Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying translucent, overlapping graphical objects, e.g., windows, on a computer monitor. In the system, a graphical representation of a first object is displayed on the monitor of the computer. Then, a graphical representation of a second object is displayed on the monitor overlaying and obscuring at least a portion of the first object. The system displays a vestigial representation of a portion of the first object obscured by the second object through the second object. Typically, the vestigial representation comprises an outline of the object, although other graphical representations could also be used. Moreover, multiple such overlapping objects may be displayed on the monitor in a similar manner. The system accepts a command from the user to identify and designate a lower level object as a top level object. In pen-based PCs, the command is a pen gesture, and preferably, the drawing of the Greek “gamma” character or &ggr;.

Abstract: The invention relates to a visual display in which a liquid-crystal matrix generates an image on a screen. (The liquid-crystal matrix acts somewhat like a 35 mm slide.) The screen contains a digitizer which detects the position of a hand-held pointer. The detected position can be reported to a computer, which is involved in generating the image. The screen can be small, as in a notebook computer, or the screen can be as large as a drafting table or chalkboard.