User interface system having programmable user interface elements

• US 5,898,434 A
• Filed: 08/22/1994
• Issued: 04/27/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Computer Incorporated (Apple Inc.)
• Inventors: Chen, Michael, Knapp, Lewis C., Mander, Amanda R., Mander, Richard L., Small, Ian S., Zarakov, Eric L., Vertelney, Laurie J., Faris, James P., Tycz, Jeffrey E., Arent, Michael A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Poinvil, Frantzy
• Application Number:
  US08/294,242
• Time in Patent Office: 1,709 Days
• Field of Search: 364/419.17, 364/419.1, 364/200 MS, 395/145-149, 395/155, 395/159, 395/161, 395/753, 395/754, 395/757, 395/790, 395/791, 340/710, 340/721, 340/747, 340/720, 340/749, 345/326, 345/327, 345/333, 345/334, 345/348, 345/349, 345/350, 707/512, 707/530, 705/9
• US Class Current: 715/810
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/94 Hypermedia Hyperlinking G06F40/134
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0483 Interaction with page-structured environments, e.g. book metaphor
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27475 using interactive graphical means or pictorial representations

Abstract

A user interface having a plurality of user interface elements for marking, finding, organizing, and processing data stored in a computer system. Each element typically has an appearance which is related to the data or function the element is designed to represent or perform. The elements may simply mark data within the document, or may be programmed to cause the computer to perform some function in association with the marked data. Methods of marking data and searching the memory for marked data by use of switches or buttons is disclosed. Further, useful elements for systems such as computerized camera systems, portable multimedia systems, and remote controls are also described. Some of the user interface elements of the present invention may have an appearance and/or functionality dependent upon the context in which the element is used, and/or dependent upon the user'"'"'s identity. Methods for arranging the elements in stacks, and for providing for automatic application of elements to captured image data are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a plurality of types of user interface elements including means for associating data with one of said user interface elements and means for identifying said user interface elements to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface elements in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with said one of said plurality of types of user interface elements in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory,

wherein said input/output system comprises a first switch, wherein said means for associating data is operative to associate said data with one of said plurality of user interface elements in response to a first signal generated by said first switch,

wherein said display device has means for displaying one or more of said types of said user interface elements, wherein a first set comprising more than one of said types of user interface elements is associated with an area on said display device, wherein said input/output system comprises means for selecting one of said more than one type of said user interface elements to be displayed in said area, said one of said types of said user interface elements displayed in said area being operative to be associated with said data.

2. The user interface system as described in claim 1 wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said system comprises means to update an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had one of said plurality of user interface elements associated therewith.

3. The user interface system as described in claim 1 wherein said computerized system is operative to find said data associated with said one of said plurality of said user interface elements in response to a second signal generated by one of said first or a second switch.

4. The user interface system as described in claim 3 wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said first and said second switch.

5. The user interface system as described in claim 1 wherein said computerized system comprises means for recording audio data associated with said user interface element, wherein a plurality of instances of said user interface element may each be associated with a plurality of portions of data, said audio data associated with each of said instances.

6. The user interface system as described in claim 1 wherein said computerized system comprises a camera, said camera having means for capturing an image, wherein said one of said types of said user interface elements displayed in said area is associated with said image when said image is captured.

7. The user interface system as described in claim 1 wherein said type of said more than one of said plurality of user interface elements included in said first set is user selectable.

8. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a user interface element including means for associating data with said user interface element and means for identifying said user interface element to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface element in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory;

wherein said input/output system comprises a first switch, wherein said means for associating data is operative to associate said data with said user interface element in response to a first signal generated by said first switch;

wherein said computerized system comprises a camera, said camera having means for capturing an image, wherein said computerized system further comprises a display, said display having an area for displaying said user interface element, and wherein said user interface element displayed in said area is associated with said image when said image is captured.

9. The user interface system as described in claim 8 wherein said user interface element comprises a parameter, wherein said user interface system further comprises means for updating said parameter when said image is captured.

10. The user interface system as described in claim 9 wherein said parameter comprises time of day.

11. The user interface system as described in claim 9 wherein said parameter comprises a date.

12. The user interface system as described in claim 9 wherein said parameter comprises a number.

13. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a plurality of types of user interface elements including means for associating data with said user interface elements and means for identifying said user interface elements to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface elements in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with one of said plurality of types of user interface elements in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory,

wherein said input/output system comprises a plurality of first switches, wherein said means for associating data is operative to associate said data with one of said plurality of types of user interface elements in response to a first signal generated by one of said first switches, and

wherein a different one of said types of said user interface elements is associated with each of said first switches.

14. The user interface system as described in claim 13 wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said plurality of first switches.

