Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. et al

Filing 559

Declaration of Deok Keun Matthew Ahn in Support of #558 Response ( Non Motion ), filed byApple Inc.. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit 1.01, #2 Exhibit 1.02, #3 Exhibit 1.03, #4 Exhibit 1.04, #5 Exhibit 1.05, #6 Exhibit 1.06, #7 Exhibit 1.07, #8 Exhibit 1.08, #9 Exhibit 1.09, #10 Exhibit 1.10, #11 Exhibit 1.11, #12 Exhibit 1.12, #13 Exhibit 1.13)(Related document(s) #558 ) (Jacobs, Michael) (Filed on 12/29/2011)

EXHIBIT 1.08

program, text or information range. The status indicator includes a number

of individual fields represent portions of the individual program, text or
information. Clicking on the field leads to the respective program area. The
individual fields are arranged successively in accordance with the logical
and/or timed -------=-g of the program. The sizes of the fields correspond to

the size of the area represented.
Claim 1 of the present invention claims:
a window generation and control logic coupled to the processor and
data display screen to create an operating environment for a yllurality
of individuaLyro,zramming modules that provide status and çontrol
functions, wherein the window generation and control logic generates
and displays a first window region having a plurality of display areas
on said data display screen, wherein each of_the gurality of display
areas is associated with one
thegluralgy o£individuaLyregraminitte
modules:

an indicia generation logic coupled to the data display screen to execute
at least one of the plurality of programming modules to generate
information for display in one of the plurality of display areas in the
first windour region, wherein at least one of the plurality of display
areas and its associated programming module is sensitive to user
input, and further wherein the window generation and control logic
and the indicia generation logic use messagg-based communication to
exchang_e iñ£ormation to coordinate açtivities of the indicia generation
lezic to enaþlg interactigg displa,y activity. (Emphasis added.)

The present invention provides display areas which are associated with
individual programming modules. Cohansz does not provide such display
areas. Cohansz teaches a status indicator which is associated with a single
program. The status indicator of coh-7 indicates the location within the

one single program, text or information range. The Ex----= -er refers to page 3,
paragraph 2 as teaching plurality of individual progr

ing modules.

However, page 3, paragraph 2 of Cohausz specifically states that "the
individual fields represent portions of the individual program, text of
information, i.e. sections, paragraphs, chapters or segments of information."
Senal No. 08/316,237

6

04860.P1365

APLNDC00024380

Thus, Cohausz does not teach individual programming modules associated

with each field. Therefore, claim 1 is not anticipated by Coh_avsz.
Claim 1 of the present invention also claims an indicia generation logic
that uses message-based communication to exchange information to
coordinate activities of the indicia generation logic." Cohausz does not teach
the use of message based communication for information exchange. Contrary
to the Examiner's assertion, Cohausz's teaching of individual fields which
lead to respective program areas does not teach the use of message-based
communication. The present invention sets forth message based
communication, which means that the control strip passes messages to a
module to, for example, either tell the module what to do or to obtain
information about the module and its capabilities. (Specifications, pg. 32,
lines 5-7). There is no indication in Cohansz that such message based
communication is used. Therefore, cohansz does not anticipate the present

invention as claimed in Claim 1, or any of its dependent claims.
Independent Claims 11 and 15 also include similar limitations
regarding the operating environment. Therefore, based on the same rational

given above, Applicant respectfully submits that Claims 11 and 15 and their
dependent claims are not anticipated by Cohausz.
Claims 4-7 were also rejected under 35 U.S.C. §103 as being

unpatentable over Cohausz and U.S. Patent 5,202,961 to Mills et. al. ("Mills").
Mills teaches the use of a slider control bar for controlling the rate of display
of sequential information. Specifically, Mills teaches the use of such a control
strip to control the playback rate of video. This control strip is defined as
having certain components such as standard playback direction/velocity
indicators, reverse, stop and fast forward. Mills uses a control icon to select
one of these rates of display. Claims 4-7 depend on independent Claim 1,
Serial No. 08/316,237

7

04860.P1365

APLNDC00024381

discussed above. The Examiner has acknowledged that Mills does not teach

the indicia generator, or a plurality of programs corresponding to the plurality
of fields as claimed in the present invention. Because Cohausz does not
teach, or make obvious the use of a plurality of fields or message based

communication, the present invention is not obvious in view of Cohtm
further in view of Elle.
Accordingly, Applicant respectfully submits that the rejection under 35

U.S.C. §102(a) and §103 have been overcome by the amendments and the
remarks and withdrawal of these rejections is respectfully requested.
Applicant submits that Claims 1-24 are now in condition for allowance and
such action is earnestly solicited.

Please charge any shortages and credit any overcharges to our Deposit
Account No. 02-2666.
Respectfully submitted,
B=
LY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR &t ZAFMAN LLP
Dated:

1_
y

, 1997
Michael )½vlallie
Attorney for Applicant
Registration No. 36,591

12400 Wilshire Blvd.
Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90025-1026
[phone]

Serial No. 08/316,237

8

04860.P1365

APLNDC00024382

.

.
/

UNITED STATES daPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Patent and Trademark Office
Address:

APPUCATION NO.

16,23/

FILING DATE

UN/30/94

FIRST NAMED INVENTOR

UNNISIENSEN

24M1/0131
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR AND ZAFMAN
12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
7TH FLOOR

LOS ANGELES CA 90025

COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
Washington, D.C. 20231
| A1TORNEY """ NO.

U

]

84860.F1363

EXAMINER
DELA TORRE, C
ART UNIT

/

PAPER NUMBER

/

«Io
DATE MAILED:

01/31/97

Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or
proceeding.
Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

(REY 2/95)

1 - Flie Copy

os/am237
APLNDC00024383

Application No.

Applicant(s)

08/316,237

Advisory Action

Examiner

Christensen

Group Art Unit

Crescelle Dela Torre

2415

THE PERIOD FOR RESPONSE: [check only a) or b)]
a)

expires

months from the mailing date of the final rejection.

b) g expires either three months from the mailing date of the final rejection, or on the mailing date of this Advisory Action, whichever
is later. In no event, however, will the statutory period for the response expire later than six months from the date of the final
rejection.
Any extension of time must be obtained by filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.136(a), the proposed response and the appropriate fee. The
date on which the response, the petition, and the fee have been filed is the date of the response and also the date for the purposes of
determining the period of extension and the corresponding amount of the fee. Any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.17 will be
calculated from the date of the originally set shortened statutory period for response or as set forth in b} above.

O Appellant's Brief is due two months from the date of the Notice of Appeal filed on
(or within any
period for response set forth above, whichever is later). See 37 CFR 1.191(d) and 37 CFR 1.192(a).
Applicant's response to the final rejection, filed on
.Jan 21. 1997
has been considered with the following effect,
but is NOT deemed to place the application in condition for allowance:
The proposed amendment(s):
will be entered upon filing of a Notice of Appeal and an Appeal Brief.
O will not be entered because:
they raise new issues that would require further consideration and/or search. (See note below).
they raise the issue of new matter. (See note below).
O they are not deemed to place the application in better form for appeal by materially reducing or simplifying the
issues for appeal.
O they present additional claims without cancelling a corresponding number of finally rejected claims.
NOTE:

X Applicant's response has overcome the following rejection(s):
The clairn ohinctions of clairns 15-18 since annlicant arnanded clairn 15. line 3. renlacino "create" with --creatino--.

