648
`
`t
`
`C}{
`
`pnie"r,rr*
`NUMBER
`
`-".
`
`SUBCLASS
`
`/(l -:z t"s -
`
`EXAMINER
`
`t:
`
`)L.Y
`
`.. , -l
`
`/!!.
`r .i lr.i,.
`
`"##
`i...i.it...:l-,l'ilr:.ir1i, .j. 1..,1 " l. !i.ii:,i.,
`
`SEEIAL NUMBEF
`
`.'.t":
`
`il',"ii'
`
`I
`
`.!il
`
`FILING DATE
`
`l..l l. J' .1. .! .,' :l'i:]
`
`.-i i...i fl 1.'1 i:j r...i lil ,, F: l.-.1..:l ii,l i::. I;l iil i..j t...i l'11 i:r ,
`i:] iYi :i l- i-'i ,, :i i:i i,r I l\l r.i; ,, T' ,)'i ,'
`
`rh...
`-.....
`ii::1iTi
`Flrl rli
`$i'i l;r,:.:l-{i:rii:,.i.... i::,
`
`i
`
`JArs
`
`,f ,t,r:..:i..:ri',i I .1. lill...l
`l.ji::i.i::{:i. i::: I I::: i.::
`
`:+: :+r :+: :+: :+: :+: :+: :+: :+: :+: :+: :l: :+: :+: :+: :r.: :i: :+: :i
`
`j.:,;.:i i-6-1 ''i,
`l"i_l:i. ti i,ll:il::,1 l1.l :t i:j r,_:i t:..:t...ii1,1 i'ti::r
`
`ii ' i .r .t -l::::;
`.,1 :L::j
`.1. i ,,i .: ,.{. j
`'r,.r /
`..i
`
`...r
`
`l..l .1. ./ .1. I_i -/ i i:1.
`
`Y€s*-ss
`
`i::: i i i::;, i::: i i:;i i!.1 ;::r i 1.. i i.l i.:,i I... .i. t.::: H:. l.,i i:i [:. l':i fi f::1 l1.i i li::. ].1 i:.i ::;:: ,,' :;;:: i.j ,/ ':i1 i::,
`
`Forolgn prlorlty clalmed E ,..
`35 USc lls condltlons met E ye"
`
`Verlfled and
`
`STATE OR
`COUNTBY
`
`SHEETS
`DHWGS.
`
`1:l
`
`FILING FEE
`RECEIVED
`
`ATTORNEY'S
`DOCKET NO.
`
`a....lll.i
`
`rlll
`
`I lll'l
`
`--
`
`I
`
`.r
`
`j
`
`i'
`
`*rfi{\
`
`( ^4 22fr*4^-?/t1:*
`
`Aoolications Examiner
`CLAIMS ALLOWED
`Total Claims
`Print Claim
`
`1
`
`DRAWING
`
`Figs. Drwg.
`/Ll
`
`Print Fig.
`
`frq ;
`
`25
`
`Sheets Drwg
`
`tl
`
`ISSUE
`BATCH
`NUMBER
`
`i:1i...i1..:i i
`tyil-1i..-'i .i
`
`t_:ii I .i t::tl..l r:.li:;: i.:ri:i.:l [:l_.: I
`,i. i...:r.-tlii I',lt-l
`-ii:itji.,:.:[ lili:;i i-:r:..iir!ril..i]-l:;ri Iiilt"t; i:ii_tiiii'il[:.l.'il"
`
`uJ
`
`FF
`
`PARTS OF APPLICATION
`FILED SEPARATELY
`
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`7/tr 1a-.
`
`Assistant Examiner
`
`f rl
`
`ISSUE FEE
`Amount Due
`
`$l l;fi& & Date Paid
`ln-lk-Clr
`
`Label
`Area
`
`Form PTO-436A
`(Rev. 8i92)
`
`PREPARED FOR ISSUE
`
`WARNING: The information disclosed herein may be restricted. Unauthorized disclosure may be prohibited
`by the United States Code Title 35, Sections 122, 181 and 368. Possession outside the U.S.
`Patent & Trademark Office is restricted to authorized employees and contractors only.
`
`(FACE)
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 1
`
`

