Patents Examined by Thomas J Joseph
  • Patent number: 6922816
    Abstract: Aspects for allowing adjustment of a setting via a slider bar displayed on a graphical user interface are provided. These aspects include providing a slider bar control button for the slider bar, and integrating fine and coarse adjustment control into the slider bar control button to allow precise manipulation of a value for the setting. The provision of a slider bar control button includes providing a thumbwheel control button with a central area for coarse adjustment control through repositioning of the thumbwheel control button, a top button substantially adjacent and above the central area for fine adjustment control to increase a setting value by a predetermined increment, and a bottom button substantially adjacent and below the central area for fine adjustment control to decrease a setting value by a predetermined increment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sandip A. Amin, James Lee Lentz, Minh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6738052
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for operating technical medical apparatus, especially dialysis apparatus, with a display screen and a touch screen surface and with a means for displaying and/or altering characteristic treatment data. The invention simplifies handling of technical medical apparatus and reduces the probability of operating errors by providing a second means for displaying characteristic symbols for the components of the apparatus, thereby allowing manipulation of the characteristic treatment data by touching the symbols on the touch screen surface. The invention also entails a method of operating technical medical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Manke, Gerhard Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6727921
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved graphical user interface (GUI) component for presenting mixed mode inputs. A GUI component disclosed as a mixed mode input box according to the present invention permits easier selection within the GUI component of an input among mixed mode inputs such as numeric inputs within a numeric range and combined textual and numeric inputs. Pull-down menu is activated to allow the user to select among mixed mode inputs. When the user selects a numeric value within a numeric range only as the selected input, scroll buttons are activated and used by the user to increment or decrement the numeric value to a desired, selected input value. When the selected input is any other input, such as a combined textual and numeric input, scroll buttons are de-activated. Display of mixed mode input box occupies a relatively small display area and only requires a relatively small amount of code to provide such a layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Farzad Mirshah Valad
  • Patent number: 6725238
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for accessing a shared file system that is accessible to a first computer. The shared file system includes files in at least one file format compatible with at least one application program installed on the first computer. A request is received from an Internet browser program executing on a second computer for an applet over the Internet. The applet is transmitted to the browser program at the second computer. The applet is capable of executing in the browser program at the second computer to display a desktop interface at the second computer and establish a connection with the shared file system. The applet further provides access to at least one desktop application program through the desktop interface that is compatible with at least one application program installed on the first computer system. The desktop application program manipulates files in the same file format as the at least one application program installed on the first computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: John Jason Auvenshine
  • Patent number: 6720982
    Abstract: The present invention invalidates the operator's input which interferes with the normal operation of an application. More particularly, a transparent window 110 is previously generated behind an application 120 for which an operator's misoperation can occur. And, upon the detection of a predetermined operation having occurred on the application 120, the operator's misoperation such as double clicking is invalidated by outputting the transparent window 110 in front of the application 120.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 6714219
    Abstract: An environment for developing clientside/serverside code is disclosed. The environment supports programming in an event-driven paradigm while the execution of the resultant programs are executed in a serial execution paradigm. Through shielding the developer from complex scripting segments, the environment provides the developer with the suggestion that that resultant execution model is event-driven. By treating scripts as later-definable objects, the designing phase of a page may be lessened, as the appropriate codings needed to implement a page are determined at a later date. In one example, the codings may be preliminary set as server side or client side, with the environment later adding the appropriate scripting language to complete the developed page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory S. Lindhorst, Stephen J. Millet, John P. Shewchuk
  • Patent number: 6674449
    Abstract: A universal interface apparatus for use with any of several different imaging systems for facilitating a plurality of different imaging modalities, the interface including at least function icons in a function navigation space and a workspace, each of the function icons corresponding to a process which is common among all of the imaging modalities, the interface also accessing data tables corresponding to specific workflow protocols for medical facility radiologists and/or for a medical facility in general, the tables identifying function icons and other icons for guiding a technologist through a properly orchestrated imaging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Seth R. Banks, James K. Cavanaugh, Thomas M. Hanson, Linda M. Kohli, Elizabeth A. Kuhn, David A. Littlejohn, Kim M. Ruchti, Aaron J. Schmidt, William M. Stoval
  • Patent number: 6636244
    Abstract: A method and computer program capable of providing a plurality of activation areas in a display, the display having a plurality of selectable objects surrounded by an object area which defines the boundaries of the selectable objects which must be contacted by a pointing device for selection. The activation areas surround the selectable objects and expand the boundary of the selectable objects which must be contacted by the pointing device for selection. The size of the activation areas is determined by an expansion boundary having a border that outlines the size and shape of the activation areas and enlarges the activation areas to a maximum size without overlapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward E. Kelley, Eric Michael Motika, Franco Motika
  • Patent number: 6636237
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of providing information to a viewer of a video through a video player (14) on a display such as a computer screen or television screen. A program allows an operator to create links between specific information and dynamic objects (10) within the changing scenes (12) of the video. The subject invention uses a program to establish and store the links. The operator can create the links manually or the program can identify features of the object (10) and then maintain the link when the dynamic object (10) changes in size or shape. The program records all of the links and compiles the information into an interface (18). The interface (18) is transparent and is positioned over the video player (14) on the screen (16). The program synchronizes the links to the video. A viewer, while watching the video, can select one of the objects (10) in the scene (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: James H. Murray, Neal Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 6621532