O Newly proposed or amended claims
separate, timely filed amendment cancelling the non-allowable claims.

would be allowable if submitted in a

The affidavit, exhibit or request for reconsideration has been considered but does NOT place the application in condition

for allowance because:

The affidavit or exhibit will NOT be considered because it is not directed SOLELY to issues which were newly raised by
the Examiner in the final rejection.
For purposes of Appeal, the status of the claims is as follows (see attached written explanation, if any):

Claims allowed:
Claims objected to:
Claims rejected: 1-24

O The proposed drawing correction filed on

O has O has not been approved by the Examiner.

O Note the attached Information Disclosure Statement(s), PTO-1449, Paper No(s).

Other See Attachment A.

RAYMOND J. BAYERL
PRIMARY EXAMINER
ART UNIT 2415
A S- Patent and Trademark Office

>TO-303 (Rev. 8-95)

Advisory Action

Part of Paper No.

11

APLNDC00024384

Serial Number: 08/316,237

-2-

Art Unit: 2415

Attachment A

1.

The after-final amendment submitted by applicant on 1/21/97 has been considered but

does not overcome the rejection because of the following:
Applicant 's primary arguments regarding the Cohausz reference, when taken alone or
in combination with the Mills reference, are that Cohausz does not teach "individual
programming modules" nor does Cohausz teach "message based communication for
information exchange". The , s. ner disagrees with applicant on both points because
Cohausz teaches "individual programming modules" at the bridging paragraph of pp. 2 - 3 ['an

oblong field comprising an plurality of individual fields... each of which constitutes an
operating field or control button... that branches into the associated program area or executes
the associated program function']. In addition, Cohausz teaches message based

communication at p. 3, second paragraph, that either tells the module what to do or to obtain

information about the module and its capabilities ['the status indicator has the double function
of operating like a menu {tells the module what to do} and of displaying exactly where in the
program or in the body of information the operator or user is located {obtains information

about the module- i.e. location of the user in the program}']

APLNDC00024385

A

ey Docket No.: 04860.P1365

Patent

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

''

In Re Patent Application of :

)

Steven W. Christensen

)

Examiner:

Dela Torre, C

Application No.: 08/316,237

)

Art Unit:

2415

Filed: September 30, 1994

)
)

For:

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
DISPLAYING AND ACCESSING
CONTROL AND STATUS
INYFSOREMMATION IN A COMPUTE

)
)
)
)

IWebycedythattNaconospondence is being deposked wth the
Unbed States Postalgervice as inst class man wth suincient postage

in an erwetope addressed to the Assistant Commis ner for Paliali,
wasangton.oc sonst
on

Assistant Commissioner for Patents
Washington, D.C. 20231
PETITION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME

PURSUANT TO 37 Q.F.R. § 1.136]a)

Sir:
Applicants respectfully request a two month extension of time in which to
respond to the Advisory Action mailed January 31, 1997. The túo inonth
extension extends the date of response to March 31, 1997. A check for $390.@

is enclosed for the fee for a two month extension of time.

o

> 20

If any additional fee is required, please charge Deposit Account No 02°
2666. A duplicate of this Petition is enclosed for deposit account chargig i
purposes.
Respectfully submitted,
BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
Dated:

i,½

,1997

12400 Wilshire Blvd.
Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90025-1026
[phone]

Michael J. Mallie
Reg. No. 36,591
250 TL 04/07/97 08316237
1 116
390.00 CK 04860P1365

APLNDC00024386

Application or Docket Number

pATENT APPLICATION FEE DETERMINATION RECORD
Effective October 1, 1992
CLAIMS AS FILED - PART I
NUMBER FILED

(Column 2)

SMALL cre a i I I

NUMBER EXTRA

RATE

BAsic FEE

FEE

$355.00

TOTAL CLAIMS

minus 20 =

OR S A
RATE

OR

E

TY
FEE

$710.00

X$11=

OR

x 37=

OR x 74=

MULTIPLE DEPENDENT CLAIM PRESENT

+115=

OR

+230=

If the difference in column 1 is less then zero, enter "O" in column 2

TOTAL

OR

TOTAL

ENDENT CLAIMS

minus 3 =

*

CLAIMS AS AMENDED - PART

SMALL ENTITY

(Column 1)

(Column 2)

(Column 3)

CLAIMS
REMAINING
AFTER
AMENDMENT

HIGHEST
NUMBER
PREVIOUSLY
PAID FOR

PRESENT
EXTRA

inus

**

=

x$11=

Minus

***

=

OTHER THAN

OR

x 37=

Total
Independant

FIRST PRESENTATION OF MULTIPLE DEPENDENT CLAIM

RATE

x$22=

SMALL ENTITY

ADDITlONAL
FEE

RATE

OR
x 74=

+ 115=

(Column 2)

(Column 3)

CLAIMS
REMAINING
AFTER
AMENDMENT

HIGHEST
NUMBER
PREVIOUSLY
PAID FOR

PRESENT
EXTRA

Total

Min s

**

Independent

Minus

***

OR

+230=

TOTAL
(Column 1)

OR

TOTAL

AL DIT ITE

RATE

ADDIT. FEE

ADDITIONAL
FEE

OR

+ 115=

(column 2)

(column 3)

CLAIMS
REMAINING
AFTER
AMENDMENT

HIGHEST
NUMBER
PREVIOUSLY
PAID FOR

PRESENT
EXTRA

**

=

x$11=

=

x 37=

Minus

Independent

Minus

FIRST PRESENTATION OF MULTIPLE DEPENDENT CLAIM

OR

A""" """

RATE

+115=

x 74=

OR + 230=

TOTAL
(Column 1)

Total

ADDIT. FEE .............

ADDITIONAL
FEE

RATE

ADDITIONAL
FEE

OR x$22=
OR
OR

x 74=
+230=

1 le entry in column 1 is less than the entry in column 2, write "O" in column 3TOTAL
OR
'If the "Highest Number Previously Paid For" IN THIS SPACE is less than 20, enter "20". ¡ priT FFE\
ADDIT. FEE
*lf the "Highest Number Previously Paid For" IþkTHIS SPACE is less than 3, enter "3".
The "Highest Number Previously Paid For" (Total or Independent) is the highest number found in the appropriate box in column 1.
Rev.10-92)

ADDITIONAL
FEE

OR

X 37=

FIRST PRESENTATION OF MULTIPLE DEPENDENT CLAIM

IN

RATE

x$11=

=

ADDITIONAL
FEE

---...

Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

APLNDC00024387

Ëm°7

Mao

PACE DATA ENTRY CODING SHEET
TYPE
APPL

APPLICATION NUMBER
TOTAL
CLAIMS

INDEPENDENT
CLAIMS

U.S. DEP Rn a TrLCerr rOc

FILING DATE
MONTH
DAY
YEAR

SMALL
ENTITY?