`

`ao(dE
`-ofa
`
`slk,'il a8zl,"lgt;
`
`PATENT DATE
`
`PATENT
`NUMBER
`
`CLASS
`
`SUBCLASS
`
`GROUP ART UNIT
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`ftE,/ L7B,479
`
`FILING DATE
`{sL / Lr_t /94
`
`6s*
`*;${{f
`,tr-":,:jt (*
`{'
`;:
`tdtr[_LIAf4 J. JfiHI."lSr]H" f'L'ltdgft f,tr:rilFtt], TH; LAHRY lYl" LAiIHI4AN, IHVIFlli, TH; l-. . ,'' ,o v",..
`TJIICHAEL T:." *T,1iTH, IftVII,ILI" TH" .
`
`,e+rll:IF,iTIFJUIIqG ITATFI*;f:1.::*:-t(:l:;l:**:$+*:+:t:I::fi++:**'*:
`. UEFTIFIEIT
`
`FI]ftEIGFI FILIf'IG LIIEN5E fiRAf{TEf,' *2/T}4/94
`
`Foteign priority claimed
`35 USC ll9 conditions met
`
`.; lrlt--tFFfJHLr" FAIL5. Zt]EftL
`, f f 'f HIST SEVE]IITH, 5TE'
`I r[rF;T ]J{rftTH" TX 78,!.1':
`
`.SHEETS
`DRWGS.
`
`TOTAL
`CLAIMS
`
`L1
`
`24
`
`FILING FEE
`RECEIVED
`
`*{:-7'3{} r-r
`
`lJU'lY Ir::$l.l [q$-f IFIl:ATIifFl
`IYIUL-I' I 1'*5H I I{G TtrT'1FUTEft
`
`i.,T r]EJEf,T II{TERFA']E *T[ESE;IFILITY II,I
`EFMEfflilt4ENT
`. t, '
`U.S. DEPT. of COMM.-PaI. & TM Office'PTO'4361Gev. 10-78)
`
`,".. .-,. i
`
`PARTS OE APPLICATION
`FILED SEPARATELY
`
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`
`PREPARED FOR ISSUE
`
`WARNING: The information disclosed herein may be restricted. Unauthorized disclosure may be prohibited
`by the United States Code titte 5S, Sections 122, 181 and 368. Possession outside the U.S.
`Patent & Trademark Office is restricted to aulhorized employees and contractors only.
`
`Form PTO-436A
`(Bev. 8/92)
`
`(FACE)
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 2
`
`

`

`APPROVED FOR LICENSE
`
`INITIALS
`
`.i:'Dai6 :
`Recdived,
`,or
`MaiEd
`..Pl-'r,',I
`
`r.'
`r..
`
`r\(}!
`, ..";
`
`r(")
`
`"trb
`
`t- to-94
`J "8-q5_
`(l/lov ll,rf ?'(
`8- 8- 75-
`/,'/? ,Trrtrr
`{)/-:-4 ,7, t ?Z f
`
`-
`
`lSMVetffil-
`
`ffi/l"is.t?L o
`
`ffiffi ffiffi ffiffim
`
`Date
`Entered
`or
`Counted
`
`CONTENTS
`
`3-4- q4
`
`Application
`
`papers.
`
`.,,) 4
`
`?-{ s.
`
`ta- t5
`
`_1 -At N
`
`o
`
`10.
`
`11.
`
`12.
`
`13.
`
`14.
`
`15.
`
`16.
`
`17.
`
`18.
`
`19.
`
`20.
`
`21.
`
`22.
`
`23.
`
`24.
`
`25.
`
`26.
`
`27.
`
`28.
`
`29.
`
`30.
`
`31.
`
`32.
`
`(FRONT)
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 3
`
`

`

`'" '566149
`
`.1, i
`
`'''
`':&,
`"'*!fr'r''
`i
`.'a
`
`Date
`Entered
`or
`Counted
`
`33 ->s-f {
`
`'
`
`3-?s- ? y
`6
`/a"*a- f I
`to ^P6^ c N
`/)*rb- f I
`/3//
`
`1''
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`nFpnovro FoR LtcENSE,
`
`INITIALS
`
`I iillil ilfl ltil] iltil illlt illil lltil fltlt ltil ilil
`08586 t4e,
`
`CONTENTS
`
`Date
`Received
`o(
`Mailbd-
`I:i ;r ;; *: i ir' r: ["i
`fri r', ,r
`f*r, rl ." * ,
`tJi-tr#i:i. _l;rji,f;
`-//,f(
`
`iuc r
`{r.'i
`
`u
`
`*
`
`3-'o'? { c
`
`t-6't{
`
`Hi/t''j
`
`t )*tr *, y
`
`(FRONT)
`
`.f,
`,{
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 4
`
`

