Slider Control As On-screen Object In Operator Interface Patents (Class 715/974)
  • Patent number: 11847163
    Abstract: A method of searching for videos includes receiving, by a computer device, a search query from a user computer device. The method also includes determining, by the computer device, a set of videos that satisfy the search query. The method further includes determining, by the computer device, a subset of related videos from the set using metadata to determine a relationship based on date, time, and location. The method additionally includes generating, by the computer device, a consolidated video from the subset of related videos by merging a first portion of a first one of the subset of related videos with a second portion of a second one of the subset of related videos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Craig M. Trim
  • Patent number: 11693527
    Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for adjusting a user interface according to a cognitive mode is disclosed. In one example embodiment, a method includes receiving a plurality of user events based on a user interacting with a system, determining a cognitive operating mode of the user based on the user events, with the cognitive operating mode selected from a predefined set of cognitive operating modes, and modifying a user interface element according to the cognitive operating mode of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Piper, Mark Joseph Eppolito
  • Patent number: 11587592
    Abstract: Systems and procedures for transforming video into a condensed visual representation. An example procedure may include receiving video comprised of a plurality of frames. For each frame, the example procedure may create a first representation, reduced in one dimension, wherein a visual property of each pixel of the first representation is assigned by aggregating a visual property of the pixels of the frame having the same position in the unreduced dimension. The example procedure may further form a condensed visual representation including the first representations aligned along the reduced dimension according to an order of the frames in the video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TIVO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Erik Van de Pol
  • Patent number: 11568897
    Abstract: A sequence of media items may be presents. Based on selection of media items for potential inclusion into the sequence of media items, the selected media items may be presented apart from the sequence of media items. One or more of the selected media items may be inserted into a location in the sequence of media items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Fortunato
  • Patent number: 11494953
    Abstract: An augmented reality device comprising a camera, an augmented reality display, and a controller. The augmented reality display is configured to display the real-world environment and one or more virtual augmentations. The controller is configured to measure, via determination of hue, a color profile for a displayed portion of the real-world environment visible via the augmented reality display and imaged via the camera. A complementary palette of user interface colors is selected, each of such user interface colors having at least a predefined difference in hue relative to one or more colors in the color profile. An augmented reality feature is visually presented via the augmented reality display at a render location and with a render color from the complementary palette of user interface colors, the render color having at least the predefined difference in hue relative to a real-world environment color corresponding to the render location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Oscar E. Murillo, William H. Robbins, Dylan Edmund Pierpont
  • Patent number: 10359926
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus for processing a plurality of event data generated by a processing apparatus for processing a member, includes a determination unit which determines at least two event data existing at a preset interval in a time-series sequence of the plurality of event data, a specification unit which acquires a scroll request containing designation information for designating a position in the sequence from a scroll function incorporated in the information processing apparatus, and specify, as jump destination event data, event data at a position close to the position designated by the designation information in the sequence, among the at least two event data determined by the determination unit, and a control unit which causes the scroll function to start scrolling from or near the jump destination event data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Anelva Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Kayoiji
  • Patent number: 9009595
    Abstract: A process for dividing an electronic screen, such as a television or computer screen, into discrete, independently operating sub-screens includes the step of electronically linking the screen to a screen operating system. This operating system is capable of selectively dividing the screen into two or more sub-screens which support audio or visual data in an active mode simultaneously and independently. This is performed through the use of a plurality of data access lines which provide data simultaneously to the two or more sub-screens such that the data can be simultaneously accessed and manipulated in more than one sub-screen such that each sub-screen actively supports data generated from a dedicated software program. Such invention may be implemented in customized encoded hardware or a combination of hardware and software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph P. Catanese, Paul Delano
  • Patent number: 9001253
