Abstract: The present invention is a personal computer system and method including a biometric sensor which is protected from environmental forces and which resists certain attacks by sensing whether a living person is providing the biometric identification. A second sensor provides an input as to whether the biometric input is from a living person, through the sensing of a life-indicative parameter such as an appropriate level of blood oxygen in the sensed item, and the sensors are covered by a removal cover which provides electrostatic discharge when the cover is opened.

Abstract: A web browser displays historical information about hyperlinks shown on web pages. Initially, a computer receives user instructions to download an internet web page, and begins the download. The computer identifies any hyperlinks present in the web page, and for each hyperlink, analyzes the hyperlink with respect to any of the user's past visits to the hyperlinked address. Analysis is performed with the following steps. First, the computer determines whether the user has previously selected that hyperlink, such by “mouse clicking” on the hyperlink. If so, the computer consults a database to identify characteristics of the underlying data obtained from past visits (or attempts) to the hyperlinked address. These characteristics are input into a presentation table to derive various enhanced presentation attributes for the hyperlink. The presentation table maps between each possible data characteristic and a corresponding enhanced presentation attribute.

Abstract: A web browser program presents historical information about hyperlinks shown on web pages. Initially, the computer determines whether it is receiving certain user input, such as placement of a cursor over a hyperlink for a certain time. When this occurs, the computer accesses a database to determine whether one or more users in a predefined access group have previously selected the hyperlink for the purpose of downloading underlying data represented by the hyperlink. Some examples of the underlying data include web pages, graphics images, software programs, and the like. If the hyperlink has not been previously selected, no action needs to be taken. However, if the database shows that the hyperlink has been previously selected, the computer consults the database to gather characteristics of the underlying data obtained from previous selections of the hyperlink by access group members.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for generating an alternative form of transmitted environmental data, e.g., scent information, air temperature settings, air humidity settings, triggering of infrared devices such as to create tactile warmth. Upon identifying one or more environmental data files in a received file, e.g., HTML file, environmental data associated with the data files may be read and interpreted. If there are no environmental devices, e.g., smell-generating device, configured to emit a response to the environmental data or if the environmental devices are disabled from emitting a response to the environmental data, then the environmental data may be translated into a form a computer may be capable of reproducing. The translated form may then be outputted in a variety of forms such as: pictorial data (e.g., picture of a pine tree substituting a pine smell), graphical effects (e.g., screen-flashing effect may substitute a strobe-light trigger).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for collaborative speech recognition in a network. The method includes: capturing speech as at least one audio stream by at least one capturing device; producing a plurality of text streams from the at least one audio stream by at least one recognition device; and determining a best recognized text stream from the plurality of text streams. The present invention allows multiple computing devices connecting to a network, such as a Small Area Network (SAN), to collaborate on a speech recognition task. The devices are able to share or exchange audio data and determine the best quality audio. The devices are also able to share text results from the speech recognition task and the best result from the speech recognition task. This increases the efficiency of the speech recognition process and the quality of the final text stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for cross-fading digital audio files. The method includes determining a plurality of characteristics for a first and a second digital audio files; associating the plurality of characteristics with the first and the second digital audio files; automatically, i.e., without user input, determining an appropriate cross-fading method for the first and the second digital audio files based upon the plurality of characteristics when the first and the second digital audio files are to be cross-faded; and automatically cross-fading the first and the second digital audio files in accordance with the cross-fading method. In this manner, digital audio files are more appropriately cross-faded without the need for cumbersome user input.

Abstract: A method, a front-of-screen graphical display system, and a computer program product for controlling the speed sensitivity of a GUI cursor. GUI objects, such as icons, occupy predetermined areas of the display. First and second preselected velocity settings are provided for the cursor. A determination is made whether the cursor is located within one of the object areas of the display. If, 1) the cursor is located outside one of the object areas, the speed sensitivity for movement of the cursor by the mouse is directly related to the first preselected velocity setting. If, 2) the cursor is located within one of the object areas, the speed sensitivity for movement of the cursor is directly related to the second preselected velocity setting. The second setting is the same as or slower than the first.

