Patents by Inventor Catherine N. Boulanger

Catherine N. Boulanger 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: 10656777
    Abstract: One method includes receiving inputs from one or more input devices, and determining a user interest in use of the interface device based on the inputs. In response to the user interest, changing a state of the first interface device from a deactivated state in which the first interface device is concealed behind a surface to an activated state in which the first interface device emits light through the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine N. Boulanger, Felipe Bacim De Araujo E Silva, Karlin Y. Bark, Seung Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 10579253
    Abstract: A canvas (e.g., a digital page or sheet of paper) on which a user can input data is displayed on a display device of a computing device in response to the canvas being invoked. The canvas can be invoked in different manners, such as by the user activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration. The user can input any digital data such as notes, drawings, and so forth on the canvas that he or she desires. In response to the canvas being dismissed (e.g., by the user again activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration), display of the canvas ceases. The digital data input by the user is saved or otherwise processed by the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Graham Williams, Catherine N. Boulanger, Yann Florian Daniel Riche, Hua Wang, John G. A. Weiss, Anthony Christian Reed, Ralf Groene, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Vincent L. Ball
  • Publication number: 20190121513
    Abstract: A canvas (e.g., a digital page or sheet of paper) on which a user can input data is displayed on a display device of a computing device in response to the canvas being invoked. The canvas can be invoked in different manners, such as by the user activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration. The user can input any digital data such as notes, drawings, and so forth on the canvas that he or she desires. In response to the canvas being dismissed (e.g., by the user again activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration), display of the canvas ceases. The digital data input by the user is saved or otherwise processed by the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Graham Williams, Catherine N. Boulanger, Yann Florian Daniel Riche, Hua Wang, John G.A. Weiss, Anthony Christian Reed, Ralf Groene, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Vincent L. Ball
  • Patent number: 10168894
    Abstract: A canvas (e.g., a digital page or sheet of paper) on which a user can input data is displayed on a display device of a computing device in response to the canvas being invoked. The canvas can be invoked in different manners, such as by the user activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration. The user can input any digital data such as notes, drawings, and so forth on the canvas that he or she desires. In response to the canvas being dismissed (e.g., by the user again activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration), display of the canvas ceases. The digital data input by the user is saved or otherwise processed by the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Graham Williams, Catherine N. Boulanger, Yann Florian Daniel Riche, Hua Wang, John G. A. Weiss, Anthony Christian Reed, Ralf Groene, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Vincent L. Ball
  • Patent number: 10114482
    Abstract: The description relates to color information. One example can include a computing device having a display and a digital stylus configured to capture colors from an operating environment. The digital stylus can be configured to wirelessly communicate data relating to an individual color from the operating environment to the computing device. The computing device can be configured to identify a context of the communicated individual color and to control the computing device based upon the individual color and the context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Catherine N. Boulanger
  • Patent number: 9672292
    Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling affinity-based page navigation. These techniques and apparatuses enable page navigation, such as page flipping, page searches, and other navigation based on affinities associated with various pages. These affinities can include a reference to a page, such as a link or quotation in a social networking service, an encyclopedia, a webpage, an article, a newspaper, or a blog. These affinities can also or instead include usage, such as how many users have read, highlighted, dog-eared, or bookmarked a page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine N. Boulanger, John G. A. Weiss, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Paul Henry Dietz
  • Publication number: 20160342228
    Abstract: The description relates to color information. One example can include a computing device having a display and a digital stylus configured to capture colors from an operating environment. The digital stylus can be configured to wirelessly communicate data relating to an individual color from the operating environment to the computing device. The computing device can be configured to identify a context of the communicated individual color and to control the computing device based upon the individual color and the context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Catherine N. BOULANGER
  • Patent number: 9495470
    Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling bookmarking for electronic books. The techniques and apparatuses enable a user of an electronic book to bookmark pages of the electronic book and navigate based on these bookmarks as well as bookmarks made by other users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine N. Boulanger, John G.A. Weiss, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Paul Henry Dietz
  • Publication number: 20160274760
    Abstract: A canvas (e.g., a digital page or sheet of paper) on which a user can input data is displayed on a display device of a computing device in response to the canvas being invoked. The canvas can be invoked in different manners, such as by the user activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration. The user can input any digital data such as notes, drawings, and so forth on the canvas that he or she desires. In response to the canvas being dismissed (e.g., by the user again activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration), display of the canvas ceases. The digital data input by the user is saved or otherwise processed by the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Graham Williams, Catherine N. Boulanger, Yann Florian Daniel Riche, Hua Wang, John G. A. Weiss, Anthony Christian Reed, Ralf Groene, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Vincent L. Ball
  • Patent number: 9436296
    Abstract: The description relates to color information. One example can include a computing device having a display and a digital stylus configured to capture colors from an operating environment. The digital stylus can be configured to wirelessly communicate data relating to an individual color from the operating environment to the computing device. The computing device can be configured to identify a context of the communicated individual color and to control the computing device based upon the individual color and the context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Catherine N. Boulanger
  • Patent number: 9372571
