Abstract: The smart Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) electronic mail system utilizes an intelligent decision algorithm to decide if an addressee is HTML capable or if plain text is required. The user specifies if certain e-mail domains, newsgroups, and individual e-mail addresses are HTML-capable or require plain text e-mail or the invention will query directory servers such as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) servers as to the HTML capabilities of an e-mail client. The user composes an HTML e-mail document, indicating the addressees in the “to” field and selects the “send” command, the invention examines the document and, if the addressee is known to be HTML-capable, the document is transmitted as is.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing and rapidly yet recognizably displaying graphic data. Digital ink is sampled at a predetermined sampling frequency to derive a set of points representing the graphic data. This set of points is reduced in number in order to define an approximate yet recognizable form of the graphic data. The rapid rendering of the graphic data in its approximate form allows the user to glance through several or more fields of graphic data similar to the way in which one would flip through pages in a paper notebook. Reduction in the number of points also facilitates efficient storage of the graphic data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting and indexing stored information for subsequent retrieval. The indexing system of the present invention indexes pages by storing a reference to a graphic segment of the displayed original page (instead of a copy of the graphic segment) as an index entry. Retrieval of the original page or image is accomplished by choosing from a listing of several categories of indexes, and then selecting an index entry displayed in the index gallery. The present invention provides a selection method using a lasso-tap gesture that allows the user to select a portion of the text for indexing (or other operations) without disrupting the natural handwriting action. Selection is accomplished using a closed (or nearly closed) curve followed by a recognized gesture within the closed curve. A local minimum established by the end points of the closed curve must fall within a specified range to identify the closed curve as a selection lasso.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting and indexing stored information for subsequent retrieval. The indexing system of the present invention indexes pages by storing a reference to a graphic segment of the displayed original page (instead of a copy of the graphic segment) as an index entry. Retrieval of the original page or image is accomplished by choosing from a listing of several categories of indexes, and then selecting an index entry displayed in the index gallery. The present invention provides a selection method using a lasso-tap gesture that allows the user to select a portion of the text for indexing (or other operations) without disrupting the natural handwriting action. Selection is accomplished using a closed (or nearly closed) curve followed by a recognized gesture within the closed curve. A local minimum established by the end points of the closed curve must fall within a specified range to identify the closed curve as a selection lasso.