Windows 10: Microsoft patents a system with a computing and a removable support device

Microsoft’s latest patent titled “Computing Devices, Removal Support Devices and methods of use” was filed by the company in February 2018 and it was published yesterday. The patent is not related to the long rumoured Andromeda or a Surface laptop.

The latest patent is about a system that has a computing device and a removable device. It appears that the patented device is aimed at business. The patent shows off different computing devices including a handheld device that may include an integrated support device to position the display.

” Use of computing devices is becoming more ubiquitous by the day. Computing devices range from standard desktop computers to wearable computing technology and beyond. Laptops often connect the display to the keyboard along a shared edge using a friction hinge. However, with the advent of hybrid computers, the display and the keyboard may be connected and disconnected at will. Some computing devices, including hybrid computers, do not include a friction hinge along a shared edge between the display and the keyboard. Rather, the computing devices may include an integrated support device to position the display. It may be desirable to mount the display of a computing device to various removable support devices,” the background section of the patent reads.

The patented method has been explained below:

“A computing device having an interface surface and one or more attachment features oriented on the interface surface is described. A removable support device with an interface surface and one or more attachment features oriented on the interface surface is described. A support system with a computing device and a removable support device is described. A method of using a support system is described,” the abstract reads.



Microsoft has also confirmed that the patented system could be implemented on a handheld device.



“The one or more attachment features may allow the computing device to removably attach to a variety of support devices. For example, the support device may include a height-adjustable stand, similar to a desktop computer monitor. In other examples, the support device may be a handheld support device, such as a platen with a hand strap to aide in securely carrying the computing device,” Microsoft explains.

The post Microsoft patents a system with a computing and a removable support device appeared first on Windows Latest

Weiterlesen...

 

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

 

Microsoft and LG Electronics Announce Broad Patent-Licensing Agreement

Microsoft Corp. and LG Electronics (LGE) today announced that they have entered into a patent cross-license agreement to further the development of the companies’ current and future product lines. Microsoft has focused on patent agreements in the recent past to develop a best-practices model for protecting intellectual property (IP) and respecting the IP rights of others, as well as building bridges with an array of industry leaders, including consumer electronics, telecommunications and computer hardware providers.


Through the agreement, LGE will be able to use Microsoft-patented innovations in its products, including Linux-based embedded devices. Microsoft will have access to LGE’s patents and will license other patents developed by LGE that are now owned by business solutions provider MicroConnect Group. The specific financial terms of the agreement are confidential, but the parties are disclosing that Microsoft will be making a net balancing payment to LGE and MicroConnect for patents related to operating systems and computer systems. LGE will be making ongoing payments to Microsoft for the value of Microsoft patents as they relate to Linux-based embedded devices that LGE produces.

“This agreement and our good relationship with Microsoft enable LGE to provide improved telecommunications solutions to our customers,” said Jeong Hwan Lee, executive vice president of the Intellectual Property Center at LGE. “We believe that the license arrangement with Microsoft provides appropriate recognition of the value of LGE’s computer system-related patents, which includes patents directed to computer architecture utilized in game consoles and other products. We believe in the importance of respecting the IP rights of others and that patent collaboration and protection is a best business practice the whole industry should be engaged in.”

“MicroConnect is pleased to be able to make a contribution to the strengthened IP relationship between LGE and Microsoft,” said Alan Loudermilk, founding partner of MicroConnect.

“This agreement is another example of how Microsoft is continuing to build bridges with others in the industry through intellectual property licensing,” said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president, Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft. “We are pleased to be working with an industry leader and partner like LGE to meet our mutual business goals and customer needs.”

In the past 12 months, Microsoft has announced similar agreements with companies such as Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd., NEC Corp., Nortel Networks, Novell Inc., Samsung and Seiko Epson Corp. to help build bridges between the world’s leading computer hardware, software and telecommunications solutions providers.

Source: Microsoft

 

Microsoft launches Surface Computing

The launch of Microsoft Surface marks the beginning of a new technology category and a user-interface revolution. Surface, Microsoft’s first surface computer, provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural hand gestures, touch and physical objects. Surface computing breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, changing the way people interact with all kinds of everyday information — from photos to maps to menus.

Key features demonstrated in the videos included:

• Multi-touch ability.
• Recognition and syncing of wireless devices by placing on touch panel
• Ability to identify non-digital devices, such as a drink glass, based on shape.
• Hand gesture system to further interact with the touch panel.
• New, non-windows based interface.

The videos really speak for themselves. According to the website, Surface technology will be
available in Winter 2007.

Source: Microsoft Surface