    Abstract: A mobile phone comprises a display, etc. If a camera function is performed, a through image (preview image) based on an imaging parameter value, a shutter key, etc. are displayed on the display. A RAM is registered in advance with imaging parameter value brought into correspondence to a coordinates range. When a predetermined time period elapses after a touch operation is made to the shutter key, an auxiliary key corresponding to the coordinates range is displayed. If a user moves a finger into the coordinates range based on the displaying of the auxiliary key, a current imaging parameter value is changed to a registered imaging parameter value. If the finger is released in such a state, an image imaged based on a changed imaging parameter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Maeda
  • Patent number: 8775972
    Abstract: A computer implemented method includes allowing a user to access a user-controlled social network profile page with posts in a specified order. A user is permitted to traverse an interface element across the specified order to establish a set position for the interface element. Access to posts is provided on a first side of the set position to define a viewable profile. Access to posts is blocked on a second side of the set position to define a non-viewable profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: SnapChat, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan Thomas Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8760674
    Abstract: A printing apparatus/method includes at least one processor, at least one printing engine, and at least one graphic user interface all operatively (directly or indirectly) connected to each other. The graphic user interface has at least one display and at least one user input device. The display provides at least one menu having at least one user selectable parameter of the printing engine. The display provides at least one linear scale bar representing a range of values to which the selectable parameter can be set. The display provides at least two different graphic icons along the linear scale. The graphic icons conceptually represent different performance characteristics that the printing apparatus will have when the selectable parameter is set to different values along the range of values represented on the linear scale. The display can also provide numerical performance values adjacent each of the different graphic icons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor J. Snyder, Jennifer Misae Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8756506
    Abstract: In an image reproduction window, an image reproduction area in which images are reproduced, and an operating area in which a slide bar is displayed are provided. When a slider of the slide bar is moved, the number of images to be displayed in one frame in the image reproduction area is increased or decreased in accordance with a position of the slider. The number of images in one frame increases as a displacement amount of the slider increases. When the slider is moved within a range in which the number of images to be displayed in one frame does not change, only a frame change interval is changed while the number of images in one frame is unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Terada
  • Patent number: 8607156
    Abstract: A system and method for indicating overscrolling in a mobile device is provided. The method may include outputting, at a display operatively coupled to a computing device, a graphical representation of at least one content item. The method may further include receiving, at the computing device, a user input and in response to the user input, scrolling the graphical representation of the at least one content item in a direction on the display. The method may further include determining, by the computing device, that the graphical representation of the at least one content item has reached a bound associated with a visible portion of the display. In response to the determining, updating, by the computing device, a visual aspect of a scrollbar slider output at the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Jania, Gabriel Aaron Cohen
  • Patent number: 8564835
    Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for managing a set of colors in a document. A plurality of respective costs are identified. Each respective cost is associated with printing the document using a respective combination of a plurality of combinations of the set of colors. An amount of contrast for a first respective combination is identified using a contrast matrix. A determination is made as to whether the amount of contrast for the first respective combination and an associated respective cost meet a set of criteria. Responsive to a determination that the set of criteria is met, the document is printed using the first respective combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Vinicio Bombacino, Leonardo Lanni, Luigi Massa, Andrea Tortosa
  • Patent number: 8564831
    Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide a computer program product, and apparatus for managing a set of colors in a document. A plurality of respective costs are identified. Each respective cost is associated with printing the document using a respective combination of a plurality of combinations of the set of colors. An amount of contrast for a first respective combination is identified using a contrast matrix. A determination is made as to whether the amount of contrast for the first respective combination and an associated respective cost meet a set of criteria. Responsive to a determination that the set of criteria is met, the document is printed using the first respective combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Vinicio Bombacino, Leonardo Lanni, Luigi Massa, Andrea Tortosa
  • Patent number: 8516394
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for adjusting a characteristic of a multimedia item are provided. The apparatus and method includes an auxiliary execution region and an execution region for adjusting a sound resource of a multimedia item, outputs a sound resource adjustment list on the auxiliary execution region according to the selection of a function of sound resource adjustment selected on the execution region, and outputs indexes capable of controlling a value of a corresponding sound resource adjustment if a specific sound resource adjustment item is selected. In this respect, the apparatus and method easily processes the sound resource adjustment based on the execution region and auxiliary execution region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bong Won Lee, Nho Kyung Hong
