Operator Interface (e.g., Graphical User Interface) Patents (Class 715/700)
  • Patent number: 8320132
    Abstract: A computer motherboard includes a display controller, a digital visual interface integrated (DVI-I) connector, and a switching unit. The switching unit includes four first terminals, two second terminals, and a control terminal. Two of the first terminals are respectively connected to clock and data pins of a first display data channel (DDC) of the display controller, the other two first terminals are respectively connected to clock and data pins of a second DDC of the display controller, and the second terminals are respectively connected to DDC clock and DDC data pins of the DVI-I connector. The control terminal is connected to a hot plug detect pin of the DVI-I connector to detect a voltage and correspondingly control the second terminals to be respectively connected to the two first terminals connected to the clock and data pins of the first DDC or the second DDC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiu-Dong Lu, Yi Rui, Jing-Li Xia
  • Patent number: 8321796
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to C&S e-meeting scheduling and provide a method, system and computer program product for dynamic agenda updating in a C&S system. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for dynamic agenda updating based upon presenter participation in an e-meeting can be provided. The method can include creating a new e-meeting in a collaborative computing environment for attendees and presenters selected from amongst the attendees. The method also can include generating an invite with an agenda for the new e-meeting including a time block and time slots for presentations by different ones of the presenters. Finally, the method can include dynamically changing a view to the agenda for viewing ones of the attendees to reflect changes in the time slots resulting from replies to the invite received by individual ones of the presenters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ruhie D. Lyle, Angela Richards Jones
  • Patent number: 8321332
    Abstract: A graphical interface and method are provided for selectively displaying market information corresponding to a plurality of tradeable objects. According to one example method, a scanning feature is provided in relation to a number of tradeable object indicators. Upon detecting a predefined movement of a user input device in relation to the plurality of indicators, a graphical interface dynamically displays market information corresponding to the tradeable objects as a predefined movement of the user input device is detected in relation to the tradeable object indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Trading Technologies International Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Lee Mauro, Jr., Robert A. West
  • Patent number: 8311737
    Abstract: Automatic map generation is enabled by assigning priorities to each city in a list of cities under consideration for display on a map. A mapping engine determines a reference count for each city, indicating how frequently the city appears in one or more corpora of documents. Based on the reference count, and optionally upon other data such as population and political importance, a priority score is assigned to each city. Each city is then assigned to one of a plurality of categories according to the city's priority score. A map is then generated including cities from a specified highest number of categories. In one embodiment, cities from a higher-scored category are presented in a more significant way, e.g., in capital letters, bold type, etc., than are those in the next-highest scored category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: deCarta Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Poppen, Eric Wels, David Hunkins
  • Patent number: 8312113
    Abstract: A method for managing a user's computing environment on their computer or workstation. The method includes storing a set of files in a memory device accessible via a communications network. Each file includes data such as environment variable values defining a particular computing environment. The method includes providing an environment management engine in a user's home directory of a computer. A shell runs in the computer device to invoke and run a computing environment management engine within the shell. The engine generates a computing environment in the computer based on the computing environment definition in one of the files that is chosen based on a user-provided or otherwise determined job state (e.g., the user is working on a project or a portion of a project that is associated with a job state). The computing environment includes versions of software applications, path variables, and alias definitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8311249
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a speaker setup section that sets up each of a plurality of speakers; and a display control section that controls display of information regarding arrangement of the plurality of speakers and setting of the plurality of speakers set up by the speaker setup section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Koyama, Reiko Miyazaki, Kazuto Nishizawa, Taku Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8312385
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing context-sensitive sidebar window display on an electronic desktop is provided. A document that includes digital data is maintained in electronic storage. The document is operated upon through an application window generated by an application program on an electronic desktop. A sidebar window is initially generated. Contextual information relevant to the document is determined. Part of the contextual information to present is selected based on a current state of the document in the application window. The selected part of the contextual information is presented in the sidebar window positioned visually adjacent to the application window. The contextual information presented in and the positioning of the sidebar window is continually updated in step with the current state of the document and the application window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Eric A. Bier