DATE |

2ND EXAMINER
SPECIAL
GROUP
HANDLING
ART UNIT

FOREIGN
LICENSE

FILING FEE

1ST EXAMINER

DATE

PARENT APPLICATION
SERIAL NUMBER

PCT APPLICATION SERIAL NUMBER
/
/

P

C

T

P

C

T

/

ATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER

C

T

/

C

T

/

/

P

C

Ti /

PARENT FILING
DATE
MONTH
DAY
YEAR

/

P

PARENT PATENT
NUMBER

/

P

' SI4EETS OF
DRAWING

CLASS

CONTINUITY DATA
CONT STATUS
CODE CODE

C/

/

PCT/FOREIGN APPLICATION DATA
'

FOREIGN
PRIORITY
CLAIMED

COUNTRY
CODE

PCT/FOREIGN APPLICATION SERIAL NUMBER

FOREIGN
FILING DATE
MONTH
DAY
YEAR

U.SGRO 1994 365974

APLNDC00024388

TITLE OF INVENTION

ATTORNEY REGISTRATION NUMBERS

CORRESPONDENCENAMEANDADDRESS

AUTHORITY CODE

APPLICANTIINVENTOR DATA

FAMILY NAME

NAME SUFFIX

GIVEN NAME

STAamoinY CODE

CITY
AUTHORITY CODE
FAMILY NAME

NAME SUFFIX

GIVEN NAME

STA.wornY CODE

CITY

MORE

APLNDC00024389

08/821004
Docket No.

M

ßÛ

Ass

55

04600.P1366C

Patent

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

Commissioner for Patents
gton, D.C. 20231
FWC

Prior Application:
Examiner:
n±-rano e
Art Unit:
Mis
RULE 62

Sir:

This is a request for filing a file wrapper

X

Continuation application

Divisional application

under 37 C.F.R. § 1.62 of pending prior nonprovisional application no. , 06/31û237

,

tiled on

,

September 30. 1994

at stayen W. Chiist.ensen
for

(inventor(s) currently of record for prior application)

,

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING AND ACCFSSING CONTROL AND STATUS

INFQRMATION IN A ÇQMPUTER SYSTEM.
X

1.

(title)

The above-identified prior application is hereby expressly abandoned
under 37 C.F.R. § 1.62(g) as of the filing date of this new application.
Please use all the contents of the prior application file wrapper, including
the drawings, as the basic papers for the new application. No such copy of
the prior application is included herewith. The present application is being
filed under 37 C.F.R. § 1.62 before the payment of the issue fee,
abandonment of, or termination of the proceedings on the prior
application, or after payment of the issue fee (the latter if a petition under
37 C.F.R. § 1.313(b)(5) has been filed and granted in the prior

application).

2.

Please enter the preliminary amendment enclosed before calculating the filing fee.

3.

Before calculating the filing feel please enter in the present application the amendment
filedon
under 37 C.F.R. § 1.116, but unentered, in
the parent application.

•EXPREssMAIL• muNG LABEL NUMBER ENadadmAS

Das oF DEPOSIT
NMANN /
7
I NEREgy CERnFY THETHIS PAPER OR FEE 18 BEING DEPOSITED
- THE UNITED 85UEs Pogna.8Envics *EXPREss MAIL POST
OFFICETOADDRESSEE'8ERYMEUl©ERS7CFR1.100NTHEOME
INDICATED ABOVE AND 18 ADDRE88EO TO THE ASSISTANT
.
• « FOR PRENTS, WASOlGTON, 0.0, 20231
gypso m PRINTED NAut oF PEne0N MAluNS PAPER OR FEIS
OF PERSON MAIUNG PAPER OR FEE)

APLNDC00024390

4.

X

5.

Cancel in this application claims
of the prior application
before calculating the filing fee (wherein at least one independent claim is retained for
filing purposes).
The filing fee is calculated below:
CLAIMS NOW PENDING IN THE PRIOR APPLICATION PLUS/MINUS CLAIMS
ADDED/CANCELED ABOVE
OTHER THAN A
(Col. 1)
(Col. 2)
SMALL ENTITY
SMALL ENTITY

For:

No. Filed

No. Extra

Rate

BasicFee:

Rate

C$
385

Total Claims:

24

Fee
$

770

x 11 1 $

x 22 $

88

x 40 $
+ 1 30 $

x 80 _ $
+260 $

EOTAL $

- 20 *

FOTAL $

4

Indep. Claims: _
3
-3 *
O
Multiple Dependent Claim(s) Presented
' If the ditterence is less than zero,

enter "0" in Col. 2.

6.

Fee

858

A verified statement to establish small entity status under 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.9 and 1.27
is enclosed/
was filed in the pending prior application and such status
is still proper and desired. 37 C,F.R. § 1.28(a).

X

7.

The Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks is hereby authorized to charge any fees
that may be required, or credit any overpayment, to Deposit Account No. 02-2666. A
duplicate of this sheet is enclosed for Deposit Account purþoses.

K

8.

A check in the amount of 4 Runo

is enclosed for the filing fee.

9.

A check in the amount of $
pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.17.

is enclosed for the petition fee

10.

Amend the specification by inserting the following before the first sentence on the first
page:

X

X

(a)

- This is a X
continuation/
no, o 191A O 7 , filed 8/30/94

(b)

-, which is a
ro.

continuation/

divisional of application
, now abandoned. -divisional of application

,iiled
. - (Status: abandoned, pending, etc.)

(list all prior applications)
X,

11.

It is hereby requested that any request for a convention priority made in the prior
application be transferred to this Rule 62 application.

-2 -

APLNDC00024391

12.
Y

Priority of foreign application number
filed on
in (countly)
is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119.

13.

The prior application is assigned of record to:
Annie Comnifer Inc
1 Infinita I con. Clinertirn Califomia 95014

X

14.

The Power of Attorney in the prior application is to:

Michaell Mallie

36.591

(Name)

(Reg. No.)

Edwin H Taylor, Reg. No. 25,129, and certain other listed attorneys or agent(s) of:
BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
12400 Wilshire Blvd., Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
[phone]

X

(a)

(b)

The Power does not appear in the original papers, but was filed on
in prior application no.
fled
.

(c)

A new Power has been executed and is attached.

(d)

X

The Power appears in the original papers of the prior application
no. 00F31237
filed Om

Recognize as an associate attorney or agent and address all future
communications to:
Mano! I Mallia

M 401

(Name)

(Reg. No.)

BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
12400 Wilshire Blvd., Seventh Floor

Los Angeles, California 90025
[phone]

X
X

X

(e)
15.

16.

Address all future communications to the undersigned.

Enclosed Is a photocopy of a petition for an extension of time
pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.136 concurrently (or prevlously) submitted
under separate cover for the above-referenced prior application.
Applicant(s) hereby petition(s) for an extension of time pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.136,

if needed, for the above-noted prior application. The Commissioner of Patents and
Trademarks is hereby authorized to charge any extension or petition fee under 37
C.F.R. § 1.17 that may be required for the above-referenced prior application to
Deposit Account No. 02-2666. Two photocopies of this document are enclosed for
filing in the prior application file and for Deposit Account purposes.
X,

17.

