Patents by Inventor David W. Williams
David W. Williams 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: 7991607Abstract: Architecture that combines capture and translation of concepts, goals, needs, locations, objects, locations, and items (e.g., sign text) into complete conversational utterances that take a translation of the item, and morph it with fluidity into sets of sentences that can be echoed to a user, and that the user can select to communicate speech (or textual utterances). A plurality of modalities that process images, audio, video, searches and cultural context, for example, which are representative of at least context and/or content, and can be employed to glean additional information regarding a communications exchange to facilitate more accurate and efficient translation. Gesture recognition can be utilized to enhance input recognition, urgency, and/or emotional interaction, for example. Speech can be used for document annotation. Moreover, translation (e.g., speech to speech, text to speech, speech to text, handwriting to speech, text or audio, . . .Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Zhengyou Zhang, David W. Williams, Yuan Kong, Zicheng Liu
-
Patent number: 7948747Abstract: A rail apparatus includes first plate formed of a synthetic material having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the first plate having a plurality of rows of spaced apart rail protrusions in a first pattern protruding from the second face of the first plate. A second metal plate includes a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the second plate having a plurality of rows of spaced apart slots in a second pattern matching the first pattern and extending through the first and second faces of the second plate. The second face of the first plate abutting the second face of the second plate, whereby the rows of rail protrusions extend through the slots and extend from the first face of the second plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: David M. Ajo, Anthony Sanchez, David W. Williams
-
Publication number: 20110058328Abstract: A rail apparatus includes first plate formed of a synthetic material having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the first plate having a plurality of rows of spaced apart rail protrusions in a first pattern protruding from the second face of the first plate. A second metal plate includes a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the second plate having a plurality of rows of spaced apart slots in a second pattern matching the first pattern and extending through the first and second faces of the second plate. The second face of the first plate abutting the second face of the second plate, whereby the rows of rail protrusions extend through the slots and extend from the first face of the second plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.Inventors: David M. Ajo, Anthony Sanchez, David W. Williams
-
Patent number: 7778632Abstract: A multi-modal multi-lingual mobile device that facilitates intelligently automating an action. The device can automatically synchronize a user schedule based upon a user state, intention, preference and/or limitation. The device can employ sensors to automatically detect criteria by which to automatically implement an action. Moreover, the system can interrogate a user thus converging upon a user intention and/or preference. An analyzer component can intelligently evaluate the compiled criterion in order to automatically perform an action. The multi-modal multi-lingual mobile device can automatically facilitate identification of an individual. Other actions that are automatically performed can include modifying personal information manager data, translating languages into a language comprehendible to a user, etc. Implementation of these actions can be based at least in part upon an environmental factor, a conversation, a location factor and a temporal factor.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David J. Kurlander, David W. Williams, Yuan Kong, Zhengyou Zhang
-
Patent number: 7768783Abstract: Embodiments for cooling electronic modules are disclosed. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an electronic module is inserted into a cooling sled that is equipped with a bay. The bay of the cooling sled is equipped with a pair of sides to retain the electronic module. The electronic module contains a working fluid that is sealed inside the module with one or more electronic components. During the operation of the electronic module, the working fluid is vaporized by the heat generated by the one or more electronic components. The electronic module is then cooled via the cooling sled. The cooling of the electronic module condenses the working fluid that is vaporized by the heat generated by the one or more electronic components. The condensed cooling fluid is then returned to the one or more electronic components via a wick structure that is also sealed in the electronic module.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: James T. Kajiya, J. Turner Whitted, David W. Williams
-
Patent number: 7730333Abstract: An intermittent computing system state and intermittent computing module is described for a power-constrained personal computer. In the intermittent computing system state, the power-constrained personal computer may transition between sub-states of the intermittent computing system state according to an intermittent computing schedule. Each intermittent computing sub-state may be associated with hardware power sets and software power sets. Altering power supply to hardware components referenced by hardware power sets may alter power consumed in associated intermittent computing sub-states. A caching mechanism may be configured to make it likely that software components referenced by software power sets are loaded into powered storage types during associated intermittent computing sub-states. In the intermittent computing system state, periods of high functionality may be available over extended periods without the high power consumption associated with a continuous working system state.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Otto G. Berkes, Hok-Sum Horace Luke, David W. Williams
