slide) public to other computer users, as well as to view public annotations from other computer users. Users can selectively publish authored notes, and subscribe to other user's published notes, as well as see who is subscribing to those notes. An annotation program such as running on a tablet personal computer allows a user to operate in a public mode or a private mode. In the public mode, an author's ink strokes are sent to a server which distributes those ink strokes to subscribers of that author. The architecture provides other useful applications, including a shared canvas mode in which any user annotations corresponding to a publication page are viewable to other users, and a graffiti mode in which annotations are persisted independent of any publication page.

Abstract: A system and method for determining, storing and utilizing terminal operating mode data in a telecommunication system, in which the user can selectively set his terminal into two or more distinct operating modes. When the operating mode of the user's terminal is changed, information regarding the change of operating mode is sent from the user terminal to a telecommunication server using any available and/or otherwise available technique available in the telecommunication network. The user terminal operating mode change is stored on the telecommunication server for access by parties seeking to contact or communicate with the user's terminal.

Abstract: A mobile device having a keyboard that is selectively illuminated to indicate an active portion is disclosed. The active portion of a key, a set of keys, or the entire keyboard is illuminated, or optionally illuminated using different illumination intensity or color, to indicate the active input mode. This provides an indication of the keyboard input mode without relying upon an onscreen or other indicator.

Abstract: A user interface mechanism that introduces a novel concept referred to as a “non-overlapping workspace”. A system user can switch between the traditional overlapping workspace and the novel non-overlapping workspace, depending upon how they wish to move and manage objects in the workspace. In the non-overlapping mode, as the user moves a selected object to relocate it within the work area, as its border touches another object, the selected object pushes the other object (rather than cover it). In an alternative embodiment, when the system is in the non-overlapping mode, objects on the desktop have “sticky” borders, that is, as the border of a selected object comes into contact with the border of another object, the two objects are coupled to each other as though they were glued together, forming an “object unit”.

Abstract: Help information for a software application is provided based on a user help knowledge base. The user help knowledge base includes a user help profile indicating help information previously selected by the user. Examples of data tracked for the previously selected help information include the application context in which it selected, a presentation mode in which it was presented, at least one associated help topic, and a help content format. The user help knowledge base can further comprise a user profile maintained by the software application. Based on the information in the user help knowledge base, as well as the current context of the application and/or user data entered, the help module selects help information pertinent to the user and the current context of the application. A presentation mode, for example a video mode, an audio mode or a display mode, is selected for the help information as well based on the user help knowledge base.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for secure collection and display of user interface information in a pre-boot environment are disclosed. A disclosed system executes trusted software under a secure mode of a processor. In the secure mode, the processor may directly access an area of memory that normally cannot be accessed. One or more software routines, device drivers, digital certificates, hash codes, encryption keys, and/or any other data may be stored in the secure area of memory. Software routines and device drivers stored in the secure area of memory and/or certified by data in the secure area of memory may be “trusted.” Preferably, trusted software routines and/or device drivers are digitally signed by a trusted source (e.g., Microsoft). In addition to trusted interface objects, the pre-boot environment may include non-trusted interface objects. These non-trusted interface objects may use third party software routines and/or device drivers. Accordingly, both trusted and non-trusted interface objects may be used in the same pre-boot interface.

Abstract: A system for generating user interface code is provided. The system includes a user interface class system generating a user interface class that has two or more user interface features that can be assembled into a user interface by an operator, such as field entry prompts and data display fields. The system also includes a handler class system generating one or more states for each user interface feature of the user interface class, such as to navigate through the field entry prompts and data display fields. The user interface class system, in conjunction with the handler class system, generates the user interface code that causes the selected user interface features and associated states for the user interface features to be generated.

