Patents by Inventor Richard M. Banks
Richard M. Banks 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: 8024335Abstract: A system and related techniques accept user-inputted search terms, for example to perform a search for files or other data or objects. Corresponding matches to those terms may be presented to the user in a “word-wheel”-type breakout list generated on the fly for groupings of hits by attributes or other criteria, as the system searches through the file system at the current level or point in the file system hierarchy. According to embodiments, when the search logic fails to locate a hit on the inputted search term at the current level or point in the file system hierarchy, an extension of the search to different levels or points in the file system hierarchy may be automatically generated, and for instance presented to the user as a selectable search box. That box may for example be highlighted to the user for easy selection. When the user does select the selectable search box, the user's search, for instance for files of type or extension “.doc” or “.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Colin R. Anthony, Richard M. Banks, Marieke I. Watson, Cornelis K. Van Dok
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Publication number: 20110145282Abstract: A system and method utilizing virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. The virtual folders contain collections of items. The system includes a folder processor that obtains queries from a user and a relational database for storing information about the items. The folder processor first obtains a query from a user and passes the query to the relational database. The relational database provides results back to the folder processor, and based on the results from the relational database, the folder processor provides the results to the user as virtual folders. Users are able to work with the virtual folders through direct manipulation (e.g., clicking and dragging, copying, pasting, etc.).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: JASON F. MOORE, DAVID DE VORCHIK, SASANKA C. CHALIVENDRA, NATHANIEL H. BALLOU, CHRIS J. GUZAK, SHAUN A. KAASTEN, RICHARD M. BANKS, DAVID J. SHELDON, PATRICE L. MINER
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Patent number: 7925682Abstract: A system and method utilizing virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. The virtual folders contain collections of items. The system includes a folder processor that obtains queries from a user and a relational database for storing information about the items. The folder processor first obtains a query from a user and passes the query to the relational database. The relational database provides results back to the folder processor, and based on the results from the relational database, the folder processor provides the results to the user as virtual folders. Users are able to work with the virtual folders through direct manipulation (e.g., clicking and dragging, copying, pasting, etc.).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jason F. Moore, David De Vorchik, Sasanka C. Chalivendra, Nathaniel H. Ballou, Chris J. Guzak, Shaun A. Kaasten, Richard M. Banks, David J. Sheldon, Patrice L. Miner
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Publication number: 20100205186Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements is provided. Filters can be provided for manipulating the items, which serve as tools for narrowing down a set of items. The filters can be dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system can utilize virtual folders. The virtual folders can expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. Quick links can be provided, which serve as a set of predefined links (e.g., located on the left side of the display) that can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. Libraries, which can provide large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together, may also be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: SHAUN A. KAASTEN, JASON F. MOORE, KENNETH M. TUBBS, RELJA IVANOVIC, DAVID G. DE VORCHIK, RICHARD M. BANKS, PATRICE L. MINER
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Patent number: 7769794Abstract: A file system shell is provided. One aspect of the shell provides virtual folders which expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. Users are able to work with the virtual folders through direct manipulation (e.g., clicking and dragging, copying, pasting, etc.). Filters are provided for narrowing down sets of items. Quick links are provided which can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. Libraries are provided which consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together, along with functions and tools related to the items. A virtual address bar is provided which comprises a plurality of segments, each segment corresponding to a filter for selecting content. A shell browser is provided with which users can readily identify an item based on the metadata associated with that item.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jason F. Moore, Giampiero M. Sierra, Richard M. Banks, Lyon King-Fook Wong, Relja B. Ivanovic, Paul A. Gusmorino, Tyler K. Beam, Timothy P. McKee, Jeffrey C. Belt, David G. De Vorchik, Chris J. Guzak, Aidan Low, Kenneth M. Tubbs, Colin R. Anthony, Sasanka C. Chalivendra, Marieke Iwema Watson, Gerald Paul Joyce, Alex D. Wade, Benjamin A. Betz, Ahsan S. Kabir, Donna B. Andrews, Patrice L. Miner, Paul L. Cutsinger
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Publication number: 20100169827Abstract: A setting control may be mapped to an edge of a user interface to facilitate control of various settings and access thereto. The mapping may be implemented based on a number of setting values associated with the setting control and a size of a specified edge of the user interface. Additionally, multiple edges of a user interface may be mapped to a variety of setting controls. The edge-mapped setting controls may also be automatically reconfigured according to user preferences and interaction with the interface. Indicators are also generated to provide visual indications about the setting controls and/or a current setting. The appearance of indicators may be altered to convey a variety of information such as the current setting of a control or the type of setting control.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventor: RICHARD M. BANKS
