Patents Examined by William L. Bashore
  • Patent number: 8739059
    Abstract: An electronic inspection report system includes a central report generator and a data collection device. The central report generator is adapted to produce multiple types of inspection report template. The central report generator is adapted to select a type of inspection report template to provide to a data collection device based upon various criteria. The central report generator is adapted to receive electronic information from various databases and format the information such that the information can be used in inspection reports. While inspecting an item, an inspector uses a data collection device to access an inspection report template and fill in fields of the inspection report template. The data collection device can be configured to check the consistency of information carried in fields of the inspection report and signal the inspector when some of the information is inconsistent. The central report generator can include a repository of completed inspection reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Xcira, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy J. Rabenold, James A. Simmons, Peter C. Ogden, Howard B. Jones, Lewis A. Glow
  • Patent number: 7992102
    Abstract: A method and system for processing user information are described. A graphical user interface is provided to include a display region, a first bounded region circumferentially surrounding the display region, and a second bounded region circumferentially surrounding the first bounded region. The first bounded region may include one or more first-type graphical user interface elements with each of the first-type graphical user interface elements selectively mapped to one or more first-type display data. The second bounded region may include one or more second-type graphical user interface elements with each of the second-type graphical user interface elements selectively mapped to one or more second-type display data. A user input is received using the graphical user interface, and a result is generated based at least on a user activation of at least one of the first-type and second-type graphical user interface elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Incandescent Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Joseph De Angelo
  • Patent number: 7627816
    Abstract: A method for providing a transient electronic dictionary that travels with an original electronic document is provided. An author of an electronic document may generate a transient electronic dictionary that is linked with the original electronic document such that the transient electronic dictionary is transmitted along with the original electronic document when the original electronic document is distributed. At a recipient computer system, when the original electronic document is accessed, the associated transient electronic dictionary is loaded by the word processing application. The loaded transient electronic dictionary is used to expand the permanent electronic dictionary present in the recipient computer system temporarily. The word processing application may then resolve words in the original electronic document using the loaded transient electronic dictionary entries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kulvir Singh Bhogal, Alexandre Polozoff
  • Patent number: 7555732
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for the efficient entry of data on a device with a restricted set of input channels are disclosed. These apparatuses, systems and methods may employ a user interface which allows efficient entry of input. This interface may be tailored according to the device with which it is used, and the semantic meaning associated with the interface. To assist in the efficient entry of data, these apparatuses, systems and methods may disambiguate user input, provide an efficient way to specify the input exactly, or predict user input. These apparatuses, systems and methods may also adapt to the proclivities of a certain user, and incorporate user defined abbreviations and synonyms for frequently used inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Van der Hoeven
  • Patent number: 7549121
    Abstract: A method for interfacing with a plurality of wizards in a computer system. The method includes providing the plurality of wizards organized into groups; providing a launch button on a launch pad, wherein the launch button is associated with at least one wizard, wherein selection of the launch button executes the at least one wizard; providing information pertaining to the at least one wizard when a pointer is positioned over the launch button. The method further includes providing a high-level visual overview of a process corresponding to the plurality of wizards to assist a user when the user may not be familiar with the process before the user selects the launch button to execute the at least one wizard, wherein the high-level overview comprises a relationship between the at least one wizard and other wizards on the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marc D. Boegner, Gordon Andrew Davison, Maria Teresa de Jesus Stoll, Eileen Felicia Kopp, Nikolay Markov, Debra L. Mayhew, Daina Pupons Wickham, Julie Anne Santilli
  • Patent number: 7487461
    Abstract: A command pattern recognition system based on a virtual keyboard layout combines pattern recognition with a virtual, graphical, or on-screen keyboard to provide a command control method with relative ease of use. The system allows the user conveniently issue commands on pen-based computing or communication devices. The system supports a very large set of commands, including practically all commands needed for any application. By utilizing shortcut definitions it can work with any existing software without any modification. In addition, the system utilizes various techniques to achieve reliable recognition of a very large gesture vocabulary. Further, the system provides feedback and display methods to help the user effectively use and learn command gestures for commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shumin Zhai, Per-Ola Kristensson