The filing of an application under 37 C.F.R § 1.62 will be construed to include a waiver
of secrecy under 35 U.S.C. § 122 to the extent that any member of the public who is

-3 -

APLNDC00024392

entitled under the provisions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 to access to or information
concerning either the prior application or any continuing application filed under the
provisions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.62 may be given similar access to, or similar information
concerning, the other application(s) in the file wrapper.
37 C.F.R. § 1.62(f).

18.

This application is being filed by fewer than all the inventors named in the prior
application. In accordance with 37 C.F.R. § 1.62(a), the Commissioner of Patents and

Trademarks is requested to delete the name(s) of the following person(s) who are not
inventors of invention being claimed in this application:

Respectfully submitted,
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP

Michael .fMallie

12400 Wilshire Boulevard
Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
[phone]

Reg.No.
Y

Em
Attomey or Agent of Record

Associate Attorney or Agent
Filed Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.34(a)

-4 -

APLNDC00024393

08/821004
At

y's Dacket No-

04860P1365C,

Pat nt

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

ssistant Commissioner for Patents

Prior Application:

Washington, D.C. 20231
BOX FWC

Examiner:
Art Unit:

_Dela Toge, C
9415

pl¢-

7

S - N//

RULE 62

Sir:

This is a request for filing a file wrapper

X
Continuation application
under 37 C.F.R. § 1.62 of pending prior noriprovisional application no.
filed on

of

for

Divisional application
08/316.237
,

sentember 30. 1994

Steven W. Christensen

,

(inventor(s) currently of record for prior application)
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING AND ACCESSING CONTROL AND STATUS
INFOÑIJATION IN A COMPL ITER SYRTFM

(title)

1.

The above-identified prior application is hereby expressly abandoned
under 37 C.F.R. § 1.62(g) as of the filing date of this new application.
Please use all the contents of the prior application file wrapper, including
the drawings, as the basic papers for the new application. No such copy of
the prior application is included herewith. The present application is being
filed under 37 C.F.R. § 1.62 before the payment of the issue fee,
abandonment of, or termination of the proceedings on the prior
application, or after payment of the issue fee (the latter if a petition under
37 C.F.R. § 1.313(b)(5) has been filed and granted in the prior
application).

2.

3.

Please enter the preliminary amendment enclosed before calculating the filing fee.

Before calculating the filing fee, please enter in the present application the amendment
fledon
the parent application.

under 37 C.F.R. § 1.116, but unentered, in

•ExPassaMAtt' MAIUNG 1.ABEI. NUMBER ß¾Œ/#Æ54'55VS

DAFE OF DEPOSE
/
- /M
i HEREBY CEROFY THAfTHIS PAPER OR FEE 18 BEING DEPOSITED
WTH THE UNITED SWEs Pos1xt.SERVICE *EXPREss MAll.PosT
OFFICETOADDRESSEE'8ERVICEUNDERS7CFR1.100NTHEDATE
INDICATED ABOVE AND 18 ADDRESSED TO THE ASSISTANT
COMMISSIONER FOR PAfENTs, WAsNINGTON, 0.0.20281
gyPED OR PRINTED IMIE OF PERSON MAIUNG PAPER OR FEIS
OF PERSON MAIUNG PAPER OR FEE)

APLNDC00024394

4.

5.

Cancel in this application claims
.
of the prior application
before calculating the filing fee (wherein at least one independent claim is retained for
filing purposes).
The filing fee is calculated below:
CLAIMS NOW PENDING IN THE PRIOR APPLICATION PLUS/MINUS CLAIMS
ADDED/CANCELED ABOVE
OTHER THAN A
(Col. 1)
(Col. 2)
SMALL ENTITY
SMALL ENTITY

For:

No. Filed

No. Extra

Rate

Basic Fee:

Fee
$

Total Claims:

24

- 20 *

4

Rate

385

C$
770

x 11 $

Indeg. Claims: _
3
-3 *
O
Multiple Dependent Claim(s) Presented
· If the ditterence is less than zero,
enter "0" in Col. 2.

Fee

x 22 1 $

x 40 $
+130 $

x 80_ $
+260 $

EOTAL $

FOTAL $

88

858

6.

A verified statement to establish small entity status under 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.9 and 1.27
is enclosed/
was filed in the pending prior application and such status
is still proper and desired. 37 C.F.R. § 1.28(a).

X

7.

The Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks is hereby authorized to charge any fees
that may be required, or credit any overpayment, to Deposit Account No. 02-2666. A
duplicate of this sheet is enclosed for Deposit Account purposes.

X

8.

A check in the amount of $ F8_00

is enclosed for the filing fee.

9.

Acheckintheamountof $
ursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.17.

is enclosed for the petition fee

1 .

Amend the specification by inserting the following before the first sentence on the first
page:

X

(a) /

e This is a X
continuation/
no. 0ßlgj6 23L , filed 9/20/94

(b)

-, which is a
no.

continuation/
,iiled

divisional of application
, now abandoned.•..

divisional of application
. - (Status: abandoned, pending, etc.)

(list all prior applications)
X

11.

It is hereby requested that any request for a convention priority made in the prior
application be transferred to this Rule 62 application.

-2 -

APLNDC00024395

12.

X

Priority of foreign application riumber
filed on
in (country)
is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119.

13.

The prior application is assigned of record to:
ADDIe Comouter Inc.
1 Infinite Loon. Cunertino. Califomia 95014

Y

14.

The Power of Attorney in the prior application is to:
Michael J. Mallie

sa 591
(Reg. No.)

(Name)

Edwin H Taylor, Reg. No. 25,129, and certain other listed attorneys or agent(s) of:
BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
12400 Wilshire Blvd., Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
[phone]
X

(a)

The Power appears in the original papers of the prior application
nO.

(WS18 997

filed

ennut

(b)

The Power does not appear in the original papers, but was filed on
in priorapplication no.
tiled

(c)

A new Power has been executed and is attached.
Recognize as an moousiate attomey or agent and address all future

communications to:
Michani.I Mallin

SA 591

(Name)

,

(Reg. No.)

BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP

vviisntre tsiva., eventn I-loor
Los Angeles, Calitornia 90025
[phone]

Address all future communications to the undersigned.
X

15.

Enclosed is a photocopy of a petition for an extension of time
pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.136 concurrently (or previously) submitted
under separate cover for the above-referenced prior application.

X

16.

Applicant(s) hereby petition(s) for an extension of time pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.136,
if needed, for the above-noted prior application. The Commissioner of Patents and
Trademarks is hereby authorized to charge any extension or petition fee under 37
C.F.R. § 1.17 that may be required for the above-referenced prior application to
Deposit Account No. 02-2666. Two photocopies of this document are enclosed for
filing in the prior application file and for Deposit Account purposes.

X

17.

The filing of an application under 37 C.F.R § 1.62 will be construed to include a waiver
of secrecy under 35 U.S.C. § 122 to the extent that any member of the public who is

-3 -

APLNDC00024396

entitled under the provisions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 to access to or information
concerning either the prior application or any continuing application filed under the
provisions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.62 may be given similar access to, or similar information
concerning, the other application(s) in the file wrapper.
37 C.F.R. § 1.62(f).

