Patents by Inventor William H. Gates
William H. Gates 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: 10875525Abstract: Techniques for ability enhancement are described. In some embodiments, devices and systems located in a transportation network share threat information with one another, in order to enhance a user's ability to operate or function in a transportation-related context. In one embodiment, a process in a vehicle receives threat information from a remote device, the threat information based on information about objects or conditions proximate to the remote device. The process then determines that the threat information is relevant to the safe operation of the vehicle. Then, the process modifies operation of the vehicle based on the threat information, such as by presenting a message to the operator of the vehicle and/or controlling the vehicle itself.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLCInventors: Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y. H. Wood, Charles Whitmer, Paramvir Bahl, Douglas C. Burger, Ranveer Chandra, William H. Gates, III, Pablos Holman, Jordin T. Kare, Craig J. Mundie, Tim Paek, Desney S. Tan, Lin Zhong, Matthew G. Dyor
-
Patent number: 10691292Abstract: A unified experience environment supports mechanisms that collect and utilize contextual metadata to associate information in accordance with its relevance to a user's current context. An ambient data collector obtains contextual and activity information coincident with a user's creation, editing or consumption of data and associates it with such data as contextual metadata. A context generator that utilizes contextual metadata to identify relationships between data and enable the proactive presentation of data relevant to a user's current context. Proactive presentation includes a context panel that is alternatively displayable and hideable in an application-independent manner and a unified activity feed that comprises correlated data groupings identified by correlation engines, including a universal, cross-application correlation engine and individual, application-specific correlation engines that exchange information through data correlation interfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Qi Lu, Derrick Leslie Connell, Darren Shakib, William H. Gates, III
-
Patent number: 10592569Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to web searches and more particularly toward influencing resultant content to increase relevancy. The resultant content can be influenced by reconfiguring a query and/or filtering results based on user location and/or context information (e.g., user characteristics/profile, prior interaction/usage temporal, current events, and third party state/context . . . ). Furthermore, the disclosure provides for query execution on at least a subset of designated web content, for example as specified by a user. Still further yet, a localized marketing system is disclosed that provides discount offers to users that match merchant criteria including proximity. A system for actively probing populations of users with different parameters and monitoring responses can be employed to collect data for identifying the best discounts and deadlines to offer to users to achieve desired results.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Gary Flake, William H. Gates, III, Eric J. Horvitz, Joshua T. Goodman, Surajit J. Chaudhuri, Trenholme J. Griffin, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Kenneth A. Moss
-
Patent number: 10455284Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic customization of audio-visual content are described. In some implementations, a process may include receiving at least one audio-visual core portion, receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference, modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content, outputting the dynamically-customized audio-visual content; and receiving a consideration for the dynamically-customized audio-visual content.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Daniel A. Gerrity, William H. Gates, III, Paul Holman, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Royce A. Levien, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, Nathan P. Myhrvold, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Keith D. Rosema, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
-
Patent number: 10237613Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing dynamically customized audio-visual content are described. In some implementations, a process may include providing at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference, receiving a dynamically customized audio-visual content including an audio-visual core portion having at least one revised content portion customized in accordance with the at least one selection signal, displaying the dynamically-customized audio-visual content; and providing a consideration for the dynamically-customized audio-visual content.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: William H. Gates, III, Daniel A. Gerrity, Paul Holman, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Richard T. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, Nathan P. Myhrvold, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Keith D. Rosema, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
-
Determining threats based on information from road-based devices in a transportation-related context
Patent number: 10079929Abstract: Techniques for ability enhancement are described. Some embodiments provide an ability enhancement facilitator system (“AEFS”) configured to enhance a user's ability to operate or function in a transportation-related context as a pedestrian or a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, the AEFS is configured perform vehicular threat detection based on information received at a road-based device, such as a sensor or processor that is deployed at the side of a road. An example AEFS receives, at a road-based device, information about a first vehicle that is proximate to the road-based device. The AEFS analyzes the received information to determine threat information, such as that the vehicle may collide with the user. The AEFS then informs the user of the determined threat information, such as by transmitting a warning to a wearable device configured to present the warning to the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y. H. Wood, Charles Whitmer, Paramvir Bahl, Douglas C. Burger, Ranveer Chandra, William H. Gates, III, Paul Holman, Jordin T. Kare, Craig J. Mundie, Tim Paek, Desney S. Tan, Lin Zhong, Matthew G. Dyor -
