Patents Examined by Thanh Vu
  • Patent number: 9444875
    Abstract: History and navigation information in a computer application are managed by establishing a global context that can communicate with multiple resources, each of which resides in an associated local context. State information from one or more of the local contexts is communicated to the global context, and global navigation information (for example, defining a drop-down history list or back/forward button states) is generated based on the communicated state information. Using the global navigation information, a user of the computer application can move among previously visited resources in a global manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: John T. Wassom, Jr., Jerry L. Harris
  • Patent number: 9436355
    Abstract: Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Carsten Herpel, Jobst Höerentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Dirk Gandolph
  • Patent number: 9423942
    Abstract: A scrolling apparatus includes: a display unit which displays a content on a screen; a contact detection unit which detects contact of a finger to the screen; a proximity detection unit which detects proximity of a finger to the screen; a scrolling control unit which scrolls the content displayed on the screen in response to a contact manipulation of the finger on the screen; and a display control unit which displays, on the screen, the scrolled content. The scrolling control unit decelerates a scroll speed to a given speed if proximity of the finger to the screen is detected at or after a start of the scrolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kawahara, Takayuki Tanaka, Masatoshi Nakao
  • Patent number: 9426355
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus generates a GUI screen image for operating the imaging apparatus. A controller controls the generation of the GUI screen image upon detecting a predetermined operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Sasaki, Riuzou Nagatsuka, Emi Arakawa, Tetsuya Asai, Masaki Mikamo, Takashi Nunomaki, Hisashi Ohashi, Kenji Tsushio, Mayumi Kamiya, Kenji Yoshida, Takeshi Harada, Keiki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9418464
    Abstract: Dynamic icons are described that can employ animations, such as visual effects, audio, and other content that change with time. If multiple animations are scheduled to occur simultaneously, the timing of the animations can be controlled so that timing overlap of the animations is reduced. For example, the starting times of the animations can be staggered so that multiple animations are not initiated too close in time. It has been found that too much motion in the user interface can be distracting and cause confusion amongst users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Cheng-Yao Fong, Jeffery G. Arnold, Christopher A. Glein
  • Patent number: 9411483
    Abstract: A data processing technology of high convenience is provided. A data processing apparatus includes: a data file storing section which stores data files; a user interface section which assigns first objects to respective data units, displays the first objects on-screen, and accepts an operation on the data units in the form of an operation on the first objects, the data units each being a data file or a group of a plurality of data files stored in the data file storing section; and a grouping section which accepts an operation for instructing to group a plurality of the data units, groups those data units together, and determines attribute information pertaining to contents of the group and attaches it to the group based on pieces of attribute information attached to the respective data units, pertaining to contents of the data units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventor: Tomokazu Kake
  • Patent number: 9407753
    Abstract: Embodiments provide integrated reply functionality within the context of a contact card or panel. Contact information is provided for display in the contact card (e.g., a portion of a user interface of a computing device). The contact information is associated with a contact. The contact information identifies one or more transport modes for communication with the contact. In some embodiments, the computing device receives a request from a user to communicate with the contact via at least one selected transport mode. Based on the received request, the computing device provides an input field within the contact card. In other embodiments, the transport mode is automatically selected and the input field is displayed. Data from the user is received into the input field for communication to the contact. The computing device sends the data received into the input field to the contact via the selected transport mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Howard, Joseph Spencer King, Yili Aiwazian, Ian Hunter Todd, Naud Frijlink, Shawna Julie Davis, Christer Garbis
  • Patent number: 9383907
    Abstract: A scrolling apparatus includes a screen, a contact detector which detects contact of a finger to the screen, a proximity detector which detects proximity of a finger to the screen, and a scrolling controller. If a first proximity of the finger is detected when an inertial scrolling of content is started, the scrolling controller transitions from the inertial scrolling to a constant scroll speed. When the detection of the first proximity of the finger continues, the scrolling at constant scroll speed continues even after the first proximity of the finger is not detected. When the scrolling at constant speed is performed after the first proximity of the finger is not detected, if a second proximity of the finger is detected, the scrolling controller stops the scrolling at constant speed, and then if the second proximity of the finger is not detected, the scrolling controller restarts the scrolling at constant speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kawahara, Takayuki Tanaka, Masatoshi Nakao
  • Patent number: 9361000
    Abstract: A dial switch is operative to be rotated or tilted and to be pushed down, which can select any one of icons displayed on a menu screen of a display portion and display information regarding a function of an onboard apparatuses corresponding to a selected icon on the display portion. A central pushing switch is configured to function as a home key such that a default-state menu screen is displayed on the display portion whenever this switch is pushed down. Left or right pushing switches is configured to function as a shortcut key such that information regarding a function of an onboard apparatus corresponding to left-positioned or right-positioned icons positioned on left and right sides of a central icon is displayed on the display portion whenever the left or right pushing switches is pushed down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Aya Furue, Keiichirou Yamamoto, Akihiro Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 9354784
    Abstract: Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Carsten Herpel, Jobst Höerentrup, Ralf Ostermann, Hartmut Peters, Dirk Gandolph
  • Patent number: 9348938
    Abstract: A method of filtering a web page or other computer file is provided. A web page is analyzed and segmented into regions or segments. At least one of the regions is selected for display. Selected regions are manipulated to enhance the visibility of preferred regions of the web page. In one embodiment, the manipulation comprises presenting the image of the page in accordance with a selected mathematical transform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ZiiLABS Inc., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nick Murphy, Chon Hock Leow
  • Patent number: 9343034
