Patents by Inventor Lawrence H. Powelson

Lawrence H. Powelson 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).

  • Software platform having a real world interface with animated characters
    Patent number: 6388665
    Abstract: A software development platform generate a user interface that adopts a real world metaphor. In particular, the user interface appears to a user as containing rooms of a home. The user can specify what rooms are to be included in the home and can specify the style of the appearance of the rooms of the home. The user interface serves as a vehicle for the user to invoke applications and perform tasks. The user interface also generates a personal character for each user. The personal character is an animated guide that helps to assist the user in using the computer. Specialized characters may also be provided to perform specialized tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Barry J. Linnett, Karen E. Fries, Lawrence H. Powelson
  • Software platform having a real world interface with animated characters
    Patent number: 5682469
    Abstract: A software development platform generates a user interface that adopts a real world metaphor. In particular, the user interface appears to a user as containing rooms of a home. The user can specify what rooms are to be included in the home and can specify the style of the appearance of the rooms of the home. The user interface serves as a vehicle for the user to invoke applications and perform tasks. The user interface also generates a personal character for each user. The personal character is an animated guide that helps to assist the user in using the computer. Specialized characters may also be provided to perform specialized tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Barry J. Linnett, Karen E. Fries, Lawrence H. Powelson