Hierarchical Patents (Class 715/713)
  • Patent number: 8522168
    Abstract: A method for navigating posts in a discussion including parent posts and child posts, a child post being in reply to a parent post, wherein a further reply can be made to a child post and wherein multiple child posts can be made in reply to respective parent or child posts, the method including receiving posts and storing posts; arranging posts in a discussion linearly one below another; providing a parent navigator which, when actuated, causes a copy of a parent post to be inserted adjacent its child post. Some embodiment comprise providing a child navigator which, when actuated, causes a copy of a parent post to be inserted adjacent its child post. Various other methods and apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Centre Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Dominic Williams
  • Patent number: 8516372
    Abstract: A multimedia system may include a controller and display that displays status information, menu information, and other information. The information may include multiple status icons representing different status information. Each status icon may provide details regarding a setting or condition of the multimedia system, and may be associated with a system function. A user interface is used to select a status information icon by scrolling through the icons and highlighting the icons sequentially. The system allows a user to select and activate functions quickly by scrolling through status information and activating the functions associated with that information. Menu information or a menu structure may be used to access the functions of the multimedia system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Isabell Seeger
  • Patent number: 8514174
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device which realizes a shortcut function without providing any key exclusively used for the shortcut function. When a home key is operated in a state where a lower screen at a lower position of a hierarchical structure is displayed, a home screen at an upper position of the hierarchical structure is displayed, and data to specify the lower screen when the home key is operated are stored in association with the home key. When the home key is operated in a state where the home screen is displayed, the lower screen is displayed based on the stored data to take a shortcut to the lower screen from the home screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kato, Ikuomi Natori
  • Patent number: 8453068
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a credibility system including an interface portal for presenting a holistic view of entity credibility. To provide the holistic view, the credibility system aggregates credibility data from multiple data sources. The aggregated credibility data is processed and ordered to present different dimensions of entity credibility, with each dimension graphically presented in the interface portal through an interactive credibility module. In some embodiments, the credibility data associated with each credibility module is processed to produce at least one value that quantifiably represents the credibility data. In some embodiments, the credibility data associated with each credibility module is hierarchically ordered to present the credibility data in a drill-down fashion with each hierarchical layer presenting more detailed credibility data for better understanding the credibility data presented in the preceding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Credibility Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Stibel, Aaron B. Stibel, Judith Gentile Hackett, Moujan Kazerani
  • Patent number: 8438479
    Abstract: The operation support apparatus includes: an operation load calculation unit (106) which calculates an operation load on a user in performing a selecting operation included in one of operation records, using the selecting operation and a previous selecting operation included in another one of the records, the calculation being performed for each of selecting operations included in the records; a non-thinking operation determination unit (107) which determines, for each selecting operation included in the records, whether or not it is a non-thinking operation that is a randomly-performed operation, by determining that the selecting operation is more likely to be the non-thinking operation when the operation load is smaller; and a target function inference unit (108) and a target function candidate storage unit (109) which provide the user with operation support based on the records of the selecting operations excluding the selecting operation determined as the non-thinking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Inoue, Jun Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8429563
    Abstract: It is difficult appropriately to select only a favorite image in a list display screen of small images such as a thumbnail image. An image processing apparatus is provided that has, in various embodiments, one or more of the features of an indicator for indicating a reduced image to be subjected to a specific image processing among displayed reduced images; a display controller for displaying an image in a size larger than the size of the reduced image indicated by the indicator; and an executor for executing the specific image processing on the stored image after the mentioned display controller displays the image in the size larger than the size of the reduced image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Takiguchi
  • Patent number: 8423907
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided that display images in a manner that provides for effective space management. At least one item is horizontally displayed in a first display area. Upon selection by a user of at least one item from the first display area, an indication of the at least one item is vertically displayed in a second display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: CSC Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Donoghue, Dale Herigstad, Edgar McLaughlin, Brian Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8402157