Abstract: A method and system for variable speed scrolling through a viewable object within a data processing system such as a computer, a television, a kiosk display or hand-held digital product. A portion of the viewable object is displayed within a display window within a data processing system in conjunction with a scroll bar having a slider and one or more scroll buttons associated therewith or some other suitable method of controlling video or audio displays. User selection of the slider or a scroll button initiates scrolling of the viewable object so that additional portions of the viewable object may be displayed. As the viewable object is scrolled, the scroll speed is dynamically varied in response to the content of the viewed portion of the viewable object.

Abstract: A hand held pointing device for use with a computer system having a graphic interface. The pointing device includes a body, and a communications device within the body for communicating movement signals to the computer system. The pointing device further includes a movement detection device within the body, coupled to the communications device, for detecting movement of the body by a computer user. The pointing device additionally includes a pliant outer shell having at least a portion of the body which dynamically conforms to a computer user's hand when the pointing device is held and manipulated by a computer user, such that the portion of the body which conforms to the computer user's hand provides comfort and efficient ergonomic cushioning to the computer user during computer system pointing device activities. The pointing device further includes at least one user input device for transferring data to the computer system via the pointing device.

Abstract: A data processing system and method for customizing a user output of a data processing system are disclosed. According to the method, a user preference for an audio or visual user output of a data processing system is determined. In response to determination of a user output having a first audio or visual frequency, the user output is mapped to a second audio or visual frequency in accordance with the user preference to obtain a customized user output. Thereafter, the customized user output is presented by the data processing system. In accordance with one embodiment, the user preference is determined by administering a test of the user's visual or aural acuity.

Abstract: A computer, e.g. a server or computer operated by a network provider sends one or more requesting computers (clients) a most likely predicted-to-be selected (predicted) page of information by determining a preference factor for this page based on one or more pages that are requested by the client. This page is added to a local cache of predicted-to-be-selected pages in the client. Once the predicted-to-be selected page is in the cache, the client can update the appearance of the link (i.e. by changing the color or otherwise changing the appearance of the link indicator) to indicate to the user that the page represented by that link is available in the local cache.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating the selection of icons. Those icons which are next likely to be used are selected and automatically moved towards a cursor thereby facilitating selection of the icons. Additionally, those icons likely to be used or other icons selected by a user may track the cursor such that those icons are always close to the cursor and capable of being easily selected. Further, in order to facilitate selection of icons, icons are provided with the capability of announcing themselves when a cursor comes close to the icon. In addition, it is possible to reduce the amount of clutter on a computer display so that icons may be easily selected. In order to clean up a computer display, icons which are least likely to be used are faded, eliminated or shrunk to a smaller size. In another embodiment, icons that are not used very often may disappear into a master icon and further, icons which have a conceptual relationship between them may be linked by a visual graphical representation.

Abstract: Using a graphical user interface (GUI), users manipulate, organize, classify, and/or arrange icons by having the icons bind (stick) to one another and be moved as aggregates. Icons sticky sites may be on icons, windows, or other graphical objects. For example, when an icon with a sticky site is dragged close to another icon with a sticky site, the icons bind together and are subsequently moved as one graphical unit. In some embodiments, a visual indication or binding is given. The icons may be unbound by pointing to an unbinder icon, or using a button sequence on the mouse of keyboard.

Abstract: Using a graphical user interface (GUI), users manipulate, organize, classify, and/or arrange icons by having the icons be consolidated in priority-control icons (PCI) containing regions. Regions may be on icons, windows, or other graphical objects. For example, when an icon representing a process is dragged close to a region on a PCI, the priority of that process is changed. The priority value depends upon to which region on the PCI a process is dragged.

Abstract: A method and system in a graphical user interface in a data processing system for associating and displaying a plurality of objects are described. A creation of a visually perceptible enclosure having a translucent surface is specified. A plurality of objects within the graphical user interface are specified. Each of the objects are associated with the visually perceptible enclosure. The enclosure is then created. The enclosure and each of its associated plurality of objects are displayed within the graphical user interface. Each of the objects are displayed within the enclosure so that they are partially visible through the translucent surface. The objects are inaccessible while they are displayed within the enclosure. Once the enclosure is removed, the objects are accessible. A code field may be associated with the enclosure. An entry of a valid code is required in order to remove the enclosure and permit access of each enclosed objects.