Another stupid MS Patent

[mobrien_12]

USPTO#6,727,830

Granted April 27, 2004.  Submitted July 2002.

 

quote:Abstract of the Patent
A method and system are provided for extending the functionality of application buttons on a limited resource computing device. Alternative application functions are launched based on the length of time an application button is pressed. A default function for an application is launched if the button is pressed for a short, i.e., normal, period of time. An alternative function of the application is launched if the button is pressed for a long, (e.g., at least one second), period of time. Still another function can be launched if the application button is pressed multiple times within a short period of time, e.g., double click.

We really need patent law reform in this country.

[WMD]

Don't one-button Apple mice bring up a context menu when you hold the button in for longer?  There you go.

[Xeen]

When will Microsoft patent the binary system? The US Patent office is stupid enough to give it to them as long as it's nicely phrased:

"A method of encoding information using only ones and zeros." - GRANTED!

[WMD]

quote:Originally posted by xeen:
When will Microsoft patent the binary system? The US Patent office is stupid enough to give it to them as long as it's nicely phrased:

"A method of encoding information using only ones and zeros." - GRANTED!

There's a fake web story about just that - but it appears that MS took the site down (as was said).  :mad:

[M51DPS]

quote:Originally posted by WMD:
Don't one-button Apple mice bring up a context menu when you hold the button in for longer?  There you go.

I think I remember the OS doing it in some places, but not everywhere.....

[Fett101]

quote:Originally posted by WMD:
There's a fake web story about just that - but it appears that MS took the site down (as was said).   :mad:  

Um... that was on The Onion. It's in the archives which you have to pay to access.

[lframe]

The Onion piece is at:

http://home.att.net/~jbcole/humor/Microsoft_patents.htm

[Xeen]

Seriously, when will Microsoft just patent the use of a computer already?