    Abstract: A system and method for use by website operators and advertisers to place interstitial advertisements on websites. The system uses an Internet dispatcher server and a mass storage device containing one or more databases storing advertisement command files pertaining to placements of advertisements that are stored in an advertisement server. The method comprises the steps of selecting aid files stored in a computer ad server, designating the url for the ad file, the url for the website page where the ad will be displayed, the url for the websites to which a user will be directed depending on the user's reaction to the advertisement, storing in a dispatcher server database a data string representing the ad placement commands with a url representing a dispatcher server-based application to execute said ad placement commands, and including said data string on said website for launching said dispatcher server command file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rich Media Worldwide, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Krassner, Nikolai Mentchoukov, Alan Edwards
  • Patent number: 8397163
    Abstract: A device, method, and system for providing an electronic reading environment are described herein. The device, method, and system convert standard electronic text into a hyper-text document. The hyper-text document transforms standard electronic text into access points that allow a reader to further explore each word, group of words, or image in the hyper-text document. Navigational aids and features assist in combining the advantages of paper-based and electronic-based text into one electronic reading environment for reading any electronic text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Deep Sran
  • Patent number: 8381120
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a credibility system including an interface portal for presenting a holistic view of entity credibility. To provide the holistic view, the credibility system aggregates credibility data from multiple data sources. The aggregated credibility data is processed and ordered to present different dimensions of entity credibility, with each dimension graphically presented in the interface portal through an interactive credibility module. In some embodiments, the credibility data associated with each credibility module is processed to produce at least one value that quantifiably represents the credibility data. In some embodiments, the credibility data associated with each credibility module is hierarchically ordered to present the credibility data in a drill-down fashion with each hierarchical layer presenting more detailed credibility data for better understanding the credibility data presented in the preceding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Credibility Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Stibel, Aaron B. Stibel, Judith Gentile Hackett, Moujan Kazerani
  • Patent number: 8381104
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for launching a child application to perform functions on a document created by a parent application without the need for integration of the child application within the parent application. In one implementation, a system detects a child application available for activation by a processor of a computer and determines what functions the child application can perform. The system then determines that the function can operate on an open file, and once the system receives a selection of the function, the system launches the child application and performs the function on the open file. In another implementation, the system determines that the function may operate on a plurality of open files, creates an interface that allows selection of one of the plurality of open files, and launches the child application and performs the function on a selected file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Litera Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Deepak Massand
  • Patent number: 8381103
    Abstract: When a jump instruction to display contents regarding a control out of contents in a help screen is given, if the jump instruction is given for a control with the same identification data as that of a control for which a preceding instruction is given, an explanation at a position next to a position of contents displayed in response to the preceding jump instruction is displayed on the help screen, out of the contents of a help data corresponding to the identification data of the control. If the jump instruction is given for a control with different identification from that of the control corresponding to the preceding jump instruction, an explanation at a head position, out of explanations in the help data corresponding to the identification data of the control for which the current jump instruction is given is displayed on the help screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Terada, Masaru Aiso, Masaaki Okabayashi
  • Patent number: 8375335
    Abstract: Methods and systems providing a user interface control allowing a user to specify a scope of items on a computer system or network is disclosed. Certain aspects provide an input control through which a user can specify an explicit scope, or range, of items, while also identifying explicit exclusions from the specified scope, thereby reducing ambiguity regarding identification of items included and items excluded from the scope. When a user explicitly selects an item for inclusion in the scope, the explicitly selected item is added to the scope definition, and all descendants of the explicitly selected item are implicitly selected for inclusion. When a user explicitly selects an item for exclusion from the scope, the explicitly selected item is added to the scope definition as an exclusion from an explicitly included item, and all descendants of the explicitly selected item are implicitly selected for exclusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lyon King-Fook Wong, Stephan Hoefnagels, Timothy P. McKee, Chris J. Guzak, David G. De Vorchik, Benjamin A. Betz
  • Patent number: 8368926
