Abstract: A graphical user interface for a computer system that includes one or more intelligent assistants. The interface includes composite icons comprising a graphical representation of a human figure, a representation of a desk, and a mini-icon that associates an assistant with the object it supports. The assistant's desk can be opened to show its contents and the human figure can move from its position next to the desk to a position on the computer display screen next to a suggestions dialog box that displays suggested actions to the user.

Abstract: A method of indicating the position of multiple selections of objects in a windowed computer user interface. The method includes displaying objects to be selected in a window which includes a scroll bar. When objects in the window are selected, a marker icon is automatically placed in the scroll bar in response to such selection.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting errors in frames of seismic data that can be presented as images, such images being expected to exhibit an inherent symmetry about an axis, the apparatus comprising: a storage device for storing a frame of seismic data which can be presented as an image; a selection device for selecting an axis within the image as the axis of symmetry; a divider for dividing the data about the axis of symmetry to create first and second sets of data; and a comparison means for comparing the sets of data according to preselected matching criteria to determine, based on the degree of matching, whether the extent of mismatch in the frame of data is within a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: An improved font resolution method is disclosed for a data processing system, which enables the translation of an originally defined font for a document, into available fonts in a local data processing system where the document is to be displayed or printed. The method allows for the selective substitution by a user of alternate Code Page Names and Character Set Names for fonts which may be available on a local data processing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for facilitating operator initiated integration of items between software objects in a graphical user interface. In this technique, the operator selects a source software object. The source software object includes data items which may be selected by the operator. During an integrated operation mode of operation, a graphical pointing device is utilized by the operator to data select items which are present in the source software object. By manipulating the graphical pointing device, the operator then selects a particular icon, which includes representative of either software objects or data processing implemented operations. The data processing system is programmed to then automatically initiate a particular data processing implemented operation which involves the recorded operator selection of the data items and the software object or data processing implemented operation which is represented by the icon selected by the operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for facilitating operator initiated integration of items between software objects in a graphical user interface. In this technique, the operator selects a source software object and one or more target software objects. The source software object and the target software objects include data items which may be copied by the operator between the software objects during an accelerated integration mode of operation. During the accelerated integration mode of operation, a graphical pointing device is utilized by the operator to select items which are present in the source software object. By manipulating the graphical pointing device, the operator selects items from the source software object for automatic inclusion in the one or more target software objects, while the graphical pointing device is maintained entirely within the source software object. A visual indication is automatically provided which is representative of the step of automatically copying.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus for a virtual conference system comprises: a display means for displaying a virtual conference room used for holding a virtual conference, and for displaying, in the virtual conference room, animated characters representing attendants at the virtual conference; an indication means for indicating an action of an animated character representing the user; an information output means for outputting action information for the animated character representing the user indicated by the indication means; and character control means for actuating the other animated characters in accordance with input action information for the other animated characters, and for actuating the animated character representing the user in accordance with the indicated action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for facilitating operator interaction with a data processing system which includes a menu-formatted graphical user interface. The menu-formatted graphical user interface is provided on a display in the data processing system for interaction with the operator, and includes a plurality of menu fields whose identities and display positions are determined by an initial display configuration. Additionally, a menu field palette is provided in the graphical user interface which includes at least one additional possible menu field.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer audio interface having stereo and filtered sound effects to enable blind users to operate a graphical user interface. Stereo balance and incremental filtering are used along separate axes to guide a blind or visually impaired user within an area of a graphical user interface, particularly the client area of a window. As the pointer approaches the left boundary of the client area, the sounds representing the client area come more and more exclusively from the left audio channel. Likewise, when approaching the right boundary, the sound shifts to the right channel. Additionally, as the pointer is moved toward the top of the window client area, the pitch of the sound increases in stepwise fashion.

Abstract: A computer system user interface that includes a method of accessing electronic data. The method includes displaying on a computer display screen a control window that includes a perspective view of a work area. The work area includes at least one animated icon that is movable from a closed position to a substantial continuum of open positions. Moving the icon to an open position automatically opens a window on the display screen that contains the data to be accessed. Closing the icon automatically closes the window.