  • Patent number: 8310443
    Abstract: A system, method and various user interfaces enable association of advertising content with requested shared video content for access via a web-based video player. Advertising content is provided selectively after playback of video content. Following presentation of video content, multiple panes of “similar videos” window are presented in a manner that cycle with time as tracked by a pie chart time indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Pan
  • Patent number: 8312371
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for use in conjunction with a device with a touch screen display is disclosed. In the method, a multifinger twisting gesture is detected on or near the touch screen display. The multifinger twisting gesture has a corresponding degree of rotation. A 90° screen rotation command is executed if the corresponding degree of rotation exceeds a predefined degree of rotation. A screen rotation command with an acute angle of rotation is executed and, upon ceasing to detect the multifinger twisting gesture, a screen rotation command with an angle of rotation opposite to the acute angle is executed if the corresponding degree of rotation is less than the predefined degree of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Bas Ording
  • Patent number: 8306213
    Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for skill and level assignment. In some examples, the method includes providing for display of a graphical user interface (GUI) with one or more sets of graphical objects. Each set of graphical objects corresponds to a decision factor and each graphical object in each set of graphical objects corresponds to a level of the decision factor. The method further includes receiving an assignment configuration for a contact routing device. The assignment configuration is generated based on the one or more sets of graphical objects and associated one or more agents. The method further includes routing the contact to the selected one or more contact agents based on the assignment configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Vasquez, Steve Osborn, Ivo Daniel Carreira de Abreu
  • Patent number: 8307433
    Abstract: A method of protecting username/password (U/P) credentials operates on a client computer that cooperates with an anti-phishing scheme that generates a client warning at the client computer when a suspected phishing website issues a U/P request. At the client computer, a set of S fake U/P credentials is generated when the client warning is heeded, or a set of (S?1) fake U/P credentials are derived from a client-supplied U/P credential provided after the client warning is ignored. The client computer then transmits to the suspected phishing website one of (i) the set of S fake U/P credentials, and (ii) the client-supplied U/P credential along with the set of (S?1) fake U/P credentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: College of William and Mary
    Inventors: Chuan Yue, Haining Wang
  • Patent number: 8306876
    Abstract: When a potential consumer finds a product catalog on the monitor of the consumer's PC showing digital images of products, the potential consumer orders a desired product from a vendor, at least after selecting a desired product from the digital image of the product catalog in a recognized condition by naked eye observation that the color of the digital image of a basic color reference involved in the product catalog is substantially identical to a color reference owned by the potential consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: Akira Aoki, Hiroshi Shijyo, Mitsuko Shijyo
  • Patent number: 8306368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for data storage and retrieval, and more particularly, for indicating that ancillary data is stored in a header of a JPEG file and accessible to a user. The system comprises a JPEG file having an EXIF header and associated image data, and at least one other file of digital data, and a computer. The computer is programmed to scan the JPEG image file for a special indicator in the application marker section of the EXIF header. If the marker is present, the value of marker indicates what type of ancillary digital data is present in the header. For instance, if the marker contains the string EKC-JPEG, then the ancillary data is known to be another JPEG file. Other types of data can be indicated as appropriate. The presence of the ancillary data is then used for the appropriate type of presentation to the user. A reveal icon is then used in presenting the data to indicate whether the ancillary data is another JPEG file, video, audio, sound, document, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Louis J. Beato, Joseph A. Manico, Dale F. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 8307132
    Abstract: A control device controls an external storage device with a plurality of storage units which can be driven and stopped independently. The control device comprises: a display control unit; a setting unit; and a control signal output unit. The display control unit displays on a display a selection screen that allows a user to select which storage unit from among the plurality of storage units to operate. The setting unit sets a storage unit selected by the user as an operating storage unit to be operated. The control signal output unit outputs to the external storage device a control signal for having the operating storage unit be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Buffalo Inc.
