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:
May. 14, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 18, 1997
Barry J. Linnett, Seattle, WA (US);
Karen E. Fries, Duvall, WA (US);
Lawrence H. Powelson, Bellevue, WA (US);
Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA (US);
Abstract
A software development platform generate a user interface that adopts a real world metaphor. In particular, the user interface appears to a user as containing rooms of a home. The user can specify what rooms are to be included in the home and can specify the style of the appearance of the rooms of the home. The user interface serves as a vehicle for the user to invoke applications and perform tasks. The user interface also generates a personal character for each user. The personal character is an animated guide that helps to assist the user in using the computer. Specialized characters may also be provided to perform specialized tasks.