18.

This application is being filed by fewer than all the inventors named in the prior
application. In accordance with 37 C.F.R. § 1.62(a), the Commissioner of Patents and
Trademarks is requested to delete the name(s) of the following person(s) who are not
inventors of invention being claimed in this application:

Respectfully submitted,
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP

Michael J. M ie

12400 Wilshire Boulevard
Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
[phone]

Reg.No.
K

sami
Attorney or Agent of Record

Associate Attorney of Agent
Filed Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.34(a)

-4 -

APLNDC00024397

Attorney Docket No.: 04860.P1365

55

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
In Re Patent Application of :

Steven W. Christensen

)

Application No.: 08/316,237

)

Filed: September 30, 1994

For:

.

Examiner:

Dela Torre, C

Art Unit:

2415

i herebycertify that this correspondence is being deposited with the
United States Postal Service as first class mall with sufficient postage

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
DISPLAYING AND ACCESSING
CONTROL AND STATUS
INFORMATION IN A COMPUTE
SYSTEM

Assistant Commissioner for Patents
Washington, D.C. 20231

in an envelope addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patenis,
Washmgton, D.C.20231

Name of Person Malling Comespondence

i

Signabue ,

' Dato

PETITION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME
PURSUANT TO 37 C.F.R. § 1.136 (a)
Sir:
Applicants respectfully request a two month extension of time in which to
respond to the Advisory Action mailed January 31, 1997. The two month
extension extends the date of response to March 31, 1997. A check for $390:00
is enclosed for the fee for a two month extension of time.
If any additional fee is required, please charge Deposit Account No. 092666. A duplicate of this Petition is enclosed for deposit account charging št
purposes.
en

Respectfully submitted,
BLAKELY, OKOLOFF, TAYLOR & Z.AFMAN LLP
Dated:

X

,1997

Michael J. I\flallie
Reg. No. 36,591

12400 Wilshire Blvd.
Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90025-1026
[phone]

APLNDC00024398

.

-

·

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Patent and Trademark Office
ce

N NO.

FILING DATE

Address:

COMMISSIONEROFPATENTSAND smucMARKS
Washington, D.C. 20231

FIRST NAMED INVENTOR

E6M1/ 08 14
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYL.OR & ZAFMAN
12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
SEVENTH FLOOR
LOS AN6iELES CA 90025

ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.

EXAMINER
DELA TORRE . C
ARTU
DATE MAILED:

415

P

R NUMBER
OS/ 14/97

Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or
proceeding.
Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

APLNDC00024399

Application No.

Applicant(s)

08/821,004
Office Action Summary

Christensen

Examiner
Crescelle Delatorre

Group Art Unit
2415

Responsive to communication(s) filed on Mar 20, 1997
This action is FINAL.

Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is closed
in accordance with the practice under Ex parte Quayle, 1935 C.D. 11; 453 O.G. 213.
A shortened statutory period for response to this action is set to expire

three

month(s), or thirty days, whichever

is longer, from the mailing date of this communication. Failure to respond within the period for response will cause the
application to become abandoned. (35 U.S.C. § 133). Extensions of time may be obtained under the provisions of
37 CFR L136(a).

Disposition of Claims

Claim(s) 1-24

islare pending in the application.

Of the above, claim(s)

is/are withdrawn from consideration.

O claim(s)

is/are allowed.

Claim(s) 1-24

is/are rejected.

O claim(s)

islare objected to.

O Claims

are subject to restriction or election requirement.

Application Papers
O See the attached Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948.

O The drawing(s) filed on

islare objected to by the Examiner.

O The proposed drawing correction, filed on

is

03pproved

Ojisapproved.

O The specification is objected to by the Examiner.

O The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner.
Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119
O Acknowledgement is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(aHd).
All O Some* O None of the CERTIFIED copies of the priority documents have been
O received.
received in Application No. (Series Code/Serial Number)
O received in this national stage application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
*Certified copies not received:
O Acknowledgement is made of a claim for domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e).

Attachment(s)
Notice of References Cited, PTO-892
O Information Disclosure Statement(s), PTO-1449, Paper No(s).
Interview Summary, PTO-413
O Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948
Notice of Informal Patent Application, PTO-152

--- SEE OFFICE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES --ent and Trademark Office

326 (Rev. 9-95)

Office Action Summary

Part of Paper No.

14

APLNDC00024400

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 2

Art Unit: 2415

DETAILED ACTION

1.

This action is responsive to communications: Preliminary Amendment C, filed on 3/20/97.

This action is made final.

2.

Claims 1 - 24 are pending in this case. Claims 1, I I, 15 are independent claims.

This application is an FWC of 08/316,237, filed on 9/30/94, now abandoned.

3.

The present title of the invention is "Method and Apparatus for Displaying and Accessing

Control and Status Information in a Computer System" as originally filed.

Claim Rejections - 35 USC §102
4.

The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that

form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless -

(a) the invention was known or used by others in this country, or patented or described in a printed publication in
this or a foreign country, before the invention thereofby the applicant for a patent.

5.

Claims 1 - 3, 8 - 24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a) as being anticipated by

Cohausz (EPO 0 584 392 Al), based upon the English translation, which is included with this
Office Action.

APLNDC00024401

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 3

Art Unit: 2415

As per claim 1, Cohausz teaches an "interactive computer-controlled display system" with
a 'status indicator for a computer program', that comprises:
"a processor" which is inherently taught by Cohausz, smee a processor is necessary m

order to execute the functions of the status indicator;
"a data display screen" with 'monitor screen' at p. 4, paragraph 5;

"a cursor control device" with a 'mouse cursor' at p. 5, paragraph 2;
"a window generation and control logic" to ",,, uts: an operating environment for a
plurality of individual programming modules that provide status and control functions" at the

bridging paragraph of pp. 2 - 3, "wherein the window generation and control logic generates and
displays a first window region" with oblong field I, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,
"having a plurality of display areas" with individual fields 2, at Fig. 1, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,
"wherein each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the plurality of individual
programming modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2;
"an indicia generation logic" to "execute at least one of the plurality of programming
modules to generate information for display in one of the plurality of display areas" at p. 3,
paragraph 2, "wherein at least one of the plurality of display areas and its associated programming
module is sensitive to user input" at p. 5, paragraph 2, and further using "message-based
communication to exchange information to coordinate activities of the indicia generation logic to
enable interactive display activity" at p. 3, paragraph 2, which teaches information passing
between the status indicator and the respective program area, text, or information segment.