    Inventors: Taichi Ejiri, Masahiko Horibe, Tsukasa Ito
  • Patent number: 8294570
    Abstract: A system and method to assist an emergency medical dispatcher in responding to emergency calls is disclosed. A computer-implemented emergency dispatch protocol is provided that includes interrogatories for a dispatcher to ask a caller to generate an appropriate response. A diagnostic tool is provided to aid a dispatcher in calculating a burn surface area of a patient. The diagnostic tool calculates the burn surface area based on caller relayed information about the areas of the patient's body that are burned. The burn calculation may be based on the Rule of Nines methodology. The diagnostic tool can be launched automatically by the emergency dispatch protocol, or manually as desired by a dispatcher. The diagnostic tool presents a user interface that may provide, among other things, instructions, a visual portrayal of the human body, and input fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Clawson
  • Publication number: 20120266177
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique capable of improving use efficiency of storage devices. In this regard, a computer system of the present invention includes: a plurality of storage subsystems; an information processing apparatus coupled to the storage subsystems and including a virtual layer for virtually providing information from the storage subsystems; and the a management system that manages the plurality of storage subsystems and the information processing apparatus. The management system manages, on a memory, configuration information of logical volumes allocated to virtual instances managed on a virtual layer of the information processing apparatus and operation information of hardware resources included in the storage subsystems. The management system evaluates use efficiency of the virtual instances based on the configuration information of the logical volumes and the operation information of the hardware resources and outputs an evaluation result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kakeda, Takato Kusama
  • Patent number: 8289340
    Abstract: A method for creating a coordinated image display by designing a digital template for the image display. The template includes a number of openings for displaying digital images. Each of the openings has at least one stored required image attribute that must be satisfied to a programmed degree according to the artistic design of the template. A template recipe includes an image attribute for a dependent opening, which means that it's defined to be dependent upon at least one image attribute of an image in another opening of the template. The computer system automatically searches an image database for an image satisfying the required image attribute for the dependent opening. If a user of the computer system manually replaces or modifies an image upon which another image depends, the computer system will automatically search the image database for a new image that satisfies the required dependency upon the replaced or modified image, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond W. Ptucha, Laura R. Whitby, William Bogart
  • Patent number: 8289283
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for inputting text. A virtual keyboard is presented in a first region of a touch sensitive display of a device. An input representing a phonetic string is received on the virtual keyboard. The entered phonetic string is presented in a second region of the touch sensitive display. One or more candidates are identified based on the phonetic string. At least a subset of the candidates is presented. An input selecting one of the candidates is received. The entered phonetic string is replaced with the selected candidate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuo Kida, Ken Kocienda, Elizabeth Caroline Furches
  • Patent number: 8285756
    Abstract: An operation support program is stored in a storage medium. The operation support program includes a support database or a plurality of support program components for supporting a plurality of tasks that are different from one another and are carried out as a result of execution of a plurality of device control programs that are different from one another. The operation support program causes a computer to function as constituent sections including: an update data acquiring section; an updating section; and a graphical user interface configuring section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunobu Nimura, Minoru Ichimura, Masaharu Iwatani
  • Patent number: 8285732
    Abstract: A method includes providing a plurality of services to a user by a software application, each service having a plurality of service parameters and being capable of displaying a plurality of data to the user. The method also includes providing a data theme selection to the user, the data theme selection including selecting a data theme from among a plurality of available data themes. The method also includes setting, for each data theme parameter of the selected data theme, the service parameters associated with and according to that data theme parameter. The method also includes filtering, for each of the plurality of services, the display of the plurality of data as a function of the at least one associated data property according to the service parameters of that service as set by the selected data theme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventor: Michael Danninger
  • Patent number: 8281046
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device including a memory, a display device and a controller. The controller is programmed to provide to a first server a request for User Interface (UI) device configurations, provide to the first server configuration criteria associated with the request, receive configuration data associated with target UI device configurations from the first server, present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the display device based on the configuration data where the GUI displays selections for each of the target UI device configurations, provide a selection from among the selections of the target UI device configurations, and receive provisioning information from the first server that allows for implementing the selection of the target UI device configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Steelseries ApS
