Patent Search

Patent Critique:

The patent solves the issue of a GUI which displays data for the user to see and analyze it but it barley shows any data on the page. It is necessary to fit more data points for the Nanolabs because they utilize more sensors and even cameras.

Source: Jefferv T. Lee, Szu-Wen Huang, Jesse W. Boettcher, inventors; Apple inc., Assignee. List Item Layouts System and Method. United States patent US 7,810,047 B2. 2010 Oct 5.

Patent Number: US 7,810,047 B2

Summary:

A method of displaying list items is provided that includes defining a plurality of list items, layouts, and linking each item to a layout in order for each layout to be linked to one or more list items. A graphical user interface will display the lists; the items of the lists are formatted based on a limited number of layout types where the items having similar components share a common layout type: the interface includes list items having properties defined by a layout.

Critique:

The patent is on the layout/design of an interface when presenting data or lists. The patent proposes a solution to a method of presenting data or simply the layout of a list of items such as sensors (regarding the Nanolabs). Having a layout where the items share a common layout type would be beneficial for the NASA researchers because they value simplicity. A common layout would keep the user interface clean and pleasant to the eye (a 5h grader would be able to operate the interface). The patent also defines properties based on the layout, which is another method for keeping the lists clean and similar. The patent adds to methods of listing and how the layout is able to define properties of the interface.

Source: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Avi E. Cieplinski, inventors; Apple inc., Assignee. DEVICE , METHOD , AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR SELECTING USER INTERFACE OBJECTS. United States patent US 10,969,945 B2. 2021 Apr. 6

Patent Number: US 10,969,945 B2

Summary:

A graphical user interface with a touch-sensitive surface and one or more sensors to detect the intensity of contacts with the touch-sensitive surface displays a virtual keyboard. It display will the output characters according to the user's input. While displaying an autocorrect user interface for changing characters to a different string of characters, the device detects an autocorrect input that is stored in memory. If the user desires to continue with the correction or go back to the original, the user will have to input/push their desired input.

Critique:

The patent proposes a solution to the implementation of autocorrect in a graphical user interface. The patent proposes a solution to using a typing feature in a graphical user interface, specifically the autocorrect feature. Autocorrect will affect the input of the user, which will be momentarily stored in memory, and the string of characters input by the user will still be influenced by the actions of the user. Autocreection is a feature that may be utilized in the graphical user interface NASA will want if it will provide easier navigation such as through a search feature. Typing may also be needed when using the interface to interact with the interface, where autocorrect may be implemented.

Source: Jerry L. Dupper, Peter K. Nagy, inventors; Unisys Corporation, Assignee. Application specific graphical user interface (GUI) that is window programmable and capable of operating above a windows operating system GUI. United States patent US5706456A. 1998 Jan 6.

Patent Number: US5706456A

Summary:

Most personal computer uses have an iconic graphical user interface (GUI) providing users with windows, icons, and menus to perform tasks. Currently, Microsoft Windows operating system is the most popularly used GUI. The Windows GUI includes rectangular areas of the computer screen; the windows. These windows appear on a background (desktop). Applications are represented in windows by small icons or graphical symbols.

Critique:

Windows proposed their own solution to specific GUI design. Windows has specific criteria for how users will operate their graphical user interface to perform their desired tasks. NASA wants an interface where their researchers that control the hardware in the Nanolab experiments and receive data in the process. In order for this to happen, an interface is needed in which icons and symbols will assist the user in navigating the interface. Windows is popular because of its ease of use and their specific icons however can be a bit confusing to a new user.

Source: Freddy Anzures, Imran Chaudhri, inventors; Apple Inc., Assignee. GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR A DISPLAY SCREEN OR PORTION THEREOF. United States patent USD604305S1. 2007 Jun 23.

Patent Number: USD604305S1

Summary:

Apple has proposed their new ornamental design for a graphical user interface for a display screen. Apple provides the front view of their graphical user interface for a display screen. Their design primarily utilizes colorful icons and symbols to navigate the interface.

Critique:

Apple proposed their solution to their design of a graphical user interface. Apple decided on utilizing apps as icons/buttons which would direct the user to the designated page/app. Apple has completed a successful way of integrating simplicity into their graphic user interface by utilizing many icons/pictures. Apple products are so popular today because of their simplicity and functionality. NASA wants an interface that will be effective yet simple, which can be drawn from ideas of the Apple patent. By utilizing icons along with appealing colors/pictures, the interface will be easily navigated and appreciated for its functionality.

Source: Jerry L. Dupper, Peter K. Nagy, inventors; Unisys Corporation, Assignee. Application specific graphical user interface (GUI) that is window programmable and capable of operating above a windows operating system GUI. United States patent 5,706,456. 1998 Jan 6.

Patent Number: 5,706,456

Summary:

A desktop programmable Graphical User Interface (GUI) workstation that can be easily programmed to perform custom applications, without the need of a text editor, create or edit code, or understand any particular programming language. The user can program the workstation in an icon environment from predefined functions stored in libraries. Once programmed the workstation employs a GUI which provides the user with an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand interface to their application-specific process. The user interface is structured to organize work tasks by major activities of the application-specific process. The workstation allows the user to integrate generic window technology such as word processing into their application-specific process.

Critique:

The patent proposes a solution to the workstation of a graphical user interface. The workstation will provide the graphic user interface with icons in which the user will utilize to perform their tasks and activities. This patent helps further how the graphical user interface can be made simpler, by organizing certain tasks together based on activities of the applications of the interface. NASA desires a simple interface, in which a fifth-grader will be able to use. The patent proposes a GUI that is application-based, which means there is no need for a text editor for the code.

Source: Steven P . Jobs, Scott Forstall, Greg Christie, Stephen O . Lemay, inventors; Apple inc, Assignee. Touch screen device, method, and graphical user interface for customizing display of content category icons. United States patent US9952759B2. 2018 Apr 24.

Patent Number: US 9,952,759 B2

Summary:

A computer-implemented method for use in conjunction with a computing device with an interface comprises: detecting one or more contacts with the display, applying patterns with one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and processing the command. The patterns comprise for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a pattern for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a pattern for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a respective item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items.

Critique:

The patent proposes a solution to how interface commands are dependant on physical user interaction with the graphic user interface. If the screen had a touchscreen capability, the patent provided another way for the user to navigate the interface. In certain scenarios, this may be easier, however for NASA's desired interface, a touchscreen would be more a hindrance than an advantage.

Source: Brennan Boblett, Nalinichandra Penke, Roy Goldman, Michael Fairman, Kevin Hsieh, inventors; Tesla motors, inc. Assignee; Method of launching an application and selecting the application target window. United States patent US10019066B2. 2018 Jul 10.

Patent Number: US10019066B2

Summary:

A method of launching a software program or application is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display. One portion of the GUI display includes a taskbar while a second portion is divided into a plurality of windows. To launch one of the programs/applications represented by the icons within the taskbar, the user first selects the icon representing the icon to be launched. When the user drags the selected icon into one of the windows and then releases the icon, the selected program/application is launched in the selected window.

Critique:

The provides a solution to opening a certain application. The interface that NASA needs will need criteria for how applications will be opened, and the patent provides their solution to opening a certain icon. Many interfaces use a simple touch input from the user to open the desired application, however, Tesla requires the user to drag the application into a designated zone where the application will open. This is function seems to just add another step to opening an application, which is not desires for the NASA user interface since it needs to be the easiest to use.