Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting data to an active application program running on a computer system includes the steps of displaying the image of a recognition keypad on a screen of the computer system, the keypad being adapted to receive user inputs; analyzing the user inputs to the recognition keypad; and inputting data to an application program running on the computer system based upon the analysis of the user inputs. The recognition keypad includes at least one button and a recognition area having at least two recognition modes. Preferably, the user inputs include inputs from a pointing device, and the recognition modes include a command mode and a character mode. The user preferably enters characters and gestures to the recognition area, and the buttons are preferably modifier buttons operative to modify the entered characters and gestures based on the current recognition mode.

Abstract: A method for creating and organizing aliases for flies stored on a computer system in which the stored files are searched according to defined search criteria. For files meeting the search criteria, aliases to the files are created, and the aliases are organized together in a display window for presenting the results of the search to the computer user. The computer continues to perform these searching and organizing functions as the computer is used, so that the information presented is current and up-to-date.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating inked objects in a computer system includes the steps of displaying a first recognized object on a computer screen and displaying a first ink object on the screen which was previously recognized as the first recognized object. The first ink object is edited to create a second ink object, and the second ink object is recognized as a second recognized object. The first recognized object is then replaced with the second recognized object. The method also preferably includes a step of selecting the first recognized object, and the first ink object is displayed in response to the selection step. A preferred method of selecting the first recognized object is to move a stylus within a predetermined distance or bounding box of the first recognized object.

Abstract: A user interface element having a plurality of user interface elements for marking, finding, organizing, and processing data within documents stored in an associated computer system are described. Each element typically has an appearance which is uniquely related to the data or the function the element is designed to represent or perform, respectively. In their simplest form, these elements are only used to mark data within a document. Each element, however, can also be programmed to cause the computer to perform some function in association with the marked data, such as printing the data or mailing the data to someone. A user can select particular data within a document using an element and have that data associated with the element in memory. Data marked with common elements can be found by searching for a particular representative element in memory. Users can create their own elements, program elements with their own desired functionality, and modify existing elements.