    Inventors: Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Bruce Hawver, Tino Soelberg
  • Patent number: 8280880
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a filter chain object comprising an association of a starting set of data items and two or more filter links is created and stored in computer memory. Each of the filter links comprises a component object that associates a set operation and a membership criterion. Each of the filter links is associated with a particular filter view among a plurality of filter views. Each particular filter view comprises a graphical representation of a state of applying the membership criterion of the associated filter link to a subset of data resulting from filtering the starting set of data items according to zero or more preceding filter links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Palantir Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Aymeloglu, Kevin Simler, Brandon Burr, Garry Tan
  • Patent number: 8280972
    Abstract: A user interface and method for composing a message to be sent over a wireless network environment using a handheld device is disclosed. According to the method, upon receipt of a user request to compose a message, a screen is displayed with a recipient field for a recipient address, an associated label to indicate that the recipient field is for a recipient address, and a message body field for holding message content. The method further includes, upon each keystroke entry of text to the recipient field, looking up entries from an address book which match the text, and displaying a selection menu representing addresses from at least a portion of the entries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Theodore Van Belle, Scotte Zinn, Andrew Bocking, Michael Hardy
  • Patent number: 8281102
    Abstract: A management apparatus and method that manage a storage system, in which an access node and a storage node, with which the management apparatus is in communication via the network. The management apparatus includes a logical volume judging unit that acquires a plurality of processing requests to each of the plurality of storage areas, references a logical volume allocation information storage unit that stores a correspondence relationship between the plurality of storage areas and the plurality of logical volumes in the storage node, and judges a logical volume corresponding to a storage area to become a processing object of each processing request, and a processing request breakdown calculating unit that counts an acquisition count of each processing request for each logical volume based on a judgment result by the logical volume judgment unit, and calculates a proportion of each acquisition count to a total of respective acquisition counts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazuichi Oe, Tatsuo Kumano, Yasuo Noguchi, Yoshihiro Tsuchiya, Kazutaka Ogihara, Masahisa Tamura, Tetsutaro Maruyama, Takashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8275983
    Abstract: A method for storing files in a storage device includes the following steps. The storage device is divided into an original partition and a system partition. A plurality of original files is installed in the original partition. A shortcut is established in the system partition pointing to a first original file of the original files. The first original file can be executed by activating the shortcut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang-Mao Hung, Chih-Yuan Chuang, Chia-Hung Chien, Peng-Zheng Yang, Chun-Wen Wang
  • Patent number: 8274506
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for generating 3D views of 2D images are disclosed. Image data representing a 2D map may be included in an input document in a portable document format, along with embedded geospatial information related to the map. A document-based 3D translator may extract image data and other information from the input document and may translate the image into a map projected on a 3D model of the Earth's surface, using embedded location and/or extent information. Additional information may be projected on the map image or displayed as a height, texture, or color, or as separate, anchored, or floating text. Image data representing the 3D view may be output to the same or a different document file. The methods may be implemented in a system comprising a CPU and/or a GPU, and/or as program instructions, stored on computer-readable media, executable by the CPU and/or GPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: David B T Rees
  • Patent number: 8274523
    Abstract: A method for creating an artistically coordinated image display. A digital template is provided for said image display and it includes of openings for placing images each having at least one required attribute for an image. A programmed computer system automatically searches a database of images for images to be placed in the openings and each of the images satisfy the openings required image attributes. One or more vertical and horizontal lines are demarcated in the so that subjects in the image can be placed on the lines or their intersecting points by modifying and shifting the image appropriately. A subject of the image can also be measured and its size can be set as a reference measurement unit to assist in aesthetically placing subjects proportionally within the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond W. Ptucha, Laura R. Whitby, William Bogart
  • Patent number: 8274905
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring performance of a packet network may include storing network performance information collected from a packet network, where the network performance information may distinguish network performance information associated with communications of data packets including real-time content and data packets including non-real-time content. A graphic user interface including a graphical representation of the network performance information distinguishing the network performance information associated with communications of data packets including real-time content and network performance information including non-real-time content with a node segment over a time duration may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen K. Edwards, Michael K. Bugenhagen
