"Slide to unlock patent" US Patent #8046721

Claim 1 Explanation

Claim 1 of the “Slide to unlock patent” involves the introduction of the method using touch-sensitive display, along with its first set of primary factors.  The first factor of the method is the act of an initial touch to an “unlock image.” This claim goes on to explain that after this initial contact is made, the act of sliding the image while maintaining contact is protected in this patent.  In addition, claim 1 concludes with defining that this sliding act moves from a specific location to a predetermined “unlock region.”

My Discovery Top 5 Predictions

1.  “I see no good reasons why the views given in this volume should shock the religious sensibilities of anyone.” – Charles Darwin, writing in the foreword to On the Origin of Species, 1859

- This quote was especially interesting because regardless of your view on the issue, Darwin’s publishing became controversial for many religions and creationist doctrine.  Although there have been attempts to combine the two theories, there still remains a heavy debate and “shock” factor for many religions.  This has left a division in society that calls for some push for unity. 

2.  “The Beatles have no future in show business.” – A Decca Records Executive, 1962

- This quote is inspiring because this shows all of us that success is not always an overnight phenomenon.  Many of the greatest performers, athletes, and businessman who have ever lived at one point, have been told it was impossible or have failed.  This is what makes the pursuit of greatness all the more fulfilling in my opinion. 

3.  “There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.” – Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, 2007.

- I chose this quote because of how entertaining it was to think about the amount of people I know that DO NOT own an iPhone. It seems as if everyone currently, or at one point, has owned an iPhone, so I tend to think that Ballmer was speaking from a marketing point of view in order to suppress public craze for the ensuing product. 

4.  “The idea that cavalry will be replaced by these iron coaches is absurd.  It is little short of treasonous.” – aide-de-camp to Field Marshal Haig, 1916

- This quote that was noted at a tank demonstration was very intriguing because logically, it seems “absurd” to think that tanks wouldn’t replace cavalry.  Some people become very accustomed to certain aspects of society, and are often resistant to change.  This quote shows that people’s accepted notions can blind even the most obvious of things.

5.  “The World potential market for copying machines is 5000 at most.” –IBM, to the eventual founders of Xerox, saying the photocopier had no market large enough to justify production, 1959

- Sometimes when entrepreneurs start out, big name investors and businesses will make wrong predictions about a specific product.  This is not to say that all innovations have unlimited potential, but sometimes, the sky is the limit. 

TOP 5 Predictions

1. "This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication.  The device is inherently of no value to us." - Western Union internal memo, 1876

- I picked this quote because I personally rely on the telephone as virtually my only form of communication, so it was interesting to see such a resolute statement even after its conception.  

2.  "Rail travel at high speed is not possible because passengers, unable to breathe, would die of asphyxia." -Dr Dionysius Lardner, 1830

- I picked this quote because living in northern California would be much different if the Bay Area Rapid Transit was not in service.  High speed rail travel makes it possible to commute at a very low cost and it is interesting to see a published doctor refute its feasibility.  

3. "X-rays will prove to be a hoax." -Lord Kelvin, President of the Royal Society, 1883

- This quote was especially interesting because x-rays are now considered one of the easiest modes for detecting skeletal damage.  This speaks volumes about how one of the most respected people in society at a given time, could be so wrong about a breakthrough such as x-rays.  This also illuminates the fact that those in power can significantly shape public perception. 

4.  “Television won’t last because people will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night.” –Darryl Zanuck, movie producer, 20^th Century Fox, 1946

- My response to this quote was unique because it was a thought that I still entertain.  Will television eventually become “old news”? I find myself watching less television then in the past, and although this does not hold true for all, I believe Zanuck’s claim could actually prove to be true in years to come.

5.  “No one will pay good money to get from Berlin to Potsdam in one hour when he can ride his horse there in one day for free.” –King William I of Prussia, on trains, 1864

- This was possibly my favorite quote of the 5, because it illuminates the current state of our capitalist culture.  The economic and social speed that is required to keep up in this day and age is far greater than in previous centuries.  Many people will now pay hundreds of dollars to expedite travel, and this is very interesting to see how societal mentality changes over time. 

