Abstract: A human-computer interface system and methods for providing intelligent, adaptive, multimodal interaction with users while accomplishing tasks on their behalf in some particular domain or combination of domains. Specifically, this system accepts user input via natural language text, mouse actions, human speech, whistles, gestures, pedal movements, facial or postural changes, and conveys results via natural language text, automatically-generated speech, and displays of graphs, tables, animation, video, and mechanical and chemical effectors that convey heat, tactile sensation, taste and smell.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel hybrid polymer optical alignment layers for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium. Hybrid polymers of this invention are prepared from at least one component selected from the group consisting of monomer, macromonomer and polymer within the class of polyimides, poly(amic acids) and esters thereof and at least one component selected from the group consisting of addition monomer and functionalized addition polymer wherein the two components are covalently bonded to form a copolymer. The invention further describes liquid crystal displays comprising the novel branched hybrid polymer optical alignment layers.