  • Patent number: 8276069
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically generating an adaptive user interface for a plurality of appliances within a physical environment. Appliance description specifications of the appliances are generated from provided appliance functionality information and semantic information of related appliances and/or related environment information. The appliance description specifications can be analyzed to construct a semantic functionality relationship among the appliances and the adaptive user interface can be rendered based on an interface elements relationship which is a transformation of the semantic functionality relationship. The system has a user interface rendering module, which when run on a controller, implements the aforesaid appliance description specification generation and analysis, and adaptor modules, which when run on the appliances, maintain the appliance description specifications and allow exchange of same between the controller and appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Enyi Chen, Rui Zhang, John R. Hajdukiewicz
  • Patent number: 8269718
    Abstract: A user interface includes a thin display device and at least one control device. The control device is associated with a portion of the thin display device. A method of implementing a user interface for a device includes displaying data about a function of the device on a thin display device, the data being displayed in association with a control device that controls that function of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Iwamura
  • Patent number: 8270604
    Abstract: A system for remote signature acquisition, includes a local computer located in a first position where a document is needs to be executed, a remote computer located at a second position, a camera connected to the local computer, a tablet connected to the remote computer, and a plotting instrument connected to the local computer. The remote computer is connected to the local computer via a network. The camera presents information of the document to the remote computer via the local computer and network for display at the second position. The tablet records the corresponding input thereon and converts the input to a digital signal which is capable of being transmitted to the local computer via the remote computer and network. The local computer directs the plotting instrument to inscribe the corresponding input on the document according to the digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Wen Yeh, Zhen-Neng Lin
  • Patent number: 8270009
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus comprising: a control section; and a display section connected to a system bus, wherein the display section comprises: a display device; a screen data storage section to temporarily store screen data of an operation screen; and a display control section to display the operation screen based on the screen data, and wherein the control section comprises: a storage section to store the screen data of the operation screen; and a controller to transfer the screen data of the operation screen pertaining to a function provided to the image forming apparatus to the screen data storage section through the system bus after a power source is turned on and before the function becomes operable; and to control the display control section to display the operation screen based on the screen data stored in the screen data storage section, after the function becomes operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Akahane, Tadashi Suzue
  • Patent number: 8265510
    Abstract: A multi-function apparatus having a plurality of functions relating to an image processing and configured to selectively realize one of the plurality of functions, including: a plurality of operation keys which are operated by a user so as to control the multi-function apparatus; a display device configured to display an operation view for assisting the user in operating the plurality of operation keys; and a display control section configured to control the display device to display the operation view in which a plurality of images respectively representing the plurality of operation keys are displayed, such that an image of each of at least one active key each as an active one of the plurality of operation keys is displayed in the view in a first manner, while an image of each of at least one inactive key each as an inactive one of the plurality of operation keys is displayed in the view in a second manner which is different from the first manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Okada, Tatsuya Sato
  • Patent number: 8265781
    Abstract: A device for manipulating containers, comprising a manipulation unit manipulating the containers in a predetermined manner, this manipulation unit including at least one condition detection unit which detects at least one operating condition of the manipulation unit and sends out condition signals which are characteristic for this operating condition of the manipulation unit, and including a monitoring unit for monitoring the manipulation unit, the monitoring unit including a visual display device for displaying information as well as a storage device in which presentation data for components of the manipulation unit is deposited. According to the invention, the monitoring unit includes an image manipulation unit which as a response to emitted condition signals provides image sequences on the basis of presentation data stored on the storage device, which image sequences may be output via the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Stefan Ramsauer, Peter van den Tol
  • Patent number: 8264455
    Abstract: Physical controls on a physical controller device (PCD) are dynamically mapped to application controls for an application being executed on a computer having a touch-sensitive display surface. The computer identifies a PCD which has been placed by a user on the display surface and displays a mapping aura for the PCD. When the user touches an activate direct-touch button displayed within the mapping aura, the computer activates a mapping procedure for the PCD and displays a highlighted direct-touch button over each application control which is available to be mapped to the physical controls on the PCD. When the user selects a particular application control which is available to be mapped by touching the highlighted button residing over the control, the computer creates a dynamic mapping between the selected application control and a user-selected physical control on the PCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Rebecca Fiebrink, Dan Morris, Meredith Morris