-
Patent number: 7694214Abstract: A multimodal, multilanguage mobile device which can be employed to enhance note taking and/or annotation of a document, and gaming. Input data types such as optical character recognition (OCR), speech, handwriting, and visual information (e.g., image and/or video), etc., can be fused to generate rich documents with a multidimensional level of data to provide an increased level of context over conventional documents. Such architecture can be utilized by students for homework management, as well as entertainment (e.g., gaming).Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, David Kurlander, David W. Williams
-
Publication number: 20100000013Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices for reliably indicating when the water level in a toilet tank rises to the top of the overflow tube. Indicators use the presence of water in the overflow to provide for visual, olfactory and/or auditory indication of the malfunction. Features of the invention provide for a safe, inexpensive and reliable device for detecting toilet malfunction. Indicators are housed in a device that is positioned to intercept overflow water passing from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. The presence of water in the device housing is used to release indicators into the toilet bowl water or into the air. Improvements are provided that eliminate false positive indications and prevent inadvertent damage to the toilet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: David W. Williams
-
Publication number: 20090075634Abstract: Multi-modal, multi-lingual devices can be employed to consolidate numerous items including, but not limited to, keys, remote controls, image capture devices, audio recorders, cellular telephone functionalities, location/direction detectors, health monitors, calendars, gaming devices, smart home inputs, pens, optical pointing devices or the like. For example, a corner of a cellular telephone can be used as an electronic pen. Moreover, the device can be used to snap multiple pictures stitching them together to create a panoramic image. A device can automate ignition of an automobile, initiate appliances, etc. based upon relative distance. The device can provide for near to eye capabilities for enhanced image viewing. Multiple cameras/sensors can be provided on a single device to provide for stereoscopic capabilities. The device can also provide assistance to blind, privacy, etc. by consolidating services.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Michael J. Sinclair, Yuan Kong, Zhengyou Zhang, Behrooz Chitsaz, David W. Williams, Silviu-Petru Cucerzan, Zicheng Liu
-
Patent number: 7487558Abstract: An end panel for a patient support apparatus such as a hospital bed has a frame, a housing covering the frame, a roller mounted on the frame which rotates relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: James R. Risk, Jr., David W. Williams, Matthew C. Visca, Peter M. Wukusick, James K. Findlay, Robert M. Zerhusen
-
Patent number: 7467353Abstract: A system that facilitates consolidating resources (e.g., devices, services) based at least in part upon an established context. More particularly, a context determination component can be employed to establish a context by processing sensor inputs or learning/inferring a user action/preference. Once the context is established via a context determination component, a consolidation component can be employed to aggregate and/or disaggregate disparate resources (e.g., devices, services) in accordance with the established context. These resources can work autonomously and/or in conjunction with a subset of the other resources to provide for a highly rich multi-modal user experience.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David J. Kurlander, Yuan Kong, David W. Williams
-
Patent number: 7460884Abstract: Multi-modal, multi-lingual devices can be employed to consolidate numerous items including, but not limited to, keys, remote controls, image capture devices, audio recorders, cellular telephone functionalities, location/direction detectors, health monitors, calendars, gaming devices, smart home inputs, pens, optical pointing devices or the like. For example, a corner of a cellular telephone can be used as an electronic pen. Moreover, the device can be used to snap multiple pictures stitching them together to create a panoramic image. A device can automate ignition of an automobile, initiate appliances, etc. based upon relative distance. The device can provide for near to eye capabilities for enhanced image viewing. Multiple cameras/sensors can be provided on a single device to provide for stereoscopic capabilities. The device can also provide assistance to blind, privacy, etc. by consolidating services.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael J. Sinclair, Yuan Kong, Zhengyou Zhang, Behrooz Chitsaz, David W. Williams, Silviu-Petru Cucerzan, Zicheng Liu
-
Patent number: 7395446Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronization system that utilizes a synchronization wizard (“PullSync”) residing on a first computer device to request and receive (or “pull”) data from a second computer device. The first computer device (the “syncer”) copies files from shared folders on the second computer device (the “syncee”) in accordance with specific pull-synchronization rules (PSRs) established on the syncer that define the scope and extent of the synchronization. This copying occurs over a network connection using existing and well-defined protocols by which one computer system is able to view and copy files from the available shared folders of a second computer system, and the PullSync wizard software needs to exist only on the first computer system (the syncer) to utilize these existing networking protocols (including existing security/authentication protocols) to selectively copy files from the second computer system.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hok-Sum Horace Luke, David W. Williams, Otto G. Berkes, Victor Keith Blanco
