PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7437677-B1
Application Number: US-39489106-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Multiple personas for electronic devices

Abstract:
A computer system is disclosed which may adopt one of many personas, depending upon the role that its owner is currently playing. The computer system includes a central repository of extensible personas available to all applications running on the computer system. Each such persona has associated therewith a suite of parameters, or specific values for parameters, which are appropriate for conducting computer implemented transactions under a particular persona. The computer system further includes a graphical user interface which allows the user to switch from persona to persona by selecting a particular persona from a list of available personas displayed on a display screen of the computer system. By selecting such persona, the user causes the computer system to globally change the entire suite of parameter values so that subsequent transactions conducted with the computer system employ the parameter values of the current persona.

Claims:
1. A method implemented on an electronic device having a display screen, the method comprising the following steps:
 identifying a transaction specified by a user via a graphical user interface of the electronic device, the transaction requiring, in order to be performed, that values of a collection of parameters be specified; 
 determining a current persona for said electronic device, said persona being one of multiple personas available on the electronic device and for use by one or more users of the electronic device, each of said personas having an associated set of values for persona parameters, at least some of the persona parameters being within said collection of parameters required to perform said transaction; and 
 performing the specified transaction with the persona parameters for the current persona. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein said determining a current persona includes determining whether the user of the electronic device has selected a persona from a displayed representation of the multiple personas available on the electronic device. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein the electronic device is a computing device. 
     
     
       4. A computer capable of adopting multiple personas, the computer comprising:
 a CPU; 
 a memory in communication with said CPU; 
 a display screen in communication with said CPU; 
 encoded instructions stored in said memory for specifying two or more personas corresponding to capabilities for operating the computer for use by a user, each of said personas specifying a unique set of persona parameters; and 
 encoded instructions stored in said memory for switching between said two or more personas, wherein when said computer is associated with a current persona, transactions performed with the computer employ the set of persona parameters associated with that current persona. 
 
     
     
       5. The computer of  claim 4  further comprising encoded instructions stored in the memory for displaying on said display screen a visual indication of the two or more personas on said display screen. 
     
     
       6. The computer of  claim 5  further comprising encoded instructions stored in said memory for causing said computer to adopt a persona which is selected from the two or more personas. 
     
     
       7. The computer of  claim 4  further comprising encoded instructions stored in the memory for specifying a current persona associated with a password entered by the user. 
     
     
       8. The computer of  claim 4  wherein the computer is a hand-held computer. 
     
     
       9. A computer readable medium containing program instructions executable by a processor for:
 identifying a task specified by a user via a graphical user interface of an electronic device, said task requiring, in order to be performed, that values of a collection of parameters be specified; 
 determining a current persona for said electronic device, said persona being one of multiple personas available on the electronic device and for use by one or more users of the electronic device, each of said personas having an associated set of values for persona parameters, at least some of the persona parameters being within said collection of parameters required to perform said task; and 
 performing the specified task with the persona parameters for the current persona. 
 
     
     
       10. The computer readable medium of  claim 9  wherein the program instructions for determining a current persona include instructions for determining whether the user of the electronic device has selected a persona from a displayed representation of the multiple personas available on the electronic device. 
     
     
       11. A computer readable medium containing program instructions executable by a processor for:
 identifying a collection of parameters required to operate a computing device; 
 determining a current persona from a plurality of personas for the computing device, said persona being one of multiple personas available on the computing device and for use by one or more users of the computing device, each of said personas having an associated set of values for persona parameters, at least some of the persona parameters being within said collection of parameters required to operate said computing device; and 
 thereafter operating the computing device in accordance with the current persona. 
 
     
     
       12. A computer readable medium of  claim 11  wherein each of said personas pertain to a capacity of operation for the computing device. 
     
     
       13. A computer readable medium of  claim 11  wherein each of said personas pertain to a task capable of being performed by the computing device. 
     
     
       14. A computer readable medium of  claim 11  wherein each of said personas are associated with a different graphical user interface provided by the computing device. 
     
     
       15. A computer readable medium of  claim 11  wherein said computer readable medium further comprises program instructions for:
 displaying a graphical user interface that facilitates switching between said personas. 
 
     
     
       16. A computer readable medium of  claim 11  wherein said computer readable medium further comprises program instructions for:
 displaying a visual indication of the current persona on a display screen of the computing device. 
 
     
     