  • Patent number: 8265300
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for controlling the volume of an audio track. This method represents the volume of an audio track with a graph. This graph is defined along two axes, with one axis representing time and the other representing the volume level. A user can adjust the graph at different instances in time in order to change the volume level in the audio track at these instances. Different embodiments use different types of graphs to represent volume. For instance, some embodiments use a deformable line bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Reid, James Brasure
  • Patent number: 8266575
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically reconfiguring a programmable system on a chip. A graphical user interface for dynamically reconfiguring a programmable system on a chip includes graphical user interface (GUI) display elements of a plurality of parameter values presently controlling operation of a device on a target apparatus. The GUI display elements are operable to accept modifications to the plurality of parameter values and for communicating the modifications to the programmable system on a chip. The GUI display elements may present parameter values in alphanumeric and/or graphical formats, and may accept changes via keyboard or cursor directing device input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Y. Ogami, Marat Zhaksilikov, Andrew Best
  • Patent number: 8264499
    Abstract: A method, system, and media are provided for enhancing viewability of information presented on a mobile device. The media includes presenting a user interface on a mobile device that includes foreground information that overlaps a background image. The background image may be converted into a first set of color values and the foreground information into a second set of color values. A dominant color may be determined for the background image and foreground information. The dominant colors may be used to calculate a contrast ratio that may be compared to a threshold value. At least a portion of the color values may be modified when the contrast ratio is less than the threshold value. A set of modified color values may then be derived and a modified presentation may be presented to the user that includes the modified color values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Shane Jeremy Landry, Harry H. Lai, Michael Joseph DeVries, Christine Schumaker
  • Patent number: 8259129
    Abstract: There is provided a method of changing a theme for a user interface of a computer system comprising receiving an identification of an image with which to define a color palette of a theme for rendering elements of a user interface on a color display of the computer system; analyzing the image to determine at least one predominant color; and defining the color palette in response to the analysis. The image may comprise a background image selected by a user for display by the computer system. Dynamic generation of the color palette matches the user interface to colors to provide flexible and appealing themes. A computer readable memory having recorded thereon instructions to carry out this method is also provided, as well as a device comprising such memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Gerhard Dietrich Klassen, Shaul S. Wisebourt, Lawrence Edward Kuhl
  • Patent number: 8261202
    Abstract: A method (700) for providing master time control (MTC) services to historian applications (HAs). Each HA (4142, . . . , 414N) is configured to display content (560, 562) having a time of focus and a local lime control (LTC) user interface (532) when in an LTC mode. The method involves changing a time control mode (TCM) of a first and second HA from the LTC mode to an MTC mode. The method also involves synchronizing times of focus for the first and second HAs to an MTC time of focus. This synchronization is performed in response to the TCM changes. The method further involves displaying first and second content. Each content includes time-stamped historical data (210) obtained during a period of elapsed time defined by the time of focus for said respective first or second HA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Dunn
  • Patent number: 8261305
    Abstract: In a TV displaying thumbnails of videos grouped by genre, genre labels are shown so that a user can conveniently move genre to genre with a single click on a remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Jensen Read
  • Patent number: 8259124
    Abstract: A dynamic highlighting system initially applies a high-level highlight to occurrences of one or more keywords in a search result that fades to a low-level highlight effect. The system receives search results from a search engine and identifies occurrences of keywords in the search results. The system applies a first highlight effect to identified occurrences of the keywords and displays the search results incorporating the highlighted keywords. Upon detecting the occurrence of a highlighting change event, such as the expiration of a timer, the system applies a second highlight effect to the displayed search results. The second highlight effect may include removing the highlight or displaying a muted highlight effect. Thus, the dynamic highlighting system provides an initial noticeable highlight that fades to a level that is still noticeable but is less likely to distract the user from other elements of the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ashley E. Averett, Michael J. Gilmore, Philip P. Fortier
  • Patent number: 8260266
