Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
  • Interactively presenting advertising content offline
    Patent number: 8001002
    Abstract: Methods, media, and components are provided for presenting advertising content in an offline setting. In one embodiment, the method includes presenting on a user interface (UI) an advertisement in an electronic form that is associated with selectable options that are also presented on the UI. The selectable options lead to a presentation of supplemental advertising information that is related to the advertisement. The method also includes receiving user input via one the selectable options, and while not communicatively coupled to a source-delivery network, presenting supplemental advertising information that is related to the advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Buiten, Phani K Vaddadi
  • System and method for sharing information based on proximity
    Patent number: 7996514
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for facilitating interaction between a device and a device environment. The system may include a detection module for automatically detecting proximity of a participant within the device environment. The system may additionally include a user-configurable authorization module for authorizing the device to adjust a device user interface in a pre-determined manner in response to the detection of the participant. The system may also provide for sharing resources among multiple participating devices, wherein each of the multiple participating devices has a device specific set of application resources. The system may additionally include a configurable resource regulation mechanism for making the device specific application resources from the second participating device available to the first participating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Baumert, Aaron F. Woodman, Flora P. Goldthwaite, Jonathan Cluts, Pamela J. Heath
  • Scaling icons for representing files
    Patent number: 7992103
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for displaying icons in accordance with user preferences. The method includes providing a user with a size selection mechanism for selecting an icon size from a range of sizes. The method additionally includes searching a set of stored resources related to the underlying file and generating the icon in the selected size based upon the stored resources. The method may additionally include selecting an icon type including one of an image icon, a detail icon and a generic icon based on at least one of the user's size selection and the represented file. Furthermore, the icon display system of the invention positions labels and overlays in the vicinity of the icon based upon the selected size of the icon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Gusmorino, Tyler K. Beam, Raymond J. Chen, Charles Cummins, Robert F. Day, Colin R. Anthony, Jenny T. Lam, Isaac A. Sheldon, David G. De Vorchik
  • Device and method for fitting a seal into a seat in a wind turbine
    Patent number: 7987600
    Abstract: The device comprises at least one pressing member and an attachment member for attaching it to a wind turbine part, for example, a blade root, which may have a relative movement with regard to a first part, for example, a bearing in a pitch blade mechanism, the first part having a seat into which the joint is to be fitted. Upon relative rotation between the first parts, the pressing member presses the seal into the seat. A method for fitting the seal into the seat is also provided. Operations of maintenance or partial or complete replacement of the seal can be carried out in situ on the wind turbine and also on pitch bearing manufacturing easily and effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ecotecnia, s.coop.c.l
    Inventors: Daniel Garcia Erill, Mikel Perez Rodriguez
  • Method of integrating optical fibers into fabrics and plush toys
    Patent number: 7988525
    Abstract: A method for incorporating optical fibers into sheet materials, such as fabrics, creates a structure which can be incorporated into items such as plush toys. Optical fibers are made to pass through the sheet material in a desired arrangements. Ends of the optical fibers are enlarged such that they will not readily pass back through the fabric. The ends are then covered with material that permits light to pass therethrough. The resulting structure can be readily incorporated into an item, such as a plush toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jennifer R. Garbos, Nancy Lynn Short
  • Contemporaneously sharing resources targeted by a library
    Patent number: 7987202
    Abstract: Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and computer systems for acting on properties of multiple resources, which span disparate locations within a network, upon detecting an intuitive user-initiated operation are provided. Initially, a library is provided that includes a framework for contemporaneously accessing a collection of items within a scope thereof. Upon launching the library, representations of the scoped items are surfaced at a UI display. When the user-initiated operation is applied at one of the surfaced representations, properties of each of the scoped items are automatically manipulated. A library-configuration state, which reflects how the items are affected upon manipulating the properties thereof, may be updated upon implementing the manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lindsey R. Noll, Steve Seixeiro, Ramkumar Ramasubramanian, Relja B. Ivanovic, Jerry K. Koh, Gurjot S. Brar, Anshul Rawat, Lyon Wong
  • Status tool to expose metadata read and write queues
    Patent number: 7987160
    Abstract: A method to expose status information is provided. The status information is associated with metadata extracted from multimedia files and stored in a metadata database. The metadata information that is extracted from the multimedia files is stored in a read queue to allow a background thread to process the metadata and populate the metadata database. Additionally, the metadata database may be updated to include user-define metadata, which is written back to the multimedia files. The user-defined metadata is included in a write queue and is written to the multimedia files associated with the user-defined metadata. The status of the read and write queues are exposed to a user through a graphical user interface. The status may include the list of multimedia files included in the read and write queues, the priorities of each multimedia file, and the number of remaining multimedia files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander S. Brodie, Benjamin L. Perry, David R. Parlin, Jae Pum Park, Michael J. Gilmore, Scott E. Dart
  • Anaglyphic depth perception training or testing
    Patent number: 7980693
    Abstract: An anaglyphic image presentation system is provided to evaluate and train a user's depth perception abilities. In embodiments, anaglyphic image target components are presented to a user on a display device. The image target components are then viewed by the user through a set of transmission filter lenses. The transmission filter lenses present and block one or more target components based on the peak wavelength transmission associated with each lens. As a result, a user perceives an anaglyphic target image that is resultant from the perceived image target components when viewed through the transmission filter lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek, Graham B. Erickson