`

`SEARCHED
`
`Class
`
`Sub.
`
`Date
`
`Exmr.
`
`3q;
`3qi
`3qf
`36q
`1<t0
`--ed39f
`27)
`7 6Lt
`
`6_;,
`8oo
`ttq
`-fzl
`tt't/Fzt
`
`88
`
`6::o
`tr.
`
`2e:a
`
`Fbtn
`fr)t,l
`altrlv , ?.
`fe ! s, 1",
`ftbyt,
`6/ilq;
`E/L/q;
`Eh q;
`
`14!
`
`i tlfr
`-la
`
`1'/0.
`
`' vt3
`
`eb
`
`SEARCH NOTES I
`
`j DN/ s*
`'f/urfi-,r^
`L/'on
`
`t4/
`/'/6
`
`Lg5
`
`/L{)
`
`INTERFERENCE SEARCHED
`Sub.
`Date
`
`Class
`
`Exmr.
`
`(RTGHT OUTSIDE)
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 5
`
`

`

`DATE
`/bs/ Eq
`1,fi)/z/
`A*/-4/
`u- q*'q t'
`
`Date
`
`O O s,"p'" rssue Srip nere o
`
`{;*
`
`POSITION
`
`CLASS!FIER
`
`EXAM!NER
`TYPIST
`VERIFIER
`CORPS CORR.
`SPEC. HAND
`FILE MAINT.
`DRAFTING
`
`ID NO.
`dr
`J+
`lr
`\\"rh t
`
`-r'1
`
`./'
`
`INDEX OF CLAIMS
`
`Claim
`(!
`.g
`o)
`
`EciI
`
`o 5
`
`1
`52
`53
`54
`55
`56
`57
`5B
`59
`60
`
`61
`62
`63
`64
`65
`66
`67
`68
`69
`70
`v1
`72
`73
`74
`75
`76
`77
`78
`79
`80
`
`81
`82
`83
`84
`85
`86
`87
`88
`89
`90
`
`91
`92
`93
`94
`95
`96
`97
`98
`99
`'t 00
`
`SYMBOLS
`J .......................'......... Reiected
`= ................................. Allowed
`- (Throuoh numberal) Cancelod
`+ ............,...........,..,..... Reskicted
`N ................................. Non-el0cted
`I .................................
`Interlerenco
`A ................................. Appeal
`0 ................................. 0bjected
`
`(LEFT TNSIDE)
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 6
`
`

`

`BAR CODE LABEL
`
`r ililil illillilil illllllllllilll llllllllll lill lill
`
`U.S. PATENT APPLICATION
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`
`o8fL79,479
`
`FILING DATE
`
`CLASS
`
`GROUP ART UNIT
`
`oL/Lo le4
`
`395
`
`2308
`
`Fi
`
`o-
`o-
`
`ryILLIAM J. JOHNSON, FLOWER MOUND, TX; LARRY M. LACHMAN, IRVING, TX;
`
`I MTcHAEL D. sMrrH, rRvrNc, Tx.
`
`* * coNT INU ING DATA* ?t rt * !k rt * * rr r? * * * * * * * * * * *
`VERIFIED
`
`* r, FoRE lGN/nCt eenr,IcAT IoNS * rr rr * * * * * * * * *
`VERIFIED
`
`FORETGN FTLTNG LTCENSE GRANTED O2/O4194
`
`JTATE OR
`]OUNTRY
`
`SHEETS
`DRAWING
`
`TX
`
`11
`
`IU IAL
`]LAIMS
`
`24
`
`NDEPENDENT
`]LAIMS
`
`FILING FEE
`RECEIVED
`
`ATTOBNEY DOCKET NO.
`
`2
`
`$798.00
`
`Dt4l77
`
`GEOFFREY A. MANTOOTH
`WOFFORD, FAILS, ZOBAL & MANTOOTH
`110 WEST SEVENTH, SIE. 500
`FORT WORTH, TX 76102
`
`BUOY ICON NOTITICATION OF OBJECT INTERFACE ACCESSIBILITY IN
`MULTITASKING COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT
`
`aat!
`ccoo
`
`E
`F
`
`This is to certifv that annexed hereto is a true copv from the records of the United States
`Patent and Trademark Office of the application Which is identified above.
`By authority of the
`COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMABKS
`
`Date
`
`Certifying Officer
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 7
`
`

`

`PATENT APPLrcArroN
`
`'ERTAL
`
`#'/1?S4?q
`
`U.S. DEPAX.I}IENT OF CO}O{ERCE
`PATENT AND TR.ADEMARK. OFTICE
`FEE RECORD SHEET
`
`D,?0346 ot /25/94 a8fi94?9
`
`09_0453 0t0 10,
`
`7?8.008H Dtt*17?
`
`PTO-1 5 56
`(s187)
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 8
`
`

