Patents by Inventor William H. Vong
William H. Vong has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7165901Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 7156567Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 7056044Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 7030837Abstract: A host computer is provided with a main display unit and an auxiliary display unit. The host computer can free up screen space on the main display screen by routing certain types of display information to the auxiliary display unit for display. Display information can range from notification of events such as receipt of email, appointments, system messages, and information from separate applications. The auxiliary display panel may function as a user interface for audio, video, “push information”, MP3 player or become the hardware equivalent of a multimedia player. The auxiliary display panel may be integrated together with the host computer in the same physical structure or may be part of a standalone display unit that is wired or wirelessly coupled to the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William H. Vong, Steven T. Kaneko, Kenneth R. Robertson, Kenneth V. Fry, Manolito E. Adan
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Patent number: 7001087Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 6979140Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 6939067Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 6932524Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 6917373Abstract: A control panel unit for a computing device includes buttons having characteristics that define individual button states. Upon actuation of a button, the viewable states of the buttons may change. A portion of the button may be illuminated to represent the state and/or include an icon depicting an application controlled by the button. The control panel unit may include a display for displaying plural soft labels corresponding to the buttons and representing the current context that will be initiated when the corresponding button is actuated. The soft labels may identify users or applications available to one user. Upon actuation of an application, the soft labels can change to represent various actions or functions available in the application. In the user interface, each user may be assigned a specific color scheme. The color schemes allow a person to visually determine who is logged into the system and/or which individual has new information.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William H. Vong, Corinne Broom, Steven T. Kaneko
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Patent number: 6910818Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthom, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Publication number: 20040216059Abstract: A control panel unit for a computing device includes buttons having characteristics that define individual button states. Upon actuation of a button, the viewable states of the buttons may change. A portion of the button may be illuminated to represent the state and/or include an icon depicting an application controlled by the button. The control panel unit may include a display for displaying plural soft labels corresponding to the buttons and representing the current context that will be initiated when the corresponding button is actuated. The soft labels may identify users or applications available to one user. Upon actuation of an application, the soft labels can change to represent various actions or functions available in the application. In the user interface, each user may be assigned a specific color scheme. The color schemes allow a person to visually determine who is logged into the system and/or which individual has new information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William H. Vong, Corinne Broom, Steven T. Kaneko
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Publication number: 20040189721Abstract: A system and method for switching between handwriting recognizers is described. A user may select between various recognizers to associate received handwritten ink with the recognizers. Accordingly, a user is able to write in a first language, switch and write in a second language, then switch again and write in the first language using aspects of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jeffrey W. Pettiross, William H. Vong, William Mak, Joshua Clow
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Patent number: 6788815Abstract: A user interface allows a user to input handwritten, key-press, and spoken text in a seamless, synchronized manner. A text input panel accepts soft keyboard presses and handwritten words, characters, and gestures. A text recognizer/synchronizer integrates textual input from various sources while recognizing and preserving the order in which a user entered text via the soft keyboard, via handwriting, and/or by speaking. Synchronized text may be displayed in a stage area of the text input panel before being passed to an operating system message router and/or an application program. While in handwriting recognition mode, various permutations and combinations of a word recognition area, a character recognition area, and a keybar/keypad may optionally be displayed.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Charlton E. Lui, Charles P. Thacker, James E. Mathews, Leroy B. Keely, David Switzer, William H. Vong, Butler W. Lampson
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Publication number: 20040126171Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 6727917Abstract: The hand-held computing device user interface (UI) of the present invention displays information for an active application program in a middle portion of the screen, and displays a shell program controlled navigation bar at a top portion of the screen. The navigation bar includes a navigation icon which when tapped by the stylus aids the user in navigating to other application programs. The navigation bar also includes a title for the active application program, thus saving vertical real estate on the screen. The UI of the present invention also displays an application menu bar at a bottom portion of the screen so that the user of the hand-held device can manipulate data from the active application by tapping menu items with a stylus without blocking view of the middle portion of the display.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Chee H. Chew, Elizabeth A. Bastiaanse, Jeffrey R. Blum, Christen E. Coomer, Mark H. Enomoto, Greg A. Keyser, Kathryn L. Parker, William H. Vong, Sarah E. Zuberec
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Publication number: 20040071344Abstract: A user interface allows a user to input handwritten, key-press, and spoken text in a seamless, synchronized manner. A text input panel accepts soft keyboard presses and handwritten words, characters, and gestures. A text recognizer/synchronizer integrates textual input from various sources while recognizing and preserving the order in which a user entered text via the soft keyboard, via handwriting, and/or by speaking. Synchronized text may be displayed in a stage area of the text input panel before being passed to an operating system message router and/or an application program. While in handwriting recognition mode, various permutations and combinations of a word recognition area, a character recognition area, and a keybar/keypad may optionally be displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Charlton E. Lui, Charles P. Thacker, James E. Mathews, Leroy B. Keely, David Switzer, William H. Vong, Butler W. Lampson
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Patent number: 6712535Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Publication number: 20030233237Abstract: A user interface that accepts input data through both speech and the use of a pen or stylus. With the interface, a user can employ voice recognition to enter a large volume of data, and subsequently employ a stylus input to modify the input data. A user can also employ stylus input, such as data from a handwriting or character recognition operation, to control how subsequently spoken words are recognized by a voice recognition operation. Further, a user may input data using a stylus, and then modify the input data using a voice recognition operation. A user may also employ a voice recognition operation to control how handwriting or character data input through a stylus is recognized by a handwriting recognition operation or a character recognition operation. In addition to a user interface, a technique is disclosed for inputting data into a computer where information is shared between a speech input operation and a handwriting input operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Adrian J. Garside, Robert L. Chambers, Leroy B. Keely, Charlton E. Lui, Philipp H. Schmid, Kirsten Wiley, Marieke Iwema, Ravipal Soin, Tobiasz A. Zielinski, Erik Geidl, William H. Vong
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Publication number: 20030086739Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: D519519Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: William H. Vong