Abstract: Optimizations are provided for facilitating optimal viewing positions for viewing virtual objects in VR environments. Initially, user selection of a virtual object being rendered in a VR display is detected. Subsequently, an optimal viewing position is dynamically calculated based on one or more characteristic of the virtual object to be viewed. A predetermined triggering event is also detected, and in response to the predetermined triggering event, a scene which is arranged to display the selected virtual object from the optimal viewing position is rendered in the VR display.

Abstract: Optimizations are provided for facilitating optimal viewing positions for viewing virtual objects in VR environments. Initially, user selection of a virtual object being rendered in a VR display is detected. Subsequently, an optimal viewing position is dynamically calculated based on one or more characteristic of the virtual object to be viewed. A predetermined triggering event is also detected, and in response to the predetermined triggering event, a scene which is arranged to display the selected virtual object from the optimal viewing position is rendered in the VR display.

Abstract: In a computer system having a display and a keyboard, a computer readable medium includes instructions for invoking a message hook procedure based on a mouse message indicative of a mouse event. Instructions also provide for identifying at least one focus application that has a current keyboard focus and of converting the mouse message into a command for the focus application. The command is then sent to the focus application and the mouse message is prevented from being routed to any other applications. In one embodiment, the commands include the command to page forward or backward through pages of Internet documents. In other embodiments, instead of converting the mouse message into a command, the message hook procedure displays a graphical user interface based on the focus application and the mouse message. The graphical user interface includes one or more commands that the user may select.

Abstract: A secure memory device and method for obtaining and securely storing information relating to a life moment is disclosed. In the method, a parameter is received and inputted in a search heuristic. A search is made for the information according to the search heuristic and, upon finding the information, metadata is appended to the information. The information and metadata is then stored in a secure memory location. The secure memory location has a housing fabricated to withstand a predetermined stress, a detachable connection to a computer and a memory that stores the information and protects it from unauthorized deletion. In some embodiments, the stored information may be selectively deleted in a safe and controlled manner.

Abstract: A user notification system and a computer input device, such as a mouse. The computer input device includes an illumination member that enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a support surface. The illumination member is also used to notify the user if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. The notification information is presented to the user by changing the state of the illumination member. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.

Abstract: A user notification system and a computer input device, such as a mouse. The computer input device includes an illumination member that enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a support surface. The illumination member is also used to notify the user if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. The notification information is presented to the user by changing the state of the illumination member. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.

Abstract: A user notification system and a computer input device, such as a mouse. The computer input device includes an illumination member that enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a support surface. The illumination member is also used to notify the user if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. The notification information is presented to the user by changing the state of the illumination member. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message. The notification can make the illumination member blink as a function of the number of messages received.

Abstract: A user notification system and a computer input device, such as a mouse. The computer input device includes an illumination member that enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a support surface. The illumination member is also used to notify the user if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. The notification information is presented to the user by changing the state of the illumination member. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message. The notification can make the illumination member blink as a function of the number of messages received.

Abstract: A user notification system and a computer input device, such as a mouse. The computer input device includes an illumination member that enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a supporting surface. The illumination member is also used to notify the user if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. The notification information is presented to the user by changing the state of the illumination member. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message. The notification can make the illumination member blink as a function of the number of messages received.

Abstract: A host computer is provided with a main display unit and an auxiliary display unit. The host computer can free up screen space on the main display screen by routing certain types of display information to the auxiliary display unit for display. Display information can range from notification of events such as receipt of email, appointments, system messages, and information from separate applications. The auxiliary display panel may function as a user interface for audio, video, “push information”, MP3 player or become the hardware equivalent of a multimedia player. The auxiliary display panel may be integrated together with the host computer in the same physical structure or may be part of a standalone display unit that is wired or wirelessly coupled to the host computer.

