APPLE INC. (Cupertino, CA)

According to certain embodiments, the method can be performed on a device equipped with at least one processor, nontransitory storage, a display, and an input device. The method shows, on the display two columns, a first and a second column within an application region. The method includes detecting, via the input device, an initial user input that begins at a point at a top of the area of application and shifts towards the edge of the area. The method involves the process of, upon detecting the first input of the user altering the amount of columns shown in the application region in which changing the number columns that are displayed in the application region includes, in accordance with a determination that the first user input was directed in a first direction display of another column in the area of application while keeping display of the first column and the second column within the application region.

Click here to view the patent on USPTO website.

 

Get Patents with PatentPC

What is a patent?

How to Search for Patents

  • Add keywords to your search. Keyword searches may turn up documents that are not well-categorized or have missed classifications during Step 2. For example, US patent examiners often supplement their classification searches with keyword searches. Think about the use of technical engineering terminology rather than everyday words.
  • Search for foreign patents using the CPC classification. Then, re-run the search using international patent office search engines such as Espacenet, the European Patent Office’s worldwide patent publication database of over 130 million patent publications. Other national databases include:
  • Search non-patent literature. Inventions can be made public in many non-patent publications. It is recommended that you search journals, books, websites, technical catalogs, conference proceedings, and other print and electronic publications.

To review your search, you can hire a registered patent attorney to assist. A preliminary search will help one better prepare to talk about their invention and other related inventions with a professional patent attorney. In addition, the attorney will not spend too much time or money on patenting basics.