Software Technology for Special lock mode user interface

Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)

The present disclosure generally pertains to user interfaces for managing input mechanisms. In certain instances the device switches from a first to the second mode of a determination that one or more features of an input from a user that is detected by a second input mechanism of the electronic device satisfy certain requirements. The first mode blocks the electronic device’s first input mechanism for input by the user. In the second mode the primary input mechanism in the electronic device is turned on for user input.

Electronic devices that are becoming more functional are becoming increasingly used by users in their daily activities (e.g. recording workout sessions). This means that the electronic devices are more exposed to environmental factors (e.g. water, for instance) that could interact with the mechanisms for input of the electronic devices.

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A patent is issued by the government to protect an invention. It grants the inventor the exclusive right to develop, utilize and sell the idea. Society gains when new technology is introduced for sale. These benefits may be directly realized when individuals are able to accomplish previously impossible feats or through the economic benefits that innovation offers (business expansion, job creation).

Many drug companies and researchers at universities seek patent protection to protect their research and development. Patents are granted to a product, process, or method for making new materials. Patent protection has to be granted to an invention that is beneficial unique, innovative, and not yet known by other people in the same area.

Patents are awarded to inventors who have commercially viable inventions. They serve as a motivator for inventors to create. Small businesses and inventors are assured that they will get an excellent return on their investment in the field of technology development. They could earn a living through their work.

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Increase the value, appearance, and visibility of your products market;

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Patents can transform an inventor’s knowledge into a marketable asset that opens up new possibilities for employment creation and business expansion by licensing or joint ventures.

Small companies that have patent protection will be more appealing to investors who are involved in the commercialization and development of technology.

Patenting can generate fresh ideas and innovative inventions. This information can promote the development of new ideas and may be eligible for patent protection.

Patents can be used to stop untrustworthy third parties from profiting from the invention’s efforts.

Patent-protected technology that is commercially viable can be used to fund research and development (R&D) which can increase the chance of better technology in future.

It is possible to use the intellectual property rights of your company to convince lenders and investors that your product has commercial potential. One powerful patent may open the door for numerous financing options. Patents as well as other IP assets can be utilized as collateral or security to finance debt. Investors are also able to view the patents you own to increase their company valuation. Forbes and other publications have pointed out that each patent could increase company valuation by anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million.

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It is vital to protect an invention before submitting a patent application. Public disclosure of an invention before it is filed can frequently degrade its originality and make it ineligible for patent protection. Therefore, prior filing disclosures (e.g., for test-marketing investors, test-marketing, or any other business partners) must only be done after signing a confidentiality agreement.

There are a variety of patents. Understanding the different types of patents is vital to protect your invention. Patents for utility are used to protect new processes and machine creations. Design patents cover ornamental designs. Utility patents are best and protect the owner against copycats and other competitors. Most often, utility patents are issued for alterations or improvements to existing inventions. Utility patents can also be used to improve or modify existing inventions. A process patent could describe the methods or actions of performing a specific act. But, a chemical composition could be the combination of ingredients.

How long will a patent last? Patents for utility last for 20 years after the earliest filing dates, but their expirations can be extended due to delays in the patent office, for example.

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A patent search is the first step to getting your patent. You can do a google patent search or do a USPTO search. Patent-pending is the term for the product included in the patent application. It is possible to search the public pair to find the patent application. Once the patent office approves the application, you can conduct a patent number search to find the patent that was issued, and your product will now be patented. Alongside the USPTO search engine, you can use other search engines like espacenet, which is described below. It is possible to seek help from a patent attorney or patent attorney. Patents in the United States are granted by the US trademark and patent office, or the United States patent office and trademark office. This office also evaluates trademark applications.

Are you looking for similar patents? Here are the steps to follow:

1. Brainstorm terms that describe your invention based upon its intended purpose, composition and application.

Begin by writing down a brief and precise description of your idea. Avoid using generic terms like “device,” “process,” and “system.” Consider synonyms for the terms you picked initially. Also, keep track of crucial technical terms as well as key words.

To help you recognize the key words and concepts, try the questions below.

• What is the objective of this invention? Is it a utilitarian device or an ornamental design?
• Invention is a method to make something or carry out some function? Or is it a product or procedure?
• What is the basis of the invention? What is the invention’s physical structure?
• What’s the point of this invention?
• What are the technical words and terms that describe the essence of an invention? A technical dictionary will help you find the appropriate terms.

2. These terms allow you to look up relevant Cooperative Patent Classifications on the Classification Search Tool. If you’re not able to locate the appropriate classification for your invention, scan through the classification’s class Schemas (class schedules). Think about substituting the words that you’ve used to describe your invention if you don’t receive any results from the Classification Text Search with synonyms like the ones you used in Step 1.

3. Examine the CPC Classification Definition for confirmation of the CPC classification you have found. The hyperlink to a CPC classification definition is given when the classification you have selected has a blue box that includes “D” on the left. CPC classification definitions can help you determine the applicable classification’s scope , so you can choose the most relevant. The definitions could also contain some search tips or other recommendations that could be helpful for further study.

4. The Patents Full-Text Database and the Image Database allow you to search for patent documents that have the CPC classification. You can search and find the most relevant patent documents by making a focus on the abstract and the drawings that are representative.

5. Use this selection of the most relevant patent publications to examine each in detail for similarity to your invention. Take note of the claims and specifications. There are many patents available by referring to the patent examiner and applicant.

6. Find patent applications published in the public domain using the CPC classification you selected in Step 3 from the Applications Full-Text and Image Database. It is also possible to use the same strategy of searching you employed in Step 4 to narrow your results to just the most relevant patent applications by reviewing the abstracts and representative drawings for each page. After that, you must review all published patent applications carefully and pay particular attention to the claims and other drawings.

7. You can search for additional US patent publications by keywords in the AppFT and PatFT databases, as well as the classification search of patents that are not issued in the United States as in the following table. Also, you can utilize web search engines to find non-patent literature disclosures about inventions. For example:

• 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:
• European Patent Office (EPO) provides esp@cenet to access a network of Europe’s patent databases with access to machine translation of European patents. 
• Japan Patent Office (JPO) – with access to machine translations of Japanese patents.
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) offers PATENTSCOPE with a full-text search of published international patent applications and machine translations for some documents, as well as a list of international patent databases.
• Korean Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS)
• State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) with machine translation of Chinese patents.
• Other International Intellectual Property Offices with online patent databases include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan.
• 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.