Publication number: 20170300579Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to web searches and more particularly toward influencing resultant content to increase relevancy. The resultant content can be influenced by reconfiguring a query and/or filtering results based on user location and/or context information (e.g., user characteristics/profile, prior interaction/usage temporal, current events, and third party state/context . . . ). Furthermore, the disclosure provides for query execution on at least a subset of designated web content, for example as specified by a user. Still further yet, a localized marketing system is disclosed that provides discount offers to users that match merchant criteria including proximity. A system for actively probing populations of users with different parameters and monitoring responses can be employed to collect data for identifying the best discounts and deadlines to offer to users to achieve desired results.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2016Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Gary Flake, William H. Gates, III, Eric J. Horvitz, Joshua T. Goodman, Surajit J. Chaudhuri, Trenholme J. Griffin, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Kenneth A. Moss
-
Patent number: 9746912Abstract: Systems and methods that provide for a virtual reality entertainment system that supplies immersive entertainment and creates a sensation for a user similar to having guests in a remote location to be physically present as virtual guests. Such virtual reality entertainment system can supply a graphic and/or audio; wherein interconnected computers, video and audio processing devices, supply a live interaction between a user and a guest(s). Although guests are only present virtually (e.g., electronically present with other objects/user within the environment) such virtual invitation enables a user and guests to concurrently experience the entertainment together (e.g., a live sporting event, spectator game). In a related aspect, the subject innovation can implement holographic avatars, and a plurality of communication interfaces, to imitate (and/or transform) a relationship between the user and the virtual guests/surrounding environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, William H. Gates, III, Gary W. Flake, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, Christopher W. Brumme, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Daniel S. Glasser, Alexander G. Gounares, James R. Larus, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Debi P. Mishra, Amit Mital, Ira L. Snyder, Jr., Melora Zaner-Godsey
-
Publication number: 20170032856Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an x-ray shielding system including a flexible layer including a support structure having a plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces that provide a circulation network for an x-ray shielding fluid composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Philip A. Eckhoff, William H. Gates, III, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Erez Lieberman, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Michael Schnall-Levin, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
-
Patent number: 9536004Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to web searches and more particularly toward influencing resultant content to increase relevancy. The resultant content can be influenced by reconfiguring a query and/or filtering results based on user location and/or context information (e.g., user characteristics/profile, prior interaction/usage temporal, current events, and third party state/context . . . ). Furthermore, the disclosure provides for query execution on at least a subset of designated web content, for example as specified by a user. Still further yet, a localized marketing system is disclosed that provides discount offers to users that match merchant criteria including proximity. A system for actively probing populations of users with different parameters and monitoring responses can be employed to collect data for identifying the best discounts and deadlines to offer to users to achieve desired results.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Gary Flake, William H. Gates, III, Eric J. Horvitz, Joshua T. Goodman, Surajit J. Chaudhuri, Trenholme J. Griffin, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Kenneth A. Moss
-
DETERMINING THREATS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM ROAD-BASED DEVICES IN A TRANSPORTATION-RELATED CONTEXT
Publication number: 20160286026Abstract: Techniques for ability enhancement are described. Some embodiments provide an ability enhancement facilitator system (“AEFS”) configured to enhance a user's ability to operate or function in a transportation-related context as a pedestrian or a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, the AEFS is configured perform vehicular threat detection based on information received at a road-based device, such as a sensor or processor that is deployed at the side of a road. An example AEFS receives, at a road-based device, information about a first vehicle that is proximate to the road-based device. The AEFS analyzes the received information to determine threat information, such as that the vehicle may collide with the user. The AEFS then informs the user of the determined threat information, such as by transmitting a warning to a wearable device configured to present the warning to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y. H. Wood, Charles Whitmer, Paramvir Bahl, Douglas C. Burger, Ranveer Chandra, William H. Gates, III, Paul Holman, Jordin T. Kare, Craig J. Mundie, Tim Paek, Desney S. Tan, Lin Zhong, Matthew G. Dyor -
Patent number: 9438660Abstract: An art distribution system for distributing art to multiple display devices within an environment. The art distribution system provides a technique for specifying images to be displayed in an environment. The art distribution system provides a hierarchical representation of spaces within the environment. Each space may be further subdivided into subspaces. The art distribution system allows a user to select a space within the hierarchy and then to select an image that is to be displayed at the display devices within the selected space. The art distribution system then displays the selected image within the space including within all subspaces of the selected space. The art distribution system may allow a subsequent assignment of the image to a subspace to override within that subspace the previous selection of an image for the space.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Inventor: William H. Gates, III
-
