Abstract: The methods and systems for scoring multiple time-based assets and events include declaratively playing a first media sequence; and declaratively initiating a second media sequence at a predetermined time prior to an end point of the first media sequence wherein the predetermined time is independent from an amount of time utilized to play the first media sequence.

Abstract: The methods and systems for scoring multiple time-based assets and events include declaratively playing a first media sequence; and declaratively initiating a second media sequence at a predetermined time prior to an end point of the first media sequence wherein the predetermined time is independent from an amount of time utilized to play the first media sequence.

Abstract: The methods and systems for scoring multiple time-based assets and events include declaratively playing a first media sequence; and declaratively initiating a second media sequence at a predetermined time prior to an end point of the first media sequence wherein the predetermined time is independent from an amount of time utilized to play the first media sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time composition and presentation of a complex, dynamic, and interactive experience by means of an efficient declarative markup language. Using the Surface construct, authors can embed images or full-motion video data anywhere they would use a traditional texture map within their 3D scene. Authors can also use the results of rendering one scene description as an image to be texture mapped into another scene. In particular, the Surface allows the results of any rendering application to be used as a texture within the author's scene. This allows declarative rendering of nested scenes and rendering of scenes having component Surfaces with decoupled rendering rates.

Abstract: A system and method for declarative markup that allows temporal manipulation of media assets. The media assets can be audio media, video media, animations, audio-visual media, images or events. Using the present invention a media sequence can be formed by playing more than one medium in series, in parallel or in any other temporal combination wherein a medium is cued to another medium. A media sequence created using the present invention can become part of a new media sequence, and the rate of playing the media sequence can be controlled by fields associated with the new media sequence. Also, using present invention, a media sequence can be cued to start playing at a fixed time before the end of a first media sequence, and in this instance the length of the first media sequence can be varied while still maintaining the fixed time from the end of the first media sequence.

Abstract: A graphic object manipulation tool includes a knob that controls a graphic object manipulation function, a planar indicator having a center point, and a linear indicator passing through the planar indicator's center point in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the planar indicator. The planar indicator and the linear indicator automatically align themselves relative to a feature of the graphic object when the tool is placed on the feature.

Abstract: Graphic objects in a 3D scene are manipulated using a computer system by defining a coordinate space based on a feature of a graphic object in the 3D scene, and constraining a range of motion available to an object manipulation operation based on the defined coordinate system. A graphic object, or its constituent graphic elements, can be manipulated (e.g., translated, scaled or rotated) using the constrained range of motion. The motion can be constrained to a motion plane, to a single direction within the motion plane, or in a direction perpendicular to the motion plane. The definition of new coordinate spaces and constrained ranges of motion can be integrated into the beginning stage of a standard cursor manipulation technique (e.g., click-drag-release) thus obviating the need for separate and distinct commands that tend to diminish user interface agility.

Abstract: Multimedia documents, for example, HTML pages, are created by a user in a graphic development environment running on a computer system by representing an object (e.g., an image) in a standard format while enabling the user to view and manipulate the object in a rich, native format which is different from the standard format. After the user has manipulated the object as desired, the native format representation of the object is automatically converted to the standard format and is used to represent the object in the multimedia document.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method for saving and restoring states in an interactive television system. The system presents interactive programs to a user; each program includes one or more states. When a user leaves a state in an interactive program by selecting a second state, the system saves state information sufficient to restore the first state. When the user elects to return to the first state, the system retrieves the state information and uses it to restore the first state; if the first state is not in the same interactive program as the second state, the system terminates the second state's interactive program and launches the first state's interactive program.

Abstract: A browser for allowing a user to navigate in a three-dimensional world having a plurality of objects provides enhanced navigational capabilities. The browser allows the user to seek to an object or location in the world, navigate throughout the world using cursor inputs and select an object to follow links associated with that object. The browser differentiates between a seek command, a select command and a travel command entered by the user via a pointing device to provide the three navigational capabilities without requiring the user to change a navigational mode of the browser. A traveler viewer allows the user to travel throughout the three-dimensional world using pointing device inputs such as single click inputs, double click inputs and click and drag inputs. An examiner viewer allows the user to examine a three-dimensional object by rotating the object, zooming in and out on the object, translating the object in the x and y direction and following links associated with the object or a portion thereof.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method for providing immediate feedback to the user in an interactive television system. The system presents interactive programs to a user; each program can have a "cover bundle" for "covering" the delay between user selection of the program and the program's availability. When a user requests a program having a cover bundle, the cover bundle is downloaded first. The cover bundle provides a simple presentation (e.g., a short movie, music, and the like) to keep the user engaged while the requested program downloads.

Abstract: A tool for characterization of files in a computer having an operating and file management system is described. The tool provides consistent definition and design of the functionality and appearance of icons and symbols used with operating environment programs.