Patents by Inventor Samuel David Hobson

Samuel David Hobson 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: 6025841
    Abstract: A method for managing simultaneous display of multiple windows in a graphical user interface (GUI). A computer system with a display and user interface input device displays a primary or container window on the display, comprising a predetermined region for displaying information and/or receiving user commands associated with a first computer process. The system displays a target window comprising a predetermined region for displaying information and/or receiving user commands associated with a different computer process. The target window is typically displayed in a higher z-order relative to the primary window to maintain it on top. In response to a predetermined triggering condition, the target window is manipulated by movement, temporary disappearance, and/or size reduction, while maintaining the relative z-order of the target window relative to the primary window and away from a predetermined avoidance region associated with the first computer process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Erich Soren Finkelstein, Samuel David Hobson, Adrian Klein, Benjamin Waldman
  • Patent number: 5903896
    Abstract: Installing for use with a computer a file on demand using a preview file. A feature of a program is represented by a preview file and a feature file. The feature file contains all the components necessary to support the feature. The preview file contains a subset of the feature file. Only the preview file is initially installed. The preview file may be used to preview and select the feature. If the feature is selected, then the feature file is installed and the preview file is deleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Waldman, Samuel David Hobson