Patents by Inventor William Vong

William Vong 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: 10372292
    Abstract: Semantic zoom based navigation may be used to navigate content, such as content related to spreadsheets. Different gestures (e.g. pinch/stretch, pan, swipe) may be used while navigating the content. For example, while viewing data from a particular sheet in a workbook a pinch gesture may be received that changes the displayed content to a thumbnail view showing thumbnails that each represent a different sheet within the workbook. A gesture may also be received to change a view of an object. For example, a user may perform a stretch gesture near an object (e.g. a chart, graph, . . . ) that changes the current view to a view showing underlying data for the object. A user may also perform a gesture (e.g. a stretch gesture) on a portion of a displayed object that changes the current view to a view showing the underlying data for a specific portion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Vogel, Avijit Sinha, Olivier Destrebecq, Sayim Kim, Robert Strong, Ronald Di Sandro, William Vong
  • Publication number: 20140281868
    Abstract: Semantic zoom based navigation may be used to navigate content, such as content related to spreadsheets. Different gestures (e.g. pinch/stretch, pan, swipe) may be used while navigating the content. For example, while viewing data from a particular sheet in a workbook a pinch gesture may be received that changes the displayed content to a thumbnail view showing thumbnails that each represent a different sheet within the workbook. A gesture may also be received to change a view of an object. For example, a user may perform a stretch gesture near an object (e.g. a chart, graph, . . . ) that changes the current view to a view showing underlying data for the object. A user may also perform a gesture (e.g. a stretch gesture) on a portion of a displayed object that changes the current view to a view showing the underlying data for a specific portion of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Vogel, Avijit Sinha, Olivier Destrebecq, Sayim Kim, Robert Strong, Ronald Di Sandro, William Vong
  • Patent number: 8365091
    Abstract: Embodiments related to the non-uniform scrolling of a scrollable list displayed on a computing device display are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method of operating a display comprising displaying a scrollable list of items that includes a first pair of list positions separated by a first spacing on the display, and a second pair of list positions separated by a second spacing that is different than the first spacing. The method further comprises detecting a movement of a manipulator from a first location to a second location, and in response, scrolling a first list item on the display between the first pair of list positions at a first scroll distance/manipulator movement distance correspondence, and scrolling a second list item between the second pair of list positions at a second scroll distance/manipulator movement distance correspondence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Young, Niels Van Dongen, Erika Carlson, Jeffrey N. Margolis, William Vong, Joseph Michael Downing
  • Publication number: 20100175027
    Abstract: Embodiments related to the non-uniform scrolling of a scrollable list displayed on a computing device display are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method of operating a display comprising displaying a scrollable list of items that includes a first pair of list positions separated by a first spacing on the display, and a second pair of list positions separated by a second spacing that is different than the first spacing. The method further comprises detecting a movement of a manipulator from a first location to a second location, and in response, scrolling a first list item on the display between the first pair of list positions at a first scroll distance/manipulator movement distance correspondence, and scrolling a second list item between the second pair of list positions at a second scroll distance/manipulator movement distance correspondence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Young, Niels Van Dongen, Erika Carlson, Jeffrey N. Margolis, William Vong, Joseph Michael Downing
  • Patent number: 7602382
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, William Vong, James H. Cauthorn, Corey M. Ladas, Kenneth V. Fry
  • Patent number: 7577917
    Abstract: A looping menu is implemented through appropriate spacing and positioning of menu elements and by masking repeating menu elements. The starting position of the mask may be calculated with respect to the width of the initial set of menu elements presented before encountering repeating menu elements and the gap spacing between the menu elements. A larger gap spacing may be used between the first and last menu elements in order to indicate the start of the menu element list and to properly position the repeating menu elements within the mask area. The starting position for the mask, and thereby the ultimate width of the mask, may be dynamically calculated for any configuration of menu elements regardless of number and length of menu elements in a looping menu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: William Vong
  • Patent number: 7358956
