Abstract: Audio outputs representing various sounds are displayed on a screen as graphical objects. The user manipulates the size or location of the object on the screen such that the corresponding audio output is modified accordingly. If, for example, the size of the graphical object is increased, the sound becomes louder; conversely, if the graphical object is decreased, the sound becomes softer. By further moving the graphical object between the left and right edges of the screen, the audio balance between the channels is modified. If the object is moved to the left of the screen, only the left audio output channel is enabled. Conversely, only the right audio output channel is enabled if the graphical object is moved to the right side of the screen.

Abstract: Multiple images are displayed on a screen of a computer system to reflect a temporal relationship among them. Based on date and time when an image is obtained in relation to other displayed images, its size is set accordingly. Namely, the more recent the image, the larger its size on the screen. In addition, the larger the size of the image, the more processing operations, including graphical or text processing functions, are available to a user to be performed on that image.

Abstract: A novel paging technology allows a group of subscribers to share and take advantage of nightlife information. A service provider collects and stores such information. The information is then compared to a profile for each subscriber detailing what type of information that subscriber is interested in receiving. Information may further be screened for that relevant to an particular area where the subscriber's pager is determined to be. Information matching the interest profile and/or location of each subscriber is then transmitted to that subscriber's pager. Each subscriber's pager may include an input device, such as a virtual keyboard, so that each subscriber can submit information to the system to be shared with other subscribers.

Abstract: Various objects, images, pictures, etc. are selectively enlarged or reduced on a screen using a zoom operation. To view an object, for example, on the screen with less details or more details than the current display of the object, a cursor positioned on the screen display using an input device is utilized to fix a reference location located on a circle of a predetermined diameter. By moving the cursor on the screen display, a line between the cursor and the reference location is provided. The direction of the line indicates direction of the zoom operation: if the line is inside the circle, the object is zoomed-out, and if the line is outside the circle, the object is zoomed in. The length of the line determines speed of the zoom operation.

Abstract: Data items are arranged into groups and each group is represented by a graphical object (a so-called landmark) for easily identifying each group and its corresponding data items on a screen display. The landmark may have display attributes (such as shape, color, size, function, animation, etc.) which are different from the display attributes of another landmark. Each landmark has two non-parallel lines (grid lines) associated therewith and is positioned at the intersection of the two lines providing directional orientation when the landmark is displaced on the screen display.

Abstract: A novel pager and paging system provides subscribers with astronomical and meteorological information. A service provider compiles a database of astronomical and meteorological information such as: current and forecast weather conditions; where and when celestial phenomena can be observed; horoscope information; and constellation configurations. Subscribers provide the service provider with a profile detailing what information the subscriber wishes to receive. The service provider will collect information, match the information to the subscriber's profile, and transmit the matching information to the subscriber.

Abstract: Images representing search results are displayed on a screen of a computer system. The search results are responsive to a search in a database initiated by a user by entering a keyword or keywords via an input device. The images are displayed in such a way that an image corresponding to the highest match value is the largest in size, while remaining matches are represented by images which are smaller in size, in direct proportion to their relevance to the keyword. In addition, the relevance of an image is indicated by its proximity to the keyword displayed on the screen: the closer the displayed image to the keyword, the more relevant the match represented by that image is to that keyword. This display operation is equivalent to two simultaneous searches with boolean operators "OR" and "AND", such as "keyword1 OR keyword2" and "keyword1 AND keyword2".

Abstract: An instrument includes a display screen which includes a bitmap graphical user interface including an on-screen menu, and a control element which enables movement of the on-screen menu corresponding to movement of the control element, enables the user to manipulate and select graphic images for executing selected instrument functions. The instrument is adapted to enable display of an array of graphic images on the display screen, such that the user is able to view the array and focus on and select a selectable graphic image from the array.