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Patent number: 7712039Abstract: A setting control may be mapped to an edge of a user interface to facilitate control of various settings and access thereto. The mapping may be implemented based on a number of setting values associated with the setting control and a size of a specified edge of the user interface. Additionally, multiple edges of a user interface may be mapped to a variety of setting controls. The edge-mapped setting controls may also be automatically reconfigured according to user preferences and interaction with the interface. Indicators are also generated to provide visual indications about the setting controls and/or a current setting. The appearance of indicators may be altered to convey a variety of information such as the current setting of a control or the type of setting control.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Richard M. Banks
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Patent number: 7707197Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements is provided. Filters can be provided for manipulating the items, which serve as tools for narrowing down a set of items. The filters can be dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system can utilize virtual folders. The virtual folders can expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. Quick links can be provided, which serve as a set of predefined links (e.g., located on the left side of the display) that can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. Libraries, which can provide large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together, may also be used.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Shaun A. Kaasten, Jason F. Moore, Kenneth M. Tubbs, Relja Ivanovic, David G. De Vorchik, Richard M. Banks, Patrice L. Miner
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Patent number: 7694236Abstract: The features described herein are directed to a method and system for use in a computing environment for representing files stored in stacks by using a stack icon. The stack icon may include multiple thumbnail images as top elements, and may use common characteristics among the files to define the appearance of the stack. The system may also use metadata or file characteristics (e.g., time of last edit, size, etc.) to identify one file for top representation in the stack icon. The system may additionally include an empty stack icon, a generic stack icon, property based icons, and custom thumbnail icons.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Paul A. Gusmorino, Charles Cummins, David G. De Vorchik, Richard M. Banks, Relja B. Ivanovic, Jenny T. Lam, Jason F. Moore
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Patent number: 7657846Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in a computing environment for representing files stored in stacks. The method includes providing a set of stack icons, each icon in the set having a stack height representing a range of stack sizes. The method additionally includes determining a stack size for a selected stack and selecting and displaying an appropriate stack icon from the set of stack icons based on the determined stack size. The selected stack may be stored within one of multiple libraries. Accordingly a distinct set of icons relevant to each library may be stored for each library. The icons may visibly convey information pertaining to the relevant library. Accordingly, the method may include representing a selected stack by determining an appropriate library and an appropriate stack height and displaying a corresponding icon. The system may additionally include an empty stack icon, a generic stack icon, property based icons, and custom thumbnail icons.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Richard M. Banks, Charles Cummins, David G. De Vorchik, Paul A. Gusmorino, Relja B. Ivanovic, Jenny T. Lam, Jason F. Moore
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Patent number: 7627552Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, filters are provided for manipulating the items. The filters are essentially tools for narrowing down a set of items. In one embodiment, the filters are dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, quick links are provided. In one embodiment, quick links are a set of predefined links (e.g., located on the left side of the display) that can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, libraries are provided. Libraries consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jason F. Moore, David De Vorchik, Sasanka C. Chalivendra, Nathaniel H. Ballou, Chris J. Guzak, Shaun A. Kaasten, Richard M. Banks, David J. Sheldon, Patrice L. Miner
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Publication number: 20090213245Abstract: Methods and apparatus for linking captured images using short range communications or a personal area network are described. In an embodiment, an image capture device is described which detects devices in proximity to the device and stores data identifying the devices and the times when they were in proximity. In another embodiment, a computing-based device is described which uses the data stored by an image capture device to identify sequences of images which were captured by a group of devices in proximity to each other and to present these sequences to a viewer concurrently and in temporal alignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Richard Harper, Philip Gosset, Richard M. Banks
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Publication number: 20090193348Abstract: Methods and apparatus for displaying and interacting with messages are described. Messages are displayed using one of a number of different visualization schemes provided. A user can interact with messages or change the selected visualization scheme using gestures and the mapping of gestures to particular actions is different for different visualization schemes. In an embodiment the messages are received via integrated messaging channels and messages are classified using a number of properties. Each of the visualization schemes has a different way of graphically representing messages and each scheme is adapted to emphasize a different combination of message properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Richard M. Banks, Philip Gosset, Richard Harper, Abigail Sellen
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Patent number: 7568167Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for making real-time communication user interfaces less intrusive by automatically adjusting the user interfaces based on the user's level of interaction. An initial representation of a user interface for real-time communication is displayed and automatically adapted to the user's activity level based on user input directed to the user interface. For example, the initial representation may be automatically adjusted, either reduced or enlarged, to an intermediate representation, a larger representation, or a smaller representation. When a representation is reduced, a message may be displayed to indicate the reduced representation's location. For smaller representations, subsequently received real-time messages may be displayed adjacent to the smaller representation, at least for a predetermined time. The initial representation may display in a desktop bar that displays other user interfaces, such as for a calendar, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Cornelis K. Van Dok, Richard M. Banks, Sean O. Blagsvedt, Hillel Cooperman, Tjeerd S. Hoek, Mark R. Ligameri