       17. A computer readable medium of  claim 11  wherein the computing device is a hand-held computer. 
     
     
       18. A computer readable medium of  claim 11  wherein the computing device is a portable computing device. 
     
     
       19. A computer readable medium of  claim 11  wherein the computing device is a computer system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/305,678, filed Nov. 26, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,008, entitled “MULTIPLE PERSONAS FOR MOBILE DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/512,021, filed Aug. 7, 1995, entitled “MULTIPLE PERSONAS FOR MOBILE DEVICES,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,512,525, and which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to computer systems, and more particularly to systems for adjusting collections of parameters used in conducting transactions in computer systems. 
     Computers are becoming increasingly powerful, lightweight, and portable. The computing power of computers that once filled entire rooms is now residing on a desktop. Laptop, notebook, and sub-notebook computers are virtually as powerful as their desktop counterparts. Even smaller hand-held computers are now capable of computing tasks that required much larger machines a few short years ago. 
     As a part of this trend, computerized personal organizers are becoming increasingly popular with a large segment of the population. Computerized personal organizers tend to be small, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive, and can perform such functions as keeping a calendar, an address book, a to-do list, etc. While many of these functions can also be provided in conventional computer systems, personal organizers are very well suited to the personal organization task due to their small size and portability. Personal organizers are available from many companies including Sharp and Casio of Japan. 
     A relatively new form of computer, the pen-based computer system, holds forth the promise of a marriage of the power of a general purpose computer with the functionality and small size of a personal organizer. An example of a pen-based computer system is the Newton® 120 pen-based computer made and marketed by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     A pen-based computer system is typically a small, hand-held computer where the primary method for inputting data includes a “pen” or stylus. A pen-based computer system is commonly housed in a generally rectangular enclosure, and is provided with a dual-function display assembly that can serve as both an input device and an output device. When operating as an input device or “tablet”, the display assembly senses the position of the tip of a stylus on the viewing screen and provides this positional information to the computer&#39;s central processing unit (CPU). Some display assemblies can also sense the pressure of the stylus on the screen to provide further information to the CPU. When operating as an output device, the display assembly presents computer-generated images on the screen. 
     The dual-function display assemblies of pen-based computer systems permit users to operate the computer as a computerized notepad, among other functions. For example, graphical images can be input into the pen-based computer by merely moving the stylus on the surface of the screen. As the CPU senses the position and movement of the stylus, it generates a corresponding image on the screen to create the illusion that the stylus is drawing the image directly upon the screen, i.e. that the stylus is “inking” an image on the screen. By “ink” it is meant that pixels on the screen are activated in such a manner that it appears that the stylus is leaving a trail of ink on the display assembly. With suitable recognition software, the “ink” can be recognized to input text, numerics, graphics, and other recognized information into the pen-based system. 
     Because pen-based computer systems are portable and easy to use, owners often use them in various locations and for various types of tasks. In essence, the pen-based computer system becomes an “agent” of its owner, performing for the owner various routine tasks such as faxing, note taking, e-mailing, etc. Frequently the owner takes on various roles or “personas” such as, for example, private citizen, professional employee, volunteer, hobbyist, etc. 
     A difficulty arises in this context because entirely different sets of parameters (used by the pen-based computer system to perform its tasks) may be associated with each of these various personas. It can be cumbersome for the agent pen-based computer system to seamlessly adapt to these various roles. For example, various of the personas may have associated therewith separate addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, etc. Often these various pieces of information must be separately specified for such activities as automatically generating correspondence, sending a facsimile, or purchasing items. Specifically, to charge a facsimile transmission from a pen-based computer system, the computer system owner might use one phone card number (for a business line) when adopting a professional persona and a different phone card number (for a home line) when adopting a private citizen persona. The situation may be further complicated because a given pen-based computer system might be used by its owner&#39;s family members or other colleagues from time-to-time. Each of these other users have their own personas. 
     Some desktop and laptop computer systems such as the Macintosh® available from Apple Computer, Incorporated of Cupertino Calif., have provided the ability to quickly switch between collections of parameters associated with different “worksites”. For example, one worksite may be associated with a principle business office at which a desktop computer sits, and second worksite might be at a company&#39;s branch office. Each of these worksites likely uses a different printer and has a different phone number. Some applications have been proposed for use on the Apple Macintosh® that would have allowed users to switch between various “worksites settings” depending upon where the computer was used. In this manner, printer settings, phone numbers and an entire suite of parameters associated with a given worksite could be changed very easily. Unfortunately, these worksite-specific parameters are sometimes not useful in situations where a user is changing personas. In fact, a user may often change personas in the course of a short period of time, without ever changing a worksite. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide some method for quickly and easily changing an entire collection of parameters of relevance to the pen-based computer system when its owner adopts different personas. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides computer systems which may adopt one of a plurality of personas. The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including graphical user interface), or computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a method implemented on an electronic device having a display screen, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: identifying a transaction specified by a user via a graphical user interface of the electronic device, the transaction requiring, in order to be performed, that values of a collection of parameters be specified; determining a current persona for the electronic device, the persona being one of multiple personas available on the electronic device and for use by one or more users of the electronic device, each of the personas having an associated set of values for persona parameters, at least some of the persona parameters being within the collection of parameters required to perform the transaction; and performing the specified transaction with the persona parameters for the current persona. The electronic device is, for example, a computing device. 
     As a computer capable of adopting multiple personas, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: a CPU; a memory in communication with the CPU; a display screen in communication with the CPU; encoded instructions stored in the memory for specifying two or more personas corresponding to capabilities for operating the computer for use by a user, each of the personas specifying a unique set of persona parameters; and encoded instructions stored in the memory for switching between the two or more personas, wherein when the computer is associated with a current persona, transactions performed with the computer employ the set of persona parameters associated with that current persona. 
     As a computer readable medium containing program instructions, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: identifying a task specified by a user via a graphical user interface of a electronic device, the task requiring, in order to be performed, that values of a collection of parameters be specified; determining a current persona for the electronic device, the persona being one of multiple personas available on the electronic device and for use by one or more users of the electronic device, each of the personas having an associated set of values for persona parameters, at least some of the persona parameters being within the collection of parameters required to perform the task; and performing the specified task with the persona parameters for the current persona. 
