Abstract: A method for configuring computer-based information for display includes assigning labels to information units stored in a computer system. The labels are used in grouping the information units. This grouping, performed by a user of the computer system, may result in group arrangements which can be accessed by a display controller associated with the computer system. A method for processing configuration information for display of computer-based information includes receiving input of a group arrangement, and storing the received group arrangement in data structures or rules databases. A method for displaying computer-based information includes detecting an instruction to display an information unit, identifying a group arrangement associated with the information unit, and forwarding the information units within the group to a display device.

Abstract: A method of directing communication between addressable, electronically-controllable appliances using a generalized pointing device is provided. The pointing device can communicate with dissimilar types of target appliance, and each appliance is associated with an appliance interface that makes the target appliance compatible with the pointing device. Use of the method to direct communication between appliances is believed to allow the convenience associated with the use of a computer's graphical user interface (GUI) to be realized in communication with physical objects, i.e., the target appliances. In particular, the “drag-and-drop” method of using a GUI may be analogous to the pointer-mediated interaction between appliances provided herein.