    Abstract: A canvas (e.g., a digital page or sheet of paper) on which a user can input data is displayed on a display device of a computing device in response to the canvas being invoked. The canvas can be invoked in different manners, such as by the user activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration. The user can input any digital data such as notes, drawings, and so forth on the canvas that he or she desires. In response to the canvas being dismissed (e.g., by the user again activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration), display of the canvas ceases. The digital data input by the user is saved or otherwise processed by the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Graham Williams, Catherine N. Boulanger, Yann Florian Daniel Riche, Hua Wang, John G. A. Weiss, Anthony Christian Reed, Ralf Groene, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Vincent L. Ball
  • Publication number: 20160048221
    Abstract: The description relates to color information. One example can include a computing device having a display and a digital stylus configured to capture colors from an operating environment. The digital stylus can be configured to wirelessly communicate data relating to an individual color from the operating environment to the computing device. The computing device can be configured to identify a context of the communicated individual color and to control the computing device based upon the individual color and the context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Catherine N. BOULANGER
  • Patent number: 9256089
    Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for implementing an object-detecting backlight unit for a display device. An object-detecting backlight unit includes two or more light sources configured to provide light to a display to form an image, and a light sensor configured to receive reflected light when an object is near the display and determine that the reflected light originated from a region of the display. The reflected light is caused by light from the image reflecting off of the object back towards the display. The backlight unit is configured to detect a position of the object based on the region of the display from which the reflected light originated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Emerton, Timothy Andrew Large, Catherine N. Boulanger
  • Patent number: 9176538
    Abstract: Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a connection portion, protective case, and one or more controls. The connection portion is configured to provide a removable physical connection to a computing device. The protective case is coupled to the connection portion and configured to support rotational movement of the protective case in relation to the computing device when the connection portion is physically connected to the computing device. The one or more controls are disposed on the protective case such that at least one control is accessible to a user when the protective case is positioned behind the computing device and the computing device and the input device are grasped by one or more hands of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Catherine N. Boulanger
  • Patent number: 9152173
    Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for implementing a transparent display device. A transparent display device includes a transparent or translucent screen to render images on the screen, and to render virtual objects that appear to be in a three-dimensional (3D) space behind the screen. The transparent display device also includes a hand tracker to sense movement of a user's hands to interact with one or more of the virtual objects, and to generate 3D-input based on the movement. The transparent or translucent screen enables the user to see the user's hands behind the screen as the user's hands interact with the one or more virtual objects. The transparent display device is controlled to modify the rendering of the images on the screen or the virtual objects behind the screen based on the 3D-input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jinha Lee, Catherine N. Boulanger, Steven Nabil Bathiche
  • Publication number: 20150227253
    Abstract: A canvas (e.g., a digital page or sheet of paper) on which a user can input data is displayed on a display device of a computing device in response to the canvas being invoked. The canvas can be invoked in different manners, such as by the user activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration. The user can input any digital data such as notes, drawings, and so forth on the canvas that he or she desires. In response to the canvas being dismissed (e.g., by the user again activating a switch or button at an “eraser” end of a stylus that mimics a pen/pencil configuration), display of the canvas ceases. The digital data input by the user is saved or otherwise processed by the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah Graham Williams, Catherine N. Boulanger, Yann Florian Daniel Riche, Hua Wang, John G.A. Weiss, Anthony Christian Reed, Ralf Groene, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Vincent L. Ball
  • Publication number: 20150160849
    Abstract: Bezel gesture techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a determination is made that an input involves detection of an object by one or more bezel sensors. The bezel sensors are associated with a display device of a computing device. A location is identified from the input that corresponds to the detection of the object and an item is displayed at a location on the display device that is based at least in part on the identified location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John G. A. Weiss, Catherine N. Boulanger, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Moshe R. Lutz
  • Patent number: 8947353
    Abstract: Photosensor array gesture detection techniques are described. In one or more embodiments, a computing device includes an array of photosensors. The photosensor array can be configured in various ways to measure changes in the amount of light that occur based upon a user's hand position above the photosensor array. In at least some embodiments, capacitance associated with the photosensors is charged and data regarding discharge rates for the sensors is collected that is indicative of the amount of incident light. Sequential changes in the amount of light that is measured across the array of photosensors can be used to determine positioning and/or movement of the user's hand in three dimensions (e.g., track position/motion in three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the computing device.) Accordingly, various gestures can be defined in terms of input obtained via the photosensor array and recognized to trigger corresponding operations by the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Catherine N. Boulanger, Paul Henry Dietz, Steven Nabil Bathiche
  • Publication number: 20140221098
    Abstract: Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a connection portion, protective case, and one or more controls. The connection portion is configured to provide a removable physical connection to a computing device. The protective case is coupled to the connection portion and configured to support rotational movement of the protective case in relation to the computing device when the connection portion is physically connected to the computing device. The one or more controls are disposed on the protective case such that at least one control is accessible to a user when the protective case is positioned behind the computing device and the computing device and the input device are grasped by one or more hands of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Catherine N. Boulanger
  • Publication number: 20140143707
    Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling affinity-based page navigation. These techniques and apparatuses enable page navigation, such as page flipping, page searches, and other navigation based on affinities associated with various pages. These affinities can include a reference to a page, such as a link or quotation in a social networking service, an encyclopedia, a webpage, an article, a newspaper, or a blog. These affinities can also or instead include usage, such as how many users have read, highlighted, dog-eared, or bookmarked a page.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Catherine N. Boulanger, John G.A. Weiss, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Paul Henry Dietz