Abstract: A computer system preferably a mobile client computer, optimizes data handling and display through the use of predictive widgets. A predictive widget uses a predictive list of possible entries into a defined field of a form, as in a form filling application, to provide one or both of a predictive default entry for a field or a predictive fill once a user has started an entry into the field. A first predictive widget for a first data field interacts to determine the performance of a second predictive widget for a second field.

Abstract: A computer in which entry of data from an area provided on a display, touchscreen or the like is facilitated by the provision of a "soft keyboard" having keys configurable as hexagonal cells. Hexagonal cells enable display of larger areas for engagement by the finger or other input pointer used by a user of the computer of this invention. A user can be permitted a choice between hexagonal and rectangular cells.

Abstract: A computer system, preferably a mobile client computer, optimizes data handling and display through the use of predictive widgets. A predictive widget uses a predictive list of possible entries into a defined field of a form, as in a form filling application, to provide one or both of a predictive default entry for a field or a predictive fill once a user has started an entry into the field. Predictive lists are shared and copied between and among a plurality of communicating computer systems.

Abstract: A computer in which entry of data from an area provided on a display, touch screen or the like is accomplished by the provision of a "soft keyboard". Misentry of data is avoided by providing for the calculation of an offset as may be required by the entry habits of a user which target areas of a defined key cell spaced from the center of the cell.

Abstract: A display system, particularly a computer such as a mobile client system, in which an empty element, cell or field of a displayed table is suppressed from being displayed until called for purposes of entry.

Abstract: A computer in which entry of data from an area provided on a display, touchscreen or the like is facilitated by the provision of a "soft keyboard". The data entry area is defined, by the cooperation of a control program and a processor, to have a central zone in which data entry keys are displayed, and peripheral zones, in which function keys and a list of entry options are displayed. A user may morph the keyboard into any desired one of a variety of configurations.

Abstract: An input device for a computer system having a central processing unit mounted in a central enclosure comprising a keyboard and touchpad mounted in a hinged bivalve enclosure. The input device is tethered to the central enclosure by a conductive tether.

Abstract: The use of video/audio signal streams such as in the past have been distributed by broadcast over radio frequency bands or by cable distribution, or made available from video recorder/player devices such as cassette recorders or video disc players, or made available from direct, live sources such as cameras, game systems or computers. In accordance with this invention, programs stored in memory devices associated with microcontrollers controlling the display to a user are constructed in a language which uses layered statements, each of which can have a description portion, an action portion, and a unique connecting character.

Abstract: A video display, which may be a television receiver with associated set top device, an intelligent television receiver, or a personal computer system enabled for television display, has associated therewith a remote control of the three axis type which controls modification of the visual images displayed. The remote control cooperates with a microcontroller.

Abstract: A musically enhanced computer keyboard (12) (FIG. 3) having a portion 106 (FIG. 5 ) resembling a partial piano style keyboard having a standard "QWERTY" alpha-numeric key arrangement (102) and a modified function key row arrangement (108). Musical information is entered by using the modified function key row (108) (keys (110) through (128)) as the piano style keyboard's black keys and using the symbol and number keys (130) through (158) as the piano style keyboard's white keys. Textual information is entered by depressing an "Alt" key (168) while concurrently depressing a musical note key (keys (110) through (128)) which causes a textual character associated with the particular key being depressed to appear on a display monitor.

Abstract: Methods and systems that facilitate translation of text associated with application programs (such as word processors, spreadsheets, and design software) into languages other than English are disclosed. At least the key textual terms of the application are isolated from executable program code and stored in separate character-string library files. Independent libraries are maintained for each foreign language into which the program is to be translated. Library entries are accessed by means of a string reader and formatter, which, in response to commands embedded in the application text, loads the appropriate libraries and retrieves the designated terms. The invention replaces text entries, which would otherwise appear alongside program code and require compilation, with commands designating character strings and, if desired, their manner of display as well.

Abstract: A video display, which may be a television receiver with associated set top device, an intelligent television receiver, or a personal computer system enabled for television display, has associated therewith a remote control which controls modification of the visual images displayed. By use of the remote control, a human observer may cause a processor controlling the video display to execute a control program formulated in a particularly concise language and controlling the display of menus and the like.