Windows 10: Microsoft patents a interesting dual-screen device with focus on scanning and OS navigation

Yet another patent from Microsoft shows off a dual-screen device with a hinge but unlike any previous patents, this one focuses on navigational aids to improve the user experience and it has something to do with scanning capabilities.

First discovered by us, Microsoft applied for the patent titled “Navigational Aid for a Hinged Device via Semantic Abstraction” in January 2017. The patent filing was published by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (UPSTO) earlier today (2nd August) and it shows off an interesting dual-screen device.

In the background section of the patent, Microsoft explains that “mobile devices” offers a variety of different functionalities. The devices having multiple display surfaces connected by a hinge introduces “complexities that are typically not resolved using conventional gesture input modalities”.

“In the context of a book or journal, for example, a user can view two pages in a way that resembles a paper book or a note book,” the company explains in the background section of the patent application.


Image Courtesy: USPTO

Microsoft further explains that the users may use the hinged device to generate content, such as notes, journal entries, documents, and so on.

“Some users may not organize their created content, and thus finding specific content within their created content can be challenging and time consuming,” the company adds. “This can detract from user enjoyment and lead to user frustration when using these types of devices”.

Microsoft appears to have figured out a solution to deal with this problem. In the patent application, Microsoft explains a new technique (navigational aids) that would improve the user experience when the user is navigating through content.

“Techniques for navigational aid for a hinged device via semantic abstraction are described. Generally, the techniques described herein improve a user experience when the user is navigating through content, such as user-generated content in an electronic document. For example, the techniques described herein semantically abstract authored content in an electronic document to provide abstracted content. In implementations, abstracted content includes abstracted pages that each represent a different section of the authored content. When a user scans through an electronic document, rather than scanning page by page, techniques described herein instead navigate through displays of the abstracted pages. In addition, a hinge between different displays can be used as an input mechanism to control a speed of navigating through the abstracted pages to allow a user to more easily locate specific sections of the authored content,” the company explains.

“The semantic abstractions can be generated based on a variety of different information (e.g., metadata) associated with the content, the user, and/or other users that view or co-author the content”.

It appears that the patented device is aimed at enterprises that may use it to scan the documents.

The post Microsoft patents a interesting dual-screen device with focus on scanning and OS navigation appeared first on Windows Latest

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GPS Navigation device

Didn't really know how else i could call this topic, this should do i hope.

Back to question on hand - my dad bought a navigation (cheap one since in my country branded gps navigation devices cost way too much) and it is powered by Windows Embedded CE 6.0
At some point i decided to upgrade the navigation software/maps and was unable to as naviextras toolbox doesn't recognize my device at all, and to top it all it isn't even listed as a supported one.
Either way i managed to get new software/maps. The only question i wasn't able to resolve is how can configure windows embedded ce 6.0 ?

Thanks in advance. Any info is appreciated.

Additional info on the device:

Handhold Reference Board_A4
AT101A 6.0
Windows Embedded CE 6.0
105 MB RAm
ARM1136JF-S AT550
480x272 Pixels, 65536 colors
And i think it was made by sirfatlas.

 

Must scan device after each startup


I installed a dual serial port card in a PCIe slot in my Acer i7 desktop, Win 10 Home. It works until the computer is restarted, then device manager lists the ports as hidden and says they are not physically connected. If I right click the device and scan for hardware changes, they will work until the next time the machine is shut down and restarted. The manufacturer suggests putting them in a different slot, but that is not helpful as there is only one PCIe slot. Can anyone suggest a way of fixing this or, alternately, is rhere a way to force windows to scan devices for hardware changes at each startup? Thanks for any help.

 

Microsoft Patents Pressure-Sensitive Controller

Since Nintendo pushed the envelope, hardware manufacturers seem intent on making new controller types. Now that each of the big gaming companies have at least dabbled with motion controls, biometric feedback seems to be the next big thing. Sony is looking into biometric controllers to measure factors like sweat and heart rate. Not to be outdone, Microsoft is apparently considering a pressure-sensitive controller. The company has registered a US Patent (8,172,675) for a controller with a "pressure-sensitive exterior surface." The patent suggests that device memory could store the output signatures to identify users simply by how they grip the controller. And confirming that these plans relate to gaming, the patent also mentions the device as "a game controller that interacts with a game console service."

The patent makes repeated mention of the controller being used for identification, but doesn't go much deeper than that. Microsoft could potentially find gaming utilities, but doesn't seem to be going in that direction with the initial patent application. As always, a patent doesn't mean a product will ever come to market.





Source: Shacknews