Context sensitive labels for an electronic device
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United States of America Patent
Stats
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Mar 31, 2009
Grant Date -
Oct 28, 2004
app pub date -
May 20, 2004
filing date -
Dec 28, 2000
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
A control panel unit for a computing device includes buttons having characteristics that define individual button states. Upon actuation of a button, the viewable states of the buttons may change. A portion of the button may be illuminated to represent the state and/or include an icon depicting an application controlled by the button. The control panel unit may include a display for displaying plural soft labels corresponding to the buttons and representing the current context that will be initiated when the corresponding button is actuated. The soft labels may identify users or applications available to one user. Upon actuation of an application, the soft labels can change to represent various actions or functions available in the application. In the user interface, each user may be assigned a specific color scheme. The color schemes allow a person to visually determine who is logged into the system and/or which individual has new information.
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- 15 United States
- 10 France
- 8 Japan
- 7 China
- 5 Korea
- 2 Other
Patent Owner(s)
| Patent Owner | Address | |
|---|---|---|
| MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC | ONE MICROSOFT WAY REDMOND WA 98052 |
International Classification(s)
Inventor(s)
| Inventor Name | Address | # of filed Patents | Total Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broom, Corinne | Seattle, US | 2 | 332 |
| Kaneko, Steven T | Medina, US | 91 | 4129 |
| Vong, William H | Seattle, US | 52 | 3253 |
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Maintenance Fees
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
|---|
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable | $700.00 | $350.00 | $175.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional | $1,640.00 | $820.00 | $410.00 |
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