    Abstract: A method for utilization within a graphical user interface having at least one pull-down menu and at least one tool bar. The method commences with a user selecting a menu heading which displays a pull-down menu in response to a first user input, such as a left pointing device button or a left mouse button. Next, a user selects a menu item within the displayed pull-down menu again utilizing the pointing device. Then the user designates a menu item for conversion by utilizing a second user input or a right mouse button. Next, the designated menu item is drug from the pull-down menu and dropped onto the toolbar in response to the pointing device and a second user input. Then the method automatically converts the dropped menu item into a selectable toolbar button within the toolbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Brenda Lynn Mandt
  • Patent number: 6603494
    Abstract: An imaging system coupled to a network, the network coupling imaging devices of at least first and second different imaging modalities, each modality including functions which are common to each of the first and second modalities, includes an imaging device, a network coupling the imaging device to a remote facility, an interface associated with the imaging device, and a pointing device for moving a pointer icon about the display and for selecting displayed icons. The network provides the imaging device with remote services from the remote facility. The interface includes a display and a programmed data processor for providing a uniform interface image on the display despite the specific modality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Seth Richard Banks, Linda Marie Kohli, David Alan Littlejohn, Aaron Joseph Schmidt, Thomas Matthew Hanson, Elizabeth A. Kuhn, Kim Marie Ruchti, William Murray Stovel, III, James Kenneth Cavanaugh
  • Patent number: 6600497
    Abstract: A method and system to facilitate navigation of a wide-area network. A navigation matrix is displayed on a client node. The matrix pairs each navigation option with an input such that, for example, pressing a single key activates that navigation option. The key press event is forwarded to an information and services hub across the network. The hub then returns a next appropriate matrix layer which may be navigated in the same manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Elliot A. Gottfurcht, Grant E. Gottfurcht, J. Teague McKnight, Manuel V. Beltran, Stephen K. Woesner, John A. Marinuzzi, Albert-Michel C. Long, Donald L. Dukeshire
  • Patent number: 6583801
    Abstract: An array of user-operable controls and a proximity sensing apparatus are contained in an apparatus wherein the proximity sensing apparatus detects whether a user's hand is within a predetermined distance from the controls. Once the user's hand is a predetermined distance from the controls, a display screen displays screen icons associated with its respective control. The screen icons are controlled by a display processor which responsive to the user's hand being within a predetermined distance from the controls, alters the screen icon associated with its respective control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Sony United Kingdom Limited
    Inventors: Peter Charles Eastty, Peter Damien Thorpe, Christopher Sleight
  • Patent number: 6570594
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention improve display systems by providing a non-intrusive user interface where an application displays data in a designated area of a display screen that otherwise hides the data from view. The designated area contains at least one control element that, when selectively triggered, invokes a particular operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Annette Wagner
  • Patent number: 6518983
    Abstract: A method is provided which allows the display of messages, and particularly error or fault messages, from a plurality of user applications in data processing (processes) which are running in parallel with one another to be improved. The method relates in particular to the display of message of this kind which call for action by the user. Messages from processes running in background can be displayed in such a way that the user is not forced to interrupt the work he is doing at that moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ralf Grohmann, Sebastian Wedeniwski
  • Patent number: 6509912
    Abstract: Domain objects for use in a freeform graphics system. Domain objects are context specific representations of information that are used in a freeform graphics system. Domain objects are represented in a freeform graphics system by a graphic object (icon) representing an instance of the domain object. The icon representing a domain object may be manipulated like any other graphic object. Domain objects are defined by a domain object class which define attributes, a set of action rules and layouts. The attributes describe the information or data associated with the domain object. The set of action rules map user actions and system events to operations that may be performed on the domain object. The layouts define how domain object information is displayed as an icon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Moran, William J. van Melle, Patrick Chiu
  • Patent number: 6507349
    Abstract: The disclosed information describes a method, system, and computer-readable medium for performing direct manipulation of displayed content (e.g., dragging the displayed content in a particular direction or dragging a particular part of the displayed content). In particular, content is displayed to a user, and a variety of direct manipulations of the displayed content are provided to allow the user to modify display of the content without the use of separate displayed content manipulation controls. The disclosed direct manipulation techniques are used to modify the display of content by altering the value of a content properties affecting the display. Such properties can include an amplitude affecting the size or level with which the information is presented (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: BeComm Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Balassanian
  • Patent number: 6486897
    Abstract: A software object display system using an adaptation layer to obtain information concerning a number of software objects is described. The adaptation layer communicates to a presentation layer which produces a display for the software objects. The adaptation layer isolates the presentation layer from the details of the structures of the software objects to be displayed. The adaptation layer provides a standard set of data to the presentation layer so that the presentation layer to provide for a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Arrouye, Sean J. Findley, Keith L. Mortensen
  • Patent number: 6486892
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for accessing, generating, presenting and manipulating Internet and non-Internet related information, data and content, including information netcast over the Internet. The system is also capable of controlling operatively connected, privately networked devices. A number of graphical user interfaces are utilized to facilitate user access, manipulation and control of information, data and content and networked devices. Some of the graphical user interfaces are time and topic oriented, are customizable by the user, and allow for the manipulation of information, data, content and operatively connected networked devices from the graphical interfaces themselves. The system is preferably enhanced through the use of an intelligent, dynamically updated user profile that is fully integrated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph L. Stern
  • Patent number: 6473100
    Abstract: Hosting user interface controls in a window via an interface for controlling the window is disclosed. One aspect of the invention is a computerized system having an operating system and at least one program. The operating system provides for hosting controls of a predetermined type within windows of a predetermined type via an interface for controlling the windows. The programs utilize the interface to host one or more controls within one or more windows. Thus, with respect to versions of the MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system, a program may utilize the WIN32 API (i.e., interface) to host ACTIVEX-type controls within windows hosted by the program, also via the WIN32 API.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Beaumont, James F. Springfield, Nenad Stefanovic