Abstract: A method for an animation environment includes displaying a first geometric object on a display, wherein the first geometric object comprises a plurality of geometric components, wherein the plurality of geometric components are coupled according to a geometric hierarchy, wherein the plurality of geometric components includes a first geometric component and a second geometric component, and wherein the first geometric component and the second geometric component are not adjacent within the geometric hierarchy, receiving a selection signal from a user, selecting the first geometric component in response to the selection signal, receiving a navigation signal from the user, and selecting the second geometric component in response to the navigation signal by traversing an animation hierarchy, wherein the first geometric component and the second geometric component are adjacent within the animation hierarchy.

Abstract: A computer program product for a computer system includes code that directs a processor to display a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object on a display, wherein the two-dimensional representation comprises a plurality of two-dimensional regions, wherein the three-dimensional object is associated with a plurality of components in a component hierarchy, and wherein each two-dimensional region is associated with at least one component from the plurality of components, code that directs the processor to receive a selection of a two-dimensional region from the user on the display, code that directs the processor to determine a component from the plurality of components associated with the two-dimensional region, code that directs the processor to receive a value for an animation variable associated with the component, and code that directs the processor to set the animation variable associated with the component to the value, wherein the codes reside on a tangible media.

Abstract: A system comprises a source providing video in a first format, a video converter for converting video form the first to a second format, a server storing a video image from the video, and combining the video image with a graphical user interface to form a composite video, and a first user display device displaying the composite video, and receiving from the user, a plurality of commands, wherein the first user display device is for receiving from the user, a plurality of annotations associated with a video frame from the composite video, and for determining the video frame from the composite video in response to a command, wherein the server is for forming an annotated video in response to the video frame and the plurality of annotations, for storing the plurality of annotations and the video frame, and for associating the plurality of annotations and the video frame.

Abstract: A method for a computer system includes displaying a toolbar region with user selectable icons on a display, positioning a cursor on the display over the toolbar region, and receiving a first command from the user while the cursor is positioned over the toolbar region, wherein the first command from the user comprises pressing and holding of a button on a user input device, displaying additional user selectable icons on the display in response to the first command, positioning the cursor on the display over one user selectable icon, and receiving a second command from the user while the cursor is positioned on the one user selectable icon, wherein the second command from the user comprises releasing the button on the user input device, wherein the one user icon and the user selectable icons are then displayed in the toolbar region in response to the second command.

Abstract: Techniques for customizing draw styles of widgets to better accommodate a user's direct manipulation needs. A user can customize various attributes of a widget and its manipulators to suit the user's needs. The customizations are stored as a style. The stored style can subsequently be applied to the widget to control the appearance and behavior of the widget. Stored styles may be applied to other widgets and can also be shared between users.