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a storing unit configured to store, in a storage device, print setting information including a hierarchical structure of a document and a print attribute associated with a hierarchical level of the document, and a setting unit configured to, when the print attribute in the print setting information stored in the storage device is applied to a selected document, compare a hierarchical structure of the selected document and the hierarchical structure of the print setting information and to set a print attribute to an appropriate hierarchical level of the selected document based on a comparison result and the print attribute of the print setting information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8365077
    Abstract: An information processor includes an information processing unit that executes an information process by reference to a setting, a setting unit that executes a provisional selection to select one or more selection items among multiple selection items and a definitive selection for deciding the provisional selection by reference to an operation by a user and determines a setting of the information process by reference to a result of the definitive selection, a determination unit that determines a selection item to be explained by reference to one or more selection item provisionally selected by the setting unit, and an explanation outputting unit that outputs an explanation for the user for the selection item to be explained which is determined by the determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Sakakibara, Nobuo Iwata
  • Patent number: 8359550
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for displaying information topics that are available via an online help system. The methods and systems store information for given topics in a respective folder associated with a given topic, detect the selection of one of the folders associated with a topic of interest, search files at a hierarchical level in the selected folder to identify files of a predetermined type, locate HTML metatags that pertain to the display of help information, merge data associated with the HTML metatags into a HTML template file to generate an HTML file containing data associated with each of the located HTML metatags, and provide a table of contents for the topic of interest associated with the selected folder using the generated HTML file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Meyer, Albert R. Howard, Jr., Kevin Knabe, Richard B. Hoiberg
  • Patent number: 8355966
    Abstract: A method for using a website, including detecting, using an agent executing on a central processing unit (CPU) and operatively coupled to a financial management application (FMA), a user accessing a webpage of the website by comparing a web address submitted by the user to a pre-determined web address of the webpage, analyzing the webpage based on a pre-determined template to identify a data entry field, identifying, using the agent executing on the CPU, data managed within the FMA for populating the data entry field, wherein the data is identified by comparing the data entry field to a data model of the FMA, retrieving the data managed within the FMA to generate retrieved data, and populating, using the agent executing on the CPU, the data entry field using the retrieved data based on the data model of the FMA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Miriam Nga-Shun Vu, Nedda Cox, Julie Stanford
  • Patent number: 8332756
    Abstract: A system and method for selecting graphic objects to insert in a text message when composed on a wireless device, each of the graphic objects representing a set of individual alphanumeric characters. The system comprises an object table for display on a user interface of the device, such that the table is configured for including a first object of the graphic objects associated with a first predefined input and a second object of the graphic objects associated with a second predefined input. The first input is different from the second input. The system also has a first input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the first input event component is configured for mapping to the first predefined input. The system also has a second input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the second input event component is configured for mapping to the second predefined input, the first input event component being different from the second input event component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Lawrence Edward Kuhl, Gerhard Dietrich Klassen
  • Patent number: 8286092
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a goal-based graphical user interface for managing business solutions and more particularly, a user interface that helps a user manage and achieve the user's goals across multiple platforms for the solutions utilized by the goals. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention provide a system for managing goals that allows a user to create/customize specific user goals and/or modify existing goals to meet the user's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory R. Hintermeister, Timothy J. O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 8281243
    Abstract: The present invention provides a worker with information about work to be paid attention when the work is displayed in the moving image data. Work content for each of steps of the work to be carried out on a product is stored as moving image data in a storage unit. In response to a desired step being selected on a display device, the moving image data corresponding to the selected step is read from the storage unit. Playback of the moving image data is started on the display device. When starting the playback of the moving image data, a time bar where a progress of the playback of the moving image data is indicated by a slider. Attention work is predetermined within the step of the work. An occurrence timing of the attention work is displayed corresponding to the time bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Hanawa, Yoshinao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8281239