`

`L
`
`SPECIFICATION
`
`/
`
`Docket No. DA9-93'O27
`
`TO ALL WHOI{ IT MAY CONCERN:
`
`BE IT KNOWN that w€r Willian J. Johnson, Larry M.
`the United States,
`Lachman and Michael D. Snith of
`residing in the State of Texas, have invented new and
`useful improvements in a
`
`BUOY ICON NOTIFTCATION OT OBITECT INTERFACE ACCESSIBILITY
`IN I'{ULTITASKING COMPUTER ENVIRONI'{ENT
`
`of which the following is a specification:
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 9
`
`

`

`o r/sr( trP
`
`Docket No. DA9-93-O27
`
`BUOY ICON NOTIFICATION OF
`IN !,IULTITASKING
`
`OB.TECT INTERFACE ACCESSIBILITY
`COMPUTER ENVIRONI,IENT
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`t-0
`
`l-5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Noti.fication of an execut,ing object becoming idle is
`provided in a nultitasking environment. As the object
`executes, a user can interface with a second object.
`when the executinq object, becomes accessible, a buoy icon
`object is displayed on the computer screen. The buoy
`icon has the name of the accessible object as well as a
`line extending from the buoy icon to
`the
`pointer
`accessible object. The buoy icon provides notification
`that the accessible object executj,on is complete or is
`The user can either
`ready to receive a user input.
`remove the buoy icon from the screen or select the buoy
`icon object to focused the accessible object. The newly
`focused accessible object can then be used' The buoy
`icon notification can be enabled or disabled on an
`obj ect-by-obj ect basis.
`
`,J
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 10
`
`

`

`{nAlI ;
`,w
`: Nolcx!F93-O27
`Docket
`qf,?li cal-'o'1,i" o. c'a,^li n'*{vn'f
`--flris
`\- \o -qV t rToo) *6*rlrN-ed-'
`BUOY ICON NOTIFTCATION OF OB'ECT INTERFACE ACCESSIBILITY
`rN I{ULTITASKING COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT
`
`fi
`
`5
`
`(
`
`q>q ,[trt
`
`oglDqr
`
`Technical field Of The Invention
`
`The present invention relates to methods and
`apparatusgs for notification of user input situations and
`execution terrninations in asynchronously executing tasks
`in multitasking computer environments.
`
`Background Of The Invention
`
`Multitasking computer environments altow users to
`run or execute plural objects (such as application
`programs) in an apparent sinultaneous manner. For
`example, a user can execute a spread sheet application, a
`graphics application and a phone application at the same
`time.
`
`Each object has a user interface displayed to a user
`on a computer screen. User interfaces for specific
`applications on a computer system present themselves on a
`computer screen as a window, a fuII screen session, an
`icon or plural combinations thereof. When a ful1 screen
`session object is selected, the user interface takes up
`the entire screen and may prornpt the user with a command
`line. When an object is displayed as a window, the
`takes up only a portion of the screen,
`window typically
`so that other objects maY be seen
`A user input is provided to an object through a
`focused window or fu}l. screen session. OnIy one object
`can be focused (or otherwise made accessible to a user)
`
`l-0
`
`L5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 11
`
`