     As a computer readable medium containing program instructions, another embodiment of the invention includes at least: determining a current persona from a plurality of personas for a computing device; and thereafter operating the computing device in accordance with the current persona. 
     As a computer readable medium containing program instructions, still another embodiment of the invention includes at least: identifying a transaction specified by a user via a graphical user interface presented on a display screen of electronic device; determining a current persona for the electronic device, the current persona being one of a plurality of personas available for use with the electronic device, each of the personas having corresponding persona parameters; and performing the specified transaction with at least one of the persona parameters for the current persona. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed descriptions and studying the various figures of the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the electronics of a pen-based computer system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a complete pen-based computer system including a housing, display assembly, and stylus, where the electronics of  FIG. 1  are enclosed within the housing; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the housing and display assembly of pen-based computer system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a screen shot of an ownership record for an individual who has adopted the persona of a professional engineer; 
         FIG. 4   b  is ownership record for the same individual as in  FIG. 4   a , but in which the persona is that of a private citizen; 
         FIG. 5  is a screen shot of a worksite record providing information for a corporate worksite; 
         FIG. 6  is a screen shot of a worksite record for a home location; 
         FIG. 7  is a screen shot illustrating a pop-up menu for selecting certain parameters associated with a given persona as represented in an ownership record; 
         FIG. 8   a  is a screen shot showing a dialog box provided for entering information about a credit card associated with a given persona. 
         FIG. 8   b  is a screen shot as in  FIG. 8   a  but showing a pop-up menu for selecting various types of credit cards; 
         FIG. 9  is a screen shot showing a dialog box for entering a signature associated with a given persona; 
         FIG. 10   a  is a screen shot showing a dialog box for entering values associated with e-mail parameters; 
         FIG. 10   b  is a screen shot as in  FIG. 10   a  but additionally showing a pop-up menu for selecting a particular type of e-mail service; 
         FIG. 11  is a process flow diagram depicting the general procedure for modifying a computer system&#39;s current persona and performing a transaction under that persona; 
         FIG. 12  is a process flow diagram illustrating the important steps in specifying a system-wide current persona from among multiple possible personas available to a computer system; 
         FIG. 13  is a process flow diagram depicting the steps that may be performed in specifying a persona-dependent transaction in accordance with one embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a screen shot showing a pop-up menu that lists available routing actions; 
         FIG. 15   a  is a screen shot showing a “printer” routing slip in the form of an envelope; 
         FIG. 15   b  is a screen shot showing a “e-mail” routing slip as in the form shown in  FIG. 15   a;    
         FIG. 15   c  is a screen shot of a routing slip as in  FIG. 15   b  but, in addition, showing a pop-up menu for changing the current persona and/or current worksite associated with the computer system; 
         FIG. 15   d  is a screen shot showing a “fax” routing slip as in  FIG. 15   a;    
         FIG. 16   a  is a screen shot showing a dialog box with a telephone icon for dialing a given telephone number; 
         FIG. 16   b  is a screen shot showing a “phone” routing slip which would be displayed if the telephone icon shown in a screen shot of  FIG. 16   a  is selected; 
         FIG. 16   c  is a screen shot showing the “phone” routing slip as shown in  FIG. 16   b , but with a different worksite selected; 
         FIG. 16   d  is a screen shot showing the “phone” routing slip as in  FIG. 16   b , but with a different persona selected; 
         FIG. 17  is a process flow diagram depicting the steps that may be performed in specifying a computer transaction in accordance with separate embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a screen shot showing a pop-up menu listing routing actions that are available in a “names” application; 
         FIG. 19   a  is a screen shot showing a confirmation dialog box that would appear upon a user selecting a “Beam My Card” action from the pop-up menu shown in  FIG. 18 ; and 
         FIG. 19   b  is a screen showing a confirmation dialog box as in  FIG. 19   a  but displaying a pop-up menu for changing personas. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS PEN-BASED COMPUTER SYSTEMS 
     The present invention is well suited for pointer based computer systems such as the pen-based, pen-aware, mouse, track ball, and track pad controlled systems that are currently popular. For the purposes of illustration, the invention will be described in connection with a pen-based system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a block diagram  10  of the electronics of a pen-based computer in accordance with the present invention includes a central processing unit (CPU)  12 , a memory system  14 , an input/output (I/O) dual function display system  16 , a clock system  18 , a power system  20 , a sound system  22 , a PCMCIA connector  24 , and a serial I/O system  26 . The various components and systems of the computer  10  are coupled together by an I/O controller  28  which serves as an interface between the CPU  12  and other components of the computer  10 . More specifically, the I/O controller  28  is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed to handle memory, peripherals, and I/O tasks, as well as housekeeping functions such as providing system clocks, controlling power usage, etc. The design, manufacture, and use of ASICs is well known to those skilled in the art. The pen-based computer  10  as illustrated is currently being manufactured and sold by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. as a Newton® 120 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). 
     CPU  12  is preferably a commercially available, single chip microprocessor. While CPU  12  can be a complex instruction set computer (CISC) chip, it is preferable that CPU  12  be one of the commercially available, reduced instruction set computer (RISC) chips which are known to be of generally higher performance than CISC chips. In the present embodiment, the CPU  12  is preferably an ARM® 610 RISC chip operating at 20 megahertz and is available from a variety of sources including VLSI Technology, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. and Plessey Semiconductor of England. The present CPU  12  includes a 32 bit data (D) bus  30 , a 32 bit address (A) bus  32 , and an 8 bit control (C) bus  34 . 
     The memory system  14  includes static random access memory (SRAM)  36 , non-volatile read/write “flash” memory  38 , and read-only memory (ROM)  40 . The SRAM  36  serves as volatile “scratch pad” memory for the computer system  10  and, in the current system, includes 512 kilobytes of memory. The flash memory  38  is where user data is stored, preferably includes about 2 megabytes of memory, and is available as a standard product from Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. The ROM  40  stores the operating system and embedded application programs, and currently comprises approximately 8 megabytes of memory. Of course, there are many equivalents for the SRAM  36 , flash memory  38 , and ROM  40 . For example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) can be substituted for SRAM  36 , battery-backed random accessed memory (RAM) can be substituted for flash memory  38 , and a programmable read-only memory (PROM) can be substituted for the ROM  40 . 
     The memory system  14  is coupled directly to the data (D) bus  30  and the address (A) bus  32 . The memory system  14  is also coupled to a memory control bus  42  of controller  28 . The CPU  12  and controller  28  cooperate to read and write data to the memory system  14  via the busses  30 ,  32 , and  42 . 
     The display system  16  serves as both an input device and an output device. More particularly, a tablet  44 , multiplexer (MUX)  46 , and analog-to-digital (A/D) converter  48  convert the contact of a stylus (see  FIG. 2 ) with the tablet  44  and its subsequent movement over the tablet into digital data that is input to the controller  28 . The tablet  44  is preferably a four-wire resistive membrane tablet and provides positional information on a bus  50  which is input into the MUX  46 . The MUX  46  determines which of the four sides of the tablet is to be read. Such tablets are widely available from a variety of sources including Nissha of Japan. An output from the MUX  46  is input to A/D converter  48  on a bus  52 . An output from the A/D converter  48  is input into the controller  28 . 
