Patents by Inventor Brian D. Wentz

Brian D. Wentz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9026862
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring operational performance of at least one application containing no explicit instrumentation are described. Data relating to the operational performance of the application can be obtained and provided to a telemetry server for analysis without the use of diagnostic instrumentation within the application. Generic and targeted performance data can be obtained using responsiveness components within a computing operating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Robert W. Dreyfoos, Jason Carl Hendrickson, Brian D. Wentz, Prashant Ratanchandani, Pavan Kumar Josyula Venkata
  • Patent number: 8874970
    Abstract: Embodiments are configured to improve the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Benedek, Roberto A. Franco, Quji Guo, J. Craig Hally, Reid T. Holmes, Roman Pamucci, Edward J. Praitis, Christopher T. Sager, Brian D. Wentz
  • Patent number: 8356211
    Abstract: Embodiments are configured to improve the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Benedek, Roberto A. Franco, Quji Guo, J. Craig Hally, Reid T. Holmes, Roman Pamucci, Edward J. Praitis, Christopher T. Sager, Brian D. Wentz
  • Publication number: 20130013954
    Abstract: Embodiments are configured to improve the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Benedek, Roberto A. Franco, Quji Guo, J. Craig Hally, Reid T. Holmes, Roman Pamucci, Edward J. Praitis, Christopher T. Sager, Brian D. Wentz
  • Publication number: 20120144246
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring operational performance of at least one application containing no explicit instrumentation are described. Data relating to the operational performance of the application can be obtained and provided to a telemetry server for analysis without the use of diagnostic instrumentation within the application. Generic and targeted performance data can be obtained using responsiveness components within a computing operating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Dreyfoos, Jason Carl Hendrickson, Brian D. Wentz, Prashant Ratanchandani, Pavan Kumar Josyula Venkata
  • Publication number: 20120137183
    Abstract: Embodiments are configured to improve the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Benedek, Roberto A. Franco, Quji Guo, J. Craig Hally, Reid T. Holmes, Roman Pamucci, Edward J. Praitis, Christopher T. Sager, Brian D. Wentz
  • Patent number: 8150898
    Abstract: A method and data structure for separating application data from user data in a namespace. The data structure provides an intuitive profile layout for developers or users while supporting legacy applications. The namespace utilizes a hierarchical structure allowing access by developers or users over a network to information contained in identified public folders and/or a user's profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anshul Rawat, Brian D. Wentz, Chris J. Guzak, David G. De Vorchik, Sierra M. Giampiero, Jason F. Moore, John E. Brezak, Ming Zhu, Mohammed A. Samji
  • Patent number: 8112673
    Abstract: The present invention improves the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Benedek, Roberto A. Franco, Quji Guo, J. Craig Hally, Reid T. Holmes, Roman Pamucci, Edward J. Praitis, Christopher T. Sager, Brian D. Wentz
  • Patent number: 7937440
    Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and maintaining a shared browsing experience are disclosed. A method for establishing a shared browsing experience includes an inviter computer communicating to an invitee computer, via an online messenger communication path, an invitation to establish a co-browsing experience. The invitee computer communicates to the inviter computer, via the first communication path, an acceptance of the invitation. A co-browsing communication path is then established between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. Information relating to the shared browsing experience is then communicated between the inviter and invitee computers via the co-browsing communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver Lee, Christopher J. Araman, Quji Guo, Cees Van Dok, Joel K. Grossman, Brian D. Wentz, Jordan L. K. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20110035424
    Abstract: A method and data structure for separating application data from user data in a namespace. The data structure provides an intuitive profile layout for developers or users while supporting legacy applications. The namespace utilizes a hierarchical structure allowing access by developers or users over a network to information contained in identified public folders and/or a user's profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: ANSHUL RAWAT, BRIAN D. WENTZ, CHRIS J. GUZAK, DAVID G. DE VORCHIK, SIERRA M. GIAMPIERO, JASON F. MOORE, JOHN E. BREZAK, MING ZHU, MOHAMMED A. SAMJI
  • Patent number: 7822793
    Abstract: A method and data structure for separating application data from user data in a namespace. The data structure provides an intuitive profile layout for developers or users while supporting legacy applications. The namespace utilizes a hierarchical structure allowing access by developers or users over a network to information contained in identified public folders and/or a user's profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anshul Rawat, Brian D. Wentz, Chris J. Guzak, David G. De Vorchik, Sierra M. Giampiero, Jason F. Moore, John E. Brezak, Ming Zhu, Mohammed A. Samji
  • Patent number: 7810143
