Patents by Inventor William M. Crow

William M. Crow 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: 9578076
    Abstract: Technology is described for visually communicating using a robotic device. An example of a method can include a video feed sent from the video camera of the robotic device to the remote user. A projection surface identified in the video feed can then be sent to the remote user using an application. Another operation can be obtaining an image from the remote user using the application. The image created by the remote user can then be projected on the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Olivier, Jean Sebastien Fouillade, William M. Crow, Francois Burianek, Russ Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20160025971
    Abstract: Embodiments related to eyelid tracking on a computing device are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a head-mounted computing device comprising an image sensor positioned to acquire an image of an eyelid when worn on a head, a logic system, and a storage system. The storage system comprises instructions stored thereon that are executable by the logic system to capture image data of an eyelid via the image sensor, track a movement of the eyelid via the image data, track an eyelid state based upon the captured image data of the eyelid, and take an action on the computing device based upon the eyelid state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: William M. Crow, Katelyn Elizabeth Doran
  • Publication number: 20140375542
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to aligning a near-eye display of a near-eye display device with an eye of a user. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, on a near-eye display device, a method comprising receiving an image of an eye from a camera via a reverse display optical path, detecting a location of the eye in the image, and determining a relative position of the eye with regard to a target viewing position of the near-eye display. The method further comprises determining an adjustment to make to the near-eye display device to align the location of the eye with the target viewing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Steve Robbins, Scott C. McEldowney, Xinye Lou, David D. Bohn, Quentin Simon Charles Miller, John Robert Eldridge, William M. Crow
  • Publication number: 20130342493
    Abstract: Described is detecting touch on a compound curve surface that displays content for touch-based interaction. Touch may be detected by processing an infrared image to detect a shadow corresponding to the touch, and/or by detecting infrared reflection corresponding to the touch. Also described is providing a curved surface with capacitive sensing. Also described is the use of frustrated total internal reflection to detect touch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: William M. Crow, Harshavardhana Narayana Kikkeri, Glen C. Larsen
  • Patent number: 8463776
    Abstract: An image container file has at least first and second multimedia streams (MSs). The first MS includes first image data representing an image. The second MS includes arbitrary data, which can for example, correspond to: a different representation of the same image; annotations to the first image data; second image data that together with the first image data form a new image with greater dynamic range, resolution, field of view or other attributes that can be derived from processing two or more independent images; or an executable file related to the first MS. The image container file can also include an extensible metadata to hold information describing one or more multimedia streams of the image container file. Further, the image container file may include DRM information to provide information related to obtaining a license to access encrypted data or verifying the authenticity of encrypted or unencrypted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Dunbar, Kirt A. Debique, Joseph D. Ternasky, William M. Crow
  • Publication number: 20120281092
    Abstract: Technology is described for visually communicating using a robotic device. An example of a method can include a video feed sent from the video camera of the robotic device to the remote user. A projection surface identified in the video feed can then be sent to the remote user using an application. Another operation can be obtaining an image from the remote user using the application. The image created by the remote user can then be projected on the projection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Olivier, Jean Sebastien Fouillade, William M. Crow, Francois Burianek, Russ Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20120277914
    Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards a set of autonomous and semi-autonomous modes for a robot by which the robot captures content (e.g., still images and video) from a location such as a house. The robot may produce a summarized presentation of the content (a “botcast”) that is appropriate for a specific scenario, such as an event, according to a specified style. Modes include an event mode where the robot may interact with and simulate event participants to provide desired content for capture. A patrol mode operates the robot to move among locations (e.g., different rooms) to capture a panorama (e.g., 360 degrees) of images that can be remotely viewed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: William M. Crow, Nathaniel T. Clinton, Malek M. Chalabi, Dane T. Storrusten
  • Publication number: 20120159376
    Abstract: Embodiments provide in-place editing of data records via an editable visual representation within a displayed collection of static images. Each of the static images corresponds to at least one data record having at least one field. The field is non-editable by the user via the image. The plurality of images is provided to the user for browsing, navigation, searching, and the like. In response to the user selecting at least one of the displayed images, the selected image is converted to a layout-based visual representation having editable fields. The user interacts with the visual representation to add, modify, and/or delete data associated with the data record. The data record is updated, and the selected, static image is regenerated with the data from the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: William M. Crow
  • Patent number: 7492375
    Abstract: Techniques and tools for displaying/viewing HDR images are described. In one aspect, a background image constructed from HDR image information is displayed along with portions of the HDR image corresponding to one or more regions of interest. The portions have at least one display parameter (e.g., a tone mapping parameter) that differs from a corresponding display parameter for the background image. Regions of interest and display parameters can be determined by a user (e.g., via a GUI). In another aspect, an intermediate image is determined based on image data corresponding to one or more regions of interest of the HDR image. The intermediate image has a narrower dynamic range than the HDR image. The intermediate image or a derived image is then displayed. The techniques and tools can be used to compare, for example, different tone mappings, compression methods, or color spaces in the background and regions of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Toyama, Matthew Uyttendaele, William M. Crow
  • Patent number: 7480382
    Abstract: An image container file has at least first and second multimedia streams (MSs). The first MS includes first image data representing an image. The second MS includes arbitrary data, which can for example, correspond to: a different representation of the same image; annotations to the first image data; second image data that together with the first image data form a new image with greater dynamic range, resolution, field of view or other attributes that can be derived from processing two or more independent images; or an executable file related to the first MS. The image container file can also include an extensible metadata to hold information describing one or more multimedia streams of the image container file. Further, the image container file may include DRM information to provide information related to obtaining a license to access encrypted data or verifying the authenticity of encrypted or unencrypted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Dunbar, Joseph D. Ternasky, Kirt A. Debique, William M. Crow