  • Patent number: 8489990
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided for providing a playlist transport bar. The playlist transport bar provides an overlay which graphically represents assets (e.g., programs) of a playlist in a manner that enables a user to simultaneously ascertain a playback position within the playlist and a particular asset. The playlist transport may include asset regions which each correspond to an asset in a playlist and a position indication region which may provide information relating to a playback position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon P. Radloff, Thomas J. Carroll, Mark Heyner, Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr., Danny R. Gaydou, II
  • Patent number: 8209609
    Abstract: An audio-visual search and browse interface (AVSBI) is described. In an embodiment, a user interface module displays one or more media collections, where each of the one or more media collections includes multiple clips of media. The user interface module determines a center media collection from the one or more media collections that corresponds with a slider on a user interface display. The user interface module determines a left media collection and a right media collection based on the center media collection. The multiple clips of media in the center media collection are played via a center speaker, the multiple clips of media in the left media collection are played via a left speaker, and the multiple clips of media in the right media collection are played via a right speaker, all in a simultaneous, overlapping and cyclical manner. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Randy R. Dunton, Cristobal A. Alvarez Russell
  • Patent number: 8166416
    Abstract: A multimedia play menu is generated into an auto playgroup organizer system for a multimedia player by using intelligence cursor/scroll sequence functions programmed for operation by an input device such as a hand-held mobile mouse. The intelligence cursor/scroll can sense any type of digitalized item or symbol displayed on the LED or LCD screen of the multimedia player. When the intelligence cursor/scroll function senses a click/press sequence symbol representing the position of a song, it will start to carry out a click/press sequence function as a user wishes. The more clicks/presses are applied by the intelligence cursor/scroll on the sequence symbol before a song/item, the higher the position for that song/item is created, analyzed, recorded and carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cyber Group USA, Inc.
    Inventors: David Mei, Jin-Xia Bao, Si Ping Bao
  • Patent number: 8135736
    Abstract: A content providing system includes a content distribution server and a content receiving terminal connected to each other through a communication channel. The content receiving terminal includes an operation input unit specifying one point on a line, a time information output unit outputting the specified point as time information, a request sender sending a content providing request including the output time information to the content distribution server, and a provider providing at least one content item to a user. The content distribution server includes a content storage unit in which a plurality of content items are stored in association with at least the corresponding time information, a search unit searching the content storage unit for at least one content item according to a search condition based on the time information, and a content distributor distributing at least one content item to the content receiving terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Takehara, Yoichiro Sako, Toshiro Terauchi, Motoyuki Takai
  • Patent number: 8135700
    Abstract: A content providing system includes a content distribution server and a content receiving terminal connected to each other through a communication channel. The content receiving terminal includes an operation input unit specifying one point on a line, a time information output unit outputting the specified point as time information, a request sender sending a content providing request including the output time information to the content distribution server, and a provider providing at least one content item to a user. The content distribution server includes a content storage unit in which a plurality of content items are stored in association with at least the corresponding time information, a search unit searching the content storage unit for at least one content item according to a search condition based on the time information, and a content distributor distributing at least one content item to the content receiving terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Takehara, Yoichiro Sako, Toshiro Terauchi, Motoyuki Takai
  • Patent number: 8108788
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for scrollable cross point navigation on a user interface in order to select a feature by combining object fields. Bars where at least one of them is scrollable, have object fields which overlap and combine each other when scrolled or put to a visible focus area in the user interface at the cross point of the bars. Object fields in the focus area select a feature connected to a combination of fields, which is chosen by a confirmation action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Tomas Tornqvist, Hans Marmolin, Kristofer Lindblom, Jakob Lindblom, Bengt Ahlstrom
  • Patent number: 8077182