    Abstract: A system and method for selecting graphic objects to insert in a text message when composed on a wireless device, each of the graphic objects representing a set of individual alphanumeric characters. The system comprises an object table for display on a user interface of the device, such that the table is configured for including a first object of the graphic objects associated with a first predefined input and a second object of the graphic objects associated with a second predefined input. The first input is different from the second input. The system also has a first input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the first input event component is configured for mapping to the first predefined input. The system also has a second input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the second input event component is configured for mapping to the second predefined input, the first input event component being different from the second input event component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Lawrence Edward Kuhl, Gerhard Dietrich Klassen
  • Patent number: 8271877
    Abstract: A method for accessing information sources and services on the Web, from a communication device connected via a network to the Internet. The method comprises: one or several steps of displaying a selection page among a plurality of selection pages in a treelike arrangement and stored locally, each selection page comprising a set of icons including one or several icons providing direct access to the information sources and one or several icons for accessing other selection pages; and a step which consists in transmitting, in response to a selection of an icon providing direct access in a selection page being displayed, the address of the information source corresponding to the icon. The invention is particularly useful in communication and office automation equipment, installed in public booths, in enclosed spaces or in private sites or for professional use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Ferid Allani
  • Patent number: 8271882
    Abstract: A method provides a user with access to resources associated with a life or work event by enabling the user to perform certain operations, including specifying a list of one or more tasks corresponding to the event, specifying one or more resources associated with each task, indicating a task order (including an indication of whether two or more tasks in the task list are to be performed in an order-dependent or in an order-independent manner), and formatting the task list into a presentation format. A system with user interface controls enables a user to perform certain operations, including designating an event, generating a list of tasks associated with the event, and specifying an order for performance of the tasks in the task list that may be followed in processing an instance of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Martin Botscheck, Udo Waibel, Mirjam Sonnleithner, Monty Gray, Wolfram Hepp, Martin Zurmuehl, Heiko Schultze, Mikio Takagi, Wolfgang Kuhn, Herbert Penzkofer
  • Patent number: 8266548
    Abstract: In some example embodiments, a machine-readable medium provides instructions which, when executed by a machine, cause said machine to perform operations. The operations include displaying nodes in N number of levels of a first hierarchy tree on a display. The operations also include receiving input of a selected node of the nodes to open a level below the N number of levels of the first hierarchy tree. The operations include fading out a number of nodes at a highest level of the N number of levels from the first hierarchy tree. The operations include fading in at least one node of the number of nodes at the highest level of the N number of levels into the second hierarchy tree. Also, the operations include fading in at least one node at a level below the selected node into the first hierarchy tree on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventor: Christian Denkel
  • Patent number: 8261189
    Abstract: Method, article of manufacture and apparatus for playing back recorded database activity in a graphical user interface. Chronologically ordered database event information is dynamically displayed in a user interface having user-selectable graphical elements associated with predefined playback controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lance C. Amundsen, John M. Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 8237940
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises, in a print application management computer program that enables a user to generate a printed application using one or more document processing devices: identifying a plug-in that extends one or more capabilities of the print application management computer program; extending the print application management computer program to include the identified plug-in, including reconfiguring a graphical user interface of the print application management computer program to include one or more GUI widgets associated with the identified plug-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Conescu, Kurt Knodt, Yue Liu, Loc T. Le
  • Patent number: 8234309
    Abstract: A method and system are provided to support automated modification to a multiple node tree structure. Each clause and each logical operator are defined in the tree structure as nodes. In addition, each link emanating from a child node to a parent node is defined as a child link, and each link emanating from a parent node to a child node is defined as a parent link. The selection and location of an operator for placement in the tree structure will be automated in response to the position selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Furukawa, Tomohiro Miyahira, Yoshiroh Kamiyama, Chris Schaubach
  • Patent number: 8230339