`

`Docket No. DAg-g3-O27
`
`at any one time. If an object is not focused, it is not
`enabled for receiving a user input. Unfocused objects
`may or may not be obscured from the view of the user by
`the focused object. For example, if the focused object
`fuI1 screen session, then all
`is represented by a
`unfocused object,s are obscured from view. If the focused
`object is represented by a window that takes up only a
`portion of the screen, then some objects (represented as
`either windows or icons) are likely to be visible.
`The liuritation that only one object can be focused
`for receiving a user input at any given time presents a
`problem in multitasking computer environments. A user
`may start an application in one user interface and then
`go to another user interface to work with another
`application. The user must poIl the first application to
`determine when the first application either cornpletes or
`pronpts for a user input. Alternatively, the user can
`sinply sit at
`the screen, waiting for
`the first
`application to complete and prompt for a user input. For
`example, suppose a user begins the formatting of a
`diskette. To continue operations with the diskette, the
`user must wait for the formatting to be completed. While
`formatting, the user begins to use other applications.
`While using these other applications, a convenient nethod
`is needed to indicate the completion of the formatting of
`the diskette.
`rn general, a convenient method is needed to
`that either a specific
`indicate
`to
`the user
`asynchronously executing task is complete or that a
`pronpt for user input has been provided;
`
`Summary of The Invention
`
`to
`
`It is therefore an object of the present invention
`provide a method and apparatus for providing
`nr:*\
`.t\2- -
`
`t-0
`
`t-5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 12
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-O27
`
`to a user of an object prompt mode,
`notification
`regardless of the activity that the user is engaging in.
`is another object of the present invention to
`It
`provide a method and apparatus for providing notification
`to a user of termination of an asynchronously executing
`task.
`
`invention provides a method and
`The present
`apparatus for providing notification of availability of
`an object. on a multitasking computer. A first object is
`executed. While the first object is executing, a second
`object is enabled for receiving a user input on a user
`is then deternined when
`interface of the computer. It
`the first object becomes accessible. Becoming accessible
`for entering input to a
`implies either the availability
`task or session or the termination of an asynchronously
`object becomes
`first
`When the
`executing task.
`is provided on the user
`accessible, a notification
`interface.
`provides
`The present
`invention
`automatic
`to a user of when an object becomes
`notification
`accessible. Thus, a user can execute a first object on a
`computer. The user need not wait for the object to
`Instead, the user can turn t,o other
`finish executing.
`tasks, such as interfacing with the second object. While
`interfacing with the second object, the user need not
`return to the first object to check on the progress of
`its execut,ion. with the present invention, a buoy icon
`object is automatically displayed on the screen when the
`object becomes accessible or otherwise ceases
`first
`execution.
`the present
`In accordance with one aspect of
`invention, the determination of when the first object
`becomes accessible further includes the determination of
`when the first object provides a prompt for a user input.
`
`t-0
`
`L5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`q
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 13
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-O27
`
`rn another aspect of the present invention, the
`determination of when the first object becomes accessibre
`further
`includes the determination of when an
`asynchronously executing task terninates.
`rn accordance with sti1l another aspect of the
`present invention, the provision of a notification on the
`user interface when th.e first, object becomes accessible
`further includes displaying a buoy icon on a screen. rn
`addition. to the buoy icon, a name of the first object can
`be disprayed in proxinity to the buoy icon. Arso, a rine
`or other visuar indicator between the buoy icon and the
`first object can be displayed on the screen.
`rn accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the computer contains plurar objects which
`incrude first and second objects. The present invention
`allows enabling the notification for serected ones of the
`fn still
`another aspect of the present
`obj ects.
`invention, the notification can be disabred for selected
`ones of said objects.
`'
`rn still another aspect of the present invention,
`the notification can be removed from the user interface
`after the notification has been displayed.
`rn stilI another aspect of the present invent,ion,
`after
`the notification has been disprayed, *!h"
`notification is serect^e-d. Then, the associated object is
`focused on the user interface, wherein user input can be
`provided to the newly focused object.
`rn still another aspect of the present invention,
`the computer includes a
`third bbject, and the
`notification is a first notification. The third object
`is executed. A deterrnination is made when the third
`object becomes accessible. A second notification is
`
`l-o
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`\*-*4 -r/
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 14
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-o27
`
`displayed on the user interface when the third object
`is removed
`becomes accessible. The second notification
`from the user interface while rnaintaining the first
`notification on the user interface.
`Alternatively,
`from the user
`instead of removing the second notification
`can be selected,