APLNDC00024402

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 4

Art Unit: 2415

As per claim 2, Cohausz teaches a "control strip" with oblong field 1, at Figs. 1 - 3.
Regarding claim 3, Cohausz also teaches that "at least one display area is variably sized" at p. 5,
paragraph 1, and p. 6, paragraph 2.
In addition, Cohausz teaches that "at least one of the plurality of display areas only
displays information" [claim 8] at p. 3, paragraph 2, and at Figs. 1 - 3; or "acts to provide access
to control info---

on when selected" [claim 9] at p. 3, paragraph 2, or "displays an additional

display element" [claim 10] at p. 6, paragraph 3.
In reference to claim 11, Cohausz teaches the following subject matter:
"a processor" which is inherently taught by Cohausz, smce a processor is necessary in
order to execute the functions of the status indicator;
"a data display screen" with 'monitor screen' at p. 4, paragraph 5;
"a cursor control device" with a 'mouse cursor' at p. 5, paragraph 2;
"a window generation and control logic" to "create an operating environment for a
plurality of individual programming modules that provide status and control functions" at the
bridging paragraph of pp. 2 - 3, "wherein the window generation and control logic generates and
displays a first window region" with oblong field 1, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,

"having a plurality of display areas" with individual fields 2, at Fig. 1, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,

"wherein each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the plurality of individual
programming modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2;

APLNDC00024403

Seria Number: 08/82 004

Page 5

Art Unit: 2415

"at least one indicia graphics generation logic" that "generates user sensitive graphics for

display in at least one data display area by executing at least one of the plurality of programming
modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2; and

wherein the window generation and control logic determines when a data display area has
been selected, signals the indicia graphics generation logic, which then initiates a response from
said at least one of the plurality of programming modules, also at p. 3, paragraph 2.
Cohausz also teaches that the "first window region is always visible to the user" [claim 12]
at p. 4, paragraph 5, since he teaches that the status indicator is 'visible during the entire program'.
As per claims 13, 14, they correspond respectively to claims 2, 3.
As to claim 15, Cohausz teaches the following steps:
"creating an operating environment for a plurality of individual programming modules that
provide status and control functions" at p. 2, paragraph 4 to p. 3, paragraph 2;
"generating a first window" with oblong field 1, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5, to
accommodate a "plurality of display areas for indicia" with individual fields 2, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at
p. 4, paragraph 5, resulting from "executing at least one of the plurality of individual programming

modules, wherein each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the plurality of
individual programming modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2;
"displaying an indicia" as shown at Figs. 1 - 3;
"selecting one of the indicia" at p. 5, paragraph 2; and

APLNDC00024404

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 6

Art Unit: 2415

"said programming module performing a function in response to the selection" at p. 5,
paragraph 2.

In addition, Cohausz teaches "status information" [claim 16] and "control information"

[claim 17] at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 5, paragraphs 2, 3.
As to claim 18, Cohausz teaches that the first programming module requests a set of
features at p. 5, paragraph 2, sends a message to the programming module indicative of features,
and the programming module returns a message; such that the programming modules interact
with each other in response to user interaction with the first programming module, also at p. 5,
paragraph 2.
Cohausz also teaches the following: that each of the plurality of display areas is
individually and variable sized [claims 19, 22] at p. 5, paragraph 1, and p. 6, paragraph 2; the first
window region always appears in front of application windows [claims 20, 23] at p. 4, paragraph
5, wherein the status indicator is 'visible during the entire program'; and the first window region is
in a 'private window layer' [claims 21, 24] also at p. 4, paragraph 5.

Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
6.

The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103(a) which forms the basis for all

obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
(a) A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set forth in
section 102 of this title, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are
such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person

APLNDC00024405

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 7

put Unit: 2415

having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. Patentability shall not be negatived by the
manner in which the invention was made.

7.

Claims 4 - 7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as being unpatentable over Cohausz

(EPO 0 584 392 Al), based upon the English translation, and the patent to Mills et al. (U.S.

patent 5,202,961).

Cohausz teaches that the display areas [individual fields 2] of the first window region
[oblong field 1] are variably sized at p. 5, paragraph 1, and p. 6, paragraph 2, but does not teach
that the first window region is variably sized [claim 4], such that none of the plurality of display
areas is visible [claim 5], all are visible [claim 6], or a portion is visible [claim 7].
On the other hand, Mills et al., hereinafter Mills, teach that the size of the first window
region is variable [claim 4] also at col. 4, lines 8 - 9, and also teaches sizing the first window
region so that none of the display areas are visible [claim 5] with close box 28, at Fig. 2, and at
col. 4, lines 7 - 8, or all [claim 6] or a portion [claim 7] of the display areas are visible, both at col.

4, lines 8 - 9.
Although Cohausz does not teach that the first window region is variably sized, it would
have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention to vary the size of

the first window region as taught by Mills, because it gives the user control over how much and
what to display of the status indicator.

APLNDC00024406

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 8

Art Unit: 2415

Response to Arguments

8.

Applicant's arguments filed 8/23/96 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
The examiner agrees with applicant that Mills does not teach "providing logic that creates

an operating environment like a shell for other programming modules to provide status and
control functions". As pointed out by applicant, in Mills, the "control window is used for

controlling video generated by an application".
Rather, the Cohausz reference was used to reject the present claims. Like applicant 's
claimed invention, Cohausz teaches "creating an operating environment for a plurality of

individual progrm..,,, tag modules that provide status and control functions" to generate and
display a first window region [oblong field 1] having a plurality of display areas [individual fields
2], as shown at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5.

In an after-final amendment, dated 1/21/97, which was not entered, applicant's primary
arguments regarding the Cohausz reference, when taken alone or in combination with the Mills

reference, were that Cohausz does not teach "individual programming modules" nor does
Cohausz teach "message based communication for information exchange". The examiner
disagrees with applicant on both points because Cohausz teaches "individual programming
modules" at the bridging paragraph of pp. 2 - 3 ['an oblong field comprising an plurality of
individual fields... each of which constitutes an operating field or control button... that branches
into the associated program area or executes the associated program function']. In addition,
Cohausz teaches message based communication at p. 3, second paragraph, that either tells the

APLNDC00024407

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 9

Art Unit: 2415

module what to do or to obtain information about the module and its capabilities ['the status
indicator has the double function of operating like a menu {tells the module what to do} and of
displaying exactly where in the program or in the body of information the operator or user is
located {obtains information about the module- i.e. location of the user in the program}'].

Conclusion
9.

The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's

disclosure.

Foster et al. (U.S. patent 5,588,105) teach a status bar that includes an icon for controlling
the application program or an area which displays information generated by the application
program [see Fig. 5].

Oran et al. (U.S. patent 65,617,526) describe a system visual notification area for
displaying visual notifications to a user, such as events, status information, and other information
[see Figs. 2 - 6].
Jones et al. (U.S. patent 5,644,334) detail status indicators located adjacent to their
associated objects in a side bar panel [see Figs. 6A - 6B].

10.

THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is

i d of the extension of time

policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).

APLNDC00024408

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 10

yt Unit: 2415

A shortened statutory period for response to this final action is set to expire THREE
MONTHS from the date of this action. In the event a first response is filed within TWO

MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after
the end of the = *-I« »E-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period

will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37
CFR l.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event will the
statutory period for response expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action.

Responses

11.

Responses to this action should be mailed to: Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks,

Washington, D.C. 20231. If applicant desires to fax a response, [phone] may be used for
formal communications or [phone] for informal or draft communications. NOTE: A
Request for Continuation (Rule 60 or 62) cannot be faxed.

