Abstract: A speech recognition system having a user interface that provides both visual and auditory feedback to a user is described. In one aspect, a response time in which to receive an audible utterance is initiated. A graphic representing the response time is displayed. A first sound is played when an audible utterance is recognized. The graphic is changed to indicate passage of the response time such that the graphic diminishes in size from an original size with the passage of time. Responsive to recognizing an utterance, the graphic is presented in the original size. Responsive to expiration of the response time before the audible utterance has been recognized, a second sound is emitted to indicate that the speech recognition system has entered a dormant state.

Abstract: A speech recognition system having a user interface that provides both visual and auditory feedback to a user. The user interface includes an audio sound or speech generator that produces three distinct sounds: an “on” sound signifying that the speech recognition system is on and actively awaiting vocal input; an “off” sound indicating that the speech recognition system is off and in a sleep mode; and a “confirm” sound noting that an utterance has been recognized. The “on” sound is triggered by a key “wake up” command or by depression of button. Once awake, the speech recognition engine expects to receive an utterance within a predetermined response time. The “confirm” sound signals the start of the response time. If the response time lapses before a recognizable utterance is entered, the “off” sound is played. The user interface further includes a visual component in the form of a graphic that changes with the tolling of the response period.

Abstract: An electronic device has a small-area screen to display items from a navigatable set of items and an input mechanisms (e.g., keys, joystick, spin dial, etc.) that enable a user to navigate through the navigatable items. An operator interface includes a navigation glyph having multiple elements that correspond to actions of the input mechanism. Different sets of the navigation glyph elements are illuminated to indicate which user-actions on the input mechanism are presently available to navigate from a current location to another location in the navigatable set of items.

Abstract: The size of information being display by a computer is automatically adjusted in order to make the information easily readable, while at the same time leaving most (or all) of the information displayed on a single screen. Any one or more of the font point size, the font type, the number of lines used, and the caption used can be adjusted in order to determine the manner in which the information is displayed.

Abstract: An automobile computer system having a computer that runs an open platform operating system configured to support multiple applications, including applications that can be installed by a user. The system includes an operator interface that is mountable for viewing by an operator of an automobile. A plurality of application icons are scrollable across the visual operator interface by a user. The application icons correspond to applications supported by the operating system. The operator interface has a fixed focus position, wherein any application icon that is scrolled to the fixed focus position becomes focused and can be activated to select the application corresponding to the focused application icon. In some cases, icons are activated by leaving them focused for a predetermined timeout period. The system also includes a visual control that is available to application programs.