Patents by Inventor Eiki Shibata

Eiki Shibata has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8120604
    Abstract: The present invention provides a snap function that can move an object smoothly, without deteriorating the user operability. According to the present invention, there is provided an object editing system, including: an arrangement system for arranging an object and a snap target in a given display area; a moving system for moving the object in the display area; a snap system for causing the object to snap the snap target on a basis of a distance between the object and the snap target; and a restriction system for inhibiting the object from snapping the snap target on a basis of a direction in which the object is moving. According to the object editing system of the invention, the snap system causes the object to snap the snap target once the distance between the object and the snap target has become smaller than a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Satoko Kinoshita, Keiji Miura, Eiki Shibata
  • Publication number: 20060174568
    Abstract: The present invention provides a snap function that can move an object smoothly, without deteriorating the user operability. According to the present invention, there is provided an object editing system, including: an arrangement system for arranging an object and a snap target in a given display area; a moving system for moving the object in the display area; a snap system for causing the object to snap the snap target on a basis of a distance between the object and the snap target; and a restriction system for inhibiting the object from snapping the snap target on a basis of a direction in which the object is moving. According to the object editing system of the invention, the snap system causes the object to snap the snap target once the distance between the object and the snap target has become smaller than a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Satoko Kinoshita, Keiji Miura, Eiki Shibata
  • Patent number: 6392676
    Abstract: A method and system for displaying a mouse pointer for use with a three-button mouse, whereby a user is notified that a button has been erroneously depressed. Detectors detect an external force applied to a third button. A mouse function determiner uses the detection results to determine a pertinent function allocated to the third button. A mouse pointer shape determiner, in turn, uses the determination results to determine a shape of a mouse pointer corresponding to the pertinent function. In response to the external force, the shape of the mouse pointer currently being displayed is changed. Thus, through visual feedback a user can be apprized of the fact that an external force has been applied to the third button. This will, in turn, notify the user when the wrong button has been depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Mori, Satoru Yamada, Eiki Shibata, Steven C. Ihde