Patent number: 9412476Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an x-ray shielding system including a flexible layer including a support structure having a plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces that provide a circulation network for an x-ray shielding fluid composition.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Philip A. Eckhoff, William H. Gates, III, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Erez Lieberman, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Michael Schnall-Levin, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9396269Abstract: Architecture that monitors interaction data (e.g., search queries, query results and click-through rates), and provides users with links to other users that fall into similar categories with respect to the foregoing monitored activities (e.g., providing links to individuals and groups that share common interests and/or profiles). A search engine can be interactively coupled with one or more social networks, and that maps individuals and/or groups within respective social networks to subsets of categories associated with searches. A database stores mapped information which can be continuously updated and reorganized as links within the system mapping become stronger or weaker. The architecture can comprise a social network system that includes a database for mapping search-related information to an entity of a social network, and a search component for processing a search query for search results and returning a link to an entity of a social network based on the search query.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Christopher A. Meek, Eric J. Horvitz, Joshua T. Goodman, Gary W. Flake, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Anoop Gupta, Ramez Naam, Kenneth A. Moss, William H. Gates, III, John C. Platt, Trenholme J. Griffin, Bradly A. Brunell
-
Determining threats based on information from road-based devices in a transportation-related context
Patent number: 9368028Abstract: Techniques for ability enhancement are described. Some embodiments provide an ability enhancement facilitator system (“AEFS”) configured to enhance a user's ability to operate or function in a transportation-related context as a pedestrian or a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, the AEFS is configured to perform vehicular threat detection based on information received at a road-based device, such as a sensor or processor that is deployed at the side of a road. An example AEFS receives, at a road-based device, information about a first vehicle that is proximate to the road-based device. The AEFS analyzes the received information to determine threat information, such as that the vehicle may collide with the user. The AEFS then informs the user of the determined threat information, such as by transmitting a warning to a wearable device configured to present the warning to the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y. H. Wood, Charles Whitmer, Paramvir Bahl, Douglas C. Burger, Ranveer Chandra, William H. Gates, III, Paul Holman, Jordin T. Kare, Craig J. Mundie, Tim Paek, Desney S. Tan, Lin Zhong, Matthew G. Dyor -
Patent number: 9300994Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing dynamically customized audio-visual content are described. In some implementations, a process may include providing at least one selection signal indicative of a preference, receiving a dynamically customized audio-visual content including an audio-visual core portion at least partially modified with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal, and displaying the dynamically-customized audio-visual content.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Daniel A. Gerrity, William H. Gates, III, Paul Holman, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Richard T. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, Nathan P. Myhrvold, John D Rinaldo, Jr., Keith D. Rosema, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9245254Abstract: Techniques for ability enhancement are described. Some embodiments provide an ability enhancement facilitator system (“AEFS”) configured to enhance voice conferencing among multiple speakers. Some embodiments of the AEFS enhance voice conferencing by recording, translating and presenting voice conference history information based on speaker-related information, wherein the translation is based on language identification using multiple speech recognizers and GPS information. The AEFS receives data that represents utterances of multiple speakers who are engaging in a voice conference with one another. The AEFS then determines speaker-related information, such as by identifying a current speaker, locating an information item (e.g., an email message, document) associated with the speaker, or the like. The AEFS records conference history information (e.g., a transcript) based on the determined speaker-related information.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y. H. Wood, Charles Whitmer, Paramvir Bahl, Douglas C. Burger, Ranveer Chandra, William H. Gates, III, Paul Holman, Jordin T. Kare, Craig J. Mundie, Tim Paek, Desney S. Tan, Lin Zhong, Matthew G. Dyor
-
Publication number: 20150336578Abstract: Techniques for ability enhancement are described. In some embodiments, devices and systems located in a transportation network share threat information with one another, in order to enhance a user's ability to operate or function in a transportation-related context. In one embodiment, a process in a vehicle receives threat information from a remote device, the threat information based on information about objects or conditions proximate to the remote device. The process then determines that the threat information is relevant to the safe operation of the vehicle. Then, the process modifies operation of the vehicle based on the threat information, such as by presenting a message to the operator of the vehicle and/or controlling the vehicle itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2015Publication date: November 26, 2015Inventors: Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y.H. Wood, Charles Whitmer, Paramvir Bahl, Douglas C. Burger, Ranveer Chandra, William H. Gates, III, Paul Holman, Jordin T. Kare, Craig J. Mundie, Tim Paek, Desney S. Tan, Lin Zhong, Matthew G. Dyor
-
Patent number: 9174791Abstract: Systems include at least one substantially thermally sealed storage container, including an outer assembly including one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially defining at least one thermally sealed storage region, and an inner assembly including one or more interlocks configured to provide controllable egress of a quantity of a material from one or more of the at least one thermally sealed storage region.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: TOKITAE LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, William H. Gates, III, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9159236Abstract: Techniques for ability enhancement are described. In some embodiments, devices and systems located in a transportation network share threat information with one another, in order to enhance a user's ability to operate or function in a transportation-related context. In one embodiment, a process in a vehicle receives threat information from a remote device, the threat information based on information about objects or conditions proximate to the remote device. The process then determines that the threat information is relevant to the safe operation of the vehicle. Then, the process modifies operation of the vehicle based on the threat information, such as by presenting a message to the operator of the vehicle and/or controlling the vehicle itself.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y. H. Wood, Charles Whitmer, Paramvir Bahl, Douglas C. Burger, Ranveer Chandra, William H. Gates, III, Paul Holman, Jordin T. Kare, Craig J. Mundie, Tim Paek, Desney S. Tan, Lin Zhong, Matthew G. Dyor