Abstract: A system for identifying multiple electronic tags that include a plurality of electronic tags attachable to a single object, each electronic tag having a unique identifier. One or more electronic tag readers are configured to read the unique identifier of each electronic tag within the non-overlapping readable region, and a computing system is connected to the electronic tag reader to provide digital services in response to reading the unique identifier of each electronic tag.

Abstract: A tileable computer display includes a first device having a processor and a display maintainable in communication with a second device having a processor and a display. Specific data to be displayed on both devices is based on respective spatial positions of the first device and second device relative to each other. Communication links can be through radio, optical, or physical interconnects.

Abstract: An enhanced information collage that combines a computational system with a physical information collage to preserve the advantages of conventional information collages while alleviating many problems associated with such collages. A physical information collage (e.g. a pin board with spatially differentiated pin mounted task cards, each card having a detectable identity tag) can be made part of a computational system by sensing the identity, position, and contents of the collage component artifacts. In effect, each collage component has its content and position stored in a database, with movement of a particular component resulting in update of the database to record the new position of that component. Further provided are Operator Icon components which may be used to provide digital services, such as combining, erasing, saving, or transferring, to other collage components.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) with anti-interference outlines for enhanced user attention and fluency of work. The GUI utilizes transparency to merge images (or layers) of objects onto a graphical display. For example, variably-transparent (transparent/semi-transparent) or “see through” objects, such as menus, tool palettes, windows, dialogue boxes, or screens are superimposed over similar objects or different background content, such as text, wire-frame or line art images, and solid images. Anti-interference outlines are utilized to heighten the visibility and hence legibility of objects by mitigating visual interference, which is typically the result of overlaying similar colors or luminance values such that one layer “blends” into another.

Abstract: A method for inputting information to a revolvable device, optionally connected to a deformable piece includes the steps of rotating, spinning, or revolvably orienting the deformable piece to provide a first morpheme input to the device. The first morpheme input normally triggers a first default action by the device, such as controlling a display, modifying a data structure, or communicating with another electronic device. When a user asynchronously manipulates the deformable piece to provide a second morpheme input to the device, the second morpheme input converts the normally triggered first default action to a second action generally not equivalent to the first default action. This mode of interaction allows formation of morphemic sentences to control a graspable device.

Abstract: A plurality of multiple interacting computer devices for transferring data includes a first device having a processor and a first wireless communication module for transferring data, a second device having a processor and a second wireless communication module for transferring data, and a third device having a processor and a third wireless communication module for transferring data. When the first device is connected in substantially simultaneous wireless communication with the second device and the third device, specific data based on respective spatial positions of the first device, second device, and third device can be transferred.

Abstract: A method for inputting information to a device connected to a deformable piece includes the steps of manipulating the deformable piece to provide a first morpheme input to the device. The first morpheme input normally triggers a first default action by the device, such as controlling a display, modifying a data structure, or communicating with another electronic device. When a user asynchronously manipulates the deformable piece to provide a second morpheme input to the device, the second morpheme input converts the normally triggered first default action to a second action generally not equivalent to the first default action. This mode of interaction allows formation of morphemic sentences to control a graspable device.

Abstract: A system for identifying multiple electronic tags that include a plurality of electronic tags attachable to a single object, each electronic tag having a unique identifier. One or more electronic tag readers are configured to read the unique identifier of each electronic tag within the non-overlapping readable region, and a computing system is connected to the electronic tag reader to provide digital services in response to reading the unique identifier of each electronic tag.

Abstract: A device supporting a user interface includes a feedback module for presenting information related to a data structure and a processor for controlling the feedback module and the data structure. The device also has a detector for determining handedness of a user, allowing modification of the displayed data structure based on handedness of a user.

Abstract: A device supporting a manipulatable user interface includes a feedback module for presenting information related to a data structure, along with a processor for controlling the feedback module and the data structure. The feedback module can include non-visual tactile displays, auditory displays, or visual displays. A wide range of manipulatory actions, including morphemes such as folds, tears, twists, bends and various spatial or environmental transformations can be applied to a connected deformable piece. Since the deformable piece contacts at least one sensor that monitors positional changes within multiple subregions of the deformable piece, various commands can be given to the device through manipulation of the deformable piece.

Abstract: A system for identifying multiple electronic tags, the system including a plurality of electronic tags attachable to a single object, each electronic tag having a non-overlapping readable region, and each electronic tag having a unique identifier, an electronic tag reader configured to read the unique identifier of each electronic tag within the non-overlapping readable region, selective shielding of each electronic tag, and a computing system connected to the electronic tag reader to provide digital services in response to reading the unique identifier of each electronic tag.

Abstract: A zoomorphic computer for controlling a computer system includes an animal or humanoid shaped shell having an attached transceiver for two way communication with a computer system. A position detecting unit determines position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system, with change of position of the zoomorphic shell relative to the computer system changing state the zoomorphic shell or the computer system. The zoomorphic shell can have movable elements such as arms or tails, attached to the zoomorphic shell, and support a feedback unit that communicates with the computer system, modifying position of a movable element in response to computer system output.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for maximized user performance and system efficiency. The GUI utilizes variable-transparency to merge images (or layers) of objects onto a graphical display. For example, "see through" objects (such as menus, tool palettes, windows, dialogue boxes, or screens) are superimposed over similar objects or different background content (such as text, wire-frame or line art images, or solid images). A critical factor in the usability of variably-transparent GUI is the effect of visual interference on user performance. That is, the interaction between superimposed objects of varying types measurably alters performance to unacceptable levels in terms of user selection error rates and response times. The present invention provides a system and method of using optimal threshold transparency levels for user performance optimization.

Abstract: An electronic tag has a processor, a readable memory for holding an identification number connected to the processor, and an antenna connected to the processor for radiofrequency broadcasting of the identification number. A power supply powers the antenna to broadcast the identification number.A user selectively controls operation or non-operation of the electronic tag by switching an interconnect switch on or off. The interconnect switch permits interconnects the processor, readable memory, antenna, and power supply to selectively allow radiofrequency broadcasting of the identification number. Bitwise communication to a tag reader using only a passive electronic tag is possible.

Abstract: An enhanced information collage having a surface for detachable support of a plurality of collage components. The enhanced information collage comprises an identification unit, a location unit, and an information processing system. The identification unit is for determining informational content of at least some of the plurality of collage components. The location unit is for tracking position of at least some of the plurality of collage components. The information processing system is connected to the identification unit and the location unit for storing sate records of position and informational content of at least some of the plurality of collage components, with the information processing being updatable to reflect changes in position and information content of the at least some of the plurality of collage components.

Abstract: A graphical user interface with clickaround tools for enhanced user interaction with an application program utilizing "two-handed" techniques. The "tool-handed" technique provides two displayed cursors controlled by two distinct pointing input devices. Actuation of a secondary input device, corresponding a secondary cursor, provides a tool palette or menu near a displayed primary cursor. This technique allows a user to select and activate tools to perform substantive operations on displayed objects of the application program. The interface allows the user to invoke tools in a fluent and seamless fashion, thus maintaining the user's focus on the substantive operations and not the procedural motions of tool access.