Abstract: In one embodiment, a picture signature password system may use a picture signature password to determine access to a computing device or service. A display screen 172 may display a personalized digital image 310. A user input device 160 may receive a user drawing set executed by a user over the personalized digital image 310. A processor 120 may authenticate access to the user session if the user drawing set matches a library drawing set associated with the user.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements is provided. Filters can be provided for manipulating the items, which serve as tools for narrowing down a set of items. The filters can be dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system can utilize virtual folders. The virtual folders can expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. Quick links can be provided, which serve as a set of predefined links (e.g., located on the left side of the display) that can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. Libraries, which can provide large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together, may also be used.

Abstract: In a graphical user interface environment, a situational-specific browser may be used to provide contextually appropriate levels of information for files whose information is to be displayed. As different views of files are to be displayed, the browser may dynamically adjust its configuration to display different types of information, features and/or command options. Different views may be predefined, or new views may be dynamically created in response to user navigation.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements is provided. Filters are provided for manipulating the items. The filters are essentially tools for narrowing down a set of items. The filters can be dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk.

Abstract: A file system shell is provided. One aspect of the shell provides virtual folders which expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. Users are able to work with the virtual folders through direct manipulation (e.g., clicking and dragging, copying, pasting, etc.). Filters are provided for narrowing down sets of items. Quick links are provided which can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. Libraries are provided which consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together, along with functions and tools related to the items. A virtual address bar is provided which comprises a plurality of segments, each segment corresponding to a filter for selecting content. A shell browser is provided with which users can readily identify an item based on the metadata associated with that item.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, filters are provided for manipulating the items. The filters are essentially tools for narrowing down a set of items. In one embodiment, the filters are dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, quick links are provided. In one embodiment, quick links are a set of predefined links (e.g., located on the left side of the display) that can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, libraries are provided. Libraries consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, filters are provided for manipulating the items. The filters are essentially tools for narrowing down a set of items. In one embodiment, the filters are dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, quick links are provided. In one embodiment, quick links are a set of predefined links (e.g., located on the left side of the display) that can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, libraries are provided. Libraries consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a view mode from a plurality of view modes and for selecting a setting within the selected view mode for displaying one or more items in a screen display. A single user input indicates both a selected view mode and a selected setting within that view mode. The input mechanism can be a hardware device, such as a keyboard or mouse, or a software control presented in a graphical user interface. The software view control may include a setting range display indicating a plurality of available settings, a view mode range display indicating a plurality of available view modes corresponding to the plurality of available settings, and a user selection component.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items in a computer system based on common elements is provided. A graphical user interface includes a plurality of display objects, each display object representing one or more items and a metadata property control corresponding to a metadata property. Selection of the metadata property control causes a list of filter terms to be presented on the display and also may cause a list of check box controls to be presented on the display, each check box control being adjacent to a respective one of the filter terms. The list of filter terms may be presented in a drop down menu. Selection of a check box control causes each item that satisfies the corresponding filter term to be presented on the display. The filters may be dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a view mode and a preferred setting within that view mode for displaying one or more items in a screen display. A single user input indicates the selected view mode. The input mechanism can be a hardware device, such as a keyboard or mouse, or a software control presented in a graphical user interface. The software control includes a graphical depiction of the current view mode. A preferred setting for each available view mode may be stored and activated by the software control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a setting within a selected view mode for displaying one or more items in a screen display. Continuous and discrete controls are simultaneously presented to the user. Input is accepted from either the continuous control or from the discrete control. The input mechanism can be a hardware device, such as a keyboard or mouse, or a software control presented in a graphical user interface. The continuous control includes a setting range display, visually indicating the range over which the setting may be adjusted, and a setting selection indicator visually indicating the current selection. The discrete setting control has a mode range display and a set of one or more discrete default settings which are available for selection.