Abstract: Two previously virtual concepts, such as, for example, the concept of “me” and the concept of “my data” are reified into physical objects which can be physically manipulated and interact with legacy technologies such as, for example, desktop or portable computers. In one exemplary embodiment, a portable computing device in the form of an animal, such as, for example, a bear, with a manipulatable user interface, is used to log onto and off of various computers.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing the transmission of information to users—via peripheral, or background, auditory cues—in response to the physical action of the users in a particular environment, e.g., the workplace. The system combines three known technologies: active badges, distributed systems, and digital audio delivered via portable wireless headphones.

Abstract: A virtual interface is provided which allows a user to navigate through a representation of a physical target area, such as an office, school or home environment. Using the virtual interface, a user can alter the configuration of a system which transmits information to users via peripheral or background auditory cues in response to physical actions of the users in the environments.

Abstract: Two previously virtual concepts, such as, for example, the concept of “me” and the concept of “my data” are reified into physical objects which can be physically manipulated and interact with legacy technologies such as, for example, desktop or portable computers. In one exemplary embodiment, a portable computing device in the form of an animal, such as, for example, a bear, with a manipulatable user interface, is used to log onto and off of various computers.

Abstract: A virtual interface is provided which allows a user to navigate through a representation of a physical target area, such as an office, school or home environment. Using the virtual interface, a user can alter the configuration of a system which transmits information to users via peripheral or background auditory cues in response to physical actions of the users in the environments.

Abstract: A freeform display editing system groups freeform strokes into one or more segments on a display. Each segment in the system defines a region of the display that includes a collection of strokes. Multiple behaviors can be dynamically attached or removed from any given segment, even after a segment has been created and filled with strokes. Each behavior provides a task-specific application to the segment to which it is attached. Segments de-couple interpretations of input data from behaviors to provide temporal multiplexing of task-specific applications. Advantageously, data associated with a segment can be composed at the same time by different behaviors.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing the transmission of information to users—via peripheral, or background, auditory cues—in response to the physical action of the users in a particular environment, e.g., the workplace. The system combines three known technologies: active badges, distributed systems, and digital audio delivered via portable wireless headphones.

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.