15. The user interface system as described in claim 13 wherein said computerized system is operative to find data associated with one or more of said plurality of types of user interface elements in response to one or more second signals generated by one or more of said first switches or one or more second switches corresponding to said one or more of said plurality of types of said user interface elements.

16. The user interface system as described in claim 15 wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said plurality of first switches and said one or more second switches.

17. The user interface system as described in claim 16 wherein said remote control device comprises a plurality of buttons, said buttons having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion operates said first switch, and said second portion operates said second switch, each of said buttons associated with one of said plurality of user interface elements.

18. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a user interface element including means for associating data with said user interface element and means for identifying said user interface element to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface element in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory;

wherein said input/output system comprises a first switch, wherein said means for associating data is operative to associate said data with said user interface element in response to a first signal generated by said first switch, and

wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said first switch.

19. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a user interface element including means for associating data with said user interface element and means for identifying said user interface element to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface element in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory,

wherein said input/output system comprises a first switch, wherein said means for associating data is operative to associate said data with said user interface element in response to a first signal generated by said first switch, and

wherein said computerized system allows said user interface element to be associated with one or more first types of data, and does not allow said user interface element to be associated with one or more second types of data.

20. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, a display device, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a user interface element including means for associating data with said user interface element and means for identifying said user interface element to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface element in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory, wherein said input/output system comprises a first switch, wherein said means for associating data is operative to associate said data with said user interface element in response to a first signal generated by said first switch; and

means for encircling data displayed on said display device, wherein said means for associating data with said user interface element is operative to associate said encircled data with said user interface element.

21. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, a display device, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a user interface element including means for associating data with said user interface element and means for identifying said user interface element to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface element in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory; and

means for programming said user interface element to control performance of one or more operations by said computerized system, wherein said one or more operations are customized for said data associated with said user interface element based upon the content of said data associated with said user interface element,

means for encircling data displayed on said display device, wherein said means for associating data with said user interface element is operative to associate said encircled data with said user interface element.

22. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, a display device, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a user interface element including means for associating data with said user interface element and means for identifying said user interface element to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface element in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory,

wherein said computerized system allows said user interface element to be associated with one or more first types of data, and does not allow said user interface element to be associated with one or more second types of data;

means for encircling data displayed on said display device, wherein said means for associating data with said user interface element is operative to associate said encircled data with said user interface element.

23. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, a display device, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a user interface element including means for associating data with said user interface element and means for identifying said user interface element to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface element in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory,

wherein said means to associate data with said user interface element is operative to associate said user interface element with said data for a first user, and is not operative to associate said data with said user interface element for a second users;

means for encircling data displayed on said display device, wherein said means for associating data with said user interface element is operative to associate said encircled data with said user interface element.

24. A user interface system for use in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

a user interface element including means for associating data with said user interface element and means for identifying said user interface element to said computerized system;

means for storing said identifying means for said user interface element in said memory;

means for finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying means in said memory; and

means for programming said user interface element to control performance of one or more operations by said computerized system, wherein said computerized system is operative to allow a first user to perform one or more of said one or more operations, and wherein said computerized system is not operative to perform said one or more of said one or more operations for a second user.

25. The user interface system as described in claim 24 wherein said system further comprises a display device, and further comprises means for encircling data displayed on said display device, wherein said means for associating data with said user interface element is operative to associate said encircled data with said user interface element.

26. A method of marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, a display device, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a plurality of user interface elements, said plurality of user interface elements having identifying information to identify said user interface elements to said computerized system;

providing a first switch, said first switch generating a first signal, wherein said computerized system is operative to associate data with one of said plurality of user interface elements in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating one of said plurality of user interface elements with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said one of said user interface elements in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory;

associating a first set comprising more than one types of user interface elements with an area on said display device; and

selecting one of said more than one type of user interface elements to be displayed in said area, wherein said one of said user interface elements displayed in said area is operative to be associated with said data.

27. The method as described in claim 26 wherein said computerized system further comprises a camera, wherein said method further comprises capturing an image, wherein said one of said user interface elements displayed in said area is associated with said captured image.

28. The method as described in claim 26 wherein said type of said more than one of said plurality of user interface elements included in said first set is user selectable.

29. The method as described in claim 26 wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

30. A method of marking and finding data in a computerized system including a camera having a processor, a memory, a display, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

providing a first switch, said first switch generating a first signal, wherein said computerized system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory;

displaying said user interface element in an area of said display; and

,

capturing an image, wherein said user interface element displayed in said area is associated with said captured image.

31. The method as described in claim 30 wherein said user interface element comprises a parameter and wherein said method further comprises updating said parameter when said image is captured.

