Patents by Inventor David Howell

David Howell 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: 8776116
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to identify times at which live media events are distributed are disclosed. An example method includes collecting feed data representative of source feeds associated with respective live media events, collecting distribution data representative of a plurality of distributions of the source feeds, and comparing, using a processor, the distribution data to the feed data to generate a list identifying times at which the live media events were distributed via corresponding distributions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US) LLC
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Mark G. Welch
  • Patent number: 8767718
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and system for providing VoIP clients with the ability to confirm accuracy in conversation data over a digital communication channel. More specifically, a method and system is provided for verifying, via a visual representation whether a receiving client captures accurate information from a particular portion of the digital voice conversation. In response to a triggering event, a visual representation, including information extracted from the particular portion of the digital voice conversation, may be generated for verifying the accuracy. Based on the needs of the clients engaging in the conversation, one or more visual representations and corresponding verifications can be exchanged. In this manner, a multi-tiered oral agreement with authentication may be generated over a digital communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Scott C. Forbes, Linda Criddle, David Milstein, Lon-Chan Chu, Kuansan Wang, David A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20140173645
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting space-shifted media content associated with a digital recording/playback device are disclosed. An example method for detecting space-shifted media content includes detecting, at a router, a data packet transmitted from a first media device of a home network to a second media device of the home network; and determining, at the router, that media associated with the data packet is space-shifted when the data packet comprises at least one of media data or command data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: David Howell Wright
  • Patent number: 8694888
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for presenting computer-generated characters. The method defines several frames for a character and sequentially presents the frames. Each frame depicts a particular representation of the character. Also, at least two of the frames provide different representations of the character. Some embodiments provide a method for applying effects to computer-generated characters. This method applies an effect to the computer-generated characters by first generating an effect script. It then selects the generated effect script to apply to the computer-generated characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Langmacher, Mary E. Massey, David Howell
  • Patent number: 8682137
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting space-shifted media content associated with a digital recording/playback device are disclosed. An example method for detecting space-shifted media content includes receiving media content at a first recording/playback device at a first viewing site at a monitored location, requesting data associated with the media content from a second device at the monitored location, and determining if the data associated with the media content indicates that the media content has been space-shifted to the first recording/playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Arun Ramaswamy, Brian Mello, David James Croy, Jan Besehanic
  • Publication number: 20140056649
    Abstract: A pile guide (10) for supporting a pile as it is driven into a substrate (20) comprises a base frame (12) having a substrate-engaging surface (14) and a pile guide member (16) mounted on the base frame via a support member (18), the pile guide member being configured to guide a pile in a predetermined direction therethrough as it is driven into a substrate. The support member (18) comprises first and second parts (30,32) which are pivotally coupled together to permit pivotal movement of the pile guide member (16) relative to the base frame about a first axis of rotation (AA). The support member (18) further comprises third and fourth parts (34,36) which are pivotally coupled together to permit pivotal movement of the pile guide member (16) relative to the base frame (12) about a second axis of rotation (BB), enabling pivotal movement of the pile guide member (16) relative to the base frame (12) with two degrees of rotational freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: IHC Sea Steel Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Berry, Melchior Klopper, David Howell Gunter
  • Publication number: 20130335431
    Abstract: A virtual display system, compatible with Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM), facilitates extending a display virtually, to any display target, such as a window on the primary display, a tablet, or another personal computer altogether. The virtual WDDM display system device has a PCI filter driver, a virtual device user mode driver and a virtual device kernel mode driver. The virtual WDDM display system interacts with a physical WDDM display device, which it uses as a surrogate renderer. The PCI filter driver is used to force enumeration of a virtual display device. The virtual device kernel mode driver uses chained callbacks at increasing IRQ levels for simulating an interrupt from a real hardware device. Continuous segments in memory are used to simulate video memory on a physical display device. DirectX extensions are used to facilitate expectations at the hardware level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Dean Beeler, David Howell
  • Publication number: 20130262995
    Abstract: A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions for: (1) tracking an inventory of ingredients available to a user; (2) generating at least one menu based at least in part on user defined criteria; and (3) creating shopping lists containing at least the ingredients required to prepare recipes included in the at least one menu. In various embodiments, the computer-readable medium stores instructions for generating menus that do not include recipes that contain ingredients from a list of ingredients to exclude. In particular embodiments, the computer-readable medium stores instructions for creating shopping lists that do not include ingredients in the inventory of ingredients available to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: David Howell
  • Publication number: 20130248178
    Abstract: Method for completing a wellbore in a subsurface formation includes providing a sand control device representing one or more joints of sand screens, and a packer assembly along the joints with at least one mechanically-set packer with at least one alternate flow channel therein. Running the packer assembly and connected sand screen into the wellbore, setting a mechanically-set packer into engagement with the surrounding wellbore, injecting gravel slurry into the wellbore to form a gravel pack. An elongated isolation string is run into the sand control device across the packer assembly with valves that serve as an inflow control device. Thereafter, seals are activated around the isolation string and adjacent the packer assembly. A zonal isolation apparatus allows flow control to be provided above and below packer assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Michael T. Hecker, Michael D. Barry, Petrus A. J. Stevens, David A. Howell, Charles S. Yeh, Iain M. Macleod, Lee Mercer, Stephen Reid, Andew J. Elrick
  • Patent number: 8539527
    Abstract: Portable multi-purpose audience measurement systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises collecting demographic data of a user, including a phone number for a mobile device, via a website associated with an information gathering entity, sending a message to the mobile device, the sent message, when responded to, resulting in downloading of a metering software module to the mobile device, receiving, from the mobile device and at a system associated with the information gathering entity, information indicative of events associated with use of the mobile device, and associating the received information with the demographic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Arun Ramaswamy, Dan Nelson, Glen Vilches
  • Publication number: 20130198792