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes displaying a content item having at least one attribute that is changeable in value, maintaining a history of image states, each image state in the history corresponding to a change in at least one attribute value relative to another image state, and based on the maintained history of image states, generating multiple modified image states such that a quantity of modified image states is different from a quantity of image states in the maintained history.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nikhil Bhatt, Blake Seely
  • Patent number: 8074178
    Abstract: Visual feedback may be provided. First, a continuous contact with a first point on a surface may be detected. The surface may comprise, for example, a touch screen or a touch pad. The continuous contact may be caused by a selecting element comprising, for example, a stylus or a digit of a subject. Then a menu may be displayed in response to the detected continuous contact. The menu may comprise a plurality of menu selectable elements. Next it may be detected that the continuous contact has moved from the first point on the surface to a second point on the surface. The second point may correspond to a one of the plurality of menu selectable elements. Then a control may be displayed corresponding the one of the plurality of menu selectable elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Hudson
  • Patent number: 7941764
    Abstract: A system and method for assigning user preference settings for fields in a category using selected settings for only a subset of the media category fields is disclosed. A subset of fields for a media category is defined. A base setting for each field in the subset of the category fields is established. The base setting may be a weight or preference value. The base setting may be established by the user selecting a base setting or may be a default base setting. Once a user selects the settings for the subset of category fields, a set weight for the fields in the category not in the subset is determined using the base setting. That is possible because the fields in the subset of category fields are chosen from fields that contain aspects and attributes of the other fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Abo Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh Svendsen, Waymen Askey
  • Patent number: 7692635
    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: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Iwamura
  • Patent number: 7657845
    Abstract: The present invention provides a unique system and method for facilitating browsing, sorting, clustering, and filtering any number of media objects grouped together in a quick and easy manner. In particular, the invention involves annotating the media objects, which have been clustered, sorted, and/or filtered en masse rather than individually, with metadata. The media objects may be selected by a user and annotated with a plurality of metadata as desired by a user in order to optimize utilization of the media objects. The media objects may also be combined and/or mixed in any number of ways to create new media objects. Media objects may include an audio component, a visual component, a portion thereof, and/or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Drucker, Curtis G. Wong, Steve Glenner, Asta L. Glatzer, Steven D. DeMar
  • Patent number: 7596255
    Abstract: A navigational tool is provided for selection of images of interest in large series of images. Difference indices are calculated between adjacent images in the series, and the indices are used to generate a navigational tool which can be presented as a graphical representation of differences between the images. A viewer may select specific locations or sets of images for viewing by manipulation of a virtual tool based upon the representation of the difference indices. The technique thus provides a highly efficient and intuitive tool for location of images in a series where particular features of interest or changes may occur, permitting rapid access and viewing of these images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Prakash Parayil Mathew, Yaseen Samara
  • Patent number: 7457772
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to remember and attempt to persist relative differences between automatically adjusted current weight values for non-directly adjusted graphic user interface elements, notwithstanding previous automatic adjustment of these current weighting values to a point of equality. A plurality of user-alterable graphic user interface elements are provided (101), with each element corresponding to at least one alterable selection criteria. The plurality of user-alterable graphic user interface elements illustrate current weighting values, wherein the aggregate sum of the current weighting values comprises a particular value. A user then alters (102) a graphic user interface element, causing a change in the corresponding weighting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Joshua Z. Tabin
  • Patent number: 7421656
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interfacing with playback of media by a media player are provided. By combining the functionality of fast forward and skip forward into a single button control, the invention reduces the numbers of control buttons that need be included on a device, reducing device costs and consumer “button overload.” In one embodiment, by pressing (and releasing) a forward button, media being rendered by a media player skips to a predetermined location in the media. By pressing and holding (and then releasing) the forward button, the media being rendered is fast forwarded according to algorithms for fast forwarding. A backward button covers skipping backward and fast reversing in a similar fashion. A device including a play/pause button and the described forward and backward buttons advantageously reduces the number of buttons required by two buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Fong, David Franklin, Thamer Abanami
  • Publication number: 20080195981
