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IBM Patents Checking a Box

Posted by kdawson on from the science-and-the-useful-arts dept.

theodp writes "What do you call it when you drag a pointer over a checkbox to select or deselect it depending on its original state? Answer: US Patent 7,278,116. On Tuesday, the USPTO awarded IBM a patent for Mode Switching for Ad Hoc Checkbox Selection, aka Making an 'X'. Isn't this essentially the same concept as the older Lotus Notes selection model that IBM was recently asked to reintroduce?"

6 of 186 comments (clear)

  1. What do you call it? by kidcharles · · Score: 3, Funny

    What do you call it when you drag a pointer over a checkbox to select or deselect it depending on its original state?

    What do you call it when I drag the U.S. software patent system behind my car until it is an unrecognizable bloody mess?

    Sorry for the graphic imagery, but I'm really getting sick of this crap.

    --
    Ceci n'est pas une sig.
  2. Alternative. by JMZero · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'm patenting my own method of box checking:

    1. Cut a hole in the box.
    2. Put your check in that box.
    3. Make her open the box.

    --
    Let's not stir that bag of worms...
  3. Anonymous by adam.conf · · Score: 4, Funny

    Well, I guess I won't be posting anonymously for once.

  4. Obviously by packetmon · · Score: 3, Funny

    No one here understands the complexity involved in checking a box. I don't work for IBM and I am not a marketing expert, if you have side questions on my post please contact me at nocengineer@ibm.com with that said:

    IBM's patented technology is a boon to the Interweb of Googletoolbars worldwide. This extremely proficient alternative to physically filling out a form with a paper and pen method deserves its right in Patentdumb history. The traditional approach of said former technology via the pen and the paper is an approach that is inefficient and expensive. IMB's modular design of the radio button and check button interface allows users to utilize with maximum proficiency, the power of checking a box.

    Thank you

    THIS AND OTHER SUBSEQUENT POSTS ARE PATENT PENDING

    --
    Infiltrated dot Net
  5. Re:If someone patents something stupid, do we care by Jason+Levine · · Score: 5, Funny

    As someone who used Notes, let me just say that God had nothing to do with it's design. You need to look in the other direction.

    --
    My sci-fi novel, Ghost Thief, is now available from Amazon.com.
  6. Re:If someone patents something stupid, do we care by Garridan · · Score: 3, Funny

    Damn! I just finished preparing my patent for "Usage of Computer as Human Waste Receptical", and you're telling me that there's prior art?