Abstract: A user interface having a plurality of user interface elements for marking, finding, organizing, and processing data stored in a computer system. Each element typically has an appearance which is related to the data or function the element is designed to represent or perform. The elements may simply mark data within the document, or may be programmed to cause the computer to perform some function in association with the marked data. Methods of marking data and searching the memory for marked data by use of switches or buttons is disclosed. Further, useful elements for systems such as computerized camera systems, portable multimedia systems, and remote controls are also described. Some of the user interface elements of the present invention may have an appearance and/or functionality dependent upon the context in which the element is used, and/or dependent upon the user's identity.

Abstract: A user interface provides, in a fixed screen display, for both decoupling head and body turning and for integrating them without the need for specialized equipment. Using successive synchronized viewport and contained display image movement steps, the present invention first cues the user that their body is facing in the same direction as their head. Then, by simulating the head-turn/body-turn process that humans follow when looking around for something, the invention cues the user to understand that when they look around, they are turning first their head and then their body.

Abstract: In a system for describing directional sounds in virtual environments, a user creates a sound projection map that constitutes a two-dimensional array of sound intensities for each sound source associated with the virtual environment. At run-time, when a user selects a particular view for a scene in the environment, a hearing area corresponding to that view is calculated. The average intensity for each sound represented within the hearing area is determined from the array, to establish a level at which the sound is to be played. The sound associated with the sound source is then reproduced from a sound track at the determined level, to produce an output sound that creates a sense of place within the environment.

Abstract: Utilizing a simple, low-cost beacon and receiver technology to allow users to build their own infrastructure by placing beacons in key locations provides intelligent location awareness. This location awareness can be leveraged by the computer electronic equipment that the user is carrying, needs no networking or server infrastructure, works indoors, has no line-of-sight restrictions, is compact and inexpensive.

Abstract: A means and method for generating and displaying a content-based depiction of a standard icon on the display of a computer. The depiction is generated upon the occurrence of predetermined events, such as the closure of the document or file associated with the icon, and is displayed in either a static or animated form in place of the standard icon in response to selection signals from a selection device. A single content-based depiction of an icon is generated by creating a representation of the object (file or document) to be depicted, and translating this representation into a scaled-down replica of the representation. This representation may be in the form of a bit-map, a full-scale image, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transparently switching between viewing modes in a computer system is described. The method and apparatus of the present invention includes a bounding area and a smaller reference region within that bounding area. The bounding area is typically a computer display screen or a window within that screen. The reference region is an implicitly or explicitly defined boundary within the bounding region. The system and method allows for automatic switching between two viewing techniques within the bounding area, based on the location of the cursor location relative to the defined reference region and bounding area. Switching between viewing modes occurs when the cursor passes across the reference region whether the mouse button is up or down. This allows the user to easily change between viewing methods without having to take explicit steps to switch between the two modes by making a selection from a selection palette or keyboard to initiate the switch.

Abstract: A means and method for generating and displaying a contentbased depiction of a standard icon on the display of a computer is described. The depiction is generated upon the occurrence of predetermined events, such as the closure of the document or file associated with the icon, and is displayed in either a static or animated form in place of the standard icon in response to selection signals from a selection device. A single content-based depiction of an icon is generated by creating a representation of the object (file or document) to be depicted, and translating this representation into a scaled-down replica of the representation. This representation may be in the form of a bit-map, a full-scale image, etc.

Abstract: A sequential information controller for use in combination with a computer comprising a slider bar, integrating standard velocity and direction indicators, and a control icon. The user controls the playback velocity and direction of the sequential information, such as video information, on the display of the computer through an interactive user interface, which works in combination with the computer's system software. The interface includes an interactive slider bar and an interactive control icon which are depicted within an operating window of the display. The slider bar includes both playback direction/velocity indicators and control buttons. The playback of video information is primarily controlled by manipulating the image of the control icon with respect to the image of the slider bar.