Patents by Inventor Craig Howard
Craig Howard 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).
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Patent number: 8721412Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different sets of content within which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with the content sets. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from content sets to content sets, performing objectives in the various content sets, and interacting with the players within those content sets.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.Inventors: Martyn Richard Chudley, Craig Howard, Paul Kerby, Gareth George Wilson, Gerard-Lee Talbot, Ben James Ward
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Patent number: 8645176Abstract: A method and system for utilizing historical data in an asset management environment are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method generates an asset information report from a database, wherein the asset information report comprises at least a portion of real-time information about the asset when the real-time information about the asset is available. In addition, the asset information report is augmented by extrapolating at least a portion of historical asset information stored at the database when at least a portion of the real-time information is not available.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Paul Walton, Craig Howard, Nicki Cooper
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Publication number: 20130337911Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different sets of content within which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with the content sets. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from content sets to content sets, performing objectives in the various content sets, and interacting with the players within those content sets.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: ACTIVISION PUBLISHING, INC.Inventors: Martyn Richard Chudley, Craig Howard, Paul Kerby, Gareth George Wilson, Gerard-Lee Talbot, Ben James Ward
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Patent number: 8560237Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for performing a trip management function are disclosed. A client computer accesses a server networked therewith to retrieve and store data, such as Web documents, relating to the trip. A wireless device interface allows a portable device, wirelessly coupled with a cellular telephone system with the network, to download the Web document. The portable device has cellular telephone functionality, geo-locating functionality, such as GPS capability, for determining its geo-location, and a processor for processing the Web document to help manage the trip. The Web document can include a set of map tiles, which encompass a particular geo-location area, and which form a dynamic map display. As the geo-location of the device changes, the next sequential map tile is downloaded and processed for displayed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Richard Rudow, James M. Janky, Robert Joseph Allen, Craig Howard
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Publication number: 20130237325Abstract: A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Martyn Richard Chudley, Craig Howard, Paul Kerby, Gareth George Wilson, Gerard-Lee Talbot, Ben James Ward
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Patent number: 8506372Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different virtual geographic locations at which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with each location. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from location to location, performing objectives at the various locations, and interacting with the players at the locations.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.Inventors: Martyn Richard Chudley, Craig Howard, Paul Kerby, Gareth George Wilson, Gerard-Lee Talbot, Ben James Ward
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Patent number: 8425326Abstract: A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.Inventors: Martyn Richard Chudley, Craig Howard, Paul Kerby, Gareth George Wilson, Gerard-Lee Talbot, Ben James Ward
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Patent number: 8412775Abstract: A method and system for interconnecting a number of peer to peer networks is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a peer to peer, gateway communicates with one or more peer to peer networks. The gateway communicates with these networks through the Internet, to which it is connected. The gateway may be configured to perform a number of functions on each of the connected networks, including but not limited to: data storage, searching, data transfer, and data translation.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Rovi Solutions CorporationInventor: Craig Howard Seidel
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Publication number: 20120110611Abstract: A comprehensive mechanism is provided for broadcasting and accessing multiple audio sources in connection with the viewing of a television program. Audio is collected through the use of standard audio capture techniques. Next, the audio is distributed by either of in-band via broadcast or out-of-band techniques. In-band audio is preferably provided via an MPEG stream associated with the current television program. Out-of-band (OOB) audio can be broadcast as well, although it is preferable to select which channel is distributed upstream first, rather than broadcast all channels downstream and consume bandwidth for unselected audio. The viewer operates a set top box to select the appropriate audio channel(s) for reproduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: TVWORKS, LLCInventors: Craig Howard Seidel, Coleman Dale Sisson, JR.
