Patents by Inventor Randall B. Smith

Randall B. Smith 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).

  • Publication number: 20030137525
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates magnification of a target region within a field of view through use of a magnifier, wherein a magnification level of the magnifier is coupled to motion of the magnifier. Upon receiving a movement command from a user to move the magnifier within the field of view, the system reduces the magnification factor of the magnifier. This makes a larger region of the field of view visible within the magnifier, and thereby facilitates moving the magnifier to a desired location within the field of view. Upon receiving a cessation of movement command from the user indicating that movement of the magnifier has ceased, the system restores the magnification factor of the magnifier to an original magnification factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Randall B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030132944
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the presentation of information on a display device concerning a collection of objects. A processor receives user inputs defining one or more user-adjustable filters. For each object in the collection, the processor computes an information control value using the one or more filters. Each filter operates on one or more data fields on the objects. The information control value then determines how much information is to be displayed for the object. Furthermore, the user may dynamically adjust parameters of the filters. Thus, the user may control which populations of objects are displayed with a rich set of information and which populations are displayed sparsely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030130821
    Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for rendering a visualization of network devices in a computer user interface. A rendering is made of device representations of a plurality of devices in a network and of connection representations of connections between devices, wherein the connection representation between each pair of connected devices comprises a line extending between the two connected devices that forms approximately a ninety degree angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Roberta Anslow, Helen Cunningham, Brian D. Ehret, Randall B. Smith, Jeffrey Lawrence Sokolov, Jason Peck, John Ackerley
  • Publication number: 20030063094
    Abstract: A system and method for stationary semantic zooming. Stationary semantic zooming allows selected non-spatial rendering attributes, such as level of detail, to be varied according to other specified non-spatial rendering attributes. Stationary semantic zooming allows low importance objects to be rendered with a lower level of detail than higher importance objects. A system and method for displaying network status and realty information using stationary semantic zooming are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Randall B. Smith
  • Patent number: 6532477
    Abstract: A system generates an audio signature for a data item based on a source identifier associated with the data item. The system receives a source identifier along with a data item and maps the source identifier to the audio signature using a mapping function that allows a user to distinguish the audio signature from other audio signatures generated for other sources. The mapping functions always map the same source identifier to the same audio signature. The system outputs the audio signature to a user. This enables the user to associate the audio signature with the source. The data item can include, an electronic mail message, a pager signal, a telephone call, a data item in an instant messaging system, an indicator of an entry of a new participant into a conference call or a chat room, or an electronic cookie that identifies a client computer system to a web site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Randall B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030006995
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that selectively magnifies a region within a computer display without obscuring proximate regions in the computer display. The system operates by receiving positioning information from a user of a computer system, wherein the positioning information determines a position of a magnifier within the computer display. Next, the system positions the magnifier over the target region and over proximate regions in the computer display. The system then displays the target region within the magnifier in magnified form, and displays the proximate regions within the magnifier in reduced and/or partially magnified form, so that features within the proximate regions are visible within the magnifier and are not obscured by the magnifier. The system also displays regions within the computer display not covered by the magnifier in unmodified form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Randall B. Smith, Achut Reddy, Helen A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6476829
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for viewing plurality of objects on a display that allows a user to zoom on a non-positional display attribute of the plurality of objects. The system operates by receiving a value for a mapped attribute for an object as well as a value for a zooming parameter for the non-positional display attribute. The system maps the mapped attribute to the non-positional display attribute for the object by computing a function of the value of the mapped attribute and the zooming parameter to produce a value for the non-positional display attribute. If the value for the zooming parameter changes in a first direction, the function maps a narrower range of mapped attribute values to prominent display attribute values. If the value for the zooming parameter changes in a second direction, the function maps a wider range of mapped attribute values to prominent display attribute values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Smith, Helen A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6433798
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for viewing objects on a display that allows a user to scroll through the objects by varying a non-positional display attribute of the objects. This non-positional display attribute may include attributes such as transparency, fadedness and size. The system operates by receiving an intrinsic value for an object, which specifies a value for a display attribute associated with the object. The system also receives a reference value for the display attribute against which intrinsic values for objects are compared. This reference value may be received from a user through a scroll bar that is manipulated by the user. The system uses the intrinsic value and the reference value to compute a display value for the object. Next, the object is displayed using the display value to specify the non-positional display attribute for the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Smith, Antero K. P. Taivalsaari
  • Patent number: 6050577
    Abstract: A manual transportation vehicle is provided for use in transporting baled material. The vehicle consists of a frame, which includes a ground-travel-transport mechanism and a handle portion, and plural elongate tines pivotally mounted on the frame. The tines may be selectively pivoted within a span bounded by an upper orientation, where the tines rest against the frame, and a lower orientation defined by an adjustable stop on the frame. A lever is operatively coupled to the frame for adjusting the radial orientation of the tines within the span bounded by the upper orientation and the lower orientation. In a variation of this embodiment, the frame includes a support structure for supporting baled material rearward of the ground-travel-transport mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Randall B. Smith
