Computer Process (e.g., Operation Of Computer) Patents (Class 715/966)
  • Patent number: 11868848
    Abstract: Systems, methods, applications and uses for trans-radix quantum information processing elements are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Mitchell A. Thornton
  • Patent number: 9003274
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide for a system and recordable type medium for representing actions in a data processing system. A table is generated. The table comprises a plurality of rows and columns. Ones of the columns represent corresponding ones of computer applications that can start or stop in parallel with each other in a data processing system. Ones of the rows represent corresponding ones of sequences of actions within a corresponding column. Additionally, the table represents a definition of relationships among memory address spaces, wherein the table represents when each particular address space is started or stopped during one of a start-up process, a recovery process, and a shut-down process. The resulting table is stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph John Katnic
  • Patent number: 8954870
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extending a visualization platform are disclosed. A user may create a visualization project created. One or more properties for a non-native widget established by a developer of the non-native widget may be received from the project. Such properties may designate a name or a type of data that the non-native widget is capable of processing. Responsive to an instruction received from the user of the visualization authoring environment, a source of data to be processed by the non-native widget or a destination of data produced by the non-native widget to be processed by other widgets may be established. The appearance or behavior of the non-native widget may be rendered based at least in part on a value available from the source of the data or the appearance or behavior of one or more other widgets may be rendered based at least in part on data produced by the non-native widget.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: iRise
    Inventors: Maurice Martin, Steven Yamanaka, Daniel Akiva, Norman Basham, Bryan Lipson
  • Patent number: 8856666
    Abstract: A computer comprises a chassis, a button provided on the chassis, and a memory containing executable code. The executable code is caused to execute as a result of a user pressing the button. The code causes a graphical user interface to be displayed to the user providing the user with the ability to choose at least between a computer-diagnostic operation and a recovery operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Pathak, Ranjith Kartha
  • Patent number: 8745520
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing content previews. One apparatus operates to display one or more user interface controls as a foreground against a background on a display device; receive user input resulting in a user interface state that has an associated action; and display as the background a preview of the associated action. In another aspect, the user input gives focus to a user interface control that has associated content; and a preview of the associated content is displayed without further action on the part of the user. In another aspect, user interface controls are displayed; and giving input focus to a particular user interface control that has associated content causes an apparatus to play a preview of the associated content without further action on the part of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Allan P. Padgett, Johnnie B. Manzari
  • Patent number: 8490005
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a graphical display that provides a visual enhancement in conveying a vehicle reading. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes the graphical display to render a border of an instrument with a distinguishing visual attribute. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority level to an instrument used to convey a vehicle reading. When an abnormal condition is identified, the instrument is assigned an enhanced priority level that corresponds to the abnormal condition. Then, the method causes the graphical display to render the instrument, wherein that border of the instrument is depicted with an enhanced visual attribute indicative of the abnormal condition. In this regard, the enhanced visual attribute distinguishes the instrument from one or more other instruments depicted on the graphical display that are not assigned an enhanced priority level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Christopher Tarte
  • Patent number: 8416953
    Abstract: A data protection system includes terminals, and an encryption device that encrypts distribution data distributed to each terminal. Each terminal corresponds with one node on a lowest level of a tree structure having hierarchies. A data protection system excludes nodes on the lowest level, determines a plurality of combination patterns that include combinations of two or more of all four nodes that are reached one level below the node, decides an individual decryption key for each determined combination pattern, and decides an individual decryption key for each node on the lowest level. The data protection system prescribes nodes that are reached from the node on the lowest level and a terminal to the node on the highest level that is an invalid node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihisa Nakano, Motoji Ohmori, Natsume Matsuzaki, Makoto Tatebayashi
  • Patent number: 8321790
    Abstract: A system management human-machine interface application for use in a process control system is described herein that enables users to view/monitor information regarding system status and performance and to initiate changes to the operation of system equipment, checkpoint control stations and execute diagnostics. A system management graphical user interface includes a number of features that enhance the accessibility of system status information to users. Such enhancements include rendering selectable diagnostic information (e.g., online/offline status) on a system component navigation view. The GUI also provides access to a variety of system information including: alarms, messages, watched system management parameters, and a legend for symbols displayed in a system management navigation tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Sherrill, Maria Dao Nguyen, Donald James Wayland, Jr., Kristen L. Garrison, Brian James Barry, Naredla Maharaj Kumar Murty