Abstract: Multiple items forming a menu are displayed on a screen in a computer system. As the user refers to a menu item via an input device, that particular item is displayed in increased size. As soon as the user moves to another menu item, this newly referenced item becomes larger than the other menu items, while the previously referenced item is reduced to its original size. If the user-referenced item has a sub-menu associated with it, then the size of that sub-menu increases--while the menu size is decreased--as the user moves from the menu to the sub-menu.

Abstract: A novel paging technology allows a pager user limited wireless access to the internet via a paging system. The pager user may file an interest profile with the pager system service provider listing internet sites from which the pager user desires information. The service provider may access those sites and provide the information to the subscriber's pager either regularly or when signalled to do so by the pager user. The pager may further include an input device, such as a virtual keyboard, with which e-mail or chat room messages may be entered. The pager then transmits the messages to the paging system which conveys them to the internet.

Abstract: A pager and two-way paging system may be provided which allow the pager user to send a request for movie information. The system identifies the general location of the pager user; compiles theater location, movie and show time information appropriate to the pager user's location; and transmits the information to the pager user. In a more sophisticated system, the pager user may be able to select a theater, movie and show time and transmit the selection from the pager to the paging system. The service provider of the paging system then arranges for tickets to that movie to be purchased in advance for the pager user.

Abstract: A novel pager allows the input and transmission of a virtual unlimited range of messages. The pager has a character dial on the periphery of which are printed the letters of the alphabet and digits 0 to 9. A rotary encoder encodes the movement of the dial. When a selection key is pressed, the character showing through a window in the housing of the pager is selected and entered. When the message is completed, the pager may transmit the message to a paging system by radio transmission to a base station or by emitting a series of sounds in which the message is encoded. In the case of emitted sounds, the sounds are conveyed along an open phone line to the paging system where they are decoded.

Abstract: The display of images collectively represented by a graphical object, referred to as an anchor, is controlled on a screen via input means. As the user manipulates the anchor on the screen, the display of images is modified in correspondence with the object manipulation. The images are subjected to various functions as a group: for example, in response to a movement of the anchor on the screen, the images are also moved while being completely hidden from view. Other functions include fully displaying, sorting and re-arranging the group configuration of the images. To carry out these functions, menu items zoom into view on the screen in response to an anchor manipulation by the user.

Abstract: Images representing search results are displayed on a screen of a computer system. The search results are responsive to a search in a database initiated by a user by entering a keyword or keywords via an input device. The images are displayed in such a way that an image corresponding to the highest matching value is the largest is size, while remaining matches are represented by images in direct proportion to their relevance to the keyword. In addition, the relevance of an image is indicated by its proximity to the keyword displayed on the screen: the closer the displayed image to the keyword, the more relevant the match represented by that image is to that keyword. This display operation is equivalent to two simultaneous searches with boolean operators "OR" and "AND". A graphical squeegee may be dragged across images representing search results in order to filter the results based on a keyword. The squeegee is displayed as a vertical bar and is associated with a keyword.

Abstract: A combination of a pager with a casing having a first portion releasably secured to a second portion together defining a cavity therein serving as a compartment for storage of articles of convenience for the user. A pager is included within a portion of the cavity defined by the first portion. A coin holder is defined by the second portion of the casing, either on an exterior surface or on an interior major surface of the casing.

Abstract: A novel pager and paging system assist a patient with treatment reminders. A database containing information about the treatment regimen or appointment schedule of a patient is maintained by a paging system service provider. At appropriate times, the paging system transmits reminders to the patient's pager that a treatment is to be taken or an appointment kept. The reminder may further include instructions or information to assist the patient in taking the treatment or keeping the appointment.

Abstract: A novel paging system provides a apparatus and method for disseminating traffic condition information to subscribing commuters that is specific to the route or routes traveled by the commuter. An electronic map of the commuter's route is stored in the memory unit of a pager and is displayed, perhaps in segments controlled by the commuter. The location of and other information about actual and potential traffic problems is transmitted to the pager. The pager then displays icons on the displayed map which indicate the location of the problems. The icons may also differ to indicate the type or severity of the problem.