Abstract: In general, a user interface portrays both at least a portion of a time history of a sequence of events that has occurred, and at least a portion of a time track of audio-visual material associated with the time history of the sequence of events. An indication of one of the events or of a time is received, and the portrayal of either the time history or the time track is caused to be adjusted to be in synchrony with the other of the time history or the time track with respect to which the indication has been received.

Abstract: Among other things, a user of a factory automation application that is presenting a graphical user interface at a user console, can select at least one of (a) a factory automation event or (b) a past time segment in the factory automation, and in response to the user selection. Then both (a) stored audio-video factory automation content, and (b) stored audio-video console content, for the selected event or time segment are presented.

Abstract: A graphics-oriented technique for enabling a user to configure data processing features of a computer system that includes at least one computer. The data processing features are presented to the user in the form of displayed graphical objects, each of which represents one feature. The user selects a graphical object using an input device of the computer (e.g., a mouse), and is then prompted to enter information associated with the data processing feature represented by the selected object. The computer system is then enabled to use the data processing feature to process data in accordance with the user-specified information. After the configuration information has been entered for at least some of the objects, symbols are added to the display to indicate that the data processing features that the objects represent have been enabled, which presents to the user a comprehensive, easily understood representation of the current configuration state of the system.

Abstract: A computer display system and technique in which display area is represented as an array of regions, and a record is maintained for each object displayed in the area to identify the regions occupied by the object. When an event occurs that causes a change in the information presented in the display area, the regions that are affected by the change are detected, and an object is updated if its record identifies at least one of the affected regions. Examples of such events include the appearance and removal of dialog boxes, pull-down menus, and other items that may obscure the objects when displayed, and changes in the display characteristics (e.g., color) of the objects.