Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Oliver
Thomas C. Oliver 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: 9001229Abstract: New systems and methods are hereby provided that inherently and naturally resolve the challenges of synthesizing coordinated inputs from multiple cameras. For example, a multi-sensor mediator may collect the input data from multiple sensors, and generate a composite signal that encodes the combined data from the different sensors. The multi-sensor mediator may then relay the composite signal to a sensor controller, as if the signal were coming from a single sensor. A computing device that receives the input from the sensor controller may then generate an output based on the composite signal, which may include processing the composite signal to combine the separate signals from the different sensors, such as to provide a stereo image output, for example. The multi-sensor mediator makes such an output possible by ensuring coordinated input and processing of the input from the multiple sensors, for example.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Chun Beng Goh, Raymond Xue, Thomas C. Oliver, Stephen C. Cooper
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Publication number: 20140132714Abstract: New systems and methods are hereby provided that inherently and naturally resolve the challenges of synthesizing coordinated inputs from multiple cameras. For example, a multi-sensor mediator may collect the input data from multiple sensors, and generate a composite signal that encodes the combined data from the different sensors. The multi-sensor mediator may then relay the composite signal to a sensor controller, as if the signal were coming from a single sensor. A computing device that receives the input from the sensor controller may then generate an output based on the composite signal, which may include processing the composite signal to combine the separate signals from the different sensors, such as to provide a stereo image output, for example. The multi-sensor mediator makes such an output possible by ensuring coordinated input and processing of the input from the multiple sensors, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Chun Beng Goh, Raymond Xue, Thomas C. Oliver, Stephen C. Cooper
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Publication number: 20140129394Abstract: A virtual closet stores and presents virtual representations of physical items. The virtual representations may include virtual representations of items owned by a user, items the user would like to own, and/or memorabilia items for the user. The virtual closet may provide a number of functions. In some embodiments, the virtual closet may be used to facilitate selling items on online selling platforms by providing information (including virtual representations of the items) from the virtual closet to the online selling platforms to place the items for sale. The virtual closet may also be used in some embodiments to facilitate providing advertising targeted to the user based on information available to the virtual closet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: THOMAS C. OLIVER, MEGAN LESLEY TEDESCO, JOHN CLAVIN, EYAL OFEK, DOUG BURGER
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Patent number: 8645230Abstract: A virtual closet stores and presents virtual representations of physical items. The virtual representations may include virtual representations of items owned by a user, items the user would like to own, and memorabilia items for the user. The virtual closet may provide a number of functions. In some embodiments, the virtual closet may be used to facilitate selling items on online selling platforms by providing information (including virtual representations of the items) from the virtual closet to the online selling platforms to place the items for sale. The virtual closet may also be used in some embodiments to facilitate providing advertising targeted to the user based on information available to the virtual closet.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Thomas C. Oliver, Megan Lesley Tedesco, John Clavin, Eyal Ofek, Doug Burger
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Patent number: 8558907Abstract: New systems and methods are hereby provided that inherently and naturally resolve the challenges of synthesizing coordinated inputs from multiple cameras. For example, a multi-sensor mediator may collect the input data from multiple sensors, and generate a composite signal that encodes the combined data from the different sensors. The multi-sensor mediator may then relay the composite signal to a sensor controller, as if the signal were coming from a single sensor. A computing device that receives the input from the sensor controller may then generate an output based on the composite signal, which may include processing the composite signal to combine the separate signals from the different sensors, such as to provide a stereo image output, for example. The multi-sensor mediator makes such an output possible by ensuring coordinated input and processing of the input from the multiple sensors, for example.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Roy Chun Beng Goh, Raymond Xue, Thomas C. Oliver, Stephen C. Cooper
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Publication number: 20120239513Abstract: A virtual closet stores and presents virtual representations of physical items. The virtual representations may include virtual representations of items owned by a user, items the user would like to own, and memorabilia items for the user. The virtual closet may provide a number of functions. In some embodiments, the virtual closet may be used to facilitate selling items on online selling platforms by providing information (including virtual representations of the items) from the virtual closet to the online selling platforms to place the items for sale. The virtual closet may also be used in some embodiments to facilitate providing advertising targeted to the user based on information available to the virtual closet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: THOMAS C. OLIVER, MEGAN LESLEY TEDESCO, JOHN CLAVIN, EYAL OFEK, DOUG BURGER