32. The method as described in claim 31 wherein said parameter comprises time of day.

33. The method as described in claim 31 wherein said parameter comprises a date.

34. The method as described in claim 31 wherein said parameter comprises a number.

35. A method of marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

providing a first switch, said first switch generating a first signal, wherein said computerized system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory,

wherein said computerized system comprises means for recording audio data associated with said user interface element, wherein a plurality of instances of said user interface element may each be associated with a plurality of portions of data, said audio data associated with each of said instances.

36. A method of marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

providing a first switch, said first switch generating a first signal, wherein said computerized system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory,

wherein said input/output system further comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said first switch.

37. A method of marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

providing a first switch, said first switch generating a first signal, wherein said computerized system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory,

wherein said computerized system allows the user interface element to be associated with one or more first types of data, and does not allow said user interface element to be associated with one or more second types of data in said step of associating data with said user interface element.

38. A method of marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

providing a first switch, said first switch generating a first signal, wherein said computerized system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

operating one of said first or a second switch to generate a second signal, said second signal causing said computerized system to be operative to find said data associated with said user interface element.

39. The method as described in claim 38 wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said first and said second switch.

40. The method as described in claim 38 wherein said method further comprises providing a plurality of types of said user interface elements and providing a plurality of first switches, and wherein a different one of said types of said user interface elements is associated with each of said first switches.

41. The method as described in claim 40 wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said plurality of first switches.

42. The method as described in claim 40 further comprising operating one or more of said first switches or one more second switches to generate one or more second signals corresponding to one or more of said plurality of types of said user interface elements to be found in said finding step.

43. The method as described in claim 42 wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said plurality of first switches and said one or more second switches.

44. The method as described in claim 43 wherein said remote control device comprises a plurality of buttons, said buttons having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion operates said first switch, and said second portion operates said second switch, each of said buttons associated with one of said plurality of user interface elements.

45. A method of marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

providing a first switch, said first switch generating a first signal, wherein said computerized system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory,

wherein said computerized system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

46. A method for marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

,

programming said user interface element to control performance of one or more operations by said computerized system, wherein said one or more operations are customized for said data associated with said user interface element based upon the content of said data associated with said user interface element,

wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

47. A method for marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

,

programming said user interface element to control performance of one or more operations by said computerized system, wherein said one or more operations are customized for said data associated with said user interface element based upon the content of said data associated with said user interface element,

wherein said computerized system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

48. A method for marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

wherein said computerized system allows said user interface element to be associated with one or more first types of data, and does not allow said user interface element to be associated with one or more second types of data in said step of associating said user interface element with said data,

wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

49. A method for marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

wherein said computerized system allows said user interface element to be associated with one or more first types of data, and does not allow said user interface element to be associated with one or more second types of data in said step of associating said user interface element with said data,

wherein said computerized system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

50. A method of marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory;

wherein said computerized system is operative to perform said step of associating said user interface element with said data for a first user, and is not operative to perform said step of associating said data with said user interface element for a second user.

51. The method as described in claim 50 wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

52. The method as described in claim 50 wherein said computerized system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

53. A method of marking and finding data in a computerized system having a processor, a memory, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system, comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said computerized system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory;

programming said user interface element to control performance of one or more operations by said computerized system, wherein said computerized system is operative to allow a first user to perform one or more of said one or more operations, and wherein said computerized system is not operative to perform said one or more of said one or more operations for a second user.

54. The method as described in claim 53 wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

55. The method as described in claim 53 wherein said computerized system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

56. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a plurality of types of user interface elements, said user interface elements having identifying information to identify said user interface elements to said digital processing system, the digital processing system having a processor, a memory, a display, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system;

generating a first signal, wherein said digital processing system is operative to associate data with one of said plurality of types of user interface elements in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said one of said plurality of types of user interface elements with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said one of said plurality of types user interface elements in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory;

associating a first set comprising more than one of said types of user interface elements with an area on said display device; and

selecting one of said more than one type of user interface elements to be displayed in said area, wherein said one of said user interface elements displayed in said area is operative to be associated with said data.

57. The method as described in claim 56 wherein said digital processing system further comprises a camera, wherein said method further comprises capturing an image, wherein said one of said user interface elements displayed in said area is associated with said captured image.

58. The method as described in claim 56 wherein said type of said more than one of said plurality of user interface elements included in said first set is user selectable.

59. The method as described in claim 56 wherein said digital processing system allows the user interface element to be associated with one or more first types of data, and does not allow said user interface element to be associated with one or more second types of data in said step of associating data with said user interface element.

60. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system comprising a camera, the digital processing system having a processor, a memory, a display, and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system;

generating a first signal, wherein said digital processing system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory;

displaying said user interface element in an area of said display; and

,

capturing an image, wherein said user interface element displayed in said area is associated with said captured image.