  • Publication number: 20080275915
    Abstract: An image container file has at least first and second multimedia streams (MSs). The first MS includes first image data representing an image. The second MS includes arbitrary data, which can for example, correspond to: a different representation of the same image; annotations to the first image data; second image data that together with the first image data form a new image with greater dynamic range, resolution, field of view or other attributes that can be derived from processing two or more independent images; or an executable file related to the first MS. The image container file can also include an extensible metadata to hold information describing one or more multimedia streams of the image container file. Further, the image container file may include DRM information to provide information related to obtaining a license to access encrypted data or verifying the authenticity of encrypted or unencrypted data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Dunbar, Joseph D. Ternasky, Kirt A. Debique, William M. Crow
  • Patent number: 7362462
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing a user to manage captured images automatically. The method includes establishing a connection between a computing device and an image capturing device and defining a set of rules pertaining to an image using the computing device. The method additionally includes transferring captured images from the image capturing device to the computing device. The set of rules governs actions performed after acquisition of each image. In order to manage the captured images, the receiving computing device interprets the associated rules. The method additionally includes managing the captured image in accordance with the associated image rule. The system includes the tools necessary to execute the aforementioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, William M. Crow, Cyra Richardson
  • Patent number: 7348993
    Abstract: A method and system for allowing a computer system platform the ability to create image content is provided. Captured image data of an original image is received and information corresponding to colorimetric points is measured. Automatic determinations are made as to whether information of additional colorimetric points need to be measured to reproduce an accurate color representation of the original image. In response, the computer system platform can identify portions of a displayed image where information of colorimetric points needs to be measured. In addition, the system can automatically measure information of the additional colorimetric points needed. An image and color gamut representation are displayed allowing a user to manipulate measured information of colorimetric points and change the view of the color gamut representation, thereby allowing a user to create an accurate color representation of the original image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Stokes, William M. Crow
  • Publication number: 20040268251
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing a user to manage captured images automatically. The method includes establishing a connection between a computing device and an image capturing device and defining a set of rules pertaining to an image using the computing device. The method additionally includes transferring captured images from the image capturing device to the computing device. The set of rules governs actions performed after acquisition of each image. In order to manage the captured images, the receiving computing device interprets the associated rules. The method additionally includes managing the captured image in accordance with the associated image rule. The system includes the tools necessary to execute the aforementioned method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, William M. Crow, Cyra Richardson
  • Publication number: 20040263639
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing a user to improve the quality of photographs. The system is capable of optimizing an image capturing device in order to achieve this goal. The system includes data collection apparatus for collecting data related to a captured image from the image capturing device and for sending the data to a storage device. The system additionally includes data analysis tools for comparing captured data to previously stored data and optimization tools for optimizing the image capturing device based on the data analysis. The data analysis tools may include multiple filters for analyzing different types of image-related information. A real-time wireless link may be maintained between the system and the image capturing device. The ability to accumulate and maintain statistical data enables a historical analysis that results in higher quality photographs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, William M. Crow, Blake D. Manders, Cyra Richardson
  • Publication number: 20040158860
    Abstract: A music content delivery service utilizes a broadcast medium to provide the hardware and infrastructure that is used for digital television services. The service permits the digital music content to be segregated, stored and/or played back on one or more client systems in various forms, such as personalized streaming music content or a creation of a personalized music jukebox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: William M. Crow
  • Publication number: 20030023975
    Abstract: An enhanced television navigation service supplies broadcast television music programming, digital audio and related content. The related content is linked with the broadcast programming and is presented to the user. By linking the related content with the programming in this fashion, the user can tune to a program based on information indicators presented by the service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Schrader, Jeffrey D. Crawford, Alvin P. Lee, Andrew M. Simms, Samuel T. Scott, William M. Crow
  • Publication number: 20020166123
    Abstract: A television service enables enhance Digital Video Recording (DVR) capability by providing content in conjunction with broadcast television programming. The content is associated with the broadcast television programming to enable record and/or playback one or more programs in various modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Schrader, Jeffrey D. Crawford, Todd B. San Jule, Alvin P. Lee, Andrew M. Simms, Samuel T. Scott, William M. Crow
  • Publication number: 20020157101
    Abstract: A system for delivering television services provides enhanced content with broadcast television programming. The enhanced content includes event identifiers to enable an association with the broadcast television programming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph A. Schrader, Andrew M. Simms, Samuel T. Scott, William M. Crow, John W. Blackburn, Michael P. Hart
  • Publication number: 20020157099
    Abstract: An enhanced television navigation service supplies Internet protocol (IP) content with broadcast television programming. The IP content is linked with the broadcast television programming and is presented to the viewer in an enhanced viewing mode. By linking the real time data in this fashion, the user can tune to a program based on information indicators presented by the service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph A. Schrader, John W. Blackburn, Todd B. San Jule, Alvin P. Lee, Andrew M. Simms, Samuel T. Scott, William M. Crow, Allyson M. Krieger, Michael P. Hart