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Patent number: 8087013Abstract: In assisting migration of data processing resources from a first operating environment to a second operating environment, a migration controller responds to a problem encountered during a migration process by invoking a network-based service to discover migration resources. A service provider makes migration resources available via the network-based service. The migration controller can obtain the latest migration rules and use them to resolve certain migration problems. The cooperation between the migration controller and network-based service can be automated to reduce reliance on manual updating of installed computer programs.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John Anthony Kelly, Mark Patrick Nuttal, Craig Howard Stirling, Mark Whitlock
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Patent number: 8046792Abstract: A comprehensive mechanism is provided for broadcasting and accessing multiple audio sources in connection with the viewing of a television program. In the preferred embodiment, the first step in providing audio is collecting the audio through the use of standard audio capture techniques. Next, the audio is distributed by either of in-band via broadcast or out-of-band techniques. In-band audio is preferably provided via an MPEG stream associated with the current television program. Out-of-band (OOB) audio can be broadcast as well, although it is preferable to select which channel is distributed upstream first, rather than broadcast all channels downstream and consume bandwidth for unselected audio. Thus, it is preferred that only the desired audio channel(s) are sent over the OOB channel. The audio is preferably tagged with metadata, such that information describing the audio accompanies each audio channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: TVworks, LLCInventors: Craig Howard Seidel, Coleman Dale Sisson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110208365Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimizing the control of energy supply and demand. An energy control unit includes one or more algorithms for scheduling the control of energy consumption devices on the basis of variables relating to forecast energy supply and demand. Devices for which energy consumption can be scheduled or deferred are activated during periods of cheapest energy usage. Battery storage and alternative energy sources (e.g., photovoltaic cells) are activated to sell energy to the power grid during periods that are determined to correspond to favorable cost conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Craig Howard Miller
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Publication number: 20110113103Abstract: A method and system for interconnecting .a number of peer to peer networks is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a peer to peer, gateway communicates with one or more peer to peer networks. The gateway communicates with these networks through the Internet, to which it is connected. The gateway may be configured to perform a number of functions on each of the connected networks, including but not limited to: data storage, searching, data transfer, and data translation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2011Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventor: CRAIG HOWARD SEIDEL
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Patent number: 7877457Abstract: A method and system for interconnecting a number of peer to peer networks is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a peer to peer gateway communicates with one or more peer to peer networks. The gateway communicates with these networks through the Internet, to which it is connected. The gateway may be configured to perform a number of functions on each of the connected networks, including but not limited to: data storage, searching, data transfer, and data translation.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Macrovision CorporationInventor: Craig Howard Seidel
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Patent number: 7809943Abstract: A method and system for establishing trust in a peer-to-peer network is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer implemented method comprises receiving a certificate associated with content from a peer in a peer-to-peer network. A file certificate associated with the content is received wherein the file certificate includes a hash. The validity of the content is determined with the file certificate. The authenticity of the content is determined with the file certificate.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Rovi Solutions CorporationInventor: Craig Howard Seidel
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Publication number: 20100216530Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different virtual geographic locations at which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with each location. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from location to location, performing objectives at the various locations, and interacting with the players at the locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Martyn Richard Chudley, Craig Howard, Paul Kerby, Gareth George Wilson, Gerard-Lee Talbot, Ben James Ward
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Publication number: 20100216553Abstract: A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Martyn Richard Chudley, Craig Howard, Paul Kerby, Gareth George Wilson, Gerard-Lee Talbot, Ben James Ward
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Patent number: 7783390Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimizing the control of energy supply and demand. An energy control unit includes one or more algorithms for scheduling the control of energy consumption devices on the basis of variables relating to forecast energy supply and demand. Devices for which energy consumption can be scheduled or deferred are activated during periods of cheapest energy usage. Battery storage and alternative energy sources (e.g., photovoltaic cells) are activated to sell energy to the power grid during periods that are determined to correspond to favorable cost conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: GridPoint, Inc.Inventor: Craig Howard Miller
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Publication number: 20100044387Abstract: A system and method for constraining a can in an upright position includes a base and a plurality of legs. The base defines a support area and enlarges the footprint of a can when the can is constrained by the device. Each of the plurality of legs extends in the same direction from the base, over the support area defined by the base, and toward at least one of the other legs at an acute angle relative to the support area. Together, the legs constrain a can in an upright position when a can is inserted into the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventor: Craig Howard
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Publication number: 20090070033Abstract: A Web based application system for managing a trip. The Web based application system for managing a trip includes a graphical user interface for allowing a client computer coupled to a network to access a server computer to retrieve and store data relating to the trip therewith, one or more interactive windows functioning with the graphical user interface to perform the retrieving and the storing such that the data include a Web document and the graphical user interface and the interactive windows include a first application, and a wireless device interface for allowing a portable device wirelessly coupled, with a cellular telephone system, with the network to access the Web document. The portable device includes a cellular telephone functionality, a geo-locating functionality and a processor for processing the Web document. The processing helps manage the trip. Downloading and processing the Web document include a second application.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Richard Rudow, James M. Janky, Robert Joseph Allen, Craig Howard