Patents by Inventor Kenneth V. Fry
Kenneth V. Fry 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).
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Patent number: 8004475Abstract: A host computer is provided with a main display unit and an auxiliary display unit. The host computer can free up screen space on the main display screen by routing certain types of display information to the auxiliary display unit for display. Display information can range from notification of events such as receipt of email, appointments, system messages, and information from separate applications. The auxiliary display panel may function as a user interface for audio, video, “push information”, MP3 player or become the hardware equivalent of a multimedia player. The auxiliary display panel may be integrated together with the host computer in the same physical structure or may be part of a standalone display unit that is wired or wirelessly coupled to the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William H. Vong, Steven T. Kaneko, Kenneth R. Robertson, Kenneth V. Fry, Manolito E. Adan
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Patent number: 7786952Abstract: A host computer is provided with a main display unit and an auxiliary display unit. The host computer can free up screen space on the main display screen by routing certain types of display information to the auxiliary display unit for display. Display information can range from notification of events such as receipt of email, appointments, system messages, and information from separate applications. The auxiliary display panel may function as a user interface for audio, video, “push information”, MP3 player or become the hardware equivalent of a multimedia player. The auxiliary display panel may be integrated together with the host computer in the same physical structure or may be part of a standalone display unit that is wired or wirelessly coupled to the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William H. Vong, Steven T. Kaneko, Kenneth R. Robertson, Kenneth V. Fry, Manolito E. Adan
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Patent number: 7602382Abstract: In a computer system, a touch sensitive input device having touch sensitive auxiliary controls system can be used to anticipate a user's action. When a user's hand approaches a touch sensitive input device, feedback can be displayed on a display screen. A user can receive feedback without activating the input device. The feedback may take the form of status information related to the feature controlled by the input device and can vary depending upon the application open. Likewise, when the hand of a user is moved away from the touch sensitive input device, the feedback brought on by sensing the user's hand may disappear.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, William Vong, James H. Cauthorn, Corey M. Ladas, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 7545342Abstract: A host computer is provided with a main display unit and an auxiliary display unit. The host computer can free up screen space on the main display screen by routing certain types of display information to the auxiliary display unit for display. Display information can range from notification of events such as receipt of email, appointments, system messages, and information from separate applications. The auxiliary display panel may function as a user interface for audio, video, “push information”, MP3 player or become the hardware equivalent of a multimedia player. The auxiliary display panel may be integrated together with the host computer in the same physical structure or may be part of a standalone display unit that is wired or wirelessly coupled to the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William H. Vong, Steven T. Kaneko, Kenneth R. Robertson, Kenneth V. Fry, Manolito E. Adan
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Patent number: 7256770Abstract: In a computer system, a touch sensitive input device having touch sensitive auxiliary controls system can be used to anticipate a user's action. When a user's hand approaches a touch sensitive input device, feedback can be displayed on a display screen. A user can receive feedback without activating the input device. The feedback may take the form of status information related to the feature controlled by the input device and can vary depending upon the application open. Likewise, when the hand of a user is moved away from the touch sensitive input device, the feedback brought on by sensing the user's hand may disappear.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, William Vong, James H. Cauthorn, Corey M. Ladas, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 7255502Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 7229227Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 7165900Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. Mcloone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 7165901Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 7156567Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 7056044Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 7030837Abstract: A host computer is provided with a main display unit and an auxiliary display unit. The host computer can free up screen space on the main display screen by routing certain types of display information to the auxiliary display unit for display. Display information can range from notification of events such as receipt of email, appointments, system messages, and information from separate applications. The auxiliary display panel may function as a user interface for audio, video, “push information”, MP3 player or become the hardware equivalent of a multimedia player. The auxiliary display panel may be integrated together with the host computer in the same physical structure or may be part of a standalone display unit that is wired or wirelessly coupled to the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William H. Vong, Steven T. Kaneko, Kenneth R. Robertson, Kenneth V. Fry, Manolito E. Adan
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Patent number: 7001087Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys in behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 6979140Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Patent number: 6939067Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 6932524Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 6910818Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthom, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
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Publication number: 20040126171Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Patent number: 6712535Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry
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Publication number: 20030086739Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Carl J. Ledbetter, Steven N. Bathiche, William H. Vong, Kenneth V. Fry