     The display system  16  further includes an ASIC  56 , a dedicated SRAM  58 , and an LCD screen  60 . The ASIC  56  is an LCD controller coupled to the data (D) bus  30 , the address (A) bus  32 , and the memory control bus  42 . The purpose of the ASIC  56  is to allow the CPU  12  to write to the screen as if it were a RAM sitting on the memory bus  42 . The SRAM  58  is coupled to the ASIC  56  by a dedicated bus  62 , and the screen  60  is coupled to the ASIC  56  by a dedicated bus  64 . The ASIC  56  serves as a controller for the screen  60 , and uses the SRAM  58  as a frame buffer to store images to be displayed on the screen  60 . The LCD screen  60  is preferably a standard super-twist LCD matrix screen available from a number of sources including Seiko-Epson of Japan. The LCD screen preferably comprises a rectangular array of picture elements or “pixels”, as is well known to those skilled in the art. 
     The clock system  18  includes a main system clock  66  and a real-time clock (RTC) crystal  68 . The main system clock is a four-terminal oscillator and is used to provide the master clock for the computer  10 . In the present embodiment, the main system clock  66  operates at 40 megahertz. Oscillator clocks such as clock  66  can be commercially obtained from many sources including Seiko-Epson of Japan. This master clock may be divided down by the controller  28  for various timing purposes in the system, and is coupled to the controller  28  by a line  70 . 
     The RTC crystal  68  is tuned to 32.768 kilohertz, which is evenly divisible by a power of 2. The RTC crystal  68  forms the basis of a crystal based oscillator that can provide a continuous, precise, uninterrupted signal at 1 hertz by dividing down the 32.768 kilohertz crystal signal with a 10 bit divider. The circuitry for performing this type of task is well-known, and form a part of controller  28  in this embodiment. The one hertz RTC signal increments a RTC counter (also a part of the controller  28 ) to count of the total number of seconds that has elapsed since midnight, Jan. 1, 1904 (an arbitrary start time). The value in the RTC counter can be converted into time of day and date information by relatively straight-forward calculations well known to those skilled in the art. Since the RTC crystal  68  is coupled to the controller  28  by a dedicated two-line bus  72  to provide the 32.768 kilohertz signal to the controller  28 . 
     The power system  20  provides power to the computer  10  and is coupled to the controller  28  by a dedicated bi-directional bus  74 . The bus  74  allows for the handling of fault detection signals (e.g. low power), switching on and off power to the PCMCIA connector, etc. The power system  20  preferably controls the power system  20  to conserve power at times of low usage of the pen-based computer system. 
     The sound system  22  includes a small (18 mm diameter) loudspeaker  76  and a D/A converter  78 . The D/A converter  78  is coupled to the controller  28  by a line  80 , and to the loudspeaker  76  by a line  82 . In the present embodiment, the D/A converter  78  is a simple operational amplifier (OP AMP) which acts as an integrator to integrate pulse width modulation (PWM) signals developed on line  80  to provide an analog signal on line  82  to drive loudspeaker  76 . Of course, more complex D/A converters can also be used to provide higher quality sound output from loudspeaker  76 , as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Suitable OP AMPS to be used as a D/A converter  78  are readily available on the commercial market, and the miniature loudspeaker is also readily available, such as from Hosiden of Osaka, Japan. 
     The PCMCIA connector  24  is coupled to the controller  28  by a dedicated data (D′) bus  84 , a dedicated address (A′) bus  86 , and a dedicated control (C′) bus  88 . The PCMCIA specifications for signals on the dedicated data, address, and control busses are industry standard and highly available as the “PC Card” or “PCMCIA” standard. A variety of devices can fit in the PCMCIA slot  24 , including memory expansion cards, miniature hard disk drive cards, modem cards, and pager cards, to name a few. 
     The serial I/O system  26  includes a Serial Communications Controller (SCC)  90 , an infrared (IR) transceiver  92 , a serial port  94 , and a line driver (LD)  96 . The SCC  90  is coupled to the data bus (D)  30  by a bus  98  and to the controller  28  by a bus  100 . A suitable SCC  90  can be purchased from Zilog Corporation of San Jose, Calif. as part number Z85C30. The Zilog Z85C30 has been available since at least the early 1980&#39;s and supports a number of serial protocols. The IR transceiver  92  is coupled to the SCC  90  by a line  102  for received IR signals, and to the controller  28  for IR signals to be transmitted. The IR transceiver includes an IR transmitter (coupled to line  104 ) and an IR receiver (coupled to line  102 ), and is available under license from Sharp Corporation of Japan. The IR receiver includes a PIN-type IR-sensitive diode having an output coupled to an analog demodulator and an amplifier to create a signal on line  102 , an IR LED coupled to line  104  to be directly driven by a high-power switch of controller  28 . The serial port  94  is a standard DIN 8 (8 pin) connector, and is coupled to the line driver LD  96  by an eight bit bus  106 . The LD  96  is coupled to the SCC  90  by a bus  107 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a pen-based computer system  106  in accordance with the present invention includes the computer  108  and a pen or stylus  110 . The computer  108  is enclosed within a generally flat, rectangular case  112  having a front end  114 , a back end  116 , a left side  118 , a right side  120 , a top  122 , and a bottom  124 . The LCD  60  is positioned along the top  122  of the case  112 , and the clear membrane tablet  44  is positioned over the LCD  60 . Also positioned beneath the tablet  44  along a lower edge  126  thereof, is a printed strip of material  128  including a number of indicia  130 . When the tip  132  of the stylus  110  is engaged with the membrane  44  over one of the indicia  130 , the computer  108  can respond to the contact as if the engaged indicia was a “button.” Therefore, as used herein, a “button” can be an image seen through the tablet  44  (either from the screen  60  or from printed material  128  or the like) that can serve the function of an electro-mechanical button or the like when the tablet  44  is activated over a button image. 
     A lid  134  is connected to the back end  116  of case  112  by hinge  136 . When open as shown or folded back to contact the bottom  124  of case  112 , the tablet  44  and screen  60  are available for use. When the cover  134  is folded over the top  122  of case  112 , it fully covers the tablet  44  to protect the delicate membrane material. The lid  134  is provided with a latch member  138  which engages a latch member  140  when it is overlying the top  122  of the computer. The latch member  138  is disengaged from the latch member  140  by a mechanical latch release  142 . 
     Also seen in  FIG. 2  is an “on” switch  144 , a contrast adjustment  146 , and a grille  148  for the speaker  76 . The stylus  110  is of a collapsible design and can fit into an opening  150  along the right side  120  of case  112 . Not seen in this figure along the right side  120  of the case  112  is an opening for a PCMCIA card which can engage PCMCIA connector  24 , the DIN 8 port  94 , and a power input jack. Not seen along the bottom  124  of the case  112  is a battery access cover and a mechanical ejection button for a PCMCIA card engaged with the PCMCIA connector  24 . The IR port  92  is provided along back  116  of the case  112  and is exposed for use when the cover  134  is folded against the bottom  124  of the case  112 . The remaining components and systems of the computer block diagram  10  of  FIG. 1  are enclosed within the case  112  of the computer system  108 . 
     It should be noted that the preceding discussion is of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and that there are many alternatives for the stylus  110 . For example, a fingernail or other pointed object could be used with the tablet  44  of the present invention. Also, there are other types of tablets available that utilize other types of styluses. 
     Other types of pointing devices can also be used in conjunction with the present invention. While the method of the present invention is described in the context of a pen-based system, other pointing devices such as a computer mouse, a track ball, a track pad, a tablet, etc. can be used to manipulate a pointer on a screen of a general purpose computer. Therefore, as used herein, the terms “pointer”, “pointing device”, “pointing apparatus”, “pointing means”, and the like will refer to any mechanism, device, or system for designating to a particular location on a screen of a computer display. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 3 , information is input into the pen-based computer system by “writing” on the tablet  44  with stylus  110  or the like. Information concerning the location of the tip  132  of stylus  110  on the tablet  44  of the display system  16  is input into the CPU  12  via the controller  28 . Typically, this information comprises the Cartesian (i.e. x &amp; y) coordinates of a pixel of the screen  60  over which the tip  132  of the stylus  110  is positioned. The CPU  12  then processes the data under control of an operating system (stored in ROM  40 ) and possibly an application program stored in the memory system  14  or elsewhere (such as on a PCMCIA card engaged with PCMCIA connector  24 ). The CPU  12  next produces data which is transferred to the screen  60  via ASIC  56  to produce appropriate images on the screen. 