Abstract: A method and system in a data processing system, having a plurality of users enrolled therein and having a number of electronic mail objects which may be transmitted and received within the distributed data processing system, are provided for ensuring a specific response to a selected electronic mail object by a recipient thereof within the data processing system. The method and system include designating an electronic mail object as requiring a specific response and then transmitting the electronic mail object to a recipient. The recipient of the electronic mail object is prompted for a specific response in response to the recipient opening an electronic mail object and is prohibited from performing a selected action until the specific response has been entered by the recipient.

Abstract: A method of implementing a preview window in an object oriented programming system that includes an application having at least a first panel and a second panel that are selectively displayable on a display screen. The second panel displays underlying information and the first panel displays an abbreviated representation of the underlying information. The user can temporarily display a preview window that contains underlying information while viewing the first panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer audio interface adapted to enable blind or visually impaired users to locate icons positioned in rows in the background of a graphical user interface. Whenever the pointer of the interface is positioned on the background, the system produces a distinctive tone. Whenever the pointer is positioned in an icon row that is occupied by one or more icons, the system produces a distinctive chord. Whenever the pointer is positioned in the background and not in an occupied row, the system produces stereo effects that give the user information as to the relative left/right position of the pointer. Whenever the pointer is positioned in an occupied row, the amplitude of the left and right stereo channels is controlled such that whenever the pointer is to the left of the leftmost icon, substantially all of the volume is produced by the left speaker and whenever the pointer is to the right of the rightmost icon, substantially all of the the volume is produced by the right speaker.

Abstract: A method of displaying and inputting time values in a computer system that includes a display screen and a user operable pointing device. The method includes displaying on the screen a representation of an analog clock with hands that the user can position with the pointing device to input time values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enabling the translation of machine readable information from a first national language to a second national language. The method includes the steps of forming a table of rules setting forth the number of additional spaces required to contain the second national language translation for a phrase of machine readable information written in the first national language. Then, an appropriate number of additional space is taken from the table is automatically added to each phrase of the machine readable information written in the first national language.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that enables blind or visually impaired computer users to handle message boxes in a graphical user interface. When a message box first appears, the textual content of the box is announced audibly and an audible homing signal is produced. In the preferred embodiment, the homing signal is a tone whose pitch increases as the distance between the pointer and the message box decreases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer system user interface that includes a window frame with a window title bar icon. The title bar icon replaces the conventional window title bar and it increases the usable client area of the window without decreasing the number of functions available to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer system user interface that includes an application or object window with a mini-icon representing the application or object. The mini-icon is available for use in direct manipulation and context menu operations while the window is open.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording and limiting the torque applied to a pipe by a set of power tongs, wherein the tongs are operated by a hydraulic fluid pumped through a feed line to a hydraulic motor in the tongs and then returned by a return line. The apparatus includes a hydraulic tension cell attached between the tongs and a fixed attachment whereby torque applied by the tongs causes hydraulic pressure in the tension cell proportional to the torque applied. The tension cell is hydraulically connected to a helical pressure sensor tube. An operating arm is attached to the pressure sensor tube such that hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic tension cell causes the operating arm to rotate in an amount proportional to the pressure and therefore the torque. The operating arm is cammingly engaged with a spring arm which in turn is engaged with an air valve.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for measuring the angular deviation from the vertical of the end of the drill string which includes a housing adapted for insertion in the drill string, a pendulum pivotally mounted in the housing and capable of swinging through large angles, and a substantially perfectly balanced catch link pivoted at the same point as the pendulum and normally coaxially aligned with the end of the drill string. Means are provided for coupling the pendulum and catch link together at a preselected angle and for measuring the deflection of the coupled pendulum and catch link from the axis of the end of the drill string so that the angular deviation from the vertical of the end of the drill string may be determined. Means are provided for signalling the measure of the deflection to the surface.