  • 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: 8185835
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a graphical program that performs a numerical function on at least a subset of a set of data values received over a period of time. The method may utilize a “collector node”, which simplifies these types of common programming tasks. The collector node may be operable to maintain state information regarding received data values and may use the state information to determine a data collection on which to perform a numerical function. The data collection comprises at least a subset of data values that have been received by the collector node. The user may be able to configure the collector mode to determine the data collection in various ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Washington, Mike Santori, Bob Young
  • Patent number: 8049762
    Abstract: Architectural structure design methods, architectural structure design apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are described according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one aspect, an architectural structure design method includes responsive to user input, modifying a visual representation of an architectural structure, wherein the visual representation comprises an object of the architectural structure, first displaying the visual representation comprising the object at a first moment in time, wherein the object is positioned at a first location of a display screen, responsive to user input, selecting an attribute for the object from a second location of the display screen which is different than the first location of the display screen, responsive to user input, associating the attribute with the object after the selecting, and displaying the visual representation comprising the object having the attribute at a second moment in time after the associating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Chief Architect, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Wells, Jason Troye, Dermot Dempsey
  • Patent number: 8040358
    Abstract: A method of propagating changes in a design model identifies a change to a changed element, creates steps to carry out the change, creates additional steps based on the change and on relationships between the changed element and other elements in the design model, and executes the steps to alter the model in a manner that reflects the change. The steps may be created in a manner that depends on other steps that have been created. A system for regenerating a design model comprises a model element, a step propagator, and a step executor. The step propagator receives a first step that represents changes in the model element, and produces a second step that represents other changes in the model element that are dependent on the first step, and the step executor executes the first and second steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Irwin Jungreis, Michael R. Lauer
  • Patent number: 8026910
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided including assets defining 3D models, including 3D icons and scenes, and animations of the 3D models. An offline optimization engine is provided to process data to be acted upon by a graphics engine of a target embedded device. A graphics engine simulator is provided to simulate, on a computer platform other than a target embedded device, select functions of a target embedded device running a graphics engine including API calls that directly calls API functions of a hardware level API of the target embedded device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Baback Elmieh, James Ritts, David L. Durnil, Maurya Shah
  • Patent number: 7979804
    Abstract: An editing environment is disclosed having both a design and code views, each with its own undo/redo stacks. The editing environment includes logic to form an object that encapsulates the edits and changes made during a code view editing session. The object is associated or pointed to an element in the design view undo/redo stack. When the editing environment receives an undo/redo command in which a code view edit block is to be undone, the design view takes the specific object, which is then translated back into the proper format for code view execution. The code view then executes the undo/redo entries and returns any remaining code view edits that were not undone or redone, to the design view to place back into a code view edit block in either of the design view undo/redo stacks, along with the new related object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey Schang
  • Patent number: 7770149
    Abstract: A framework registers the entry names of entry interfaces respectively included in modules. The framework acquires operation names (static entries) of operation interfaces included in the module by calling the entry interface based on the entry name. The framework calls the operation interfaces based on the operation names. And the module executes generation of the module itself to be connected to the framework, a process inherent in the module, and deletion of the module itself connected to the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Sae Akimoto, Masayuki Hagiwara, Hirotomo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7768526
    Abstract: A method of propagating changes in a design model identifies a change to a changed element, creates steps to carry out the change, creates additional steps based on the change and on relationships between the changed element and other elements in the design model, and executes the steps to alter the model in a manner that reflects the change. The steps may be created in a manner that depends on other steps that have been created. A system for regenerating a design model comprises a model element, a step propagator, and a step executor. The step propagator receives a first step that represents changes in the model element, and produces a second step that represents other changes in the model element that are dependent on the first step, and the step executor executes the first and second steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Irwin Jungreis, Michael R. Lauer
