Microsoft Patents the Double-Click

[James Fee]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='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' target='_blank'>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</a><br /><br /></div>"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. "<br /><br />We've seen Apple <a href="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5448">patent transparent windows</a> and British Telecom try to <a href="http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,37095,00.html">patent hyperlinks</a>, and now comes word that Microsoft has a patent on double clicks. I guess we can now let <a href="http://www.parc.xerox.com/">PARC</a> know that they have missed out on another revenue stream. <b>I personally see nothing wrong with this.</b> Yea you read that! Why not let Microsoft and Apple protect themselves against small "<a href="http://www.eolas.com/">startups</a>"? I do agree this has all gotten out of hand, but if these are the rules, who can fault Microsoft for trying to protect themselves.

[sundown]

Land grab! I am hereby patent the sigh. It was my idea in the first place and now everyone who sighs for sarcastic purposes owes me $.015 (USD).

Watch out, "rolls eyes" is next! Enjoy it for free while you can.

*sigh* (patent pending)

[James Fee]

The BBC has an article titled, "Technology industry hits out at 'patent trolls' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3722509.stm)".

[Pony99CA]

Good find, James. Did you actually find this at the PTO Web site, though? :lol:

However, if you look at the patent, it appears that they're trying to claim launching different applications on PDAs when buttons are pushed, pushed and held and pushed twice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Small, mobile computing devices, such as personal desktop assistants including hand-held and palm-type computers and the like, are becoming increasingly popular for use by business people and others who must travel, and thus cannot readily access information stored on their desktop computer or office network workstation. Although laptop computers are capable of running virtually all of the application programs that execute on desktop machines, laptop computers are often either too large and/or too heavy to carry around. There is thus an increased demand for substantially smaller palm-type computers that are able to run business applications of less complexity than those designed to run on a desktop computer and enable a user to quickly access all types of personal and business related data, such as addresses, telephone numbers, scheduled appointment times, etc.
Maybe this should be posted at Pocket PC Thoughts. :-D

Steve

[James Fee]

Good find, James. Did you actually find this at the PTO Web site, though? :lol:
Actually a friend sent it too me through an IM (it was actually a story in a newspaper that has since gone 404). I've seen it in a couple places since then.

I know you won't believe it, but I don't hang out at the Patent Office. ;)

However, if you look at the patent, it appears that they're trying to claim launching different applications on PDAs when buttons are pushed, pushed and held and pushed twice.
Sounds almost Rube Goldbergish. :lol: