Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking audio data as it is recorded, and a user interface for the audio data in a computerized system, is disclosed. A recorder, such as a tape recorder, having a plurality of marker buttons is provided. The audio data is recorded on one channel of a magnetic tape. Any time one of the marker buttons is pressed, a distinct tone is recorded on another channel of the tape as a marker. The audio data and markers are then transferred to the computer system. The user interface provides a graphical display of the audio data, and provides graphical markers which correspond to the marker buttons on the recorder. The audio data can be accessed at any random point, including a point marked by a marker. Without changing modes, a user can access the data at any random point, stop play, select a new point to initiate playback and restart playback, and change the speed of playback.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking audio data as it is recorded, and a user interface for the audio data in a computerized system, is disclosed. A recorder, such as a tape recorder, having a plurality of marker buttons is provided. The audio data is recorded on one channel of a magnetic tape. Any time one of the marker buttons is pressed, a distinct tone is recorded on another channel of the tape as a marker. The audio data and markers are then transferred to the computer system. The user interface provides a graphical display of the audio data, and provides graphical markers which correspond to the marker buttons on the recorder. The audio data can be accessed at any random point, including a point marked by a marker. Without changing modes, a user can access the data at any random point, stop play, select a new point to initiate playback and restart playback, and change the speed of playback.

Abstract: A manipulable icon is displayed with multiple faces having particular application to computer displays and systems. The icon, which represents information about an object available within the computer, can be manipulated by the user to display different faces or views which provide additional information about the object represented by the icon. The user has the ability to manipulate the icon to see additional views of the icon on the computer display device, either by a mouse stroke selection command, keyboard command or menu selection. This selection causes the icon to move from one view or face of the icon to another view or face of the icon. These additional views thus provide additional space in which the icon can supply additional information to the user. Iconic movement from one face or view to another is also typically accompanied by some sound which indicates execution of the movement.

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.

Abstract: A manipulable icon is displayed with multiple faces having particular application to computer displays and systems. The icon, which represents information about an object available within the computer, can be manipulated by the user to display different faces or views which provide additional information about the object represented by the icon. The user has the ability to manipulate the icon to see additional views of the icon on the computer display device, either by a mouse stroke selection command, keyboard command or menu selection. This selection causes the icon to move from one view or face of the icon to another view or face of the icon. These additional views thus provide additional space in which the icon can supply additional information to the user. Iconic movement from one face or view to another is also typically accompanied by some sound which indicates execution of the movement.

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.