  • Patent number: 7653897
    Abstract: A computer system includes a processing unit that processes data in response to instructions read from memory. Before being ready for a user to make use of a loaded application, the system initially loads executable instructions from permanent storage (such as a magnetic disc drive) during a loading process. In order to make better use of this time, operation related data (that is data for assisting a user to operate the system) is displayed during the loading process. The operation related data is stored in a user accessible file. Furthermore, the application itself facilitates the user re-configuration of the user accessible file under the control of the processing unit when the processing unit is executing the instructions; it not being necessary to use a third party text editor and navigate through the file structure. Then, during a subsequent instruction loading process, the user re-configured data is read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: AUTODESK, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick John Ruff
  • Patent number: 7519917
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for graphically presenting compatible workflow steps to a user through a graphical user interface are disclosed. The method includes graphically displaying a plurality of steps in a workflow. A user's selection for at least one step in a plurality of steps to denote at least one selected step and at least one non-selected step is received. The method further includes determining if a set of one or more output parameters of the selected step is acceptable as an input of the non-selected step. An appearance of the non-selected step is graphically changed if the output parameters are acceptable. The method also includes determining if a set of one or more output parameters of the non-selected step is acceptable as an input of the selected step. An appearance of the non-selected step is graphically changed if the output parameters are acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alister D. Lewis-Bowen, Sean J. Martin, Simon L. Martin, Rouben Meschian, Matthew N. Roy, Dan Smith, Benjamin H. Szekely, Elias J. Torres, Louis M. Weitzman
  • Patent number: 7478079
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to effectively visualize the mapping between two schemas, referred to herein as a source schema (or first schema) and a destination schema (or second schema), regardless of the size or complexity of the schemas and mappings. According to one aspect of the present invention a method for visually representing a mapping between a first schema and a second schema is provided. The method includes receiving a selection of an object, emphasizing the selected object and identifying a plurality of objects that are relevant to the selected object. The objects that are identified as being relevant to the selected object are also emphasized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: George G. Robertson, John E. Churchill, Mary P. Czerwinski, Prasad Sripathi Panditharadhya, Udaya K. Bhaskara
  • Patent number: 7472355
    Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method for managing commands for a terminal session. Specifically, using the graphical user interface of the present invention, a user can select a terminal session, and input one or more commands. Upon being input, a command is automatically send to the selected terminal session and added to a history or list of commands. Thus, the commands are “recorded” for potential future use upon being input. The commands are typically arranged in the list in a particular sequence, such as the order in which the commands were input. The user can individually send a command in the list to a terminal session, or the user can send a sequence of commands to the terminal session. In any event, results of executing the commands in the terminal session can be verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh E. Hockett, Adam M. Gunther, Eric Kirchstein
  • Patent number: 7434171
    Abstract: A variety of performance control mechanisms are disclosed, allowing a user of a processor-based system to adjust performance criteria such as processing speed and fan speed. A performance control apparatus includes one or more user-accessible knobs and a display. The knob(s) enable the user to select from a variety of processor and fan speed settings. Other performance-related criteria may also be controlled using the knobs. The display communicates the effect of a change in performance criteria in a manner useful to the user. A performance control application program enables the user to independently pre-select performance criteria for each application program or group of application programs. A performance control icon provides the ability to select performance criteria from within an application program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Edward O. Clapper
  • Publication number: 20080209394
    Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing a common generic interface for numeric types in statically typed languages. The common generic interface defines basic arithmetic operations, thereby allowing basic arithmetic operations to be performed on the numeric types. The common generic interface provides support for overflow detection when a result of an operation being performed on a particular numeric type will result in an overflow situation when the operation does not fit within a range supported by the particular numeric types. The common generic interface provides support for one or more mathematical properties to be retrieved for a particular one of the numeric types being used in a particular circumstance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Melitta Andersen, James S. Miller, Anthony J. Moore, Ariel Weinstein, Josh Free
  • Patent number: 7350209
