User interface system having programmable user interface elements

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.