Abstract: A host computer is provided with a main display unit and an auxiliary display unit. The host computer can free up screen space on the main display screen by routing certain types of display information to the auxiliary display unit for display. Display information can range from notification of events such as receipt of email, appointments, system messages, and information from separate applications. The auxiliary display panel may function as a user interface for audio, video, “push information”, MP3 player or become the hardware equivalent of a multimedia player. The auxiliary display panel may be integrated together with the host computer in the same physical structure or may be part of a standalone display unit that is wired or wirelessly coupled to the host computer.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a new device are disclosed. The method includes using a host system to create a configuration file including data useable to configure the new device. A portable storage device is interfaced to the host and the configuration file is transferred to the storage device. The storage device is then interfaced to the new device and the configuration file is transferred to the new device. The configuration file is optionally used to configure the new device for communication over a network. A method for configuring the new device using a direct connection between the new device and a system bus of the host is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a computer system having a display and a keyboard, a computer readable medium includes instructions for invoking a message hook procedure based on a mouse message indicative of a mouse event. Instructions also provide for identifying at least one focus application that has a current keyboard focus and of converting the mouse message into a command for the focus application. The command is then sent to the focus application and the mouse message is prevented from being routed to any other applications. In one embodiment, the commands include the command to page forward or backward through pages of Internet documents. In other embodiments, instead of converting the mouse message into a command, the message hook procedure displays a graphical user interface based on the focus application and the mouse message. The graphical user interface includes one or more commands that the user may select.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a new device are disclosed. The method includes using a host system to create a configuration file including data useable to configure the new device. A portable storage device is interfaced to the host and the configuration file is transferred to the storage device. The storage device is then interfaced to the new device and the configuration file is transferred to the new device. The configuration file is optionally used to configure the new device for communication over a network. A method for configuring the new device using a direct connection between the new device and a system bus of the host is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a computer system having a display and a keyboard, a computer readable medium includes instructions for invoking a message hook procedure based on a mouse message indicative of a mouse event. Instructions also provide for identifying at least one focus application that has a current keyboard focus and of converting the mouse message into a command for the focus application. The command is then sent to the focus application and the mouse message is prevented from being routed to any other applications. In one embodiment, the commands include the command to page forward or backward through pages of Internet documents. In other embodiments, instead of converting the mouse message into a command, the message hook procedure displays a graphical user interface based on the focus application and the mouse message. The graphical user interface includes one or more commands that the user may select.

Abstract: In a computer system having a display and a keyboard, a computer readable medium includes instructions for invoking a message hook procedure based on a mouse message indicative of a mouse event. Instructions also provide for identifying at least one focus application that has a current keyboard focus and of converting the mouse message into a command for the focus application. The command is then sent to the focus application and the mouse message is prevented from being routed to any other applications. In one embodiment, the commands include the command to page forward or backward through pages of Internet documents. In other embodiments, instead of converting the mouse message into a command, the message hook procedure displays a graphical user interface based on the focus application and the mouse message. The graphical user interface includes one or more commands that the user may select.

Abstract: Described is a computer display arm that couples a monitor to a base in a manner facilitates display monitor movement between various positions, including preset positions that may be generally optimized to match typical computer usage modes. In one implementation, an arm, which may be an articulating arm, includes or is otherwise associated with a mechanism that guides the user, if desired, to convenient stopping positions for different types of interaction. For example, preset stopping positions may be provided for conventional (e.g., mouse and keyboard) workstation-like interaction, video (e.g., DVD movie) playback, stand-up (walk-up) touch-screen interaction, and/or for pen input, similar to a tablet computing device. Users are able to position the monitor display screen between the preset positions if desired, and also may vary the positioning at the preset and/or other stopping points, to an extent. Software such as user interface code can change to match the current position.

Abstract: A handheld remote control device for a Media Computing Device has a biometric sensor to authenticate a user. The handheld remote control device includes a microphone and speaker to enable integration of a telephony system with the Media Computing Device. The handheld remote control device can be used as the interface with the Media Computing Device, alternatively, the handheld remote control device can be used as a speakerphone for communication in a telephony system that is integrated with the Media Computing Device. A multifunctional handheld remote control device can implement a variety of routines for interfacing with the Media Computing Device or alternatively for communicating in the telephony system.

Abstract: A host computer is provided with a main display unit and an auxiliary display unit. The host computer can free up screen space on the main display screen by routing certain types of display information to the auxiliary display unit for display. Display information can range from notification of events such as receipt of email, appointments, system messages, and information from separate applications. The auxiliary display panel may function as a user interface for audio, video, “push information”, MP3 player or become the hardware equivalent of a multimedia player. The auxiliary display panel may be integrated together with the host computer in the same physical structure or may be part of a standalone display unit that is wired or wirelessly coupled to the host computer.

Abstract: A control panel unit for a computing device includes buttons having characteristics that define individual button states. Upon actuation of a button, the viewable states of the buttons may change. A portion of the button may be illuminated to represent the state and/or include an icon depicting an application controlled by the button. The control panel unit may include a display for displaying plural soft labels corresponding to the buttons and representing the current context that will be initiated when the corresponding button is actuated. The soft labels may identify users or applications available to one user. Upon actuation of an application, the soft labels can change to represent various actions or functions available in the application. In the user interface, each user may be assigned a specific color scheme. The color schemes allow a person to visually determine who is logged into the system and/or which individual has new information.