Abstract: A hit-test may be performed to determine whether a user action detected via a user interface associated with an application intersects a given object of the application. The application may include one or more special content layers (SCLs). A decision may be made at each SCL regarding enablement of a direct manipulation of an object through the application in response to the user action. An SCL processing module of the application may identify a hit in response to detecting an intersection of the user action and one or more non-transparent pixels of at least one SCL during a front to back processing of the SCLs, where the pixels correspond to the object. The application may then determine whether a direct manipulation of an object through the application is enabled or not enabled by the SCL, and thus whether the direct manipulation should be automatically initiated or disabled, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for displaying supplementary information on a graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information is received. The supplementary information is retrieved and displayed in a reserved display field in a graphical user interface. The reserved display field may be configured by a user to adapt to specific applications, but remains stationary throughout the user session. The reserved display field does not obstruct any other display fields in the graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information may be generated by using a mouse to first position a cursor over an active display element. A request for supplementary information associated with the active display element may be generated by clicking the mouse, or by holding the cursor stationary for a time interval greater than a threshold dwell time.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for managing multimedia content. The uniform resource locators of multimedia content accessed via the Internet are saved in collections stored in the database of a multimedia access system, which is shared by multiple users via individual user accounts. Collections may be copied from one user account to another user account, e-mailed, and posted on a website. Collections in the database may be searched by keywords associated with the collections.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for managing multimedia content. The uniform resource locators of multimedia content accessed via the Internet are saved in collections stored in the database of a multimedia access system, which is shared by multiple users via individual user accounts. Collections may be copied from one user account to another user account, e-mailed, and posted on a website. Collections in the database may be searched by keywords associated with the collections.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for displaying supplementary information on a graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information is received. The supplementary information is retrieved and displayed in a reserved display field in a graphical user interface. The reserved display field may be configured by a user to adapt to specific applications, but remains stationary throughout the user session. The reserved display field does not obstruct any other display fields in the graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information may be generated by using a mouse to first position a cursor over an active display element. A request for supplementary information associated with the active display element may be generated by clicking the mouse, or by holding the cursor stationary for a time interval greater than a threshold dwell time.