  • Patent number: 7475338
    Abstract: Within exemplary embodiments of the present invention a solution is provided for the abbreviated parse scanning of a XML document, thus providing improved processing performance over traditional full parsing processing methods. As such, during an XML document parsing operation, from the start of the document to a specific segment of the document wherein desired information resides, only the minimal processing necessary is implemented to achieve a correct parse of the specified segment, wherein thereafter a full parse operation only for desired information is carried out over the specified segment in order to retrieve any desired information from the XML document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kento Tamura, Naohiko Uramoto
  • Patent number: 7461355
    Abstract: The navigational interface allows a user to control computer operations and input text into applications running on the computing system with a single input device. The navigational interface operates by receiving selection signals from the input device. The navigational interface includes an input device, a navigational interface interpretation module having a sensor pattern, and a control display providing feedback of the navigational interface interpretation module operations. The sensor pattern is radially divided into a central sensory portion, a petals sensory portion divided into sensory petals, and a circumferential sensory portion. Each sensory portion references an information element. The information elements are associated with tasks to be performed in the computing system. The tasks might be computer control operations, application selection, application operation, or inputting and editing of textual characters into various applications running on the computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: John SanGiovanni
  • Patent number: 7461348
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media process computer input data (such as electronic ink data, speech input data, keyboard input data, etc.), including focus change data, in a manner so that the input insertion range better comports with the user's original intent. More specifically, user input data may be accepted, before, during, and/or after a focus change event is initiated, and the systems and methods will process this input data in an intuitive manner, directing the data to areas of an application program or the operating system that better comport with the user's original intent. In this manner, loss of input data may be avoided and misdirected input data may be avoided, thereby lowering user frustration during focus change events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Josh A. Clow, Adrian J. Garside, David V. Winkler
  • Patent number: 7458026
    Abstract: An information providing system and method and a storage medium which provide information services to each client apparatus on which a browser for browsing content and at least one object operate, through the cooperation with the operation of the object. A server apparatus has a view server for providing content to the browser, a communication server for making communication with the object, and an application sever for making the view server and the application server cooperate with each other. When a read operation from the object is performed, the communication server notifies the application server of a result of the read operation, thereby providing synchronization between the communication server and the view server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Oshima, Tadashi Suzuki, Atsushi Miura, Yoshiaki Hirano
  • Patent number: 7454717
    Abstract: A pen-based user interface (PBUI) that facilitates input of a delimiter to a scope in a substantially uninterrupted stroke for generating a selection-action gesture phrase. Four delimiter techniques are provided, which include a Multi-stroke delimiter, a button delimiter, timeout delimiter and pigtail delimiter. The Pigtail delimiter uses a small loop to delimit the gesture. The delimiter techniques support integrated scope selection, command activation, and direct manipulation all in a single fluid pen gesture. The delimiter techniques can also be employed to terminate a complex scope consisting of a sequence of multiple pen strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth P Hinckley, Patrick M Baudisch, Gonzalo A Ramos, Francois V Guimbretiere
  • Patent number: 7454718
    Abstract: Methods, system, and computer program products for browsing content with a display area and input system that may be limited in comparison to more traditional browsing systems. Movement between and selection of interactive elements generally occurs in a navigation mode, whereas interaction with a single interactive element generally occurs in an edit mode. In navigation mode, a direction input selects the next interactive element in the direction indicated. If no interactive element is at least partially visible in the direction indicated or if a selected interactive element is only partially visible, the display scrolls. Switching between navigation mode and edit mode is based on the input received, in view of the input supported, by a particular interactive element. Interactive elements may be limited to the width of available display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Peter O. Vale
  • Patent number: 7444596
    Abstract: A method uses template messages to optimize software messaging system. A message is decomposed into a template message portion containing message content, and a field message portion. A correlation identifier identifies a template message and only those template messages with unique correlation identifiers are stored or forwarded. A field message portion includes a correlation identifier associated with a template message. A recomposition function combines a field message portion with the appropriate template message portion as identified in the field message portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Charles Cope, Saket Rungta, Matthew Brian White
  • Patent number: 7441202