Please label "PROPOSED" or "Du - " for informal facsimile communications. For after

final responses, please label "^ I KR FINAL" or "EXPEDITED PROCEDURE" on the
sL, ament.

Hand-delivered responses should be brought to Crystal Park II, 2121 Crystal Drive,
Arlington. VA., Sixth Floor (Receptionist).

Inquiries

APLNDC00024409

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 11

Art Unit: 2415

12.

Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner

should be directed to Crescelle N. dela Torre whose telephone number is [phone]. The
examiner can normally be reached on Mondays-Thursdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, and on

altemating Fridays from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner's supervisor,

Mark Powell, can be reached on [phone].
Communications via Internet e-mail regarding this application, other than those under 35
U.S.C. 132 or which otherwise require a signature, may be used by the applicant and should be
addressed to [[e-mail]].
All Internet e-mail communications will be made of record in the application file. PTO
employees do not engage in Internet communications where there exists a possibility that sensitive
information could be identified or exchanged unless the record includes a properly signed express
waiver of the confidentiality requirements of 35 U.S.C. 122. This is more clearly set forth in the
Interim Internet Usage Policy published in the Official Gazette of the Patent and Trademark on

February 25, 1997 at 1195 OG 89.
Any inquiry of a general nature or relating to the status of this application or proceeding
should be directed to the Group receptionist whose telephone number is [phone].

cAndgust 12, 1997

PRIMARY EXAMINER
ART UNIT 2415

APLNDC00024410

Application No.

Applicant(s)

08/821,004

Notice of Refererices Citeri

Christensen

Examiner

Group Art Unit

Crescelle Delatorre

2415

Page 1 of 1

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
cocuMENT NO.

DATE

NAME

CLASS

5,588,105

12/1996

Foster et al.

395

5,617,526

4/1997

Oran et al.

8943

5 6

7/1997

Jones et al.

39&

334

S ^^

c,

326 a

119
426x y

H

M

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
DocuMENT NO.

DATE

COUNTRY

NAME

CLASS

SUBCLASS

N

NON-PATENT DOCUMENTS
uva,wm

. (including Author, Tide, Soun:e, and Pertinent Pages)

DATE

U

V

Patent and Trademark Office

TO-892 (Rev. 9-95)

Notice of References Cited

Part of Paper No.

14

APLNDC00024411

Illlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
US005588105A
United States Patent [19]
Foster et al.

(11] Patent Number:
[45] Date of Patent:

5,588,105
Dec. 24, 1996

[54] STATUS BAR FOR APPLICATION WINDOWS

= ·· -- URLif'ATIONS

[75] Inventors: Gregg S. Foster, Woodside; Stephen P.
Capps, San Carlos, both of Calif.

Microsoft Windows Version 3.0 User's Guide, Microsoft
Corporation, 1990, pp. 17-18, 23-25, 28-29, 44-47, 55-56,
156-157, 398-399.
O'Connor, Rory J., "Applebanking on Newton's brain," San
Jose Mercury News, Apr. 22, 1992.
Weiman et al, "A Step Toward the Future" Macworld, Aug.
1992, pp. 129-131.
M. Soviero, "Your World According to Newton" Popular
Science, Sep. 1992, pp. 45-49.
E Abatemarco, "From the Editof' Popular Sceinee, Sep.
1992, p. 4.

[73) Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino,
Calif.

[21] Appl. No.: 393,880
[22] Filed:

Feb. 24, 1995
Related U.S. Application Data

Prénary Eraminer-RaymondJ. Bayerl

Anomey, Agern, or Firm--Hickman Beyer & Weaver

[63] Continuation of Ser. No. 976,970, Nov. 16, 1992, abandoned.

GO6F 3/14; GO6F 3/033

[52] U.S. Cl.
395/326; 395/348
[58] Field of Search .....
395/155, 157,
395/159, 156, 158; 345/119, 120, 146,
902

(57]
ABSTRACT
A status bar characterized by a template generated independently of an application program and displayed on a computer screen in contact with an application window. The

[51] Int. Cl 6

[56]

template carries at least one active area that can include an
icon for controlling the application program or an area
which displays information generated by the application
program. Altematively, or additionally, the active area can

References Cited

include "global functions" of the computer system. A

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

method for providing a status bar is characterized by the
steps of creating a status bar template having at least one
area to be activated, activating at least one area to create a
status bar, and displaying the status bar on a computer screen
in contact with an associated application window displayed
on the computer screen. The step of creating a status bar
template can include the steps ofcreating a pluralityof status

4,931,783 6/1990 Atkinson ......................... 345/146 X

5,121,477 6/1992 Koopmans et al.
395/156
5,140,678 8/1992 'Ibrres .........
... 395/159
5,179,655 1/1993 Noguchi et al.
..... 395/158
5,230,063 7/1993 Hoeber et aL ....................... 395/156
5,255,358 10/1993 Busboom et al. ................. 395/156 X

5,276,795 1/1994 Hoeber et al. ........................ 395/156
5,305,435

4/1994 Bronson ..

............. 395/159

5,317,687 5/1994 Tbtres ................................. 395/159
5,375,200 12/1994 Dugan et al.
5,425,141 6/1995 Gedye ............

bar templates, one of which is chosen to be attached to a
particular application window.

395/159
395/157

40 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets

42

who

Bob Martin

what

Mv Card

where

Cunertino CA

90

Number 408-555-4321
96

at Card
FAXSLIP

98
|PREVle

94

92

( 408 ) 555 - 1234

72

APLNDC00024412

38

10

000 * 000
20 _________,24
36

12

CLOC26

(18

CPU

\/O

SERIAL PORT

4
728

OTHER

30
16

14

y

RAM

-

22

STORE

APLNDC00024413

U.S. Patent

Dec. 24, 1996

Sheet 2 or n

5,588,105
10

B
46

50

48

DEC'1, 1992

NOTE'1

44

........

20

--58

60

62

64

66

68

42

70

Iváv i | FONT| 2 3

52

54a

54b

56

24

Ig.2

APLNDC00024414

u.s. Pat€BÉ

Dec. 24, 1996

Sheet 3 of 11

5,588,105

42

Gregg Foster
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 555 - 1234
FILTER
7

78

80

MORE
82

-74
N

84

86

APLNDC00024415

U.S. Patent

Dec. 24, 1996

Sheet 4 of 11

5,588,105

42

Gregg Foster
«- 72
Apple Computer, Inc.
FAX
MAIL

'

88

( 408 ) 555 - 12: EsDH

OG ._..J..._.J._.J
86

FIÇ.4

APLNDC00024416

U.S. Patent

Dec. 24, 1996

Sheet 5 of 11

5,588,105

42

who
what

Bob Martin
My Card

y

90

where Cunertino. CA
Number 408-555-4321
96

mat Card
FAXSLIP

98
PREVIE

94

-92

72

( 408 ) 555 - 1234
-74

O

._.J ._.J ........J
86

FIg. 5

APLNDC00024417

U.S. Patent

Dec. 24, 1996

Sheet 6 or n

5,588,105

START
104

106

START A NEW
APPLACATION PROGRAM

102

108

COUPLE STATUS BAR TO
APPLICATION PROGRAM WINDOW

DISPLAY APPLICATION PROGRAM
WINDOW WITH STATUS BAR ON A
COMPUTER SCREEN

110

114

APPLICATION FEEDBACK ?
116

NO

UPDATE AREA
ON STATUS BAR
YES
118

STATUS BAR ACTION ?
120

NO

DO STATUS
BAR ACTION
YES
122

BUTTON ACTION?
NO

DO BUTTON
ACTION
YES

APLNDC00024418

U.S. Patent

Dec. 24, 1996

Sheet 7 of 11

5,588,105

START
124
126
108

APPLICATION OBTAINS

STATUS BAR TEMPLATE
130
128

*

ANY AREAS TO FILL ?