Abstract: A method and implementing instant messaging processing system are provided in which a user's presence and on-line status in a chat session are not broadcast to the chat or instant messaging participants until the user chooses to allow or enable such broadcast. Additionally, the user is enabled to selectively exclude other specified users from seeing the user's on-line status. A “preferences” screen is presented to a user to enable the user to input his or her privacy preferences during a subsequent chat session before the user actually logs-into the chat session. The instant messaging system includes means by which a local instant messaging user is enabled to view all remote users within the chat application who are monitoring the user's on-line status as a result of having the user included in the remote users' buddy lists, as well as the ability to view the on-line state of those remote users. Further, an “off the record” mode may be selectively enabled by the user to preclude remote users from recording the communications being transmitted during a chat session.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based library that is capable of operating on a magazine data storage element comprised of a plurality of hard disk drives and an interface that allows data to be transferred between the hard disk drives and a host computer. One embodiment of the library comprises a plurality of shelves that are each capable of supporting at least one magazine data storage element, one or more drives, and a magazine transport that is capable of moving a magazine data storage element between any one of the shelves and any one of the drives. The present invention also provides a magazine data storage element drive that is capable of being used in stand-alone mode, i.e., outside of a magazine-based library.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus that can include a portable computer with a keyboard apparatus and/or a docking station A keyboard apparatus can be secured to a main body of the computer system and selectively enable users to input data when the computer (eg, web pad) is turned on The keyboard apparatus can be used for a portable multi-type computer with web pad function and notebook personal computer The docking station can include a stand pivotably coupled to a dock that can receive the main body with/without the keyboard apparatus The docking station can support selective display in a portrait or landscape mode Further, combinations of the portable multi-type computer allows unique versatility of viewable options of a display of the main body (eg, web pad) when with the keyboard apparatus and/or docking station

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a wireless communication system may adaptively switch between a multiple input, multiple output mode and a spatial division, multiple access mode based at least in part on channel conditions and traffic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods that provide a user the ability to selectively setup a device with limited functionality for another user. The systems and methods can be employed in connection with devices such as a cell phone, a personal computer and the like, wherein the owner can generate and activate various modes of functionality associated with one or more guest users. The foregoing allows the owner to selectively lock out features such as RF transmission in order to mitigate activation of billable services without the owner's consent. The modes of functionality can be configured such that the owner can activate a particular mode at any given time for a particular or any user, or a mode can be activated based on information related to the current user. The foregoing provides for increased device flexibility, efficiency, security and shareability, while mitigating undesired user activity.

Abstract: In a navigation device, user profiles may be stored and used to navigate a user who may be driving in a vehicle, on foot, or in other mode of transportation. Each user profile corresponds to one of the user's personae. For example, the user business profile corresponding to the user's business persona may be different from the user personal profile corresponding to the user's personal persona. For instance, the user business profile may include fine-dining type restaurants for business meetings while the user personal profile may instead include fast-food type restaurants for personal dining. The navigation device provides the user with a navigated route, together with information concerning the favorite facilities and events surrounding the navigated route, which satisfy the preferences in a selected user profile. In addition, blockages may also be established using the device to avoid selected areas, e.g., high crime rate areas, in the navigated route, or to block transmission of selected information concerning, e.g., uninteresting facilities and events, to the navigation device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving and displaying a television signal and a data signal in a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a display unit with a video data display area and a user data display area. The mobile terminal determines in a standby mode whether it is set to a television mode or communication mode. If the mobile terminal is set to the television mode, it controls a tuner to select a desired television channel. The mobile terminal stores video data of a current frame received over the selected channel and user data corresponding to the selected channel in a memory unit, outputs video data of a previous frame stored in the memory unit to the video data display area of the display unit in a frame period and then outputs the user data stored in the memory unit to the user data display area of the display unit upon completing the output of the video data of the previous frame. In the communication mode, the mobile terminal stops the operation of the tuner and displays user data generated in the communication mode in the video data display area and user data display area.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed that provides a mechanism for exposing to user mode applications the features and information enabled by the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (“ACPI”) specification. The present invention provides a generic mapping driver that executes in kernel mode, and that makes calls to the ACPI driver accessible by user mode applications. The mapping driver may be a part of a management instrumentation system, such as the Windows Management Instrumentation (“WMI”) system. The WMI system provides an interface through which instrumented components, such as hardware devices, can provide information and notification to management applications in user mode through a consistent management information store. The mapping driver provides access to the ACPI system from the WMI management system.

Abstract: A data input method in user terminals having a limited-size keyboard with two different data input methods linked in such a way that toggling between the modes does not require from the user any special action during text input, since the change of mode is automatically performed as a result of keystrokes which are normal when a text is being edited.

Abstract: A microcomputer detects tracing on a touch panel, detects the traced pattern and controls each unit to execute advancing/backing or deleting the image according to the detected pattern. The microcomputer also changes the display mode from standard play mode to magnify mode or thumbnail display mode.

Abstract: A method of mixed mode communication in a wireless mobile communication system allows a first user to initially communicate with a second user using a first communication mode (108), such as a voice calling mode. During the use of the first communication mode, the users decide (110) to use a second communication mode to facilitate a different form of communication, such as an image transfer. The communication device then establishes a second communication link (104), and a second mode of communication is then engaged in (118). Upon finishing the second communication mode, (120), the first communication mode remains, or is reestablished (124).