Abstract: A technique for incorporating binary formatting into a tag-based description language, such as XML, is provided. The binary formatting is achieved by tokenizing the tag and attribute names into variable sized numeric tokens, thereby obviating the need for repetitive or redundant storage of lengthy unicode words, etc. The binary formatting minimizes parsing time and the generation of overhead incident to the formatting and parsing of data. Parsing time is thereby substantially decreased and generally, the size of the resulting file decreases too.

Abstract: Described is a system and mechanism by which a client computer may issue a conventional request for a resource on the Web. A response to that request is annotated with information indicating that metadata is available for the resource. Specifically, a special tag or instruction may be included in the response document that indicates the existence and location of a discovery document containing metadata about the resource. The client computer may then retrieve the metadata from the location identified in the response. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention enables a lightweight mechanism for discovering metadata about a resource without a need for extensive reprogramming of the resource or the addition of other resources specifically to indicate that metadata may exist for the resource.

Abstract: A system for proactively automating the use of a computer comprises a central processing unit (CPU), an input device, a display device and memory including a set of feature templates, context monitoring unit, input monitoring unit, feature presentation routines and feature implementation routines. The CPU is coupled to the display device and input devices for displaying information and receiving information, respectively. The CPU is also coupled to the input monitoring unit and the context monitoring unit to detect and record user manipulations of the input device and its context. The CPU is also coupled to a section of memory containing feature templates. Each template is a set of input manipulation steps and program contexts. The CPU compares the recorded user manipulations of the input and their corresponding program context with the feature templates stored in memory.

Abstract: A method of conveniently making a selection from a set of options available in a computer program is described. As successive letters which make up the proposed selection are entered, successively smaller lists of options corresponding to the entered letters are displayed. At any point, the user makes a selection by moving a cursor to a desired selection and pressing a button or key to indicate that the selection has been made.