Abstract: The operation of a computer system can be determined by the content of highlighted data on a display device and a predefined criterion. In this computer system, the highlighted data could be located anywhere on the display device. The highlighted data is not related to any embedded links. In one embodiment, a temporary storage buffer is used to store data highlighted by a user. The computer system also contains a table (or database) associating a list of computer operations with a list of keywords and a set of predefined criteria. When a pre-assigned key is pressed, the content of the temporary storage buffer is compared with the list of data in the database. When there is a match, the predefined criteria is used to select the associated operation. After selection, the operation is performed. As a result, the operation performed is related to the content of the highlighted data and the predefined criteria.

Abstract: A bossless computer program architecture in which each program module is hierarchically equal is used to develop complicated software applications. Each program module is associated with a parameter file. The characteristics and operation of the program modules are determined by their associated parameter files. These modules communicate by writing statements to the parameter files associated with other modules. Once written, the origin of these statements is ignored. Thus, there is no need to "return" to the modules which originate the statements. Further, the statements are executed by the modules without regard to their origins. This new architecture does not require the preservation of linkage information because there is no need for the program modules to return information or control to other modules. Various applications of this architecture to windows-based environment and multimedia applications are disclosed.

Abstract: The operation of a computer system can be determined by the content of highlighted data on a display device. In this computer system, the highlighted data could be located anywhere on the display device. The highlighted data is not related to any embedded links. In one embodiment, a temporary storage buffer is used to store data highlighted by a user. The computer system also contains a table (or database) associating a list of data with a list of computer operations. When a pre-assigned key is pressed, the content of the temporary storage buffer is compared with the list of data in the database. When there is a match, the associated operation is performed. As a result, the operation performed is related to the content of the highlighted data.

Abstract: A computer network system of the present invention contains program modules residing in different computers and executing commands without return results to calling program modules. The system contains a communication network connecting a plurality of computers. It also contains a plurality of program modules each associated with a parameter file. These program modules can send commands to other program modules. The program modules executes these commands without returning results to the calling program modules. The parameter files and program modules may locate in different computers of the network system. The system contains means for downloading a parameter file to a computer containing its associated program module and means for invoking the program module in response to downloading of the parameter file.

Abstract: Fast scrolling of images can be achieved by drawing only the portions that are changed as a result of scrolling. Because there is no need to draw the whole image during scrolling, the scrolling speed can be increased. This method can be applied to bitmap and vector images. A high speed data transfer device can also be used to further increase scrolling speed. This device comprises two memory buffers, a first circuit for communicating data with a hard disk, and a second circuit for communicating data with system memory. The device also comprises a data switching circuit which alternative couples the first circuit to one of the two buffers and alternatively couples the second circuit to the remaining one of the two buffers. As a result, graphic data can be continuously transfer between the hard disk and system memory. Consequently, scrolling can be performed without slowed down by data transfer.

Abstract: A system for high speed data transfer between an external memory and internal memory of a computer is disclosed. The system contains a CPU, two memory devices, a first circuit for communicating data with the external memory, a second circuit for communicating data with the internal memory, a data switch for alternatively connecting the two memory devices to the first and the second circuit, and a software routine. The software routine causes the data switch to couple one of the memory devices to the internal memory when the CPU is available to process data. The software routine also causes an application program to be executed by the CPU when data is transferred between the external memory and one of the memory devices.

Abstract: A method for a service provider to contact a merchant or a customer (requester) is provided. A special card number (e.g., credit card number, debit card number and ATM card number) to a requester. The card number has a set of digits referencing a call center (130) of a service provider. When a requester requests services, the card number and the requester's contact number is sent to a card processing facility (118). The facility (118) notifies the call center (130) of this card number and contact number. The call center (130) obtains information related to this card number (e.g., name and address of the holder) and assigns an agent to contact the requester using the contact number. As a result, the agent can reach the customer and/or merchant and handle complex transactions. Alternatively, the call center (130) can use an automatic outbound calling device to contact the requester automatically, e.g., to deliver a prerecorded announcement.