FILL AREAS

NO
DONE

,

132

START
152
130

YES
ALL AREAS FILLED ?
154

DONE

NO

CREATE A NEW AREA

/ INSTALL NEW AREA IN
STATUS BAR

160
156

158

APLNDC00024419

U.S. Patent

nee.24, nu

sheet s or n

5,588,105

IÇ. &a
134

H ,

Y

W

IÇ. 86
138

140

14

1

Ig. 8J
146

14

150

-I

APLNDC00024420

U.S. Patent

Dec. 24, 1996

Sheet 9 of 11

162

156

5,588,105

'FIg.10

START

164

YES

166

-

OBTAIN A
BUTTON
TEMPLATE

CHEATE A BUTTON ?
NO

168

172

CUSTOMIZE
BUTTON

176 /

CUSTOMIZE

CRATE L

NO

TEXT
TEMPLATE
180

178

v

YES

CREATE OTHER ?

\
OBTAIN
TEMPLATE

NO

182
170

DONE

CUSTOMIZE
TEMPLATE

,

APLNDC00024421

U.S. Patent

Dec. 24, 1996

Sheet 10 or n

5,588,105

186

184

IQ. 11
12b

18

8

1

192

194

196 198

42

IQ. 12a
186

200

FIg.126
A

I

18

I

42

APLNDC00024422

U.S. Patent

Dec. 24, 1996

Sheet 11 of 11

202

5,588,105

118

START

204

206

YES
DRAG ?

DO DRAG

NO

-

210

208

YES

GESTURE ?

-

DO GESTURE

NO

214

212

YES
OTHER ?

DO OTHER

NO
216
DONE

APLNDC00024423

5,588,105
1

2

STATUS BAR FOR APPLICATION WINDOWS

to display information derived from the application pro-

gram, display information derived from the computer system ("global information"), or control a function of the

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/967,970
filed Nov. 16, 1992, now abandoned.

computer system ("global control").
A method for providing a status bar includes the steps of
creating a status bar template having at least one area to be
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
activated; activating the area to create a status har for that
This invention relates generally to computer systems, and
application; and displaying the status bar on a computer
more particularly to graphical user interfaces for computer
screen in contact with an associated application window.
systems.
Io The step of creating a status bar template can include
Graphical user interfaces or GUI are becoming increascreating a number of altemative status bar templates, in
ingly popular with computer users. It is generally accepted
which case an additional step of selecting one of the status
5

that computers having graphical user interfaces are easier to

bar templates is performed. Again, the active area can

use, and that it is quicker to leam an application program in
control a function of the application program, display infora GUI environment than in a non-GUI environment.
15 mation from the application program, display global information, orit can control a function outside ofthe application
Apple Computer, Inc. is widely credited with popularizprogram.
ing graphical user interfaces with the GUI provided on their

Macintosh line of computers. The Macintosh GUI includes
a "desk top" area occupying most of the computer screen, a

A major advantage of the posent invention is that the
status bar is attached directly to an application window so
menu bar provided along the top of the screen which * there is no ambiguity as to which application program that
status bar controls. Another advantage of the status bar is
provides a number of pull-down menus that can be activated
with a pointing device, such as a mouse or track ball. The
that it can be configured by the application program with
application specific features. Furthermore, the status bar
output of application programs can be displayed on the
a common graphical user interface which makes the
screen within a "window" which can cover part or all of the
desk top. The menu bar, however, is always visible and will 6 status bar functions easy to leam and use.
always display certain system required functions regardless
of which application program is currently active.
BRIEF DESCRIF110N OF THE
When multiple windows are open on the screen, it can, at

times, become confusing as to which application is currently
active and which application is being controlledby the menu
bar. For example, even though the Macintosh GUI causes a

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system in
accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the screen, case, and keypad
of the computer system of FIG. 1;
tive shading, users still sometimes mistake a non-active
FIG. 3 illustrates a first screen display showing a pop-up
window for the active window and try to operate on the 35 window with a status bar;
non-active window with the menu bar.
FIG. 4 is a view of the screen where a pop-up window has
title bar associated with an active window to have a distinc-

Some graphical user interfaces, such as X-window and

been activated from the status bar;

some graphical UNIX user interfaces, permit multiple active
FIG. 5 is a view of the screen where a second window has
windows on a computer screen. While such systems are
been opened with an associated status bar;
advantageous in that several application programs can be 40
FIG. 6is a flow diagramof amethodforproviding a status
mn at the same time, the user interface becomes more
bar in accordance with the present invention;
complex since each application program can provide its
FIG.7 is a flow diagram illustrating, in greater detail, the
own, idiosyncratic interface to a user. This added complexity
"Couple Status Bar" step of FIG. 6;
decreases user efficiency and increases leaming time.
FIGS. Sa-8b illustrate several status bar templates;
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to haVC 45
similar user interfaces associated with any application proFIG. 9 illustrates the "Fill Areas" step 130 of FIG. 7;
gram window which might be displayed on a screen. With
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the "Create a New
such an system, it would be immediately clear which appliArea" step 156 of FIG. 9;
cation was being acted upon, and user elliciency would be
FIG. 11 illustrates a completed status bar object;
increased due to standardization of the interface.
So
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrates the "Install New Area" step
158 of FIG. 9;
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating the "Do Status Bar
The present invention overcomes the disadvantage of the
Action" step 118 of FIG. 6.
prior art with a "status bar" which is attached to open ss
application windows. Since the status bar is attached directly
DETAILED DESCRIPITON OF THE
to the application window, there is no ambiguity as to which
EMBODIMENT
window that status bar controls. Furthermore, the status bar
has a en==nn format to provide a more uniform graphical
The present invention is well suited for pointer based
user interface for the user of the computer system·
60 computer systems such as the pen-based, stylus-based and
mouse driven systems that are currently popular. For the
A status bar in accordance with the present invention
purposes of illustration, the invention will be described in
includes a status bar template generated independently of an
connection with a pen-based system. However, the present
application program which is displayed on a computer

invention is well suited to any computer system using a
screen in contact with an application window. The status bar
template carries at least one active area. The active area can 65 window-type graphical user interface (GUI), or for non-

include an icon which, if activated, can control an operation
of the application program. The active area can also be used

window interfaces where a common user interface for
application programs is desired.

APLNDC00024424