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Publication number: 20110267427Abstract: New systems and methods are hereby provided that inherently and naturally resolve the challenges of synthesizing coordinated inputs from multiple cameras. For example, a multi-sensor mediator may collect the input data from multiple sensors, and generate a composite signal that encodes the combined data from the different sensors. The multi-sensor mediator may then relay the composite signal to a sensor controller, as if the signal were coming from a single sensor. A computing device that receives the input from the sensor controller may then generate an output based on the composite signal, which may include processing the composite signal to combine the separate signals from the different sensors, such as to provide a stereo image output, for example. The multi-sensor mediator makes such an output possible by ensuring coordinated input and processing of the input from the multiple sensors, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Roy Chun Beng Goh, Raymond Xue, Thomas C. Oliver, Stephen C. Cooper
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Patent number: 8009200Abstract: New systems and methods are hereby provided that inherently and naturally resolve the challenges of synthesizing coordinated inputs from multiple cameras. For example, a multi-sensor mediator may collect the input data from multiple sensors, and generate a composite signal that encodes the combined data from the different sensors. The multi-sensor mediator may then relay the composite signal to a sensor controller, as if the signal were coming from a single sensor. A computing device that receives the input from the sensor controller may then generate an output based on the composite signal, which may include processing the composite signal to combine the separate signals from the different sensors, such as to provide a stereo image output, for example. The multi-sensor mediator makes such an output possible by ensuring coordinated input and processing of the input from the multiple sensors, for example.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Roy Chun Beng Goh, Raymond Xue, Thomas C. Oliver, Stephen C. Cooper
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Patent number: 7719517Abstract: A peripheral input device having a body configured to be stored within a housing of a computer device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a wireless input device is configured to be recharged within the housing. Further aspects of the invention relate to an input device configured to operatively connect to underutilized ports of a computer system. In one embodiment, the input device operatively connects to a PCMCIA port of a computer. Yet further aspects of the invention relate to an input device having an expandable body, wherein the body may be configured to have an increased surface area upon expansion of the body.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Glen C. Larsen, Thomas C. Oliver, David D. Bohn, Steven N. Bathiche, Ceasar De Leon
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Patent number: 7656395Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for tracking movement of a device are described. The method includes steps of implementing a first tracking subsystem for tracking positions of a device against a surface, determining whether to implement a second tracking subsystem for tracking positions of the device against the surface, capturing data corresponding to a location on the surface, and determining a position of the device against the surface based on the captured data. The position of the device can then be transmitted to a host computer and used in an application program. The first and second tracking subsystems may be a relative and an absolute tracking subsystem respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jeremiah Pope, Rajeev Badyal, Glen Larsen, Thomas C. Oliver, Randall T. Crane
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Patent number: 7627703Abstract: An input device is provided for capturing handwriting strokes while in a handwriting mode and for providing audio-related functionality. The input device may be formed in the shape of a pen, and may or may not include an ink cartridge to facilitate movement of the input device in a familiar manner. In one configuration, an input device provides verbal messages, such as warnings to a user. In another configuration, an input device receives audible commands and performs related actions. In a further configuration, an input device recognizes specific movements, such as a word traced therewith, and provides audible information based on the movements. Methods for using input devices and computer-readable instructions for performing the methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Thomas C. Oliver
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Patent number: 7483018Abstract: Currently, a user may need to carry or otherwise keep track of both a mouse and electronic pen for a computer, such as a portable computing device. Carrying or otherwise keeping track of both devices can be tedious. Accordingly, systems and methods for providing a dual mode mouse pen are enabled, whereby the mouse pen may be used as both a pen, or alternatively, as a mouse. In one embodiment, the pen may include a switch to select one of two modes: pen or mouse.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Thomas C. Oliver
