Patents Assigned to Apple Computer
  • Patent number: 5860006
    Abstract: A PowerPC based Network Operating System Loadable Module (NOSLM) is concatenated onto an Intel-based NOSLM and offsets are adjusted to account for the size of the Intel-based NOSLM. The resulting enlarged NOSLM appears as a typical Intel-based NOSLM to Intel-based servers. When the enlarged NOSLM is loaded by PowerPC-based servers, the offsets are used to point the server to the beginning of the PowerPC-based NOSLM code and the Intel-based NOSLM is interpreted as a machine-specific header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Osborne, Michael D. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5860064
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic application of vocal emotion parameters to text in a text-to-speech system. Predefining vocal parameters for various vocal emotions allows simple selection and application of vocal emotions to text to be output from a text-to-speech system. Further, the present invention is capable of generating vocal emotion with the limited prosodic controls available in a concatenative synthesizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Caroline G. Henton
  • Patent number: 5860079
    Abstract: A block storage memory management scheme. According to the disclosed embodiments, a memory list of data is generated from a set of address ranges, a descriptor is created to interact with the memory list, and data is retrieved by preparing the memory specified by the descriptor for an input/output operation, performing the operation, and deleting the descriptor. Memory mappings are delayed as long as possible to enhance the performance of the system, particularly for RAID applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lee Smith, Carl David Sutton
  • Patent number: 5859925
    Abstract: A classification system is provided for combining multiple input representations by a single neural network architecture. In such a classification system having a single neural network architecture, classification channels corresponding to various input representations may be integrated through their own and shared hidden layers of the network to produce highly accurate classification. The classification system is particularly applicable to character classifying applications which use stroke and character image features as the main classification criteria, along with scalar features such as stroke count and aspect ratio features as secondary classification. The classification channels corresponding to the scalar features may be cross wired to the classification channels corresponding to the main input representations for further improving the accuracy of the classification output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry S. Yaeger, Brandyn Webb
  • Patent number: 5859958
    Abstract: Storing and updating parameters of object slices used to render more complex objects is made more efficient in raster graphics systems. Recognizing that some parameters of adjacent object slices remain unchanged, these values need not be stored or updated, thereby saving transmission overhead and/or memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Chan, Kok S. Chen
  • Patent number: 5859638
    Abstract: A user interface includes an object oriented graphic user interface having overlapping windows and provides an access window having topics, index and look for button functions for selection by a user. Through the use of the topics, index or look for functions, a help inquiry is defined. The access window includes an alpha scroll bar horizontally spanning a defined area of the access window. A plurality of alpha-numeric, symbolic or other characters (collectively "characters") are displayed along the length of the alpha scroll bar. A slider is provided which may be selectively positioned over a character displayed on the alpha scroll bar. The slider may be positioned through user manipulation of a cursor control device. The placement of the slider over a character on the alpha scroll bar results in a central processing unit (CPU) displaying data corresponding to the character selected. Entries are displayed in the defined area beginning alphabetically with the letter over which the slider has been placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia J. Coleman, James Edward Palmer, Matthew Justin Powers, Jeffrey Alan Herman, Eli Cochran, John Richard Powers, III
  • Patent number: 5860047
    Abstract: A pixel matrix preferably containing nine pixels is analyzed to determine whether or not all of the image values for the pixels in the pixel matrix correspond to a full saturation level. If the image values do correspond to full saturation level, preferably the center pixel is produced using a variably reduced toner output. If all of the image values do not correspond to full saturation level, the center pixel is produced using conventional methods. The system of the preferred embodiment is comprised of an input buffer for storing the image values, a comparator for comparing the image values with a toner modification value to determine if the pixel or pixels should be produced using a variably reduced toner output. The pixels are then preferably stored temporarily in an output buffer and then sent to a memory to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Mathew W. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5859644
    Abstract: A computer is provided with sets of switchable resources and utilities that enable the user to select from among a number of color paradigms within which to work. These resources include different operating system support services, such as different color pickers that are respectively directed to the different paradigms. The utilities include some whose operations are integrated with application programs, and others which function on a stand-alone basis. A color personality agent requests the computer user to select a particular color paradigm with which to work. In response to the user's selection, the agent selects the appropriate resources and utilities for that paradigm, to provide full color management that is consistent with the user's designated preferences. All subsequent color-related operations are carried out in accordance with the selected paradigm, in a manner that is transparent to the user and application programs running on the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stokes, Alan D. Beck
  • Patent number: 5860008
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for decompiling a compiled, interpretive code characterized by the steps of creating an array of names and an array of literals from a plurality of compiled, interpretive code bytes and sequentially converting each code byte into a code fragment utilizing the code byte, the array of names, and the array of literals. Each code fragment is added to a code fragment array. Pattern matching is performed on the code fragment array to produce a source language listing describing a high-level functioning of the code bytes that is readily understood by a programmer. The pattern matching includes a linear sequence of matching steps that are ordered such that matching steps of less ambiguity are performed prior to related matching steps of greater ambiguity. The code fragment array is preferably searched for at least one pattern for each known construct used in the source language, and appropriate source language text is added for matched constructs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Shayne P. Bradley
  • Patent number: 5857189
    Abstract: A system and method which enables teleconference members to share files during a teleconference. An endpoint including a processor with a memory coupled thereto. The memory stores a teleconferencing application. A file sharing mechanism is associated with the application at run time. The file sharing mechanism generates a window on the local display in which the local member of the teleconference may post advertisements for files thereby making the file sharable. The local endpoint sends the advertisement to a remote endpoint. A corresponding accessory receives the advertisement and posts it in the remote window. A local member can copy remotely posted files by manipulating the corresponding advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy Riddle
