Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for monitoring computer system components in large or complex systems. The apparatus includes an identifier module for associating at least one visual identifier with a computer system component. A function module associates one or more control functions with the visual identifier. A presentation module selectively displays the at least one identifier for the computer system component within a present view of a user interface. A monitoring module monitors the computer system component associated with the at least one identifier and modifies the identifier in response to a change in operational status for the computer system component.

Abstract: Spreadsheet programming model and language is extended to create objects, with their associated state and set of defined behaviors, as first-class spreadsheet cell residents. Desired object behaviors can be invoked by calling methods on the objects through an event-based imperative programming language that potentially modifies the state of an object. Expressions can also be defined by calling methods on objects that produce new objects in combination with operations on objects in other cells. Programming constructs are defined that allows users to perform a sequence of operations on one or more objects. Operations can also be performed automatically similar to spreadsheet triggering mechanism. Users can program to trigger operations either manually or automatically based on changes to objects, or based on conditions defined.

Abstract: Jigsaw connector pieces representing tasks to be performed are displayed on a computer screen, preferably hierarchically in a tree, to elucidate the relationships between tasks. To perform a task, a user positions an attachment jigsaw piece next to its corresponding connector piece. The user is then prompted to input or verify preferences in a properties panel. For example, a printer may be installed by interconnecting an attachment piece (corresponding to the printer to be installed) next to the printer connector piece in the tree. The user may be aided in the process of matching connector and attachment pieces through the use of matching colors and images on the pieces.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the sequence are located in the same row. The first key selected is that key on which the desired letter is displayed, and the second key is given by the spatial position of the desired letter within its group of letters on the key. The letters and keys may be color-coded to aid the user when inputting the two-key sequences. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. The first key in the two-key sequence is that key on which the desired letter is displayed. The keys and the letters displayed on the keys are marked in such a way that the markings suggest the second key in the two-key sequence. The letters displayed on the keys have respective markings, such as a color, with each letter on a given key having a unique marking. The keys themselves also have markings that match the markings of the letters. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the two-key sequence are located in the same row. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the sequence are located in the same row. The first key selected is that key on which the desired letter is displayed, and the second key is given by the spatial position of the desired letter within its group of letters on the key. The letters and keys may be color-coded to aid the user when inputting the two-key sequences. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: Jigsaw connector pieces representing tasks to be performed are displayed on a computer screen, preferably hierarchically in a tree, to elucidate the relationships between tasks. To perform a task, a user positions an attachment jigsaw piece next to its corresponding connector piece. The user is then prompted to input or verify preferences in a properties panel. For example, a printer may be installed by interconnecting an attachment piece (corresponding to the printer to be installed) next to the printer connector piece in the tree. The user may be aided in the process of matching connector and attachment pieces through the use of matching colors and images on the pieces.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional objects or data may be represented in two dimensions, thereby facilitating understanding of the information or data. This reduction in the number of dimensions is accomplished by constructing unit vectors corresponding to the dimensions, in which the unit vectors share a common plane. Information objects or multi-dimensional data are plotted and represented as small features such as points on a display tied to a processor or computer. A user may gain insight into how the information is structured by performing certain transformations on it, such as scaling one (or more) unit vectors or rotating one or more unit vectors, followed by replotting the points.

Abstract: A two-joystick interface for use with an information processing system having a 3D virtual reality module implements a bulldozer control metaphor permitting movement in three orthogonal directions—forward-backward, up-down, left-right—and turning about a vertical axis. The pointing interface includes mode switching permitting use of the joysticks for the cursor positioning and page scrolling functions of the information processing system. The pointing system includes a frame-of-reference conversion module for transforming the pointing devices software interface to a four-degree-of-freedom three-dimensional interface, an interface with a virtual reality module including a display function. Ergonomic embodiments of the interface include locating the joysticks, e.g., two IBM TrackPoints™ along the bottom row of keys of a standard keyboard, and, alternatively, placing the joysticks and related momentary switches in a wristpad.