`the second notification
`interface,
`wherein the third object is focused on a user interface
`while maintaining the first notification on the user
`interface.
`
`Brief Description of The Drawings
`
`Fig. L is a schematic diagrarn of a data processing
`system on which the present invention can be practiced.
`Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a screen showing a
`desktop with a buoy icon of the present invention, in
`accordance with a preferred embodiment, displayed
`thereon.
`Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the screen and desktop
`.
`of Fig. 2r'shown after the buoy icon has been selected,
`wherein the object linked to the buoy icon has been
`focused.
`Fig. 4 is a schenatic view of a screen showing a
`fuIl screen session with a buoy icon displayed thereon.
`rig. 5 is a schematic view of a screen showing a
`desktop with a plurality of buoy icons displayed thereon.
`Figs. 6-LL are flow charts showing various methods.
`Fig. 6 shows the nethod for enabling buoy icon
`for an object. Fig. 7 shows the method for
`notification
`rig. 8 is the
`registering ald tracking active objects.
`method for displaying a buoy icon for an accessibled
`object,. Fig. 9 is the method for removing a buoy icon
`from the screen. Fig. L0 is the method for selecting a
`buoy icon and providing focus to its associated .obj ect.
`
`t0
`
`l-5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`IIp
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 15
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-027
`
`for disabling buoy
`
`Fig. 11" is
`the
`rnethod
`notification
`for an object.
`Figs. L2-L4 are schematic views of tables utilized
`by the present invention. Fig. LZ is a table of those
`objects currently being executed. Fig. 13 is a table of
`those objects for which a buoy icon notification has been
`enabled. Fig. L4 is a table of those objects for which a
`buoy icon has been displayed.
`
`lcon
`
`Description of The Invention
`
`In F'ig. 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of a
`data processing system LL or computer, upon which the
`present invention can be practiced. The computer LL
`includes a user interface, which has a display screen L7
`and a keyboard 19. Other input devices may also be
`provided, such as a mouse 21, a touch screen and a
`microphone for voice input. Each computer 3-L may also be
`coupled to a printer 23 or other output device.
`The
`includes a hard disk drive and
`gomputer LL typically
`floppy disk drive storage devices.
`The computer 11 also has internal memory in the form
`of Random Access Memory (RAU). The RAM memory stores
`resource objects for execution and access by a Central
`Processing Unit (CPU) located within the computer. One
`the present
`the method of
`such resource object
`is
`invention shown by the flow charts.
`Another such
`resource object is an operating system. The computer 11
`utilizes an operating system that provides multitasking
`one such operating system is os/2, which
`capabilities.
`is available from IBM. (Both OS/2 and IBM are trademarks
`of International Business Machines Corporat,ion. )
`rn Fig. 2, there is shown a desktop display 25 on
`the screen L7. The desktop 25 contains plura1 icons
`representing plural objects. For example, there is a
`
`L0
`
`t-5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 16
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-027
`
`file cabinet icon 27 , a printer icon 29, a phone icon 3L,
`None of the objects represented by icons can
`etc.
`receive a user inputr dS they are not focused (or enabled
`to receive a user input). A focused object presents
`either a window 33 displayed in the foreground of the
`desktop (as shown in Fig. 2) or a full screen session 34
`displayed in fult on the screen (as shown in Fig. 4).
`In
`Pig. 2, the focused object 33 is named ttos/z windowrr and
`is enabled to receive user inputs. Thus, the user can
`type in data, use a mouse cursor or use some other input
`device to input data or other information to the nos/z
`windowtr object 33.
`the buoy icon notification of
`the
`To illustrate
`present invention, suppose that the user has enabled the
`present invention to provide notification of when the
`phone object 31 is available for user input.
`For
`the user had earlier
`example, suppose that
`been
`interacting with the phone object 31 before interacting
`with the tt}S/z window'r object 33. While interacting with
`the phone object 31 (through a focused window), the user
`reached a step where the phone object executed a task
`such as sending a fax transmission, causing the user to
`Instead of remaining with the phone object while
`wait.
`the user enabled the present invention and
`waiting,
`focused the ttos/z windowrt object 33. Thus, the user is
`able to accomplish some work with the object 33 while
`waiting for the phone object, 31 to execute.
`When the execution of the phone object 3L reaches a
`further
`required for
`is
`step where a user input
`execution, then the present invention causes a buoy icon
`in
`35 to be displayed on the desktop 25. Those skilled
`recognize various algorithms may be used to
`the art
`
`1_O
`
`l_5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 17
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-O27
`
`determine a best placernent of the buoy icon without
`departing from the spirit and scope of the present
`invention. The preferred embodiment, of the buoy icon is
`analogous to a maritime buoy used as an aid to ship
`navigation. Just as a maritime buoy provides information
`that is useful for maritime navigation, the buoy icon 35
`of the present invention provides information that is
`useful for navigation among computer user interfaces.
`Those skilled in the art recognize that alternative buoy
`representations can be utilized without departing from
`the spirit and scope of the present invention. The buoy
`icon 35 indicates when a specified object is available
`for user input. Thus, the user need not, wait for an