     Upon power-up, pen-based computer system  106  displays on screen  60  an initial “note” area  151  including a header bar  152  and a number of guidelines  154 . The header bar  152  preferably includes the date of creation of the note area  151  and a number of icons and “soft” buttons, not particularly germane to the discussion of the present invention. The guidelines  154  aid a user in entering text, graphics, and data into the pen-based computer system  106 . A text object T of the text “Text Object” and a graphic object G of a triangle are shown as being entered within note area  151 . 
     Additional note areas, such as a second note area  156 , can be formed by the user by drawing a substantially horizontal line across the tablet  44  with the stylus  110 . The substantially horizontal line is recognized by the computer system  106  and is converted into a second header bar  158 . Additional text, graphical, and other data can then be entered into this second note area  156 . 
     The screen illustrated in  FIG. 3  is referred to as the “notepad”, and is preferably an application program running under the operating system of the pen-based computer system  10 . In this preferred embodiment, the notepad is a special or “base” application which is usually or normally available beneath higher level applications. The notepad application, like other applications, run within a window, which in this instance comprises the entire screen  60 . Therefore, as used herein, a “window” is the entire screen or any portion of an entire screen which is dedicated to a particular application program. A description of the operation and use of the notepad can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,310, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference. 
     A status bar  160  is provided at the bottom of the notepad application. The status bar  160  is provided with a number of active areas and a number of display areas, which again are not particularly germane to the present invention and will therefore not be discussed in detail herein. 
     The term “object” will be used extensively in the following discussions. As is well known to software developers, an “object” is a logical software unit comprising data and processes which give it capabilities and attributes. For example, an object can be queried as to its type and can return such data as the number of words that it contains, what its bounding box (BBOX) is, etc. Objects can contain other objects of the same or of a different type. Objects can also be used to project images on a screen according to their object type. Example of object types used in the following description include paragraph, line, and word objects. There are many well known texts which describe object oriented programming. See, for example, “Object Oriented Programming for the Macintosh,” by Kurt J. Schmucher, Hayden Book Company, 1986. 
     In the present invention, objects may be implemented as part of a frame system that comprises frame objects related by a semantic network. A description of semantic networks can be found in “A Fundamental Tradeoff in Knowledge Representation and Reasoning,” Readings in Knowledge Representation, by Brachman and Leveseque, Morgan Kaufman, San Mateo, 1985. 
     It will be noted there is a liberal use of graphic elements in the present invention. For example, the header bars  152  and  158  include lines and other graphical elements. Processes for drawing lines on a computer screen are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, graphics software such as QUICKDRAW from Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. can be used to draw lines, simple geometrical shapes, etc. A description of the QUICKDRAW graphics software is found in the book “Inside Macintosh, Volumes I, II, and III,” by C. Rose et al., Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., July 1988. With such graphics software, a line can be drawn by simply specifying the coordinates of the beginning and the end of the line, and by specifying the width of the line. 
     Another preferred tool for implementing the system of the present invention is a view system. Various types of view systems are well known to those skilled in the art. In the present system, the notepad application on the screen  60  can form a first or “root” layer, with the status bar  160 , for example, positioned in a second layer “over” the root layer. The various buttons  162  of the status bar  160  are positioned in a third layer “over” the second and root layers. The view system automatically handles “taps” and other gestures of the stylus  110  on the screen  60  by returning information concerning the tap or gesture and any object to which it may be related. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/976,970 filed Nov. 16, 1992 on behalf of Foster et. al, entitled “Status Bar for Application Windows” and assigned to the assignee of the present invention describes a preferred view system and how to make and use the status bar, and is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The object oriented programming and view system software makes the implementation of the processes of the present invention less cumbersome than traditional programming techniques. However, the processes of the present invention can also be implemented in alternative fashions, as will be well appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     Records of Machine Personas 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate the multiple persona that may be adopted by a computer system in accordance in this invention.  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are screen shots illustrating how records containing the information associated with the various persona of a human individual may be displayed on display screen  60 . As noted, owners of hand-held computers may adopt multiple personas such as private citizen, professional employee, volunteer, hobbyist, etc. 
     In the example presented in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , the hand-held machine is shown to have two personas. In the case of  FIG. 4   a , the persona is Stephen Capps, professional engineer, while the persona illustrated in  FIG. 4   b  is provided in for Stephen Capps, private citizen. As shown in  FIG. 4   a , some information associated with Stephen Capps, professional engineer, includes his company affiliation, title in the company, company address, and company phone number. In contrast, his private citizen persona is shown to include his home phone number, and may include such other information as a home address, etc. 
     The information provided in the various personas may be employed to execute various transactions associated with the hand-held computer system  106 . For example, when the hand-held machine has adopted the persona of Stephen Capps, professional engineer, ( FIG. 4   a ), it may automatically generate facsimile cover sheets or letterhead having Stephen Capp&#39;s title, company, company phone number, and company address. In contrast, correspondence generated when the hand-held machine has adopted the persona of Capps, private citizen, would have the name and phone number shown in  FIG. 4   b.    
     The information associated with a particular persona may displayed in an “ownership record”  206  as shown in  FIG. 4   a . Such ownership record may have an ownership record heading  208  as well as specified values for some parameters associated with the particular persona of the ownership record. In the example of  FIG. 4   a , the ownership recorded  206  includes fields for the following information: a name  210 , a title  212 , a company affiliation  214 , an address  216 , and a telephone number  218 , all associated with the same persona. Of course, each persona associated with the same individual has its own ownership record as illustrated by ownership record  220  for Stephen Capps, private citizen, shown in  FIG. 4   b . As before, the ownership record  220  includes a consistent format including an ownership record heading  222  and various fields for persona parameters, including the name Capps at field  226  and the telephone number at field  228 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the ownership records are provided as a convenient central repository of the parameters associated with each persona used by the hand-held computer and available to all applications provided on the hand-held computer. Changes to a given persona can be made by opening the ownership record for that persona and modifying or adding parameters as necessary. The ownership records are accessible via a special “names” application (which acts as a type of electronic card file) and are provided in the computer system in the same manner as other name records. Such applications are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/955,839 filed Oct. 2, 1992, naming Capps, et al. as inventors, and entitled INTERFACE FOR A COMPUTERIZED DATABASE HAVING CARD AND LIST VIEWS, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,882. That document is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     To facilitate display, modification, and use of the ownership records, controls  219  may be provided at the bottom of all ownership records. Within this collection of control buttons, is a “new” button  230  which when tapped by a user presents a new ownership record which is displayed on display screen  60 . This new record corresponds to a new persona available on the hand-held computer system. The controls  219  also include an “add” button  232  which, when selected, displays a list of available parameters that can be either modified or newly incorporated into a given ownership record as explained in more detail below (in connection with  FIG. 7 ). In addition, a “show” button  234  will display the ownership record in an alternate format (e.g., as a linear list instead of as a business card) when selected by a user. Finally, a routing action button  236  provides a list of routing actions, such as faxing, mailing, etc. when selected, and close button  238  closes the displayed owner information window  206  when selected. 