    Abstract: A system and method for creating portable multimedia presentations permits a user to select slides, select or create video and audio to associate with those slides to thereby create a multimedia presentation. A user may then use this multimedia presentation to create a single audio/video file for portable use incorporating all of the elements of the multimedia presentation suitable for storage and viewing on a portable multimedia device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: MEDIAPLATFORM ON-DEMAND, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Pulier, John Busfield
  • Patent number: 7315984
    Abstract: A user interface and methods for using a user interface for controlling processing of time-based media files. In one exemplary method, a graphical representation of a time line for a time-based media is displayed along with a graphical representation of a current time along the graphical representation of the time line. A start graphical indicator and a stop graphical indicator is also displayed along the graphical representation of the time line. A portion of the time-based media may be selected for presentation by dragging or positioning at least one of the start graphical indicator and the stop graphical indicator along the graphical representation of the time line. In another aspect of the invention, an exemplary method allows for the adaptive control of a portion of the interface which indicates time relating to a time-based media. An input speed is determined where this input is to change the portion and the rate at which the change to this portion occurs is dependent upon the input speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Crow, Cary Dean, Elizabeth Dykstra-Erickson, J. Peter Hoddie, Steven P. Jobs, Timothy E. Wasko
  • Patent number: 7293241
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for scrollable cross point navigation on a user interface in order to select a feature by combining object fields. Bars, where at least one of them is scrollable, have object fields which overlap and combine each other when scrolled or put to a visible focus area in the user interface at the cross point of the bars. Object fields in the focus area select a feature connected to a combination of fields, which is chosen by a confirmation action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Tomas Törnqvist, Hans Marmolin, Kristofer Lindblom, Jakob Lindblom, Bengt Ahlström
  • 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: 7134093
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for direct control of data displayed in a window-based computing environment. A slider element is displayed which is variable in size according to user input. The slider defines a selected area of an image, which is then displayed. The scope of the selected area corresponds to the size of the slider. The resizable slider is then resized by a user's direct manipulation, e.g. by a click-and-drag technique, to redefine the selected area, which is then displayed. The scope of the redefined selected area corresponds to the size of the resized slider. Accordingly, a user directly controls (by resizing the slider) the scope of data displayed in a window, and directly controls the presentation of data by translating the slider to define various selected areas. More than one independently resizable slider may intersect to define the selected area and provide independent control of scope in various directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Etgen, John H. Bailey, Emilio F. Zegarra, Dong Feng Li
  • Patent number: 7117453
    Abstract: The present invention provides a unique system and method for facilitating browsing, sorting, clustering, and filtering any number of media objects grouped together in a quick and easy manner. In particular, the invention involves annotating the media objects, which have been clustered, sorted, and/or filtered en masse rather than individually, with metadata. The media objects may be selected by a user and annotated with a plurality of metadata as desired by a user in order to optimize utilization of the media objects. The media objects may also be combined and/or mixed in any number of ways to create new media objects. Media objects may include an audio component, a visual component, a portion thereof, and/or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Drucker, Curtis G. Wong, Steve Glenner, Asta L. Glatzer, Steven D. DeMar
  • Patent number: 7080324
    Abstract: A variable control displayed through a graphical user interface and linked to a control element. The variable control has graphical representations of readily identifiable and easy to use controls. These controls include at least one text box to display a value. The displayed value can be set by default, or to show the current state of the control element. The variable control also includes at least one range box for assigning a range unit that corresponds to the text box. The variable control also includes a slider control that is linked to the text box and is used to make coarse adjustments to the value displayed in the text box. A spinner is also linked to the text box and is used to make fine adjustments to the displayed value. In a preferred embodiment, the user can select a digit or several digits within the displayed value and adjust only the user-selected digit or digits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Nelson, Janice G. Ryles
  • Patent number: 6996783
    Abstract: A method, system and program for selectively adjusting transparency of windows within a user interface are provided. An n-level is determined within a z-order of at least one displayable object from among multiple displayable objects distributed within the z-order. A transparency level is selectively adjusted of the at least one displayable object within a user interface positioned at the n-level within the z-order, such that the transparency level of the at least one displayable object is selectively adjusted without adjusting the z-order of the displayable objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Brown, Andrew Douglas Hately, Kelvin Roderick Lawrence, Michael A. Paolini