Patents by Inventor Robert G. Johnston
Robert G. Johnston 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: 6664981Abstract: The program code for control objects in a graphical user interface is organized in a multi-level hierarchial structure. At one level of the structure, each different type of control defines a class of objects. The definition of a class includes most, if not all, of the functionality associated with the objects of that class. In addition, the class definition includes the overall structure of the object, such as the relative positions of different elements which make up the object. The actual appearance of these elements is defined by user selectable software that resides at a lower level of the hierarchy. Using this approach, only one instance of the program code which defines the functionality and overall structure of each object is required, resulting in smaller the overall memory requirements of the program code.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Dylan B. Ashe, Robert G. Johnston, Jr., Joseph A. Ruff, Daniel Clifford
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Publication number: 20030052921Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces according to the present invention, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Robert R. Ulrich, Robert G. Johnston
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Publication number: 20020149629Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces according to the present invention, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Timothy Craycroft, Jeffrey R. Cobb, Robert G. Johnston, Robert R. Ulrich
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Patent number: 6466228Abstract: A method and system are described for creating and editing a theme associated with a graphical user interface (GUI). In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, at least one GUI object is selected from a library of GUI objects. The theme is edited by adding the at least one GUI object to the theme. Information associated with the at least one GUI object is stored as part of the theme.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Ulrich, Robert G. Johnston, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020130837Abstract: A method and apparatus providing visual feedback to a computer user while dragging selected text is described. As its first step, the processing logic creates a text object from the selected text once the computer user has initiated a drag. Simultaneously, the selected text is visually de-emphasized. Secondly, the processing logic snaps the text object to the cursor so that the text object follows the cursor without obscuring text at the insertion point. Finally, when the computer user selects the final insertion point, the selected text is visually zoomed from the source location to the final insertion point.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Robert G. Johnston, Scott Jenson
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Publication number: 20020093523Abstract: The program code for control objects in a graphical user interface is organized in a multi-level hierarchial structure. At one level of the structure, each different type of control defines a class of objects. The definition of a class includes most, if not all, of the functionality associated with the objects of that class. In addition, the class definition includes the overall structure of the object, such as the relative positions of different elements which make up the object. The actual appearance of these elements is defined by user selectable software that resides at a lower level of the hierarchy. Using this approach, only one instance of the program code which defines the functionality and overall structure of each object is required, resulting in smaller the overall memory requirements of the program code.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Dylan B. Ashe, Robert G. Johnston, Joseph A. Ruff, Daniel Clifford
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Publication number: 20020085019Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces according to the present invention, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Joseph Ruff, Robert G. Johnston, Robert Ulrich
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Patent number: 6404433Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces according to the present invention, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1996Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Ruff, Robert G. Johnston, Jr., Robert Ulrich
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Publication number: 20020052721Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces according to the present invention, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: Joseph Ruff, Robert G. Johnston, Robert Ulrich
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Publication number: 20020046044Abstract: An Internet based software program employs geographic or appropriate zip code information, together with date with respect to type of structure, e.g., commercial, institutional, or residential. A user executes a questionnaire consisting of parameters of a roof to be replaced or repaired and, integrally therewith, accesses decision support databases for each question of such questionnaire, in which the support databases also provide access to a library of reference details and diagrams to illustrate to the user the physical appearance of the various options expressed in the decision support databases for respective questions of the questionnaire. The questionnaire is, additionally, provided with a variety of prompts, hints, warnings and system suggestions to aid the user in navigation through the questionnaire and its databases.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: Robert G. Johnston, Edward J. Murton
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Patent number: 6307574Abstract: The program code for control objects in a graphical user interface is organized in a multi-level hierarchial structure. At one level of the structure, each different type of control defines a class of objects. The definition of a class includes most, if not all, of the functionality associated with the objects of that class. In addition, the class definition includes the overall structure of the object, such as the relative positions of different elements which make up the object. The actual appearance of these elements is defined by user selectable software that resides at a lower level of the hierarchy. Using this approach, only one instance of the program code which defines the functionality and overall structure of each object is required, resulting in smaller the overall memory requirements of the program code.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1995Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Dylan B. Ashe, Robert G. Johnston, Jr., Joseph A. Ruff, Daniel Clifford
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Patent number: 6243102Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces according to the present invention, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Ruff, Robert G. Johnston, Jr., Robert Ulrich
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Patent number: 6239795Abstract: Systems and method for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. Themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being applied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Ulrich, Robert G. Johnston, Jr.
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Patent number: 6104391Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are disclosed. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Johnston, Jr., Robert R. Ulrich, Timothy Craycroft, Jeffrey R. Cobb
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Patent number: 5963206Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. Themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Ulrich, Robert G. Johnston, Jr.
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Patent number: 5959624Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are disclosed. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Johnston, Jr., Robert R. Ulrich, Timothy Craycroft, Jeffrey R. Cobb
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Patent number: 5941258Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a disposal chute in a building, the chute having a chute wall, includes a crane and cable assembly; a cleaning fluid spraying assembly suspended from the crane and cable assembly for lowering and raising within the chute; a flexible fluid delivery line suspended from the spraying assembly; and a fluid pump assembly connected to the flexible fluid delivery line. The spraying assembly preferably additionally includes a guide cage having resilient and outwardly bowed vertical support ribs interconnected by lateral support hoops extending substantially parallel to the mounting plate. The apparatus preferably additionally includes at least one cage wheel having an axial wheel port and being rotatably mounted on at least one support hoop for rolling against the chute wall as the spraying assembly is raised and lowered within the chute.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Charles FlennikenInventors: Charles Flenniken, Robert G. Johnston
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Patent number: 5887068Abstract: This loudspeaker system overcomes the disadvantages of prior art bipolar loudspeaker systems in which the front and rear-mounted driver(s) are connected with the same electrical phase. It compensates for the undesirable cancellation and reinforcement effects of prior art in bipolar loudspeaker design caused by the interaction of the front and rear acoustical output of the two drivers over certain frequency ranges. The introduction of a third side-mounted driver(s) to an enclosure whose depth exceeds its width when viewed from the front compensates for the usual cancellations and reinforcements of acoustic level that would normally occur in previous bipolar loudspeaker designs. This loudspeaker uses electronic, electrical and acoustical frequency-dividing networks to allow compensation of the acoustic level and the interaction of the front, rear and side-mounted driver(s) in such a way as to provide a nearly constant acoustic level over the entire operating range of the loudspeaker.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Definitive Technology, Inc.Inventors: Don E. Givogue, Robert G. Johnston
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Patent number: 5880729Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an enhanced visual appearance to a graphical user interface are described. Control elements portrayed by the graphical user interface on a display are associated with at least two states. When transitioning between states, an animated transition effect can be provided to provide further user or designer customization of the interface appearance.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Johnston, Jr., Elizabeth Robinson Moller, Robert Ulrich
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Patent number: 5790857Abstract: Data structure and methods associating an arbitrary list of properties with user interface items on a graphical user interface display. Each property has a tag with which an application program can reference it, and arbitrary data which can be written, read and modified by the application program. Property lists for each user interface item are stored in in-memory pools of property lists. Each pool includes a header region having a variable number of index slots, each slot which is currently being used pointing to a respective property list in a property list region of the pool. Unused slots are maintained on a linked list of index slots. When a property list is to be added or removed from a pool, the maintenance routines grow or shrink the pool only by fixed increments. Each property list includes a variable number of property entries each having a tag field and a data field.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Apple ComputerInventors: Daniel K. Clifford, Robert G. Johnston, Jr.