    Abstract: An improved method and system for complex and integrated application performance management which tracks end-to-end computer resource consumption of a first business application workflow in an enterprise system. The first business application workflow may include a plurality of components. The plurality of components may further include one or more component types. A second or subsequent business application workflow may be embedded or linked as a component of the first business application workflow. Resource usage information of the plurality of components (including resource usage information of underlying units of work of the plurality of components) may be correlated to determine cumulative resource usage information for the first business application workflow. The resource usage information may be displayed in a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: BMC Software
    Inventor: Annie Shum
  • Patent number: 7343563
    Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) includes state indicators which show states of execution of threads running in microengines of a processor. The state indicators show the states of execution as functions of clocking in the processor. The GUI also includes a window showing computer code corresponding to one of the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Muratori, Myles J. Wilde, Donald F. Hooper
  • Patent number: 7228503
    Abstract: A method for remote mask data jobview through a network featuring 24-hour service, reduced cycle time and lower cost, whereby customers can obtain real time mask data access instead of downloading entire pattern files. Expensive CAD/CAM software is unnecessary for the mask data jobview; instead, only a web browser is required. The method for remote mask data jobview through a network comprising the steps of: storing a mask data file to a jobview computer, wherein drawing software is installed on the jobview computer; logging onto a web server from a customer computer through a first network, wherein a web-based graphic mode emulator is installed on the web server; logging onto the jobview computer from the web server through a second network; using the web-base graphic mode emulator to operate the drawing software; and using a browser installed on the customer computer to operate the drawing software to open and review the mask data file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui-Ming Wang, Yi-Hsu Chen, Jeen-Haw Liu, Chung-Sheng Lee, Jiin-Feng Yeh, Hua-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 7210105
    Abstract: System and method for synchronizing software execution in a computer system. Threads or processes executing in the computer system are synchronized via various types of synchronization objects. User input indicating a desire to specify a synchronization object operation is received, specifying a particular type of synchronization object on which to perform the operation, in response to which a graphical user interface, is displayed which is useable to specify a plurality of synchronization object operations, e.g., that are specific to a specified type of synchronization object. The graphical user interface enables the user to select a desired operation to perform on a synchronization object. The user may also specify additional configuration information for the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Melamed, James Grey
  • Patent number: 7191028
    Abstract: An electronically controlled apparatus of the present invention includes: an input-output section, which electronically processes and outputs input data; a control section, which electronically controls the input-output section according to operating status data of each component of the input-output section; a managing section, which monitors the operating status data of each component of the input-output section, so as to store and manage the operating status data with corresponding time information of the operating status data; and a processing section, which creates graphic display of the operating status data in a given time scale according to the operating status data and the time information. With the electronically controlled apparatus, it becomes easier to manage regular inspections and replenishing expendables, without lowering an activity rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nomura, Syouichirou Yoshiura, Tsutomu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 7159184
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating a configuration file for use with a resource allocator that allocates computer system resources, such as CPU resources, among workloads operating on the system. A software application referred to as a “wizard” generates a graphical user interface (GUI) having multiple linked input screens to prompt a user step-by-step to enter specifications for the workloads. The GUI displays a prompt for a user to define a workload and to configure a resource allocation policy for the defined workload. The CPU resource allocation policy specifies how resources are allocated to the defined workload. The wizard receives the requested specifications from a user input device. Based on the received specifications, a configuration file is created and may be used by a resource allocator to allocate resources among workloads according to the specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Syed S. Ullah, Michael D. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7124367
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable user interface. A method of configuring a user interface of an information handling system based on utilization of ports included with the information handling system may include monitoring a plurality of ports included on the information handling system. Utilization by a device of a port of the plurality of ports is monitored, the device communicatively coupled to at least one port of the plurality of ports. A user-interface operating on the information handling system is configured based on the determined utilization by the device of the port of the plurality of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventors: Glen J. Anderson, Russell F. McKnight
  • Patent number: 7103847
