Patents Assigned to Apple Computer
  • Patent number: 6952706
    Abstract: A method for providing stand-in objects, where relationships among objects are automatically resolved in an object oriented relational database model without the necessity of retrieving data from the database until it is needed. A “fault” class is defined, as well as fault objects whose data haven't yet been fetched from the database. An object that's created for the destination of a relationship whenever an object that includes the relationship is fetched from the database. When an object is fetched that has relationships, fault objects are created to “stand-in” for the destination objects of those relationships. Fault objects transform themselves into the actual enterprise objects—and fetch their data—the first time they're accessed. Subsequently, messages sent to the target objects are responded to by the objects themselves. This delayed resolution of relationships occurs in two stages: the creation of a placeholder object for the data to be fetched, and the fetching of that data only when it's needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Apple Computer
    Inventors: Richard Williamson, Linus Upson, Daniel Willhite, Jack Greenfield
  • Patent number: 6947967
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for integrating applets running on a client with the application logic for applications running on a server. The mechanism of the present invention provides two significant advantages over the prior art: the synchronization of state, and the recognition of user actions in the browser including the invocation of the appropriate application logic in the server. Instead of using the FORM element available in HTML, individual active applets are available and may be created that obtain user input (e.g. a checkbox, textbox, button, etc.). A hidden applet called the Applet Group Controller is created which handles communication between the applets on the browser and the application logic on the server. The Applet Group Controller maintains an association with each applet that maintains the keys and values of any parameters and variables for the applet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Apple Computer
    Inventors: Michael Ferris, Nicolas Popp, Scott Forstall, Charles D'Harcourt
  • Patent number: 5790857
    Abstract: Data structure and methods associating an arbitrary list of properties with user interface items on a graphical user interface display. Each property has a tag with which an application program can reference it, and arbitrary data which can be written, read and modified by the application program. Property lists for each user interface item are stored in in-memory pools of property lists. Each pool includes a header region having a variable number of index slots, each slot which is currently being used pointing to a respective property list in a property list region of the pool. Unused slots are maintained on a linked list of index slots. When a property list is to be added or removed from a pool, the maintenance routines grow or shrink the pool only by fixed increments. Each property list includes a variable number of property entries each having a tag field and a data field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer
    Inventors: Daniel K. Clifford, Robert G. Johnston, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5710844
    Abstract: A method for searching the contents of a memory device for a pen-based computer system, where the contents of the memory device are organized as one or more files, where each file contains records, and where a file has an associated "button" proved on a surface of the housing of the computer system. The method includes the ,steps of: receiving a find-command from a user; receiving a selection search string from the user; searching the records of each file in the memory device for the search string; making a list of target files and the number of hits in each file; displaying indicators showing a summary of the list; and processing a user input with the summary. All of the records in all of the files are searched. The number of hits for each file are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer
    Inventors: Stephen P. Capps, Shifteh Karimi, Sarah Clark
  • Patent number: 5155389
    Abstract: A logic cell is described having four inputs, four outputs, a control store, means for multiplexing the four inputs onto two leads and logic means that operate in response to the signals on the two leads and signals from the control store to produce output signals which are applied to the four outputs. Illustrative logic functions provided by the logic means include a cross-over or identify function, a change in the routing direction of an input signal, NAND and XOR gates and a D-type flip-flop. The selection of two of the four inputs as well as the selection of the particular logic function that is implemented is controlled by control bits stored in the control store. Numerous such logic cells are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix such that each cell has four nearest neighbor cells, one to its left (or to the West) one to its right (or to the East), one above it (or to the North) and one below it (or to the South).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignees: Concurrent Logic, Inc., Apple Computer
    Inventor: Frederick C. Furtek
  • Patent number: 5033105
    Abstract: A method for encoding compressed graphics video information and decoding such information. The method consists of enriching the video information in zeros through shifting and Exclusive ORing video with itself. A number of methods are attempted in the shifting and Exclusive ORing process in order to determine the method which yields the optimum zero enriched image. The zero enriched image is then encoded and the encoded information stored. Upon retrieval, the information is decoded and an Exclusive OR and shifting process is done to obtain the original video information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Apple Computer
    Inventor: William Atkinson
  • Patent number: 4897721
    Abstract: The present invention is an automated testing apparatus and process for screen alignment involving a pattern generator, sensors, and an analysis computer. Two sets of patterns are displayed on the screen being tested. Sensors are used to observe patterns on the screen. An analysis computer receives the data from these observations and then compares the observed data to data from an ideal screen to determine the screen's alignment parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Apple Computer
    Inventors: Stephen J. Young, Mike K. Blackwell, Kevin J. Dowling, Hans P. Moravec, Lada Zajicek