`object to execute or switch back and forth between
`focused objects checking on the status of the object in
`interest.
`The preferred buoy icon 35 has a float 37, a mast 39
`and a flag 4L so as to resemble a maritime buoy. The
`buoy icon 35 specifies the associated object by either
`appearing with the object's name (such as rrPHoNEfr), or
`appearing with a line (or other visual indicator) 45
`connect,ing the buoy icon 35 to the object 31 or both (as
`shown in Fig. 2) .
`The user's attention will generally be drawn to the
`buoy icon upon the sudden appearance of the icon 35 on
`the desktop 25. However, other means for attracting the
`attention of the user could be utilized. For example,
`the buoy icon can beep (using a speaker in the computer),
`pulse to alternate between larger and smaller sizes,
`change colors, etc
`once the buoy icon appears, the user can pursue
`several alternatives. First, the user can ignore the
`buoy icon and continue utilizing the focused object 33.
`The appearance of the buoy icon does not change the input
`enabled status of the currently focused object.
`
`.1
`
`10
`
`L5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 18
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-027
`
`Second, the user can select the buoy icon, wherein
`the specified object associated with the buoy icon is
`imnediately focused. This is shown in Fig. 3, wherein
`the user has selected the buoy icon, and the window 32
`for the phone object 31 has focused. Thus, the phone
`The ttOS/2
`object is enabled to receive user input.
`windowtt object 33 is relegated to the background and is
`no longer enabled to receive user input. The buoy icon
`has disappeared from the screen in fig. 3.
`The third option available to the user is that' the
`user can dismiss the buoy j.con, causing the icon to
`disappear, while naintaining the status quo among the
`objects. Thus, the currently focused object (for example
`the tt}S/z windowrt object 33) remains focused, and the
`phone object 31 remains as an icon in the background.
`When a buoy icon is displayed, it generally appears
`is
`there
`focused object, unless
`the
`outside of
`insufficient space available. This is to minimize the
`possibility of creating a nuisance witfr the buoy icon
`popping up in the same area as the user is working. For
`example, in Fig. 4, a full screen session 34 is shown.
`The buoy icon 35A is displayed on the fu}I screen session
`34, as there is insufficient space for the buoy icon to
`In this
`be displayed off of the fuII screen session 34.
`situation, the buoy icon 35A is displayed near an edge of
`the screen L7 with prevention of overlaying displayed
`matter or with nininal prevention thereof.
`There may arise a situation where more than one
`In this situation, shown in
`object produces a buoy icon.
`Fig. 5, there are plural. buoy icons 35, 35A, and 35B
`displayed. A buoy icon is displayed for each object that
`is ready for a user input. When one buoy icon is
`selected, the others remain displayed until selected or
`removed
`
`5
`
`L0
`
`t5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`LO
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 19
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-027
`
`Referring now to Figs. G-lL, the flow charts of the
`present invention will be described. In the flow charts,
`following graphical conventions are observed: a
`the
`rectangle is used to
`illustrate
`either a process,
`function or screen display, and a diamond is used to
`illustrate
`a decision.
`These conventions are well
`understood by programmers skilled
`in the art of user
`interfaces, and the flow charts are sufficient
`to enable
`a programmer skilled
`in the art to write code in any
`suitable computer progranming language, such as pASCAL or
`C for a computer such as the IBM personal System / 2
`(PS/2)
`family of computers which supports
`these
`(Personal System / 2 is a trademark of
`languages.
`fnternational Business Machines Corporation. )
`The flow charts will
`first be described generally,
`followed by a more specific discussion of the steps.
`In
`general, for a buoy icon to appear for an object, the
`object is enabled for buoy icon notification, and the
`status of the object changes from active to idle. A user
`6nables the buoy icon notification of
`the present
`invention on an object-by-object basis.
`Examples of
`idled objects include an object that has completed a
`specific asynchronously executing task and an object that
`has provided a prompt for user input. The flow chart of
`Fig. 6 illustrates
`the enablement method. When an object
`is enabled for buoy icon notification, a handle G8 of the
`object is placed into a Buoy Enabled Table, shown in Fig.
`13. When an object executes, the handle 69 of the object
`is placed into an Active Thread Table, shown in fig.
`t2.
`The flow chart of Fig. 7 illustrates
`this. When the
`active object becomes id1e, then the method illustrated
`by the flow chart of Fig. 8 is executed. The rnethod of
`fig. 8 determines if the idled object is in both the Buoy
`Enabled Table of Fig. L3 and the Active Thread Table of
`fig. L2. ff so, then a buoy icon for the idled object is
`
`,T\
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 20
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-O27
`
`displayed as shown in Fig. 2. The handle 68 for the
`object is placed into the Buoy Presence Table of Fig. 14.
`the buoy icon has been displayed on the
`After
`screen, the method illustrated by the flow chart of Fig.
`g allows a user to remove the buoy icon from the screen.
`The method illustrated by the flow chart of rig. L0
`allows a user,to focus the object specified by the buoy
`the Buoy Presence
`icon. The method of Fig. 10 utilizes
`Table of Fig. L4.
`The nethod illustrated by the flow chart of Ftig. LL
`for
`allows a user to disable the buoy icon notification
`an object.
`Referring now to Fig. 6, the method for enabling the
`for an object will be discussed.
