Geoworks Issued Patent for Flexible User Interface Technology
BERKELEY, Calif. — October 5, 1993 — The U.S. Patent Office has announced that it will issue Geoworks, a California-based developer of operating system and application software, a patent for its unique process of designing user interfaces (UIs) for software programs.
The patented UI technology is part of Geowork's GEOS operating system software, a popular, object-oriented graphical environment designed to meet the varied demands of consumer computing devices (CCDs), including mobile devices, office products, smart phones and interactive televisions.
Unlike other operating systems, GEOS isolates the application from specific user interface implementations, which means that applications written for the GEOS platform are completely independent of the "look and feel" of the hardware on which they run.
Software developers writing applications for GEOS can then move their programs to any other GEOS-based consumer computing device without recoding or recompiling their application.
Geoworks' flexible UI allows for complete application scalability. Developers can modify the amount of visible UI components, depending on the screen sizes of different devices or the needs of the people using the application.
Geoworks' unique UI approach also delivers complete input/output (I/O) device independence. Data input can be taken by pen, mouse, keyboard, voice or touch. GEOS simply identifies information as input and processes it accordingly.
"When Geoworks started working on GEOS technology six years ago, no one knew what the UI would be for the broad range of CCD products now shipping or in development," said Brian Dougherty, chairman and CEO, Geoworks.
"We created a flexible UI that could be used with any and all types of devices. As a result, GEOS has the only UI that allows software companies to run their programs on different devices and have them look as if they were originally developed for that product."
A custom UI is a distinct advantage to hardware manufacturers because it allows them to create product differentiation in the market. OEMs can tailor the "look and feel" of their product to their own specifications, while the application software on the device remains the same.
Three major OEMs — Tandy, Casio, and Sharp — have taken advantage of Geoworks' flexible UI technology. Tandy and Casio have teamed with Geoworks to create the Zoomer Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), which has a small screen UI, and Sharp's PT-9000, Personal Information Assistant, features a larger Motif-like UI.
On both products the UI is customized to meet the needs of the specific devices, without changing the underlying system software.
"We're providing our software developers with a much larger market opportunity than previously available, when applications had to be written to meet the needs of specific hardware," added Dougherty.
"The patent represents a tremendous milestone for Geoworks and reinforces the fact that we are going to significantly impact the evolution of consumer computing devices," added Dougherty. "The award acknowledges that GEOS has a real shot at becoming the leading-edge operating system platform for the new CCD market."
Geoworks will be holding its first Developer Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame, Calif., on Oct. 25 and 26 where developers can learn in depth about this patented, flexible UI technology and receive the new GEOS Software Development Kit (SDK) free. The two-day session will focus on markets which have the most potential and specific opportunities for developing vertical market applications.
To register, developers can call 800/524-1857, ext. 1214.
Located in Berkeley, Geoworks provides sophisticated and highly efficient system software and markets targeted applications for the emerging class of consumer computing devices which are designed to communicate, entertain and manage information for mass market consumers. Geoworks products are available worldwide through OEMs, dealer channels and republishers.
NOTE: GEOS and Geoworks are registered trademarks of Geoworks in the United States and other countries. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
Geoworks, Berkeley
Deborah Dawson, 510/204-8550
or
The Bohle Co., Los Angeles
Holly Zmetrovich/Karl Fields, 310/785-0515