    Abstract: A graphical hierarchical data wheel for displaying hierarchical nodes includes a top level circle on a central axis of the wheel representing a top level node. The wheel further includes a first concentric ring adjacent to the top level circle and comprising a plurality of first level segments, each representing a first level node. The size of each first level segment is proportional to a weight of the corresponding first level node. The wheel further includes a second concentric ring having a larger radius than the first concentric ring and adjacent to the first concentric ring, and comprising a plurality of second level segments, each representing a second level node. The size of each of the second level segments is proportional to the weight of the corresponding second level node. The wheel may include additional concentric rings as needed, and depending on the resolution and size of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Tohru Watanabe, Vincent Hardy, Jacques Vigeant
  • Patent number: 8214737
    Abstract: A method allows a user to process a life or work event by enabling the user to perform certain operations, including creating at least one event instance based on an event definition that includes a specification of data required from an external source, a list of tasks to be completed, a task order, and one or more resources associated with each task, and processing the event instance by importing the data from the external source and by iteratively allowing the user to select a task in accordance with the task order and to access the resources associated with the selected task. The imported data may be used to pre-populate forms, or as other input within the tasks. If the imported data is processed or used to produce output data, the output data may be exported to an external destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Martin Botscheck, Udo Waibel, Mirjam Sonnleithner, Wolfram Hepp, Martin Zurmuehl, Heiko Schultze
  • Patent number: 8213776
    Abstract: Disclosed are a selecting device, a selecting method, and a selecting program storage medium, which are configured to surely and easily select programs such as a drama series, even when a large number of programs are recorded. The selecting device includes: a designating section which designates a program from programs stored in a storage device in response to an operation; a searching section which searches the programs stored in the storage device for a program satisfying a predetermined correlation between itself and the program designated by the designating section; and a selecting section which collectively selects the program designated by the designating section and the program searched out by the searching section collectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Isao Funaki, Aki Kita, Eiichi Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 8209608
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive multimedia system for providing structured information systems, for example help systems for desktop and network based applications. The invention employs an interactive multimedia runtime container and rich media content and other data files for the structured system navigational components such as the Table of Contents (TOC), Index, Search, and Glossary. In another aspect, the invention provides a structured navigation interface through the use of rich media files driven by data files which allow the user or the author to create a customized appearance for the structured information system. The system is advantageously cross-browser and cross-platform compatible and ensures consistent navigation and look and feel across platforms and browsers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald A Linyard, Mark Wineman, Erik Digre, Theodore G. Palmer, Yunsheng Zhao
  • Patent number: 8205171
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for displaying hierarchy information. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface (“GUI”) is provided that displays hierarchy information, the displayed information comprising multiple nodes and hierarchical relationships between the nodes. Different sets of information may be associated with one or more of the displayed nodes. Techniques are provided to enable a user to individually change the set of information displayed in one or more of the displayed nodes. In this manner, a user is able to change the set and/or category of information displayed for one or more selected nodes. More specifically, different sets and/or categories of information contained in the nodes are displayed based on the view selected by the user. In an embodiment, a user is able to choose which nodes need to change the view levels. There are other features in the graphical interface as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Yi Chen, Aylin Ulysal, Sally Baggett, Lulit Bezuayehu, Prashant Singh, Peter Budavari, Julian Challenger
  • Patent number: 8201096
    Abstract: User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a first display area for display representations of documents matching a search query, the first display area configured to display content of the documents which can have a plurality of different types of content including at least one of text-based content and a folder, and displaying a second display area for selecting a selected document to be displayed in the first display area. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Julien Robert, Cedric Bray, Thomas Goossens
  • Patent number: 8201099
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon Cecil Osbourn, Ann Marie Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8200784
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a system and method for transferring data between an unstructured data source and a structured destination. In one embodiment, graphical representations of a unstructured data source and a structured destination are presented to a user via a graphical user interface of a computer. Using the graphical user interface, the user can draw lines between the graphical representations to indicate how data from the unstructured data source should be associated with and transferred to the structured destination. The graphical representation of the unstructured data source may be generated using data extracted from a web based document. This data extraction can be done recursively and at least partially in parallel with retrieving files associated with hyperlinks within the web based document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Open Text S.A.