`buoy icon notification
`The user focuses the object of interest, wherein the
`object is brought into focus. For example, referring to
`rig. 2, the user focuses the phone icon 31 using the
`mouse cursor, keyboard or other input device. The object
`may be focused either as a window or as a ful} screen
`focused, then the user
`Session. Once the object is
`executes the method of rig. 6, starting at step 51. The
`method is executed, for example, with a keyboard
`invocation seqluence, a voice command, a pull down menu on
`After step 51, the method
`the object, window, etc.
`the object in the Buoy
`provides an entry 11 70 for
`Enabled Table of Fig. 13. Each entry F1 7o of the Buoy
`Enabled Table has two parameters or fields, namely a
`handle 68 and an object tyPe 69. The values of the two
`parameters depend on whether the object is a full screen
`session or a window. Therefore, in step 53 of Fig. 6,
`the object is a fuII screen
`the method deternines if
`session. This is deternined from the title bar text and
`If
`class (or some other unique attribute) of the object.
`the result of st,ep 53 is YES, then in step 55, the Buoy
`Enabled Table entry handle 68 is set to the reference of
`
`l_0
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`t" )
`t---_
`11- '
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 21
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-O27
`
`the screen session group associated with the object. The
`screen session group is a set of resources (such as
`peripherals) attached to a session and is a unigue
`reference for identifying the particular full
`screen
`session. fn step 57, the Buoy Enabled Table object type
`69 is set to fuII screen session. The object type may be
`a constant which is representative of a full screen
`session. After step 57, the method proceeds to step 63.
`If the result of step 53 is NO, then the object has
`a window (or panel) for a user interface, and the method
`proceeds to step 59. In step 59, the Buoy Enabled Table
`entry handle 68 is set to the title bar text and
`classification pain of the window. The title bar text
`and classification as a pair is a unique identifier of
`the particular object window. Various embodiments may
`information as
`utilize
`other unigue identifying
`appropriate to the computer system. In step 6L, the Buoy
`Enabled Table entry object type 69 is set, to panel (or
`window). The object type nay be a constant that is
`ditterent from the fulI screen session constant. After
`step 6L, the method proceeds to step 63.
`In step 63, the method deternines if the entry is
`If the
`already in the Buoy Enabled Table of Fig. 13.
`result of step 63 is No, then in step 65, the entry is
`placed into the Buoy Enabled Table. The method then
`stops, step 67. If the result of step 63 is YES, then
`step 55 is blpassed, and the nethod proceeds directly to
`step 67 to stop. Thus, the presence of an entry in the
`Buoy Enabled Table (Fig. 13) inplies the user reguested
`buoy icon notification.
`Referring now to Fig. 7, the nethod for registering
`an executing object will be discussed. Information on an
`executing object is placed in the Active Thread Tab1e of
`Fig. L2. The Active Thread Table provides a correlation
`between buoy icon notification information and executing
`
`Lo
`
`t_5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`[},
`L2 | '--'
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 22
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-O27
`
`object inforrnation. The method of Fig. 7 is executed
`when an object is executed, step 7L. The object is
`executed when a thread (which is a flow of execution in a
`multitasking computer) of the object executes as a result
`of a user input in the user interface for the object.
`For example, the user could press the ENTER key to cause
`the object to execute. After step 7L, the nethod
`provides an entry E1 72 for the object in the Active
`Thread Table of Fig. L2. Each entry E1 72 of the Active
`Thread Tab}e has the following parameters or fields:
`a
`handle 68, an object type 69, a process identification 87
`(PID) and a thread identification 89 (TID). The values
`for the handle and the object type depend on whether the
`object is a fu1l screen session or a window as heretofore
`described. Therefore, in step 73 of fig. 7, the method
`If
`the object is a fu}I screen session.
`determines if
`the result of step 73 is YES, then the method proceeds to
`In step 75, the Active Thread Table entry
`step 75.
`handle 68 is set to the session screen group associated
`in step 55 of F.ig. 6.
`with the object, much like
`Thereafter, in step 77, the Active Thread Table entry
`object type 69 is set to fuII screen session, much like
`in step 57 of Fig. 6. After step 7'1, the method proceeds
`to step 83.
`the result of step 73 is No, then the object
`If
`being executed has a window for a user interface, and the
`In step 79, the active
`method proceeds to step 79.
`Thread Table entry handle 68 is set to the title bar text
`in step 59 of Fig. 6.
`and classification pair,
`like
`Thereafter, in step 81, the Active Thread Table entry
`object type 69 is set to panel, Iike in step 6L of Fig.
`6. After step 8J., the nethod proceeds to step 83.
`In step 83, the rnethod sets the PID field 87 and TID
`
`L0
`
`l-5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`,r\q
`
`IPR2017-01828
`Ubisoft EX1004 Page 23
`
`

`

`Docket No. DA9-93-027
`
`field 89 of the Active Thread Entry. The PfD and the TID
`are unigue handles assigned to an object during the
`execution of the object by the computer operating system.
`The PfD and the TID are obtained from the operating
`system. Thereafter, in step 85, the method stops.
`Referring now to Fig. 8, the method of displaying
`I
`the buoy icon will be discussed. The rnethod of rig.
`executes whenever a thread in the computer system becomes
`fn one type of operating
`idle or .blocked, step 9L.
`system (nanely oS/2), a thread is blocked when it
`is no
`longer able t