    Abstract: A user interface configured to display a screen view representing an application and to receive motion data representing a detected movement, said user interface being further configured to update said displayed screen view to visually counteract said detected movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Toni Strandell
  • Patent number: 9304593
    Abstract: A system for recognizing various human and creature motion gaits and behaviors is presented. These behaviors are defined as combinations of “gestures” identified on various parts of a body in motion. For example, the leg gestures generated when a person runs are different than when a person walks. The system described here can identify such differences and categorize these behaviors. Gestures, as previously defined, are motions generated by humans, animals, or machines. Multiple gestures on a body (or bodies) are recognized simultaneously and used in determining behaviors. If multiple bodies are tracked by the system, then overall formations and behaviors (such as military goals) can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cybernet Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Cohen, Glenn J. Beach, Brook Cavell, Eugene Foulk, Charles J. Jacobus, Jay Obermark, George V. Paul
  • Patent number: 9299080
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the number of virtual universe avatars within a predetermined proximity from a designated first object in a virtual universe is determined. A condition that affects a load on a server computer supporting the designated first object in the virtual universe is determined. A second object is dynamically spawned within the virtual universe in response to determining that the number of virtual universe avatars within the predetermined proximity from the designated first object is greater than a first predetermined threshold and that the determined condition on the server computer is greater than a second predetermined threshold. The second object is associated with transmissions of information within the virtual universe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Paul A. Moskowitz, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Patent number: 9286288
    Abstract: An improved method of learning character segments during text input enables facilitated text input on an improved handheld electronic device. In response to a series of inputs, segments and other objects are analyzed to generate a proposed character interpretation of the series of inputs. Responsive to detecting a replacement of a character of the character interpretation with another character, a character learning string comprising the another character and a number of additional characters of the character interpretation are stored as a candidate. In response to another series of inputs, another proposed character interpretation is generated. Responsive to detecting another replacement of a character of the another character interpretation with a different character, another character learning string comprising the different character and a number of characters of the another character interpretation are compared with the stored candidate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Sergey Kolomiets
  • Patent number: 9275351
    Abstract: A user interface for presenting travel itineraries to a user includes an itinerary region for displaying travel itineraries and a filter region. Each travel itinerary has a corresponding value for a first travel criterion and the travel itineraries are grouped into categories based on the values of the first travel criterion. The filter region includes a plurality of cells, each of which is associated with one of the categories of travel itineraries. When a user selects a cell, the itinerary region displays only travel itineraries in the category associated with the selected cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventor: Rodney S. Daughtrey
  • Patent number: 9275053
    Abstract: Watermark encoders and decoders can be integrated into operating systems, Internet browsers, media players, and other applications and devices. Such integration enables the watermark-enabled application or device to provide additional functionality and information available via the watermark. The watermark, for example, may link to metadata or actions related to a media object. To exploit this watermark enabled functionality, the integrated application uses a watermark decoder to access the related metadata and actions. The user interface of the integrated application is enhanced to present metadata and actions linked via the watermark. Similarly, watermark encoders may be integrated into applications to convert media objects into enhanced, watermarked objects. A variety of other arrangements and features are also detailed. Many arrangements can be implemented using object identifiers other than watermarks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel O. Ramos, Kevin C. Jones, Geoffrey B. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 9256444
    Abstract: An integrated data network management and data service provisioning environment is provided. The integrated environment includes legacy software application code and current software application code each augmented with code portions enabling exchange of information therebetween via an interworking layer. A facility for participation in and interacting with the integrated environment is also provided. A man-machine interface is integrated across different applications which themselves may be executed on different computers to provide a seamless exchange of information. The advantages are derived from enhanced usage efficiencies in providing data network management and service provisioning solutions. The interworking layer also provides for security enforcement across applications participating in the integrated environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Satvinder Singh Bawa
  • Patent number: 9253223
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media for live interactions in persistent conversations are described. In some implementations, a method can include receiving a communication message sent from a first user to a second user, wherein the communication message includes initiation of a live interaction. The method can also include generating a live interaction user interface element for display as part of a persistent conversation interface. The method can further include storing a representation of the live interaction in a conversation content section of a persistent conversation object when the live interaction ends. The method can include updating conversation state information of the persistent conversation object to reflect the receiving of the communication message and the storing of the representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn Chapman Cushing, Benjamin David Eidelson, Randall Sarafa, Mayur Kamat, Param Reddappagari, Shrikrishna Vijaykumar Borde, Michael Dodd, Richard Fulcher, Gülay Birand, Ivan Bertona
  • Patent number: 9245245
    Abstract: Techniques for managing a virtual workspace include: generating a virtual workspace viewable by a user on a graphical user interface, the virtual workspace comprising a plurality of workspace modules comprising data contained in a plurality of data objects; identifying an interaction by the user with at least some of the data contained in a particular data object of the plurality of data objects; and providing, through the virtual workspace, at least one suggestion comprising a description of data contained in the plurality of data objects that is semantically related to the data interacted with by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SAP Portals Israel Ltd
    Inventors: Yahali Sherman, Vitaly Vainer, Avi Guzansky, Dmitry Khalatov, Guy Bavly, Pavel Kravets, Ram Alon, Ran Gross, Yoav Cohen