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Patent number: 7512586Abstract: A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements is provided. Filters are provided for manipulating the items. The filters are essentially tools for narrowing down a set of items. The filters can be dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. The system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Shaun A. Kaasten, Jason F. Moore, Kenneth M. Tubbs, Relja Ivanovic, David G. De Vorchik, Richard M. Banks, Patrice L. Miner
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Patent number: 7499925Abstract: A file system for displaying items of different types and from different physical locations. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a wide scope of items may be available. In other words, the system is able to represent items from multiple physical locations (e.g., different hard drives, different computers, different network locations, etc.) so that to a user all the items appear to be from one location. The file system utilizes virtual folders. The virtual folders expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, non-file items may be represented in the virtual folders. In other words, files that are stored in memory are located in a physical store. The virtual folders can be made to include items that are not currently represented in the physical store. Examples of non-file items are e-mails and contacts.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jason F. Moore, David De Vorchik, Sasanka C. Chalivendra, Nathaniel H. Ballou, Chris J. Guzak, Shaun A. Kaasten, Richard M. Banks, David J. Sheldon, Patrice L. Miner
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Patent number: 7496583Abstract: A property tree user interface permits user assignment of values to metadata properties and user navigation of data, within a system that includes a data storage subsystem in which data items are organized and queried by way of properties. The property tree includes nodes that expose properties of data items. A user may interact with the property tree in order to effect an assignment of a property, in which case the value associated with the property in the data storage subsystem is modified. User input with respect to the property tree may also be indicative of a query of data storage, in which case a browsable view of data items responsive to the query is displayed. The property tree may also display nodes that represent folders within a hierarchical file system, nodes that represent properties with inherent hierarchy, and nodes that represent user-defined hierarchical properties.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jason F. Moore, Cornelis K. Van Dok, Relja Ivanovic, Colin R. Anthony, Richard M. Banks
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Publication number: 20080281851Abstract: Existing tools for organizing family memories offer few possibilities for easily integrating both physical and digital materials in order to produce a single archive for a family (or other group of users). This also applies to archiving of physical objects and digital media in general (even for applications outside the field of family use). An archiving system is described which incorporates at least one image capture device, a display, a sensing apparatus arranged to detect user input associated with the display, a processor and memory, and a receptacle for holding digital media storage devices such as mobile telephones, digital cameras, personal digital assistants and the like. The image capture device is operable to capture digital images of physical objects for archiving. The receptacle comprises a data transmission apparatus for automatically transferring data with the digital media storage devices and optionally also a power charging apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Shahram Izadi, Abigail J. Sellen, Richard M. Banks, Stuart Taylor, Stephen E. Hodges
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Patent number: 7409644Abstract: A file system shell is provided. One aspect of the shell provides virtual folders which expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure on the disk. Users are able to work with the virtual folders through direct manipulation (e.g., clicking and dragging, copying, pasting, etc.). Filters are provided for narrowing down sets of items. Quick links are provided which can be clicked on to generate useful views of the sets of items. Libraries are provided which consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together, along with functions and tools related to the items. A virtual address bar is provided which comprises a plurality of segments, each segment corresponding to a filter for selecting content. A shell browser is provided with which users can readily identify an item based on the metadata associated with that item.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jason F. Moore, Nathaniel H. Ballou, Richard M. Banks, Tyler K. Beam, Davd G. De Vorchik, Chris J. Guzak, Judson Craig Hally, James Brian Kurtz, Patrice L. Miner, David J. Sheldon
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Patent number: 7240292Abstract: A virtual address bar user interface control is presented. The virtual address bar includes a plurality of interactive segments, each segment corresponding to a predetermined filter for selecting content in a computer file system. Collectively, the interactive segments represent a virtual address for selecting content. Selecting an interactive segment in the virtual address bar causes those segments subsequent to the selected segment to be removed from the virtual address bar. A user may select a peer filter for a segment to replace that segment's current filter and removes those segments subsequent to the updated segment. The virtual address bar can be selectively configured to operate as a conventional address bar, and reconfigured to operate as a virtual address bar. Additional filter segments are added to the end of the existing filter segments. Those existing filter segments that conflict with the added segment are removed from the virtual address bar.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: J. Craig Hally, Kenneth A. Koch, Mark R. Ligameri, Jason F. Moore, Shaun A. Kaasten, Richard M. Banks, Michael Sheldon, David G. De Vorchik, Zeke B. Odins-Lucas, Patrice L. Miner