61. The method as described in claim 60 wherein said user interface element comprises a parameter and wherein said method further comprises updating said parameter when said image is captured.

62. The method as described in claim 61 wherein said parameter comprises time of day.

63. The method as described in claim 61 wherein said parameter comprises a date.

64. The method as described in claim 61 wherein said parameter comprises a number.

65. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system, the digital processing system having a processor, a memory and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system;

generating a first signal, wherein said digital processing system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

operating one of said first or a second switch to generate a second signal, said second signal causing said digital processing system to be operative to find said data associated with said user interface element.

66. The method as described in claim 65 wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said first and said second switch.

67. The method as described in claim 65 wherein said method further comprises providing a plurality of types of said user interface elements and providing a plurality of first switches, and wherein a different one of said types of said user interface elements is associated with each of said first switches.

68. The method as described in claim 67 further comprising operating one or more of said first switches or one more second switches to generate one or more second signals corresponding to one or more of said plurality of types of said user interface elements to be found in said finding step.

69. The method as described in claim 68 wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said plurality of first switches and said one or more second switches.

70. The method as described in claim 69 wherein said remote control device comprises a plurality of buttons, said buttons having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion operates said first switch, and said second portion operates said second switch, each of said buttons associated with one of said plurality of user interface elements.

71. The method as described in claim 67 wherein said input/output system comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said plurality of first switches.

72. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system, the digital processing system having a processor, a memory and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system;

generating a first signal, wherein said digital processing system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory,

wherein said input/output system further comprises a remote control device, said remote control device comprising said first switch.

73. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system, the digital processing system having a processor, a memory and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system;

generating a first signal, wherein said digital processing system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory,

wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

74. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system, the digital processing system having a processor, a memory and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system;

generating a first signal, wherein said digital processing system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory,

wherein said digital processing system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

75. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

,

programming said user interface element to control performance of one or more operations by said digital processing system, wherein said one or more operations are customized for said data associated with said user interface element based upon the content of said data associated with said user interface element,

wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

76. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

programming said user interface element to control performance of one or more operations by said digital processing system, wherein said one or more operations are customized for said data associated with said user interface element based upon the content of said data associated with said user interface element,

wherein said digital processing system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

77. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

wherein said digital processing system allows said user interface element to be associated with one or more first types of data, and does not allow said user interface element to be associated with one or more second types of data in said step of associating said user interface element with said data.

78. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

wherein said digital processing system allows said user interface element to be associated with one or more first types of data, and does not allow said user interface element to be associated with one or more second types of data in said step of associating said user interface element with said data,

wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

79. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory; and

wherein said digital processing system allows said user interface element to be associated with one or more first types of data, and does not allow said user interface element to be associated with one or more second types of data in said step of associating said user interface element with said data,

wherein said digital processing system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

80. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory;

wherein said digital processing system is operative to perform said step of associating said user interface element with said data for a first user, and is not operative to perform said step of associating said data with said user interface element for a second user.

81. The method as described in claim 80 wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

82. The method as described in claim 80 wherein said digital processing system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

83. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system;

associating data with said user interface element, said user interface element further identifying a location in memory of said associated data;

storing said identifying information for said user interface element in said memory;

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory;

programming said user interface element to control performance of one or more operations by said digital processing system, wherein said digital processing system is operative to allow a first user to perform one or more of said one or more operations, and wherein said digital processing system is not operative to perform said one or more of said one or more operations for a second user.

84. The method as described in claim 83 wherein said data resides in a data structure represented by an icon, wherein said method further comprises the step of updating an appearance of said icon to indicate that said data has had said user interface element associated therewith.

85. The method as described in claim 83 wherein said digital processing system further comprises a display device, wherein said step of associating data with said user interface element comprises encircling a display of said data on said display device.

86. A computer readable medium in a digital processing system, said medium containing executable computer program instructions which when executed in said digital processing system cause said system to perform the steps comprising:

providing a user interface element, said user interface element having identifying information to identify said user interface element to said digital processing system, the digital processing system having a processor, a memory and an input/output system in communication with said processor and said memory for operating said user interface system;

generating a first signal, wherein said digital processing system is operative to associate data with said user interface element in response to said first signal generated by said first switch;

associating said user interface element with said data, said user interface element identifying a location in memory of said associated data; and

,

finding said data associated with said user interface element in said memory by searching for said identifying information in said memory,

wherein said digital processing system comprises means for recording audio data associated with said user interface element, wherein a plurality of instances of said user interface element may each be associated with a plurality of portions of data, said audio data associated with each of said instances.