Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Robert Scott Plank

Carl J Ledbetter

Steven T Kaneko

Aditha May Adams

Chad Magendanz

Steve T Kaneko

Dale Clark Crosier

Eric Gould Bear

Steven W Fisher

Todd E Holmdahl

Manolito E Adan

Terry M Lipscomb

Michael R Hooning

Timothy A McDonough

Steven Nabil Bathiche

William Jefferson Westerinen

Adrian Mark Chandley

Chris Schoppa

Pasquale DeMaio

Michael W Van Flandern

In a computer system having a display and a keyboard, a computer readable medium includes instructions for invoking a message hook procedure based on a mouse message indicative of a mouse event. Instructions also provide for identifying at least one focus application that has a current keyboard focus and of converting the mouse message into a command for the focus application. The command is then sent to the focus application and the mouse message is prevented from being routed to any other applications. In one embodiment, the commands include the command to page forward or backward through pages of Internet documents. In other embodiments, instead of converting the mouse message into a command, the message hook procedure displays a graphical user interface based on the focus application and the mouse message. The graphical user interface includes one or more commands that the user may select. Based on the selection made by the user, the message hook procedure sends a corresponding command to the focus application.

Input device with forward/backward control

A user notification system and a computer input device, such as a mouse. The computer input device includes an illumination member that enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a support surface. The illumination member is also used to notify the user if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. The notification information is presented to the user by changing the state of the illumination member. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.

User notification system with an illuminated computer input device

A user notification system and a computer input device, such as a mouse. The computer input device includes an illumination member that enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a support surface. The illumination member is also used to notify the user if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. The notification information is presented to the user by changing the state of the illumination member. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message. The notification can make the illumination member blink as a function of the number of messages received. This enables information to be conveyed to the user without the need for text or audio, and without the need to view the computer monitor.

A user notification system and a computer input device, such as a mouse. The computer input device includes an illumination member that enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a supporting surface. The illumination member is also used to notify the user if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. The notification information is presented to the user by changing the state of the illumination member. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message. The notification can make the illumination member blink as a function of the number of messages received. This enables information to be conveyed to the user without the need for text or audio, and without the need to view the computer monitor.

A method and system for auxiliary display of information for a computing device. An auxiliary display is integrated with a computing system to provide an area where notifications can be peripherally presented off-screen. Whenever a background task sends a notification to the main display of the system, the notification may be redirected to appear instead on the auxiliary display. A user may then glance at the notification appearing on the auxiliary display to be informed of the message without interruption from the current task onscreen. Any type of information may be presented on the auxiliary display including incoming communications, meeting reminders, system alerts, and information from Internet subscription services. The auxiliary display may be placed on the central processor chassis or on the monitor border along with LED indicator lights to provide simple peripheral-vision notification. By pressing a button, a user may obtain additional detailed follow-up information.

Method and system for auxiliary display of information for a computing device

A system and method for improved real-time communications in a computer system that eliminates the distinctions between various communication devices, communication channels and types of communication, including voice, text and video, is provided. When connected for communication, the user may easily move between modalities, including switching devices on which the user is communicating, switching networks, and transitioning between types of communication. A computer system includes various integrated communications-related devices, and a controller controls those devices based on user actions entered via buttons or user interface software and provides notifications to the user. The user is able to input data via any appropriate input mechanism, and receive data on any suitable output mechanism. Improved non-linear caller ID navigation is also provided.

Real-time communications architecture and methods for use with a personal computer system

A do not disturb system and method in a computer system at which communications such as voice calls and text messages are received. A user or process may set a computer system into a do not disturb mode, in which any communication routed through the machine will be evaluated against a set of rules to determine how that communication is to be handled, based on criteria such as the source of the communication and the type of communication. A notification and outgoing action is selected and performed in accordance with user-configurable settings. The outgoing action may include a return communication to the source of the communication indicating that the do not disturb mode is in effect.

Computer system with do not disturb system and method

A system and method including telephony controls for handling telephony applications on a personal computer with integrated telephony capabilities is provided. The telephony controls include a hook switch, a talk button, a speakerphone button, a mute button, a flash button, a conference button, a microphone button, and a voice mail button. There may also be other telephony control buttons such as an optional record button in close proximity to the telephony controls for use in responding to voice mail. An indicator light may be located adjacent to or integrated into each telecommunication control button. The system and method allow a number of user interaction scenarios with respect to real-time communications, including handling an incoming telephone call, making a telephone call, and handling voice mail.

System and method for using telephony controls on a personal computer

An input device, such as a mouse, for a computer is provided which enables a user to quickly and accurately position the input device during poor lighting conditions and determine whether the computer is ON. The input device according to the present invention is also arranged to illuminate the area proximate the input device. The input device includes a housing and an illumination device that is supported by the housing. Illumination from the illumination device is visible when the input device is placed on a supporting surface.

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Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Robert Scott Plank