Abstract: A method for managing a context-dependent display bar, including identifying a graphical object currently displayed by a graphics software application operated by a user, identifying a current edit mode in which the user is working, wherein the edit mode indicates whether or not the user has selected the identified graphical object for editing, identifying a tool for editing graphical objects currently activated by the user, determining a current context in which the user is working, the context depending upon the identified graphical object, the identified edit mode, and the identified tool, identifying at least one control associated with the current context, wherein different contexts generally have at least one different control associated therewith, and displaying the at least one control associated with the current context within a display bar of the graphics software application, each time that the current context changes.

Abstract: A method for contrast enhancement for digital images, including filtering an original image having original color values, to generate a filtered image, receiving parameters for a response curve, the response curve being a function of color value that is user-adjustable, deriving local multipliers by applying the response curve to the filtered image, multiplying the original color values by the local multipliers, thereby generating a contrast-enhanced image from the original image. A system and a computer-readable storage medium are also described.

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of window panels within a computer software application including generating a window panel that is actively controlled by a user interface of a computer software application, indicating that a plurality of window panels generated by the generating are fastened together as a single union, wherein a union comprises at least one window panel that behave together as a single geometrical area when moved by a user within a computer display screen, the indicating occurring when one of the plurality of window panels is in close proximity to another of the plurality of window panels within the computer display screen, rigidly moving a union of window panels as a single geometrical area within the computer display screen, and detecting that a second union is in close proximity to a first union within the computer display screen. A system and a computer readable storage medium are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method in a user interface, according to one embodiment, allows for the docking of window panels within a software application. A palette in the user interface can, in this embodiment, have three states: (i) the palette is open within a window panel; (ii) the palette is docked as a tab; and (iii) the palette is open in a area connected to the tab. User actions through the user interface can control transitions among these three states. Other methods are described, and systems and computer readable storage media are also described.

Abstract: A method for contrast enhancement for digital images, including filtering an original image having original color values, to generate a filtered image, receiving parameters for a response curve, the response curve being a function of color value that is user-adjustable, deriving local multipliers by applying the response curve to the filtered image, multiplying the original color values by the local multipliers, thereby generating a contrast-enhanced image from the original image. A system and a computer-readable storage medium are also described.

Abstract: A method in a user interface, according to one embodiment, allows for the docking of window panels within a software application. A palette in the user interface can, in this embodiment, have three states: (i) the palette is open within a window panel; (ii) the palette is docked as a tab; and (iii) the palette is open in a area connected to the tab. User actions through the user interface can control transitions among these three states. Other methods are described, and systems and computer readable storage media are also described.

Abstract: A method for contrast enhancement for digital images, including filtering an original image having original color values, to generate a first filtered image corresponding to bright color values, and a second filtered image corresponding to dark color values, deriving local highlight multipliers by applying a highlight response curve to the first filtered image, the highlight response curve being a function of color value that increases from a response value of one, corresponding to a color value of zero, to a response value greater than one, corresponding to a maximum color value, deriving local shadow multipliers by applying a shadow response curve to the second filtered image, the shadow response curve being a function of color value that decreases from a response value greater than one, corresponding to a color value of zero, to a response value of one, corresponding to a maximum color value, deriving local offset values by applying an offset curve to the first filtered image, and processing the original i