Stop Microsoft

All Things Microsoft => Microsoft as a Company => Topic started by: mobrien_12 on 3 May 2004, 01:57

Title: Another stupid MS Patent
Post by: mobrien_12 on 3 May 2004, 01:57
USPTO#6,727,830 (http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6,727,830.WKU.&OS=PN/6,727,830&RS=PN/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.
Title: Another stupid MS Patent
Post by: WMD on 3 May 2004, 07:18
Don't one-button Apple mice bring up a context menu when you hold the button in for longer?  There you go.
Title: Another stupid MS Patent
Post by: Xeen on 3 May 2004, 08:21
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!
Title: Another stupid MS Patent
Post by: WMD on 3 May 2004, 08:35
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:
Title: Another stupid MS Patent
Post by: M51DPS on 3 May 2004, 23:24
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.....
Title: Another stupid MS Patent
Post by: Fett101 on 4 May 2004, 21:41
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.
Title: Another stupid MS Patent
Post by: lframe on 3 June 2004, 13:04
The Onion piece is at:

http://home.att.net/~jbcole/humor/Microsoft_patents.htm (http://home.att.net/~jbcole/humor/Microsoft_patents.htm)
Title: Another stupid MS Patent
Post by: Xeen on 3 June 2004, 19:22
Seriously, when will Microsoft just patent the use of a computer already?