    Abstract: A system and method for third-party discovery of proximity-based services are provided. In general, a mobile device of a proximity user collects service metadata or information from service providers within its proximity via, for example, local wireless communication. The service metadata is then published to one or more third-party users. More specifically, in one embodiment, the mobile device provides the service metadata to a service discovery system. In response, the service discovery system provides the service metadata or some representation thereof to a client device of a third-party user subscribed to the service metadata. The third-party user may then be enabled to generate a service request. For example, if the service metadata is an advertisement, the third-party user may generate a service request that is provided either directly or indirectly to the mobile device asking that the advertised product or service be purchased on behalf of the third-party user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Qurio Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Amidon, Richard J. Walsh, Alfredo C. Issa
  • Patent number: 8259373
    Abstract: An image processing method of reproducing an image displayed on a screen of a display unit on a printing medium used by an image forming device includes displaying a preview window on the screen of the display unit, displaying the image in the preview window, and printing the image having the same colors as those displayed in the preview window using the image forming device. In addition, an image processing apparatus usable with a display unit and an image forming device includes a data capture unit to capture data of at least a portion of an image displayed on a screen of the display unit, and a color adjustment unit to convert the image displayed on the screen of the display unit to an image having the same colors as those of an image displayed in a preview window by adjusting the colors of the image displayed on the screen of the display unit based on the image data captured by the data capture unit, and to output the converted image to the image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joo-young Jung
  • Patent number: 8260581
    Abstract: This patent application relates generally to systems, methods, and computer program products for home and/or landscape design. In some aspects, this application relates to a system and method for separating a floor plan in a database into separate rooms. In some additional aspects, this application relates to joining adjacent walls of two distinct rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: DesignIn Corporation
    Inventor: Ramsay Hoguet
  • Patent number: 8255801
    Abstract: Controlling an event in a virtual environment is disclosed. A video image from one or more video cameras is received. A video enhanced script is executed to display the virtual environment in a video display within a web browser. An event in the virtual environment is controlled based on the video image. The video enhanced script is configured to communicate with a web browser extension module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Elet Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Subutai Ahmad, Jonathan Cohen
  • Patent number: 8255798
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for use in conjunction with a device with a touch screen display is disclosed. In the method, a movement of an object on or near the touch screen display is detected. In response to detecting the movement, an electronic document displayed on the touch screen display is translated in a first direction. If an edge of the electronic document is reached while translating the electronic document in the first direction while the object is still detected on or near the touch screen display, an area beyond the edge of the document is displayed. In response to detecting that the object is no longer on or near the touch screen display, the document is translated in a second direction until the area beyond the edge of the document is no longer displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Bas Ording
  • Patent number: 8254648
    Abstract: Embodiments of the presently described technology provide a method for adapting a hanging protocol based on an efficiency of use. The method includes monitoring usage information for a hanging protocol, determining a productivity factor based on an efficiency of a first user during a reading of an imaging study, and recommending at least one of a hanging protocol selection and a hanging protocol change to a second user based on the productivity factor. The usage information includes at least one of a selection of a hanging protocol and a change to the hanging protocol by a first user during the reading of the imaging study.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Murali Kumaran Kariathungal, Prakash Mahesh, Mark Morita
  • Patent number: 8253735
    Abstract: A multi-user animation process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. Each user is represented by an avatar. The 3-D environment and avatar position/location data is provided to client workstations, which display a simulated environment visible to all participants. A text or speech-based bulletin board application is coupled to the animation process. The bulletin board application receives text or speech input from the multiple remote users and publishes the input in a public forum. The bulletin board application maintains multiple forums organized by topic. Access or participation to particular forums is coordinated with the animation process, such that each user may be permitted access to a forum only when the user's avatar is located within a designated room or region of the modeled 3-D environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Bourgham Investments L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • Patent number: 8253747
    Abstract: A user can control the animation of an object via an interface that includes a control area and a user-manipulable control element. In one embodiment, the control area includes an ellipse, and the user-manipulable control element includes an arrow. In yet another embodiment, the control area includes an ellipse, and the user-manipulable control element includes two points on the circumference of the ellipse. In yet another embodiment, the control area includes a first rectangle, and the user-manipulable control element includes a second rectangle. In yet another embodiment, the user-manipulable control element includes two triangular regions, and the control area includes an area separating the two regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Niles, Stephen M. Sheeler, Guido Hucking