Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for use in computer display systems, and in particular, a graphical user interface for use in computer controlled multi-media editing systems. The user interface of the present invention utilizes the three components of color, hue, luminance and saturation, to convey information to a user. In a preferred embodiment, each of the three components are mapped to variables that are displayed on the interface. The value of a particular variable may be represented by a gradient of one of the color components or by a discrete value of one of the color components.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for use in computer display systems, and in particular, a graphical user interface for use in computer systems. The user interface of the present invention includes a function palette that displays a variety of function icons. Each function icon corresponds to a function that a user may wish to perform. The user selects a function icon from the palette corresponding to the desired function and the user places a copy of the icon at that point in the display where the function is to be performed. For example, in the context of a multimedia video editor, the user may place an icon on a timeline that corresponds to source material. The desired function will then be performed on the source material at that point where the user placed the icon, either immediately or upon subsequent command from the user.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for use in connection with computer display systems such as computer controlled multi-media editing systems. The interface utilizes the components of color (e.g., hue, luminance and saturation) to convey information to a user. Each of these components are mapped to variables that are displayed via the interface. The value of a particular variable may be represented by a gradient of one of the color components or by a discrete value of one of the color components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manually operable calculator for determining a fourth value on the basis of three variables. According to one example, the calculator is used to determine the total storage available for a recording medium consisting of several units, such as hard disks or magneto optical disks. Specifically, values for total storage are displayed in response to inputting the capacity of each disk, the number of disks and the data recording rate. According to the invention, the calculator comprises a slide member upon which two rotating wheels are mounted along a common axis of rotation. The slide and wheels each have indicia corresponding to the three variables printed thereon. The indicia on the wheels is selected by rotation while the indicia on the slide is selected by moving the slide within a sleeve having openings formed therein.