    Inventors: Andrew Groh, Rob Surratt, Marc Harris, Mikhail Gurevich
  • Patent number: 8166452
    Abstract: The present invention allows a user to graphically define a hierarchy of user-defined, executable classes of graphical objects that can be implemented in a graphical model. The present invention supports the features of inheritance, abstraction and polymorphism. Further, descendant classes of graphical objects can graphically extend the behavior and/or structure of ancestor classes of graphical objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The MathWorks, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Kinnucan, Jr., Pieter J. Mosterman, Ebrahim Mehran Mestchian
  • Patent number: 8166396
    Abstract: Elements are used to define a user interface. Each element can include a corresponding user interface widget and/or arrangement information for the user interface. The elements and/or corresponding widgets are hierarchically related. Each element implements a set of application programming interfaces that enable the rendering of both design-time views (e.g., design view and preview view) of the user interface as well as a runtime view of the user interface. As a result, a designer is able to view exactly what will be generated during runtime, and a widget developer will not need to develop additional software to support the design environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Brian G. Farn
  • Patent number: 8161099
    Abstract: Techniques to automatically syndicate content over a network are described. An apparatus may comprise a client computer having a processing system with a processor and computer-readable medium. The computer readable medium may store program instructions for a syndication manager component communicatively coupled to a content producing component arranged to be executed by the processor. The syndication manager component may be operative to receive syndication content from the content producing component, and provide a syndication dialog through the content producing component to syndicate the syndication content using a content delivery platform. The syndication manager component may also syndicate the syndication content to form a syndication resource accessible from the content delivery platform over a network using a syndication referent. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christian E. Stich, Gareth Howell, Tristan Davis, Dan Parish, Eran Megiddo, Sherman Der, Jeff Rambharack
  • Patent number: 8150832
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for determining a natural hierarchy for a data set. The method determines one or more pair-wise combinations within the data set. The one or more pair-wise combinations each include a first field and a second field from the database. The method then determines a distinct count for each entry in the first field grouped by the second field of the one or more pair-wise combinations, and determines that the distinct counts for each entry has a value equal to one. The method further includes based on the determination that the distinct counts for each entry have a value equal to one, setting the first field in the pair-wise combination as the parent and the second field in the pair-wise combination as the child in a default hierarchy for the data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Isaac Helfman
  • Patent number: 8122381
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for user a context debugger. A computer-implemented method of displaying information on a computer display device includes loading data into a context hierarchical data structure into memory during an execution of a business software application, the context hierarchical data structure comprising an arrangement of nodes and attributes, and displaying a first view on the display device during the execution, the first view comprising the context hierarchical data structure and data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventor: Peter Vignet
  • Patent number: 8107791
    Abstract: A display device configured to display a list of programs stored in a storage device includes: a cutout image acquiring section which acquires a cutout image obtained by cutting out a scene in a program; a distribution date-time acquiring section which acquires distribution date and time when the program is distributed; and a three-dimensional display section which displays a three-dimensional space applying axes respectively of a time, a day of the week, and a week, and which arranges the cutout image acquired by the cutout image acquiring section in a position corresponding to the distribution date and time acquired by the distribution time-date acquiring section in the three-dimensional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Isao Funaki, Aki Kita, Eiichi Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 8095889
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method for interfacing an access control system and an input device, comprising the steps of displaying, on the input device, a set of choices from a plurality of choices, receiving one choice, and modifying the displayed set of choices based on the one choice, wherein modifying is performed by a heuristic method and/or a usage-based method. The heuristic method determines if one choice is a request for additional information, and, if it is, modifies the choices to include the additional information, and to exclude advanced and typical choices; and, if not, modifies the choices to include the advanced and typical choices. The usage-based method comprises incrementing a choice counter, if the counter is greater than multiple choices, modifying the choices to extra emphasize the choice, and if not, modifying the to emphasize the choice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ron DeBlaey, Jeffrey S. Zingsheim
  • Patent number: 8077329
