Abstract: A computer user interface is provided which allows a user to adjust the size of icons based upon a user's preference or based upon a characteristic of the objects that the icons represent. When the icon sizing is performed according to a user preference, a relative sizing scheme or an arbitrary icon sizing scheme can be employed to variably size icons. Providing the ability to size icons in such a manner allows users to represent a user's categorization of object importance, for example.

Abstract: A computer user interface is provided which allows a user to adjust the size of icons based upon a user's preference or based upon a characteristic of the objects that the icons represent. When the icon sizing is performed according to a user preference, a relative sizing scheme or an arbitrary icon sizing scheme can be employed to variably size icons. Providing the ability to size icons in such a manner allows users to represent a user's categorization of object importance, for example.

Abstract: A computer user interface is provided which allows a user to adjust the size of icons based upon a user's preference or based upon a characteristic of the objects that the icons represent. When the icon sizing is performed according to a user preference, a relative sizing scheme or an arbitrary icon sizing scheme can be employed to variably size icons. Providing the ability to size icons in such a manner allows users to represent a user's categorization of object importance, for example.

Abstract: A computer user interface is provided which allows a user to adjust the size of icons based upon a user's preference or based upon a characteristic of the objects that the icons represent. When the icon sizing is performed according to a user preference, a relative sizing scheme or an arbitrary icon sizing scheme can be employed to variably size icons. Providing the ability to size icons in such a manner allows users to represent a user's categorization of object importance, for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing small amounts of image data, such as icon image data, is disclosed. The image data is transformed from RGB color space data to luminance and chrominance data. The chrominance data is then reduced by means of a thinning or averaging process. Run length encoding is performed on the luminance data and reduced chrominance data to compress for storage. The invention allows accurate and efficient storage and use of a small amount of compressed image data, particularly for continuous tone icons.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be invoked by calling a corresponding theme engine. Theme engines can be hard-coded or data-driven.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating composite icon images for a foreground icon and background icon is disclosed. An icon reference tag is used to retrieve icon image data and icon mask data for each icon. An icon override mechanism allows replacement of a particular icon for a particular application or document with another icon, to facilitate changes in the appearances of a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating composite icon images for a foreground icon and background icon is disclosed. An icon reference tag is used to retrieve icon image data and icon mask data for each icon. Once the data is retrieved, logical operations are performed to generate composite icon image data and composite icon mask data. A custom icon badge is disclosed which can be generated and employed on base icons. Also, an icon override mechanism is described which allows replacement of a particular icon for a particular application or document with another icon.