     In preferred embodiments the various control buttons  219  are selected by tapping on them with a stylus. In addition, the various fields of the ownership records can be modified by handwritten editing or type keystrokes made on a simulated keyboard displayed on the display screen  60 . 
     In parallel with the various persona records provided with the present invention, various worksite records may also provided. For example, as shown  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the hand-held computer may include worksite records associated with a company (in  FIG. 5 ), and a home ( FIG. 6 ). Preferably, a worksite record  240  as shown in  FIG. 5  includes a worksite record heading  242 , a collection of control buttons  219 , (identical to those control buttons shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b ), and various fields for specified parameters. For example, a worksite name  243  is provided as a company name within company worksite record  240 . In addition, a dialing prefix parameter  244  specifies a telephone dialing prefix, if any, that is required to dial telephone numbers outside of the worksite. Further, an area code parameter  245  provides the telephone area code associated with the worksite. Next, a country field  246  specifies the country associated with the given worksite record. Finally, a printer field  247  indicates the given printer by type and name associated with the specified worksite. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a different worksite record  248  may include its own worksite name  249 , country field  250 , and printer field  251 . As before, the worksite record  248  includes a worksite heading  242  and a collection of control buttons  219 . 
     As may be apparent, when a user switches between various persona or worksite settings, the computer system automatically changes all the persona or worksite related parameters so that the user is not troubled by having to make such changes. 
     Preferably, all ownership and worksite records are stored within the hand-held computer in such a manner that they are available to all applications which may run on the computer. As noted, the computer user may enter any number of parameters associated with his or her various personas. This may be accomplished by selecting the “add” button  232  as shown in  FIG. 7 . This causes to be displayed a pop-up menu  254  having a list of selectable parameters. Thereafter, if the user selects any of the listed parameters, he or she is given the option of adding specific values for a selected parameter. 
     As shown, the menu  254  provides as default parameters a persona&#39;s company, address, phone number, e-mail number, affiliate, dates, credit card number, bank account number, signature, and notes. In addition, at the bottom of menu  254 , an entry is provided for a “custom” parameter setting. When a user selects any one of the parameters listed in menu  254 , he or she will be given the opportunity, in the form of a newly displayed dialog box, to add or change the settings associated with that parameter. For example, by selecting the signature parameter, the user could enter his or her signature which might be automatically added to various documents sent by the user. Similarly, by selecting the credit card parameter, the user could enter a business credit card number and expiration date which could then be used to charge certain business purchases through transactions initiated with the pen-based computer system. 
     It should be understood that the multiple personas provided in the computer system are extensible. That is, they can have additional parameter values added as appropriate for any new application. For example, suppose that a developer provides a new pizza ordering application. For one persona, such as a boy scout leader persona, multiple pizzas of various types are always ordered, while for a different persona, such as the private citizen persona, only a single pizza is ordered. The personas of the computer system could be extended to include this pizza ordering information to accommodate the new application. 
     Specific examples of the dialog boxes displayed to facilitate changing parameters are presented in  FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b ,  9 ,  10   a , and  10   b . First, if a user selects the credit card entry by tapping on list  254 , a new dialog window  256  will be displayed on the screen will be display on the screen as shown in  FIG. 8   a . Window  256  includes a heading  257  indicating the name of the persona and the type of parameter (credit card information) that the window to be modified. Window  256  includes a field  258  in which the user&#39;s credit card number may be entered by either handwriting or tapping keys from displayed keyboard  266 . In addition, window  256  includes a field  260  for indicating the type of credit card, a field  262  for indicating the expiration date of the credit card, and field  264  for indicating a phone number associated with the credit card. A card type pop-up menu  268  will be displayed if the user taps on a card button  270  as shown in  FIG. 8   b . The menu  268  includes a list of various credit cards types that be provided in field  260 . The user simply selects one of these cards by tapping on it with the stylus. Thereafter, the name of the card will appear in field  260 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9  shows a dialog box  272  for inputting a signature associated with a persona. may be provided as a parameter. Specifically, dialog box  272  is displayed when the user selects the “signature” entry of menu  254  shown in  FIG. 7 . When dialog box  272  is displayed, the user simply writes his or her signature in the space provided within window  272 . Thereafter, that signature will be associated with the persona currently indicated. This feature is useful when the user has different signatures for different personas. For example, a user may sign with his or her full name for business purposes, and may sign with his or her first name only for personal correspondence. Such signatures can be used in applications which generate automatic correspondence with a user&#39;s signature. 
       FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  show a dialog box  274  which is displayed in response to the user tapping on the “e-mail” entry of menu  254  shown in  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b , dialog box  274  includes a heading  276  specifying the name of the current persona, a field  278  for specifying the e-mail service used by the current persona, and a “set password” button  280  for setting the user&#39;s password. The user may type in his or her password (for the current persona) by selecting keys from a screen display keyboard  282 . Alternatively, the user may simply handwrite in the password in field  284 .  FIG. 10   b  shows a pop-up menu  288  that appears on the screen after the user selects e-mail button  290 . As shown, the menu  288  includes a list of various e-mail services, any one of which the user may select by tapping on it. The selected e-mail service thereafter will be displayed in field  278 . 
     Method of Performing a Persona-Dependent Transaction 
       FIG. 11  presents a process flow diagram depicting a general procedure for performing a transaction with a computer system having multiple personas. The process begins at  300  and then, in a process step  302 , the system specifies a system-wide current persona from among the machine&#39;s multiple possible personas. Next, at process step  304 , the system specifies a transaction that can be performed according to a parameter associated with either of two or more different personas. This process step will be described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 17 . After the transaction has been specified at process step  304 , a decision step  306  determines whether the user has accessed a list of available persona. The user might do this by, for example, tapping on a button displayed for that purpose. Assuming that the user has not accessed such a list (i.e., decision step  306  is answered in the negative), a decision step  308  determines whether the user has initiated the specified transaction. Assuming that the user has initiated such transaction, a process step  310  performs that transaction under the current persona as specified at step  302 . The process is then completed at  322 . In other words, the transaction is completed with the set of parameters associated with the current persona. 