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to identify times at which live media events are distributed are disclosed. An example method includes collecting feed data representative of source feeds associated with respective live media events, collecting distribution data representative of a plurality of distributions of the source feeds, and comparing, using a processor, the distribution data to the feed data to generate a list identifying times at which the live media events were distributed via corresponding distributions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Mark G. Welch
  • Patent number: 8499084
    Abstract: A system for conducting multi-media communication sessions between two or more terminals includes a smart client application to dynamically load application code and data from servers on demand using an application management protocol. In the present embodiment the smart client is maintained on each terminal and initially executes a core application. This core application provides a user interface for selectively establishing and maintaining a communication session with a remote terminal. The core application also provides a user interface for including shared applications in the session to which the remote terminal has access. The core application provides a further user interface for combining two sessions into one that includes all participants and shared applications from both original sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Xumii, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Wooldridge, Michael David Howells
  • Patent number: 8489381
    Abstract: Method and system to configure a common set of electronic components using software in order to simulate different electronic, mechanical and/or electro-mechanical instruments or instrument functions. For each instrument function or traditional mode of operation to be simulated, software models are created which when directed to the electronic components, cause the electronic components to respond to input in the same manner that the actual, traditional physical instrument would respond to satisfy the same test requirement input. The software models are preferably stored in a model repository which is searchable to enable a user to select the instrument function or traditional mode of operation to be simulated with the corresponding model being provided to the electronic components. Once the model, i.e., a function for each synthetic element, is downloaded and the electronic components configured according to the model functions, testing of the assemblies or other UUTs can begin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Testing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Spinner, Eli Levi, William Harold Leippe, Emery Korpi, Michael Lai, James Kuveikis, Richard E. Chalmers, Richard Engel, Peter F. Britch, William Biagiotti, David Howell
  • Patent number: 8483368
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at obtaining contextual information with a voicemail message. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that obtains additional contextual information that is not obtained automatically when a voicemail message is received. More specifically, the method includes automatically obtaining a first set of contextual information from a client associated with the caller when the caller is transferred to a voicemail system. Then a determination is made regarding whether the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained. If the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained, the requested information is obtained from a third-party service or by prompting the caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Milstein, David A. Howell, Linda Criddle, Philip A. Chou, Timothy M. Moore
  • Patent number: 8467505
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to software that allows a callee to access and filter data related to a voicemail message. In accordance with one embodiment, searchable index key(s) are identified that are associated with a selected voicemail message. Then, a search is performed to identify data that is related to the selected voicemail message using the index key(s). Once the search is performed, a user interface is presented that references data identified as being related to the voicemail message. As a result, a callee may easily access and review data related to a voicemail message without being required to use multiple software applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: David A Howell, Linda Criddle, David Milstein, Lon-Chan Chu, Michael D Malueg
  • Patent number: 8385513
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at software for processing a received voicemail message to provide enhanced features in a voicemail system. In one embodiment, a user interface is provided where a callee may generate events to modify audio attributes of a received voicemail message. When an event to modify the audio attributes of the received voicemail message is received, aspects of the present invention obtain a set of event data that describes input generated by the callee. Then, a media player program is used to modify attributes of the data packets in the voicemail message in accordance with the input received from the callee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David A Howell, David Milstein, Linda Criddle, Philip A Chou
  • Publication number: 20130003948
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at obtaining contextual information with a voicemail message. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that obtains additional contextual information that is not obtained automatically when a voicemail message is received. More specifically, the method includes automatically obtaining a first set of contextual information from a client associated with the caller when the caller is transferred to a voicemail system. Then a determination is made regarding whether the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained. If the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained, the requested information is obtained from a third-party service or by prompting the caller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Milstein, David A. Howell, Linda Criddle, Philip A. Chou, Timothy M. Moore
  • Publication number: 20120301031
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying primary media content in a post-production media content presentation are disclosed. An example computer-implemented method to detect primary media content included in a secondary media content presentation disclosed herein comprises determining a first image corresponding to the secondary media content presentation, the first image comprising a plurality of image subregions, each image subregion representative of an inter-frame variation associated with a corresponding subregion of the secondary media content presentation, selecting a region of the first image comprising a plurality of connected image subregions of the first image together exhibiting a first type of inter-frame variation, and when a shape of the selected region of the first image corresponds to a predefined shape, processing a region of the first captured image corresponding to the selected region of the first synthetic image to identify the primary media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Ronan Heffernan, Michael McLean, Kevin Keqiang Deng, Paul Bulson
  • Patent number: 8280015
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at obtaining contextual information with a voicemail message. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that obtains additional contextual information that is not obtained automatically when a voicemail message is received. More specifically, the method includes automatically obtaining a first set of contextual information from a client associated with the caller when the caller is transferred to a voicemail system. Then a determination is made regarding whether the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained. If the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained, the requested information is obtained from a third-party service or by prompting the caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Milstein, David A Howell, Linda Criddle, Philip A Chou, Timothy M Moore
  • Publication number: 20120230862
    Abstract: An aluminium alloy product having a gauge below 200 ?m and a composition, in weight %, of Fe 1.0-1.8, Si 0.3-0.8, Mn up to 0.25, other elements less than or equal to 0.05 each and less than or equal to 0.15 in total, balance aluminium. A process of manufacturing the product includes the steps of continuous casting an aluminium alloy melt of the above composition, cold rolling the cast product without an interanneal step to a gauge below 200 ?m and final annealing the cold rolled product. The product may be a deep drawn container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew David HOWELLS, Hoellrigl Guenther, Armelle DaniƩlou, Florence Lauret