    Abstract: A display device of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention is a display device of an electronic apparatus for setting a plurality of conditions for a process of the electronic apparatus through an input portion 57 while displaying the conditions before the electronic apparatus performs the process in accordance with the conditions. The device comprises a determination portion 58 of determining whether or not each of the conditions has not yet been set, and a liquid crystal display panel 41 of displaying notifying information indicating to what degree conditions remain to be set. The liquid crystal display panel 41 displays buttons for setting the respective conditions on a screen thereof, and displays button(s) which have already been pressed as being unfilled and the number of buttons which have not yet been pressed. Therefore, by viewing the screen, the number and types of conditions which have not yet set can be known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihide Momose, Norihide Kunikawa, Suehiro Ueda, Masayuki Gomi, Atsushi Umekage
  • Patent number: 8065630
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided that display images in a manner that provides for effective space management. At least one item is horizontally displayed in a first display area. Upon selection by a user of at least one item from the first display area, an indication of the at least one item is vertically displayed in a second display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: CSC Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Donoghue, Dale Herigstad, Edgar McLaughlin, Brian Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8065631
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided that display images in a manner that provides for effective space management. At least one item is horizontally displayed in a first display area. Upon selection by a user of at least one item from the first display area, an indication of the at least one item is vertically displayed in a second display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: CSC Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Donoghue, Dale Herigstad, Edgar McLaughlin, Brian Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8060822
    Abstract: A system and method relating to creation of object(s) in an object hierarchy structure is provided. An object generator that in response to a command to expand a node/object provides a initiator node that facilitates generation of a new object within the object hierarchy upon expansion of the node. A display component concurrently displays the initiator node with the expanded node. The initiator node used for creating objects placed (e.g., in-line) within an object hierarchy structure. To create a new object, an instruction (e.g., user input) to expand a node having a initiator node is received. By selecting the initiator node and entering a name, an object of type defined by the initiator node is created. For example, once the object is created the user can enter information defining parameter(s) of the object. Information can be entered through a user interface box (e.g., text box) that is displayed upon the creation of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Kazuo Ishimitsu, Giovanni Stallo
  • Patent number: 8041739
    Abstract: A system and method for patent application drafting, issued patent assessment and technology assessment includes a computer having input devices for at least one user to enter information relating to components of an invention in a hierarchical and relational categorization using software that automatically generates a relational, diagrammatic representation of the patent or technology being assessed that is output in a format that is viewable and modifiable by the user(s). The user(s) may enter additional, more detailed information that provides a basis for textual representation of the patent or technology that is being drafted or assessed; this additional information is associated with and/or connected to the diagrammatic representation, e.g., via an automatic link or a hyperlink, that permits the user(s) to switch between views of the diagram and the text-based detailed description of components of the patent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: JiNan Glasgow
  • Patent number: 8041738
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a tag is provided and includes a property that associates a strongly typed variable with the tag. Strongly typed variables can include any suitable types. For example, in at least some embodiments, the strongly typed variable is a people type that allows the tag to be associated with an individual person or group of people by virtue of a unique identification that is associated with the person or group. Strongly typed tags can then serve as a foundation upon which various other types of information and services can be provided to enhance the user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jason S. Flaks, John M. Thornton, Ryan Kabir
  • Patent number: 8036646
    Abstract: Systems and methods of wirelessly transmitting multimedia data over a cellular network are disclosed which may, in some embodiments, comprise transmitting a segmented multimedia content from a data center to a base transceiver station, transmitting the content from the base transceiver station to a wireless device, and tracking a usage of the content by a user on the wireless device. These systems and methods may further comprise transmitting the usage of the content of the user to the base transceiver station, transmitting the usage of the content of the user from the base transceiver station to the data center, and creating a customized content based on the usage of the content on the wireless device by the user. In addition, these systems and methods may also further comprise transmitting the customized content to the base transceiver station and transmitting the customized content from the base transceiver station to the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Jason R. Delker, Robin D. Katzer, Todd N. Koellner, Brian D. Mauer, Sei Y. Ng, M. Jeffrey Stone
  • Patent number: 8028232
    Abstract: A method of editing image data, wherein an image frame comprising a plurality of components is generated by processing a plurality of data processing nodes arranged in a hierarchical structure, said image frame is displayed to a user, said user manually selects one of said plurality of components for editing, a first data processing node considered to be appropriate to said component is selected and editing tools relevant to said first data processing node are displayed to said user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Vienneau, Juan Pablo Di Lelle