     Assuming, on the other hand, that decision step  308  is answered in the negative (i.e., the user has not initiated a transaction), a decision step  312  determines whether the user may have canceled the transaction specified at step  304 . If so, the process is simply completed at  322  without performing any transaction. If not, process control simply returns to decision step  308 . 
     If decision step  306  is answered in the affirmative (i.e., the user has accessed a list of available persona), a process step  314  displays a list of personas that are available for use with the computer system. Next, a decision step  316  determines whether the user has selected one of the personas displayed on the list. If so, a process step  318  sets the current persona to that persona selected from the display list. Concurrently therewith, the display list is closed from the screen. From there, process control is directed to decision step  308  where the system awaits a user initiated transaction. The system then handles further events as described above. 
     Assuming that decision step  316  is answered in the negative (i.e., the user has not selected a persona from the displayed list), a decision step  320  determines whether the user has closed the displayed list. If so, process control simply returns to decision step  306  where the system awaits the next action from the user. If, on the other hand, decision step  320  is answered in the negative, the list of personas remains displayed as indicated at step  314 . 
     As indicated above, each persona has associated therewith a collection of specified values for parameters that may be varied as necessary to perform a specific computer transaction. Thus, the inventive procedure set forth in  FIG. 11  has the benefit of allowing such personas to be switched easily by simply displaying a list of such personas, and allowing a the user to select one member of the that list as the “current persona.” 
     The process for specifying a system-wide current persona (step  302  of  FIG. 11 ) is formalized in  FIG. 12 . The process depicted therein begins at  326  and proceeds to a process step  328  where the set of parameters associated with the current persona is determined. Thereafter, a decision step  303  determines whether the user has opened an ownership record. Examples of such records are depicted in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  as discussed above. Assuming that the user has not opened such owner record, the process is simply completed at  336  and the parameters of the current persona remain unchanged. If, however, decision step  330  is answered in the affirmative (i.e., the user has opened an owner record), then a decision step  332  determines whether the user has changed any parameter associated with the current persona. If not, the process is simply completed at  336  and the system waits for a transaction to be specified (at step  304  of  FIG. 11 ). If, however, the user has elected to change a parameter of the currently opened ownership record, that change is made at a process step  334 . Thereafter the process is completed at  336 . As noted above, a user may indicate that he or she wishes to change a parameter associated with a current a persona by tapping an add button  232  to display a menu  254  listing available parameters (see  FIG. 7 ). Thereafter, the particular parameter selected may be added or modified via user input in a dialog window such as those displayed in  FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b ,  9 ,  10   a , and  10   b.    
     It should be noted that the step of determining the set of parameters associated with the current persona may be implemented in various manners. For example, each persona may have its own password. When the user turns on his or her hand-held computer system, the system prompts the user for a password. If user enters the password for persona  1 , that persona becomes the current persona, if the user enters the password for persona  2 , that persona becomes the current persona, etc. Other approaches may also be employed. For example, the computer system may be set up such that when it is turned on, the current persona the same persona that was used when the computer system was last operated. Still further, the system may have a default persona that is always used, unless the user changes it. 
       FIG. 13  provides a process flow diagram detailing one implementation of the step of specifying a transaction (i.e., step  304  of  FIG. 11 ). The process begins at  340  and then, at a decision step  342 , the system determines whether the user has tapped on a transaction button displayed in an open document. If so, a process step  344  displays a menu of currently available transactions in response to the user&#39;s input. Next, a decision step  346  determines whether the user has tapped anywhere in the display screen. If not, the menu remains displayed as indicated by the arrow back to process step  344 . If, on the other hand, the user has tapped on the display screen, a decision step  348  determines whether the user has tapped on a listed transaction from the menu. If so, a process step  350  displays a routing slip (preferably in the form of an “envelope”) containing at least (1) a persona button for displaying a list of various available personas, and (2) a transaction address for this selected transaction. The process is then completed at  360  (corresponding to decision step  306  of the  FIG. 11  process). 
     If decision  348  determines that the user has not tapped on a listed transaction from the menu, the menu is simply closed (i.e., removed from the display screen) at a process step  352 . Process control thereafter returns to  340 . 
     In addition to the various routing transactions associated with the above described process steps, preferred embodiments of this invention allow the user to apply multiple personas to certain telephone-based transactions. This is indicted by the process path taken if decision step  342  is answered in the negative (i.e., the user has not tapped on a routing transaction button.) If this is case, a decision step  354  determines whether the user has selected a telephone transaction icon displayed on the computer screen. If so, an envelope is displayed at process step  350  as described above. If, however, the user has neither selected a routing transaction button nor selected a telephone transaction icon, a process step  356  specifies another transaction which is treated according to the steps depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
     The process depicted in  FIG. 13  may be further understood with reference to various user interface screen shots presented in  FIGS. 14 ,  15   a -D, and  16   a -D. Each of these screen shots, like all of those presented above, is preferably provided via the view system previously described.  FIG. 14  presents a sample “note” document which may be routed according to various options. Such note documents are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,310 issued Mar. 14, 1995, and naming Michael C. Tahao and Stephen P. Capps as inventors, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/127,211, filed on Sep. 24, 1993, naming Michael C. Tchao and Stephen P. Capps as inventors, and entitled METHODS FOR MANIPULATING NOTES ON A COMPUTER SCREEN, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,996. Both documents are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. It should be noted that the note application displays a group of control buttons  376  at the bottom of the screen as shown. 
     Routing options for a note document are accessed when the user taps a routing action button  372  to display a routing menu  374  listing four routing actions (printing, faxing, beaming, and mailing) together with “duplicate” note and “delete” note actions. Putting the screen interface of  FIG. 14  in the context of the process depicted in  FIG. 13 , one can see that when the user taps button  372  decision step  342  is answered in the affirmative. Then, the menu listing available routing transactions is displayed as menu  374  in  FIG. 14  (in accordance with step  344 ). 
     If the user taps on the print note routing action of menu  374 , an envelope routing slip  380  is displayed as shown in  FIG. 15   a . Certain features of the routing slip  380  are worth noting. First, it includes various control buttons  388  including a preview button, a print button, and a close button (indicated by the “X”). In addition, it includes a format button  386  which when selected provides various formatting options for the printed note, and a printer button  382  which when selected displays a list of available printers to which the hand-held computer system may print. A very important feature in the context of this invention is persona/worksite button  384 . When this button is selected, a list of personas and worksites is displayed. Continuously displayed beside the button  384  are the current persona (Capps) and the current worksite (home). Note that the current persona and worksite automatically specify the printer destination (in this instance StyleWriter) as displayed beside button  382 . 
       FIG. 15   b  presents a screen shot illustrating another variation on this theme. In this case, a routing slip  392  for sending an e-mail message is displayed when the user taps on the mail entry of menu  374  ( FIG. 14 ). As shown, the e-mail slip  392  includes a collection of control buttons  390 , a subject heading button  398 , destination buttons  396 , and persona/worksite selection button  394 . Also as shown, the current persona is Capps and the current worksite is home. By specifying this information, certain parameters associated with e-mail such as a local phone number (worksite) and an e-mail account (persona) are automatically specified. 
