| Abstract: | An adaptable computing environment is implemented with software entities
termed "s-machines", which self-assemble into hierarchical data
structures capable of rendering and interacting with the computing
environment. A hierarchical data structure includes a first hierarchical
s-machine bound to a second hierarchical s-machine. The first
hierarchical s-machine is associated with a first layer of a rendering
region on a display screen and the second hierarchical s-machine is
associated with a second layer of the rendering region overlaying at
least a portion of the first layer. A screen element s-machine is linked
to the first hierarchical s-machine. The screen element s-machine manages
data associated with a screen element rendered to the display screen
within the rendering region at the first layer. |