    Abstract: A graphical user interface has a display surface that is segmented into multiple regions. A set of unique, non-overlapping locations is associated with each region. A set of actions that can be performed by the graphical user interface is defined. A document to be displayed on the display surface is selected. The document is moved to a particular location, and a particular action of the set of actions is performed on the selected object according to the particular location of the object on the display surface to operate the graphical user interface in one of a plurality of modes for the particular action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia Shen, Katherine Everitt, Kathleen Ryall, Clifton L. Forlines
  • Patent number: 7437668
    Abstract: A system and method for autonomous correction of defective documents include an autonomous document. The autonomous document can signal a history server whenever an operation such as printing, scanning, editing, distribution, storage, or retrieval is performed on the document. The history server can be queried to determine when a given defect was introduced into a document, and which instances of the document contain the defect. Based on this information, notifications can be sent to all users who were ever in possession of one of the defective instances, and the defective instances can be automatically corrected. Since the document instances are active entities, they can receive and act on notifications of defects in themselves, follow instructions on how to correct the defect, and notify the history server once the defect has been corrected. The document can act without permission from any user in possession of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Judith A. Slein
  • Patent number: 7437685
    Abstract: Logical, safe, personalizable, and user friendly computer user interfaces may include: (a) plural branches; (b) plural sub-branches associated with the branches; and (c) an interface control that includes: a branch locking interface, a sub-branch locking interface, a branch display control interface, and/or a sub-branch display control interface. Optionally or alternatively, user interfaces may include: (a) a first section including plural items having a first common visual characteristic; and (b) a second section including plural items having a second common visual characteristic. In this manner, the common visual characteristics may indicate an association between the items sharing the characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Shuling Yu, Zhiqiang Mu
  • Patent number: 7434167
    Abstract: A method and system providing a client with user interface information are described. An accessibility system for providing user interface information to a client. The accessibility system comprises an accessibility system core including user interface automation services and APIs. The user interface automation tools filter information based on whether the user interface information is interesting to the client. The accessibility system additionally comprises a client side interface including a logical tree for revealing user interface information that is interesting to the client and for hiding user interface information that is not interesting to the client. The accessibility system also comprises a server side interface for facilitating information transfer from a server side regardless of the server side technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Sinclair, Patricia M. Wagoner, Brendan McKeon
  • Patent number: 7426702
    Abstract: A system of multimedia display on a monitor screen includes at least one graphics source, a display file defining a page having a plurality of buttons, where each button has a set of properties including a specification of a graphics source. The system further includes a graphics controller operable to generate a pixel map, and a graphics arbitrator coupled to the graphics controller operable to select pixels between the pixel map and pixels from the at least one graphics source to be displayed for the page according to the display file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: AMX LLC
    Inventors: Charles W. Partridge, Ronald W. Barber, Mark R. Lee, Douglas R. Holub
  • Patent number: 7421645
    Abstract: Methods for recognizing strings, labeling the strings with a semantic category and providing e-commerce actions based on the category is disclosed. The semantic category may include a type label and other metadata. Recognizer plug-ins perform the recognition of particular strings in an electronic document. The recognizer plug-ins may be packaged with an application program module or they may be written by third parties to recognize particular strings that are of interest. Action plug-ins provide possible actions to be presented to the user based upon the type label associated with the string. Tradenames, trademarks, formal names or types of consumer products may be labeled and actions to buy the products may be presented. The metadata may be used to implement coupon and affiliate programs to reward frequent shoppers or frequent recommenders. Numerous other e-commerce opportunities are presented via the semantic category and the metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff Reynar
  • Patent number: 7421666
    Abstract: Methods, system, and computer program products for browsing content with a display area and input system that may be limited in comparison to more traditional browsing systems. Movement between and selection of interactive elements generally occurs in a navigation mode, whereas interaction with a single interactive element generally occurs in an edit mode. In navigation mode, a direction input selects the next interactive element in the direction indicated. If no interactive element is at least partially visible in the direction indicated or if a selected interactive element is only partially visible, the display scrolls. Switching between navigation mode and edit mode is based on the input received, in view of the input supported, by a particular interactive element. Interactive elements may be limited to the width of available display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Peter O. Vale