       FIG. 15   c  illustrates how the screen changes when the user taps on persona/worksite button  394 . As shown, the current persona (Capps) and current worksite (home) are highlighted, and, at the same time, a menu  400  displaying a list of available personas and worksites is displayed. Also as shown, menu  400  includes a persona section  402  listing the personas available to the computer system, a worksite section  404  listing the worksites available to the computer, and a city section  406  which may be used to specify a particular city (and associated parameters) where the hand-held computer may be used. The user may change a current persona simply by selecting (by for example tapping on) one of the listed personas in section  402 . The basic process of displaying menu  400  and selecting a persona represents one implementation of steps  306 ,  314 ,  316 , and  318  of  FIG. 11 . It should be noted that by specifying a “city” for the computer system various relevant parameters may automatically assume appropriate values such as the area code of the city. 
       FIG. 15   d  illustrates yet another envelope-type routing slip displayed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention. As shown, a routing slip  410  is displayed in response to a tap on the fax entry of menu  374  shown in  FIG. 14 . The fax routing slip has associated therewith a control button section  412  as well as a destination address button  416 , and a persona/worksite selection button  414 . Button  414  operates in the same manner as button  394  shown in  FIGS. 15   b  and  15   c.    
     As noted in the discussion of  FIG. 13 , a transaction may be selected by tapping on a telephone icon (see decision step  354 ).  FIG. 16   a  is screen shot illustrating how such telephone transaction icons can be displayed. As shown, a document  420  (in a “names” application) displays two telephone transaction icons  422  and  424 . If a user taps on icon  422 , an “envelope-type” routing slip  426  is displayed on the screen as shown in  FIG. 16   b . As shown, routing slip  426  includes a persona/worksite button  428  and a destination button  430 . The appropriate dialing sequence is listed below the destination button  430  in a field  432 . It should be noted that the appropriate dialing prefixes are automatically entered in field  432  based upon the selected persona/worksite. 
       FIGS. 16   c  and  16   d  are screen shots of the same telephone routing slip  426  displayed in  FIG. 16   b , but with a different persona ( FIG. 16   c ) and a different worksite ( FIG. 16   d ). As shown in  FIG. 16   c , the display screen presents essentially the same graphical and textural information, with the exception that the persona name adjacent to button to  428  has been changed. Similarly, the routing slip shown in  FIG. 16   d  has had the displayed worksite (adjacent button  428 ) changed. It is also worth noting that in  FIG. 16   d  the telephone number depicted in field  432  has been changed to indicate that a dialing prefix of 9 is required for the specified worksite. This change occurs automatically upon switching worksites. Likewise, many of the parameters associated with a persona are automatically changed by switching the computer system&#39;s current persona (which is listed beside button  428 ). 
     It should be noted that although an “envelope-type” routing slip has been depicted in  FIGS. 15   a - 15   d  and  16   a - 16   d , many other routing slip formats are suitable for use with the present invention. However, the envelope metaphor is particularly preferred because many routing actions involve “sending” information to a remote location in a manner analogous to sending a mail message. 
     It should also be noted that many of the steps involved in actually performing a routing action are described in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/130,049, filed Sep. 30, 1993, naming Gregg S. Foster, John R. Meier, and Stephen P. Capps as inventors, and entitled METHOD FOR ROUTING ITEMS WITHIN A COMPUTER SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,697. That application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In preferred embodiments, any application written to employ the routing system described therein will have access to the persona-dependent features of this invention. 
       FIG. 17  details a procedure for selecting a transaction in which the current persona plays a role (i.e., step  304  of  FIG. 11 ). This procedure should be viewed as an embodiment which is provided in parallel with the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 13 . That is, preferably computer systems of this invention implement both the procedure of  FIG. 13  and the procedure of  FIG. 17 . The procedure of  FIG. 17  depicts a method of sending a “business card” containing information specific to the current persona of the computer system. Preferably, this embodiment is implemented with the infrared (IR) transceiver  92  of the pen-based computer system of  FIG. 1 . The procedure detailed in  FIG. 17  presumes that the user is working a “names” application that contains a collection of electronic business cards, each containing relevant information about a person or one of that person&#39;s personas. 
     The process begins at  440  and then, at a decision step  442 , determines whether the user has tapped on a transaction button displayed in the “names” application. If not, the system simply processes another transaction specified by the user at a process step  444 . Thereafter, the process is concluded at  460 . If, on the other hand, decision step  442  is answered in the affirmative, a menu of currently available transactions including a “Beam My Card” transaction will be displayed at a process step  446  (see  FIG. 18 ). Thereafter, a decision step  448  determines whether the user has tapped on the display screen. If not, the system simply continues to display the menu of currently available transactions as indicated by the arrow back to process step  446 . If, however, the user has tapped on the display screen, a decision step  450  determines whether the user has tapped on a listed transaction from the menu. If not, the menu is simply closed at a process step  452  and process control is returned to  440 . If however, the user has tapped on a transaction from the menu, a decision step  454  determines whether the user has tapped on the “Beam My Card” transaction. If so, a process step  456  displays a confirmation dialog box with a persona button. Thereafter the process is concluded at  460  corresponding to step  306  of  FIG. 11 . 
     If decision step  454  determines that the user has not in fact tapped on the “Beam My Card” transaction, whichever transaction has, in fact, been tapped on is selected at a process step  458 . Thereafter the process is concluded at  460 . 
     The process of  FIG. 17  can be further understood in terms in various screen shots representing a preferred user interface for implementing this process. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the “names” application referenced in step  442  is shown with an open record  464 . Also displayed associated with the “names” application is a transaction button  462  (which is referenced in decision step  442 ). When the user taps on the transaction button, a menu  466  showing currently available transactions is displayed as noted at step  446  of  FIG. 17 . Within the list of available transactions is a “Beam My Card” transaction indicated at  468 . If the user taps the “Beam My Card” button a beam card routing slip  470  is displayed as shown in  FIG. 19   a . This is an example of the confirmation dialog reference in process step  456  of  FIG. 17 . As shown, the confirmation slip includes two control buttons  472 : a beam card button (for executing the transaction) and a close button (for closing the dialog box). In addition, the confirmation slip  470  includes a persona button  474  with the computer system&#39;s current persona displayed beside it. By tapping this button, a user accesses a list of available personas as indicted in steps  306  and  314  of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 19   b  provides a screen shot of the display after the user has, in fact, tapped on persona button  474 . As shown, this causes a menu  476  of available personas to be displayed beside the persona button  474 . 
     CONCLUSION 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are may alternative ways of implementing the processes of the present invention. For example, much of the programming can be simplified by using the high-level utilities and data structures mentioned in the preceding specification. In particular, the described frame database system is preferred for simplifying the programming tasks required by the computer implemented processes of the present invention, but there are many other database and graphics systems which can be used to accomplish the same task. 
     It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20060330
Publication Date: 20081014
Grant Date: 20081014
Priority Date: 19950807
Inventors: CAPPS STEPHEN P.
ANSANELLI JOSEPH G.
FANG TON-YUN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F9/44505", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F9/44505", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 24037367