Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a system for rendering dimensional surface content in a low-memory environment includes a dimensional surface content rendering tool to generate an animation object file defining inputs to a particle system, and an application that generates scene instructions based on output received from the particle system, the scene instructions including coordinate information for rendering an object at a series of positions. The system further includes a graphics engine that autonomously produces a series of draw commands responsive to receipt of the scene instructions to render multiple complete frames of an animation in a window of the application, the animation depicting the object at the series of positions.

Abstract: By adjusting visual settings on a display behind a section of a background to emphasize menu options, a user can determine the status in the series of menus and sub-menus and can better read the menu options.

Abstract: By adjusting visual settings on a display behind a section of a background to emphasize menu options, a user can determine the status in the series of menus and sub-menus and can better read the menu options.

Abstract: By adjusting visual settings on a display behind a section of a background to emphasize menu options, a user can determine the status in the series of menus and sub-menus and can better read the menu options.

Abstract: Stylistically relevant cover images for media items are generated based on metadata for the media items. The cover images are placeholders that visually represent the media items until original cover images (if any) are found. In one implementation, the cover images incorporate design elements like font, background art, color schemes, and layout that are chosen from a collection of such elements based on the metadata. The cover images are therefore unique and stylistically relevant to corresponding media items.

Abstract: By adjusting visual settings on a display behind a section of a background to emphasize menu options, a user can determine the status in the series of menus and sub-menus and can better read the menu options.

Abstract: Improved scanning of digital video programs is provided for by adjusting scanning rates according to the length of the video program and/or the length of the remaining portion of the video program to be scanned. Shorter video programs are scanned at a slower speed, and longer video programs at a faster speed. In alternate embodiments, scanning speed is based in part on the length of the portion of the video program remaining to be scanned. Thus, when scanning in a video program a forward direction (“fast forward”) when only a given amount of the program remains to be scanned, the scanning speed is slowed. The amount of the program may be determined either according to a fixed length or relative to the length of the entire program. Additionally, in some embodiments, different scanning techniques are used based on the length of the video program being scanned or the length of the video program portion remaining to be scanned.

Abstract: A hierarchical system is used to store data items easily capable of thumbnail representation (such as images). Such a hierarchical system may allow a folder (or other grouping) to contain both data items and sub-folders. The display of such a folder uses two display areas. In one display area, sub-folders are displayed using a list view, where text is the primary method for the display of the sub-folders which are contained in the folder. In the other display area, a grid view is used to display the data items. Thumbnail images are the primary components of the grid view. Functionality available to a user will change based on whether the user is browsing the list view or the grid view.

Abstract: Stylistically relevant cover images for media items are generated based on metadata for the media items. The cover images are placeholders that visually represent the media items until original cover images (if any) are found. In one implementation, the cover images incorporate design elements like font, background art, color schemes, and layout that are chosen from a collection of such elements based on the metadata. The cover images are therefore unique and stylistically relevant to corresponding media items.

Abstract: A list of digital elements is represented by a list of graphical elements where one of the graphical elements is highlighted. The non-highlighted graphical elements are overlapped over one another based on particular overlapping heuristics.