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Publication number: 20080309774Abstract: New systems and methods are hereby provided that inherently and naturally resolve the challenges of synthesizing coordinated inputs from multiple cameras. For example, a multi-sensor mediator may collect the input data from multiple sensors, and generate a composite signal that encodes the combined data from the different sensors. The multi-sensor mediator may then relay the composite signal to a sensor controller, as if the signal were coming from a single sensor. A computing device that receives the input from the sensor controller may then generate an output based on the composite signal, which may include processing the composite signal to combine the separate signals from the different sensors, such as to provide a stereo image output, for example. The multi-sensor mediator makes such an output possible by ensuring coordinated input and processing of the input from the multiple sensors, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Roy Chun Beng Goh, Raymond Xue, Thomas C. Oliver, Stephen C. Cooper
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Patent number: 7289104Abstract: A computer input device, such as an electronic mouse, having an optical projection system. The optical projection system is configured to project an image onto a supporting surface upon which the device rests. In one arrangement the optical projection system includes a light source, an image forming light blocker and optics. The optics may be collimating or non-collimating. In another arrangement the optical projection system may include an active LED matrix display. This system enables a use to personalize and/or customize his or her computer input device. Additionally, it permits the device to serve desirable notification functions if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David D. Bohn, Thomas C. Oliver, Rajeev Badyal
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Patent number: 7253838Abstract: An imaging device for document imaging may comprise a housing and an optical system having a lens system and an optical detector. The optical system is responsive to image light reflected by an object and produces image data representative of the image light. The optical system is pivotally mounted to said housing and is biased toward a vertical orientation inside said housing by gravity.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Thomas C Oliver
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Patent number: 7227532Abstract: A computer input device, such as an electronic mouse, having an optical projection system. The optical projection system is configured to project an image onto a housing wall surface, which may be on a side, top, or rear of the device. In one arrangement the optical projection system includes a light source, an image forming light blocker and optics. The optics may be collimating or non-collimating. In another arrangement the optical projection system may include an active LED matrix display. This system enables a use to personalize and/or customize his or her computer input device. Additionally, it permits the device to serve desirable notification functions if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David D. Bohn, Thomas C. Oliver, Rajeev Badyal
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Patent number: 7221356Abstract: A data input device for use with a tracking surface having light-scattering properties with respect to the device is disclosed. The device comprises a coherent light source for projecting a coherent light beam onto the tracking surface. The tracking surface scatters the coherent light beam striking the tracking surface. The device further comprises a detector associated with the coherent light source for detecting at least a portion of the scattered light. The detected portion of the scattered light comprising a speckle pattern. The device further comprises a controller configured to respond to the detected speckle pattern and operate the device in one of a tracking mode and a non-tracking mode, depending upon a speckle size characteristic of the detected speckle pattern as determined by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Thomas C. Oliver, Jeremiah M. Pope
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Patent number: 6963060Abstract: Pixels in an array of image sensor pixels contain photo-sensors and circuits having inputs connected to the photosensors. The circuits have feedback loops for reducing fixed pattern noise in the array. Output from each pixel is used to latch a multibit counter value supplied by a global counter. Each feedback loop preferably includes a pair of alternately-toggling switching transistors to minimize unwanted charge injection. An image sensor according to the invention can be used for, e.g., motion sensing.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Derek L. Knee, Thomas C. Oliver, Gary M. Rensberger
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Patent number: 6917030Abstract: Pixels in an array of image sensor pixels contain photo-sensors. In response to illumination of a photo-sensor, an initial signal is generated. Multiple comparison signals are also generated based on the initial signal. One of the comparison signals remains internal to the pixel, and other comparison signals are transmitted to neighboring pixels. Within a pixel, the internal comparison signal is compared to a sum of comparison signals received from neighboring pixels. Based on the comparison, a data value may be latched and used for indicating a relative difference in pixel illumination.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Derek L. Knee, Thomas C. Oliver
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Patent number: 6906304Abstract: Pixels in an array of image sensor pixels contain photo-sensors and circuits having inputs connected to the photosensors. The circuits have feedback loops for reducing fixed pattern noise in the array. Output from each pixel is used to latch a multibit counter value supplied by a global counter. Each feedback loop preferably includes a pair of alternately-toggling switching transistors to minimize unwanted charge injection. An image sensor according to the invention can be used for, e.g., motion sensing.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Derek L. Knee, Thomas C. Oliver, Gary M. Rensberger