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a resource in a processing system is disclosed. The processing system includes a display. The system comprises a total resource graphic provided on the display. The total resource graphic represents the total resource. The system includes at least one allocation graphic provided within the total resource graphic. The allocation graphic represents the proportion of the resources allocated to an object. The system and method in accordance with the present invention allows for allocation of a resource across all demands, the relative size of the allocations, and the usage of the resource by the individual demanding operation within a single graphical object. In addition, the object would provide for changes to that allocation by direct manipulation, in addition, the status indicator would provide additional information on demand by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Allen Alford, Jr., Kenneth Ray Banning, James Lee Lentz
  • Patent number: 7058899
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a graphical program based on a pre-defined program process. Information indicating a plurality of program processes may be displayed. Each program process may have a corresponding graphical program template, wherein each graphical program template comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes for implementing the program process. The user may select the appropriate template, and the template may be programmatically included in the graphical program. In one embodiment, one or more of the nodes that were specified by the template and programmatically included in the graphical program may initially have no definite functionality or may have default functionality. A method for programmatically generating graphical source code for a node may be employed to specify desired functionality for such a node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor Petruk, Jeffrey D. Washington
  • Patent number: 7055105
    Abstract: The mouse cursor is moved over the register of a register dialog once a drop-and-drag action has been initiated, then the register under the mouse cursor is automatically moved to the foreground after a variable time interval, and the contents can thus be seen. Process of making the item visible is initiated just by locating the mouse over the register of the concealed registered dialog. The invention can be extended to normal mouse movements (that is to say that other than drag drop.) Dropping an object on to a drop destination in a concealed register of a register dialog for drag and drop actions and drag and drop between the registers of a tabbed dialog or the pages of a workbook (such as the various tables in Excel, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Windl, Helmut Fritz, Larry Constantine
  • Patent number: 7010753
    Abstract: Permitting or prohibiting a drop is executed at the beginning of the drag-and-drop action initiated by the user, by mouse-clicking on the object to be dragged, for example. Thus, the drag-and-drop action is shown as a visual drop permission or prohibition in the relevant drop areas, such as a visual queue, for example, check mark, etc. In the preferred embodiment, and upon initiation of the action, the surface components display which areas, parts, elements or substructures can or cannot accept a given object or data element before a mouse pointer, arrow or cursor reaches or moves over the relevant areas, parts, elements or substructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Windl, Helmut Fritz, Larry Constantine
  • Patent number: 6964023
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing focus detection, referential ambiguity resolution and mood classification in accordance with multi-modal input data, in varying operating conditions, in order to provide an effective conversational computing environment for one or more users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephane Herman Maes, Chalapathy Venkata Neti
  • Patent number: 6941522
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a progress associated with an executing process are disclosed. A progress report is generated in a progress reporting language, the progress reporting language indicating a progress of one or more steps in the executing process. The progress report is then provided to a user interface mechanism capable of interpreting the progress reporting language, where the user interface mechanism is adapted for generating a user interface indicating the progress of the one or more steps in the executing process. The user interface mechanism receives the progress report, ascertains the progress of the steps in the executing process from the progress report, and generates a user interface indicating the progress of the steps in the executing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jordan Brown
  • Patent number: 6938219
    Abstract: A method and system for tracking a plurality of actions against at least one object by a computer system is disclosed. The method and system comprises providing an output view, wherein the output view includes a first output area and a second output area. An action list containing each of the plurality of actions is displayed in one of the first and second output areas. A user is allowed to select one action from the action list, and information associated with the selected action is displayed in the other of the first and second output areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Abdul H. Al-Azzawe, Tanya Couch, Debbani Kundu, Constance J. Nelin, Frederick T. Sharp
  • Patent number: 6892361
    Abstract: Jigsaw connector pieces representing tasks to be performed are displayed on a computer screen, preferably hierarchically in a tree, to elucidate the relationships between tasks. To perform a task, a user positions an attachment jigsaw piece next to its corresponding connector piece. The user is then prompted to input or verify preferences in a properties panel. For example, a printer may be installed by interconnecting an attachment piece (corresponding to the printer to be installed) next to the printer connector piece in the tree. The user may be aided in the process of matching connector and attachment pieces through the use of matching colors and images on the pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Eser Kandogan