  • Patent number: 5857118
    Abstract: A computer system having at least two subsystems which generate video signals and which share the same video display terminal. Provision is made to allow disabling of the current output of each system and controlling line reflections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Adams, David C. Buuck, Paul Thompson, David Townsley
  • Patent number: 5857207
    Abstract: A data structure and associated data management methods for highly flexible storage of data for a wide variety of application programs. Data is stored as a plurality of Blops, each of which has a list of Properties associated with it. Each Property contains zero or more elements. Elements are Values, each of which has a Basic Type and consists of a variable length sequence of bytes. The Basic Type defines the format of the Value, as well as meta-information such as compression and encryption. Elements can also be Compound Types, which nestably refer to another list of Properties. Blops are stored in Containers, which map to the physical medium on which the data is stored. Containers associate respective Container Handlers which are specific to the Container's physical medium. Related Blops in a Container are organized into Pools of Blops. Each Container contains one or more Pools, each Pool having a unique name within the Container. A Pool contains multiple versions of a Blop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Shui Wing Lo, David J. Austin, Tantek I. Celik, Steven J. Szymanski, Jed Harris
  • Patent number: 5857211
    Abstract: In a system which permits different components of a document to be linked, a unique token is associated with a change to data in the source of a link. The token is passed with a command to update linked data. Each destination object keeps track of the token associated with the last change made to its linked data. When a new command to update linked data arrives at the destination object, the token for that update is compared with the token for the previous update. If the tokens are the same, an alert is presented to the user to indicate that either the change has been propagated around a cycle, or more than one update path exists between the source object and the destination object. In response, the user can elect to prevent the change from being carried out in the destination object, in which case the cycle is broken. Alternatively, the user can elect to let the update continue, for example in those situations in which multiple update paths are desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Carper, Shui Wing (Vincent) Lo, Kurt Piersol
  • Patent number: 5856826
    Abstract: "A method and apparatus for organizing windows to be displayed on a screen of a computer system into window groups by attribute, function, content, or any arbitrary characteristic. A window's membership in a window group is also assigned a status that determines whether the window, upon selection, is displayed individually or as part of that group. Each window may simultaneously belong to a plurality of window groups. A data structure may be formed in a table where windows represent rows and window groups represent columns".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Craycroft
  • Patent number: 5854898
    Abstract: An automatic method for adding an additional data stream, such as auxiliary teleconference data, to an existing media connection between two endpoints, such as a teleconference between teleconferencing systems. A first endpoint identifies the availability of a second data stream to a second endpoint via a first message which references the existing media connection. The first endpoint notifies the second endpoint of the desire to connect via a second message. The second endpoint notifies the first endpoint of confirmation to connect via a third message. The first and the second endpoint then establish communication wherein the additional data stream is associated in a first endpoint and the second endpoint with the existing media connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy G. Riddle
  • Patent number: 5854641
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for rotating images on a computer system is disclosed. The system includes a processor for accessing an image frame buffer using a set of CPU addresses, a memory for storing the frame buffer, a controller for directing the pixel data of the frame buffer to a display device using a set of controller addresses. The two sets of addresses are not necessarily the same. In fact, numerous advantages could be had from manipulating those two sets of addresses resulting in image rotation operations for the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Howard, Robert L. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5850998
    Abstract: An integrated mounting solution provides a plurality of mounting connections in close proximity to the appliance, and one or more appliances with a compatible, mating mounting connection. In a preferred form, the mounting connections are integrated with the appliance and may take the form of a series of hole, or perhaps projections. In a particularly preferred form, the mounting connections are a series of holes arranged vertically and positioned in a recess designed into the appliance so that the mounting connections are not a prominent aspect of the visual impact of the appliance, yet are readily available for securing an accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Parsey, Daniel J. Coster, Elizabeth B. Swan, David V. Hoenig, John J. O'Brien, Susanne M. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5852801
    Abstract: A method for reducing recognition errors in a speech recognition system that has a user interface, which instructs the user to invoke a new word acquisition module upon a predetermined condition, and that improves the recognition accuracy for poorly recognized words. The user interface of the present invention suggests to a user which unrecognized words may be new words that should be added to the recognition program lexicon. The user interface advises the user to enter words into a new word lexicon that fails to present themselves in an alternative word list for two consecutive tries. A method to improve the recognition accuracy for poorly recognized words via language model adaptation is also provided by the present invention. The present invention increases the unigram probability of an unrecognized word in proportion to the score difference between the unrecognized word and the top one word to guarantee recognition of the same word in a subsequent try.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Wuen Hon, Yen-Lu Chow
  • Patent number: 5848297
    Abstract: A circuit for maintaining the order of transmission of information in a computer interconnect including control circuitry for sending a signal from a source of data to a destination for data indicating that data is ready for transfer, the control circuitry comprising a plurality of buffers for storing information relating to the data, the information including information regarding the order in which the information was received by the control circuitry, means for incrementing the information regarding the order in which the information was received by the control circuitry, and apparatus for sending the information relating to the data to the destination for data in the order of receipt by the control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Krein, Steven G. Roskowski
  • Patent number: D402284
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Patricia J. Coleman