Revised Top Ten Technological Innovations (In order)

1.  Wheel

• Developed by different ancient civilizations
• Revolutionized transportation of goods, services and people.
• Increased productivity of settlements by allowing for greater modes of transportation

2.  Electricity 

• Popularized by Thomas Edison's Lightbulb
• First discovered by Benjamin Franklin
• Revolutionized energy and power consumption 

3.  Printing Press

• popularized by Johannes Gutenberg in 15th Century Europe
• raised literacy rates 
• proliferated written works as a main source for learning and acquiring information 

4. The Telephone

• developed by Alexander Graham Bell
• revolutionized communication by allowing instant connection between places 

5.  Irrigation/Sewage

• we take sewage and irrigation for granted
• however, it is vital to our overall quality of life and health

6.  The Airplane

• completely revolutionized travel
• cut travel time significantly making many places far more accessible to the common man

7.  The Internet

• Allowed humans to connect virtually through social media
• allowed information to be proliferated on a public forum

8.  Printed/Commodity Money

• gave us a medium of exchange
• made the transfer of goods and services easier so that more economic activity could occur

9.  Anesthesia 

• allowed safer and less painful operations to occur that promoted overall public health 
• many invasive surgeries would not be possible without anesthesia 

10. Refrigeration

• allows food to be stored exponentially longer than before
• makes the allocation of food and related resources more efficient 

**I hope you like the revisions! 

TOP 10 Technological Innovations

1. The Wheel: Evidence of the wheel during the 4th century revolutionized transportation, helping precipitate what was known as the bronze age.  The invention of the wheel, galvanized growth by greatly increasing the individual's mobility.

2. Electricity: Benjamin Franklin forever revolutionized the trajectory of our nation through his discovery of electricity.

3. The Telephone: First patented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell, the telephone was the first way for people to communicate across long distances.  The invention of the telephone took communication to new heights as getting into contact with friends, relatives, and businesses greatly impacted society's efficiency.

4. The Internet: The amount of information that can be collected by the common man through the internet is astronomical, taking knowledge and interaction to many different forums.

5. Music: Music, it brings people together.  I believe it is one of the key forums for finding personal tranquility.

6. The Television: First available in the 1920's, the television quickly became commonplace in homes. Although some would protest, the amount of entertainment and leisure that television and cinema have created makes it a top ten technological advancement in my book.

7. Irrigation: We take running water for granted, but this technological contribution has increased quality of life exponentially for those of us who benefit.  However, in many places around the world, people have scarce access to clean water sources.

8. The Printing Press: The printing press solidified written works as one of the greatest forums for learning, making it for sure a top innovation.

9. The Airplane: First conceptualized in 1799 by Sir George Cayley, the airplane has been revolutionary to modern society.  Exponentially bringing down time-elapsed in travel, the airplane makes in into this top ten.

10. The Clock:  Although known as one of the oldest human inventions, it is nonetheless a top ten innovation; because without this simple time keeping device, our world would be in mayhem!

Conclusion:    The logic behind my selections was based heavily upon technology that greatly improved everyday life.  In addition, several of my selections were entertainment-based, which has revolutionized leisure though causing controversy for some.  I did not necessarily go with what I believed were the best technological advances, I decided to choose the technological advances that have impacted current society in the most tangible ways.

ABOUT ME

Hello Classmates,

My name is Matthew Ruetten, and I am currently a 3rd year undergraduate CNR Environmental Economics & Policy Major pursuing a minor in City and Regional Planning.  I am from San Diego, CA and have lived there the majority of my life.

Although I am currently unsure about future career plans, I find interest in economic and community development, as well as entrepreneurial endeavors.  My hobbies include playing golf, working out, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends.  I also enjoy a variety of other sports such as soccer, basketball, rugby, and others.  

I am taking this class because it seemed like a very interesting forum to learn about patents and its entrepreneurial aspects.  What I most want to take from this class is a sound understanding of what can be patented, and the resilience of differing patents.  I am excited to learn ground level aspects of a possibly vital part to my intended career. I cannot wait for what is in store for the semester!

Cheers!