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods are described that enable a credential interface. These systems and/or methods may build a credential user interface enabling a user to choose between multiple credentials and submit an authenticator for a chosen credential. These systems and/or methods may also gather information about arbitrary credentials and build a user interface for submission of authenticators for these arbitrary credentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Ruzyski, James H. Hong, Brian K. McNeil, Chris J. Guzak, Brian D. Wentz, Klaus U. Schutz, Stefan Richards, Eric C. Perlin, Cristian Ilac, Sterling M. Reasor, Eric R. Flo, John Stephens, Benjamin A. Hutz
  • Patent number: 7620667
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring user profiles between computing devices using portable storage devices is disclosed. A portable storage device (PSD) is connected to a computing device, the computing device reads user profile data from the PSD and configures itself according to that data. If the user profile data is changed on the computing device, those changes are synchronized on the PSD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly E. Rollin, Stephane St-Michel, Christopher John Guzak, Giles van der Bogert, Brian D. Wentz
  • Patent number: 7617530
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods are described that enable a user to elevate his or her rights. In one embodiment, these systems and/or methods present a user interface identifying an account having a right to permit a task in response to the task being prohibited based on a user's current account not having that right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David M Ruzyski, James H. Hong, Brian McNeil, Anastasia C Doerr, Chris J. Guzak, Sterling M. Reasor, Charles W. Stabb, Brian D. Wentz
  • Patent number: 7478085
    Abstract: A method and data structure for creating and accessing folders stored in well known locations. The data structure and method utilizes a set of APIs to create and manage well known folders on a system and/or to locate specific well known folders. The invention provides interfaces to create, locate, extend, and enumerate well known folders. In addition, the invention allows a developer and/or user to customize properties of well known folders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anshul Rawat, Brian D. Wentz, Chris J. Guzak, David G. De Vorchik, John E. Brezak, Ming Zhu, Mohammed A. Samji
  • Publication number: 20080235536
    Abstract: The present invention improves the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph E. Benedek, Roberto A. Franco, Quji Guo, J. Craig Hally, Reid T. Holmes, Roman Pamucci, Edward J. Praitis, Christopher T. Sager, Brian D. Wentz
  • Patent number: 7426537
    Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing a shared dynamic content experience are disclosed. A method for sharing a dynamic content experience according to the invention includes an inviter computer communicating, via a first communication path between an invitee computer and a network based communication server, an invitation to establish a shared dynamic content experience between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. If the invitation is accepted, a content sharing communication path is established between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. Information relating to a current dynamic content experience at the inviter computer is communicated, via the content sharing communication path, to the invitee computer. Information relating to a current dynamic content experience at the invitee computer is communicated, via the content sharing communication path, to the inviter computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver Lee, Quji Guo, Joel K. Grossman, Brian D. Wentz, Jordan L. K. Schwartz, Christopher J. Araman, Randall Knight Winjum, Shelly Farnham, Lili Cheng
  • Patent number: 7398433
    Abstract: The present invention improves the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E Benedek, Roberto A Franco, Quji Guo, J Craig Hally, Reid T Holmes, Roman Pamucci, Edward J Praitis, Christopher T Sager, Brian D Wentz
  • Patent number: 7321988
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improving the stability of computing devices by identifying plug-in modules and other programs that cause failures. More specifically, the present invention provides a method that traces program execution from an instruction that ultimately generated a failure to a code library that caused the failure generating instruction to be executed. The method traces execution of the computing device by obtaining the contents of memory at the time of the failure and traversing the stack data structure that stores data items necessary to execute function calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Quji Guo, Roberto A Franco, Edward J Praitis, Li-Hsin Huang, Jingyang Xu, Brian D Wentz, Julian Jiggins, Venkatavaradhan Panchapagesan
  • Patent number: 7287054
    Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and maintaining a shared browsing experience are disclosed. A method for establishing a shared browsing experience includes an inviter computer communicating to an invitee computer, via an online messenger communication path, an invitation to establish a co-browsing experience. The invitee computer communicates to the inviter computer, via the first communication path, an acceptance of the invitation. A co-browsing communication path is then established between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. Information relating to the shared browsing experience is then communicated between the inviter and invitee computers via the co-browsing communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver Lee, Christopher J. Araman, Quji Guo, Cees van Dok, Joel K. Grossman, Brian D. Wentz, Jordan L. K. Schwartz