The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 10, 1997
Filed:
May. 10, 1993
Michael L Gough, Ben Lomond, CA (US);
Daniel S Venolia, Foster City, CA (US);
Thomas S Gilley, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Greg M Robbins, Cupertino, CA (US);
Daniel J Hansen, Jr, Cupertino, CA (US);
Abhay Oswal, Fremont, CA (US);
Tommy H Tam, San Jose, CA (US);
Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino, CA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing a translucent overlay image over a base image on the screen of a computer system. The method includes the steps of running an application program on a central processing unit (CPU) of a pen computer system to produce a base image in a screen coupled to the CPU; and running an overlay program on the CPU to produce an overlay image on the screen such that portions of the base image which are overlapped by the overlay image are at least partially visible through the overlay image. The overlay program is a computer implemented process comprising the steps of displaying an overlay image on the screen, intercepting screen inputs which contact the overlay image, processing the intercepted screen inputs in the CPU, and updating the application program based on the processed screen inputs. In addition a pen computer system includes a central processing unit (CPU), a screen assembly coupled to the CPU, a mechanism coupled to the screen assembly for displaying a base image on the screen assembly, and a mechanism coupled to the screen assembly for displaying an overlay image on the screen assembly such that portions of the base image which are overlapped by the overlay image are at least partially visible through the overlay image. The screen assembly includes a tablet mechanism coupled to the CPU which can receive input from a pen or stylus. The mechanism for displaying a base image includes a first computer implemented process running on the CPU which produces first video data and a video driver circuit coupled between the CPU and the screen assembly. The mechanism for displaying the overlay image includes a second computer implemented process running on the CPU to produce second video data, and a video driver circuit coupled between the CPU and the screen assembly. There is also a mechanism for blending the first video data and the second video data to produce a blended image on the screen assembly. This blending mechanism can include the second computer implemented process, or can comprise the video driver circuitry.