    Abstract: In a computer system, a touch sensitive input device having touch sensitive auxiliary controls can be used to provide a user with information regarding the functionality of an auxiliary control. 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 by touching or being extremely proximate to an auxiliary control. The feedback may take the form of a tool tip related to the auxiliary control or a combination of auxiliary controls simultaneously touched. 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, William Vong
  • Publication number: 20080066003
    Abstract: A looping menu is implemented through appropriate spacing and positioning of menu elements and by masking repeating menu elements. The starting position of the mask may be calculated with respect to the width of the initial set of menu elements presented before encountering repeating menu elements and the gap spacing between the menu elements. A larger gap spacing may be used between the first and last menu elements in order to indicate the start of the menu element list and to properly position the repeating menu elements within the mask area. The starting position for the mask, and thereby the ultimate width of the mask, may be dynamically calculated for any configuration of menu elements regardless of number and length of menu elements in a looping menu.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: William Vong
  • Patent number: 7256770
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, William Vong, James H. Cauthorn, Corey M. Ladas, Kenneth V. Fry
  • Publication number: 20070110315
    Abstract: A system and method for switching between handwriting recognizers is described. A user may select between various recognizers to associate received handwritten ink with the recognizers. Accordingly, a user is able to write in a first language, switch and write in a second language, then switch again and write in the first language using aspects of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Pettiross, William Vong, William Mak, Joshua Clow
  • Publication number: 20070055947
    Abstract: Animations and transitions are provided for display of objects in a user interface. The animations and transitions include movement of objects into and within a display area, changes in the size or orientation of an object, and intensity changes for objects within a display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bojana Ostojic, Christopher Glein, Kort Sands, Mark Gibson, William Vong
  • Publication number: 20070052725
    Abstract: A method and system for displaying a menu to a user via a user interface. The processor with instructions identifies an image type corresponding to a displayed image. Upon this determination, the processor selects a mask corresponding to the image type. Thereafter, the processor modifies the displayed image using the selected mask. As a result, a user can access other applications via an overlay menu while experiencing a current page or current application. Furthermore, a user select menu items and navigate through a menu while viewing an image in the background via a semi-transparent mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bojana Ostojic, Christopher Glein, Mark Gibson, William Vong
  • Publication number: 20070028183
    Abstract: Embodiments of a media user interface are presented herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bojana Ostojic, Christopher Glein, Mark Gibson, William Vong, Benjamin Alton, Mark Newell
  • Publication number: 20070028268
    Abstract: Embodiments of a media user interface are presented herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bojana Ostojic, Christopher Glein, Mark Gibson, Ryan D'Aurelio, William Vong, Benjamin Alton, Mark Newell
  • Publication number: 20070028267
    Abstract: Embodiments of a media user interface are presented herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bojana Ostojic, Christopher Glein, Mark Gibson, William Vong, William Flora, Benjamin Alton, Mark Newell
  • Publication number: 20070028270
    Abstract: Embodiments of a media user interface are presented herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bojana Ostojic, Benjamin Alton, Christopher Glein, Mark Gibson, Mark Newell, William Vong
  • Publication number: 20060170613
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Vong, Steven Kaneko, Kenneth Robertson, Kenneth Fry, Manolito Adan
  • Publication number: 20060119537
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Vong, Steven Kaneko, Kenneth Robertson, Kenneth Fry, Manolito Adan
  • Publication number: 20060119538
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Vong, Steven Kaneko, Kenneth Robertson, Kenneth Fry, Manolito Adan
  • Patent number: 7058733
    Abstract: A portable handheld computing device has a notification system that alerts a user of an event regardless of whether the device is on or off. The notification system has a notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event and remains active until the user acknowledges the activated mechanism. In one implementation, the notification mechanism is a light emitting diode (LED) mounted externally on the handheld computing device. The LED is visible to the user when the lid is closed onto the base (i.e., the device is off) or when the lid is open (i.e., the device is on). The notification mechanism also has a deactivation button mounted externally of the handheld computing device. The user depresses the deactivation button to deactivate the LED. The LED and deactivation button may be integrated as a single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Vong, Chad Schwitters