  • Patent number: 5737507
    Abstract: Relationships between first one of a number of graphical objects, such as windows, displayed in a computer display device and several others of the graphical objects are displayed to the user in the form of a relationship window in response to an event associated with the first graphical object. The event, e.g., a resize event in a view relationships mode, is one in which the user selects the first graphical object whose relationships are of interest and specifies a position within a computer display device in which to display the relationship window in a single gesture. For example a resize gesture by the user selects a graphical object and directs display of the relationship window since resize gestures are commonly implemented in conventional graphical user interfaces and are therefore familiar and intuitive to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall B. Smith
  • Patent number: 5471571
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a cursor movement device such as a mouse device to position and orient a graphical object or cursor on a computer screen. The movement and orientation of the graphical object on the screen depends directly upon the path of motion of the cursor. The actual movement of the graphical object is similar to the dragging of an object through a viscous medium. In this manner, a two dimensional object can be moved and rotated on a planar display device with only two directional inputs. Also, the cursor, itself, can be treated as a graphical object. This allows the user to rotate the cursor to a desired orientation. Furthermore, the orientation of the cursor can be used to select one of a plurality of functions performed by the cursor movement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Randall B. Smith, John C. Tang, D. Austin Henderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5325110
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using and moving an tool, such as an eraser on a graphical display whose width can be changed. The invention provides a plurality of distinct areas on the tool that can be selected by a user input device, such as a stylus on an electronic tablet or a mouse. Selecting a first distinct area on the tool allows the user to move the tool without affecting the graphical images present on the display. Selecting the second distinct area on the tool allows the tool to modify the graphical image in a first manner (such as by providing a narrow line of erasure). Selecting a different distinct area on the tool allows it to modify the graphical image in a different manner (such as by providing a wider line of erasure). The orientation of the eraser can also be changed, simplifying several fine erasure applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Tang, Randall B. Smith, D. Austin Henderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5227783
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a microprocessor based telemetry apparatus and method utilizing a commercially available IBM PC-AT or compatible CPU. Three hardware cards fit in existing slots within the computer chassis. Software is provided to accomplish, in combination with the cards, what has essentially required a mainframe computer heretofore. The microcomputer is equipped with novel hardware and software to provide PCM bit synchronizer/decoder, decommutator, time code reader and digital-to-analog converter functions. Data is stored in real time using interleaved buffers, novel software and a hard disk. Data can be archived on digital tape. Data logging can be carried out at sustained rates approaching 2 million bits per second, up to six times faster than with MS-DOS yet files are accessible with MS-DOS. Real-time data scaling and display of up to 128 separate parameters are accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: The Regents of New Mexico State University
    Inventors: Harold L. Shaw, Randall B. Smith, Larry E. Cunningham, Barry E. Rishel, John P. Gioannini, Warren B. Harkey
  • Patent number: 5107443
    Abstract: In a shared navigable workspace that is presented at more than one workstation, a region is made private in response to a user request. The user can also indicate the region's level of privacy by indicating levels of access of different users. The private region's contents are displayed only to users that have visual access; a non-informative pattern covers the region's area on the displays of other users. The private region and its contents can be modified only by a user with access to modify. When a user requests movement of a pointer into the private region, the pointer can be presented in the private region if the user has sufficient access; otherwise, the pointer would be kept outside the private region's boundary. If a user requests a transition into the private region by selecting a selectable transition unit, called a teleporter, the request would be denied unless the user has sufficient access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Randall B. Smith, Carl A. Waldspurger
  • Patent number: 5016005
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a microprocessor based telemetry apparatus and method utilizing a commercially available IBM PC-AT or compatible CPU. Three hardware cards fit in existing slots within the computer chassis. Software is provided to accomplish, in combination with the cards, what has essentially required a main frame computer heretofore. The microcomputer is equipped with novel hardware and software to provide PCM bit synchronizer/decoder, decommutator, time code reader and digital-to-analog converter functions. Data is stored in real time using interleaved buffers, novel software and a hard disk. Data can be archived on digital tape. Data logging can be carried out at sustained rates approaching 2 million bits per second, up to six times faster than with MS-DOS yet files are accessible with MS-DOS. Real-time data scaling and display of up to 128 separate parameters are accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Terametrix Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold L. Shaw, Randall B. Smith, Larry E. Cunningham, Barry E. Rishel, John P. Gioannini, Warren B. Harkey
  • Patent number: 4256727
    Abstract: A process for preparing bromine-containing dyes labelled with gamma-emitting isotopes of bromine, and the product thereof which is useful as an imaging agent for the hepato-biliary system, particularly in dynamic imaging methods. The dyes prepared are from the class of triarylmethane dyes, and also from the phthalein subclass of the class of xanthene dyes, and the labelling thereof is effected with .sup.76 Br, .sup.77 Br or .sup.82 Br. The process for preparing these dyes involves reacting the non-brominated dye precursor with either .sup.76 Br.sub.2, .sup.77 Br.sub.2 or .sup.82 Br.sub.2. This is a substitution type of reaction in which a ring hydrogen is substituted by either .sup.76 Br, .sup.77 Br or .sup.82 Br.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: The University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: John W. Triplett, Randall B. Smith