-
Publication number: 20080126282Abstract: A system that facilitates managing resources (e.g., functionality, services) based at least in part upon an established context. More particularly, a context determination component can be employed to establish a context by processing sensor inputs or learning/inferring a user action/preference. Once the context is established via context determination component, a power/mode management component can be employed to activate and/or mask resources in accordance with the established context. The power and mode management of the device can extend life of a power source (e.g., battery) and mask functionality in accordance with a user and/or device state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2008Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Michael J. Sinclair, David W. Williams, Zhengyou Zhang, Zicheng Liu
-
Patent number: 7369102Abstract: Methods for navigating a graphical user interface on a smaller display. One method may include displaying a virtual desktop or a portion of a virtual desktop on a display, displaying a map pane over the portion of the virtual desktop, wherein the map pane includes an internal frame, increasing the opacity of the map pane in response to detecting a cursor over the map pane, and panning the virtual desktop in response to detecting the cursor dragging the frame within the map pane. The map pane preferably includes a scaled down image of the virtual desktop. In one embodiment, the portion of the scaled image of the virtual desktop within the frame in the map pane corresponds to the portion of the virtual desktop displayed on the screen.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hok-Sum Horace Luke, Otto G. Berkes, David W. Williams
-
Patent number: 7319908Abstract: A system that facilitates managing resources (e.g., functionality, services) based at least in part upon an established context. More particularly, a context determination component can be employed to establish a context by processing sensor inputs or learning/inferring a user action/preference. Once the context is established via context determination component, a power/mode management component can be employed to activate and/or mask resources in accordance with the established context. The power and mode management of the device can extend life of a power source (e.g., battery) and mask functionality in accordance with a user and/or device state.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael J. Sinclair, David W. Williams, Zhengyou Zhang, Zicheng Liu
-
Patent number: 7249247Abstract: A mechanism whereby a set of microprocessors may be set to a common mode in which the microprocessors utilize one or more features that are common to all microprocessors. The common mode facilitates proper multiprocessor operation and permits a fix (e.g., a microcode patch) to be applied to each of the microprocessors based on this common mode. More particularly, at system startup, firmware or software can detect whether microprocessors are set to run in different modes (e.g., steppings) in a multiprocessor system. If not, the microprocessors are allowed to run in their normal mode, such as by writing a particular value (e.g., zero) to a configuration register associated with each microprocessor. If features are mixed, a different value can be written, (e.g., one), which tells each microprocessor to revert to a common mode of operation for that family of microprocessors, such as corresponding to a common stepping and/or clock speed. A common set of microcode patches may be downloaded to the microprocessors.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Valerie R. See, David W. Williams
-
Patent number: 7203854Abstract: An intermittent computing system state and intermittent computing module is described for a power-constrained personal computer. In the intermittent computing system state, the power-constrained personal computer may transition between sub-states of the intermittent computing system state according to an intermittent computing schedule. Each intermittent computing sub-state may be associated with hardware power sets and software power sets. Altering power supply to hardware components referenced by hardware power sets may alter power consumed in associated intermittent computing sub-states. A caching mechanism may be configured to make it likely that software components referenced by software power sets are loaded into powered storage types during associated intermittent computing sub-states. In the intermittent computing system state, periods of high functionality may be available over extended periods without the high power consumption associated with a continuous working system state.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hok-Sum Horace Luke, Otto G. Berkes, David W. Williams
-
Patent number: 6985827Abstract: A speed measurement system for measuring speeds of vehicles, capturing images of vehicles, and detecting violation of stop sign and traffic signal laws. The system includes a laser speed detector for determining a speed of a vehicle adjacent a stop sign. When a speed is determined, the detector generates a speed signal. The system includes a camera generally aligned with the speed detector operable to capture and store digital still images of vehicles in memory. The camera is programmed to respond to an image capture signal to generate and transmit a digital image file including a still image of the vehicle targeted by the detector. A portable processor is linked to the speed detector and the camera to first receive the speed signal, to compare the detected speed with a threshold speed, to transmit an image capture signal to the camera, and to receive the image file from the camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignees: Laser Technology, Inc., Kama-Tech (HK) LimitedInventors: David W. Williams, Michael Phippen
-
Patent number: D514628Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hok-Sum Horace Luke, David W. Williams, Otto G. Berkes, Victor Keith Blanco