  • Shared graphics infrastructure
    Patent number: 7982741
    Abstract: Systems and methods that provide for a common device enumeration point to a class of software objects, which represent hardware and can emit 2D bitmaps, via a presentation interface component. Such presentation interface component can further include a factory component that centralizes enumeration and creation for any components that control or communicate with the frame buffer of the graphics display subsystems. Accordingly, a smooth transition can be supplied between full screen and window models, within desktop composition systems, wherein applications can readily support such transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. J. Noyle, Craig C. Peeper, Sam Glassenberg
  • Query composition incorporating by reference a query definition
    Patent number: 7984057
    Abstract: The present invention provides a computer method and system for querying or searching for at least one data file corresponding to a query definition. A first query is received which may provide a query definition that may be used as a scope of search for a second query. Modifications of the scope of search based on modification of the first query may be automatically reflected in the scope of search for the second query. The scope of search for the second query may further be a combination of a plurality of scopes based on a plurality of user-defined queries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin A Betz, David G. De Vorchik, Lyon F. K. Wong, Timothy P McKee
  • Method and system for presenting traffic-related information
    Patent number: 7984055
    Abstract: Presenting of real-world situational data on a dynamically updateable user interface is provided for by providing a dynamically updateable user interface that includes dynamic objects having variable characteristics and that correspond to real-world objects, receiving situational data that corresponds to a status of the one or more real-world objects, and conforming the one or more variable characteristics to be consistent with the situational data such that an observer of the one or more dynamic objects is informed of a current status of a corresponding real-world situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: HNTB Holdings Ltd
    Inventors: Aleksandr Mikhailovych Koromyslov, Tommy Allen Stehle, Shawn Dewayne Sohl, Christopher James Simon, Timm J. Claudon
  • Telescoping case
    Patent number: 7980387
    Abstract: An expandable storage case is disclosed for storing various writing utensils. The storage case includes a base, an inner carousel, a top carousel, and a lid. The base, the inner carousel, and the top carousel are connected in a telescoping manner such that the storage case may be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded, in-use position. The storage case includes a locking mechanism to selectively secure the storage case in the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Crayola LLC
    Inventors: James William Allen, Robert Henry, Pam Dozier, Cara Skrips
  • Systems and methods for estimating placement positions of content items on a rendered page
    Patent number: 7983959
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the value of bids placed by content providers for placement positions on a page, e.g., a web page, rendered according to a given context, for instance, the search results listing for a particular query initiated on a search engine web site, are provided. Additionally, systems and methods are provided for determining placement of content items, e.g., advertisements and/or images, on a rendered page relative to other content items on the page based upon bid value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Chickering, Christopher A. Meek, David E. Heckerman, Brian Burdick, Li Li, Murali Vajjiravel, Ying Li, Rajeev Prasad, Raxit A. Kagalwala, Tarek Najm, Sachin Dhawan
  • User interface for navigating through images
    Patent number: 7983489
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable media are presented for presenting similar images of a selected image in a user interface. One embodiment of the method can include identifying a selected first image and identifying a selected direction from the first image. Additionally, the method can include calculating a best neighbor metric for each of one or more other images to determine a best neighbor image in the selected direction. Furthermore, the method can include presenting the best neighbor image to a user in a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Blaise H. Aguera y Arcas, Jonathan R. Dughi, Bryan Ressler, Ian A. Gilman, Alfred Astort, David M. Gedye
  • Predicting future queries from log data
    Patent number: 7979415
    Abstract: A system, media, and method for selecting future queries are provided. The selected future queries are used to transmit appropriate online advertising to a user that issues queries to a search engine. The search engine is coupled to a prediction component that predicts what subject the user is going to be interested in and when the user will be interested in the subject. The prediction component returns a future query using statistical language models representing a query history of the user and aggregate query histories for a community of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dou Shen, Ying Li
  • Combining and displaying multimedia content
    Patent number: 7979790
    Abstract: A method and system to manage rendering of multimedia content are provided. A theme specifies a collection of layouts defining multimedia content placement. The multimedia content is processed to extract one or more characteristics. The layouts are selected and populated with multimedia content based on the one or more characteristics associated with the multimedia content. The multimedia content is rendered by transitioning through the selected layouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Nicholas Truelove, Chunkit Chan, Jae Pum Park, Shabbir Abbas Shahpurwala, William Mountain Lewis
  • Enhancing availability of remote applications
    Patent number: 7979551
    Abstract: Systems, products, and methods are disclosed for performing a method of allocating services (functionalities of software applications) across several computing devices that make up various domains of a data center so that the functional aspects will continue to be available to remote users even when, from time to time, different sets of computing devices are unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anil Ingle, Ben Newman, Jose Bernabeu-Auban
  • Redistribution of space between text segments
    Patent number: 7970812
    Abstract: A system and method for redistributing space in ink-to-text conversions is described. In stylus-based computing systems, users often desire to convert ink from ink into text. Sometimes the conversion is made such that an interaction region is made too small for effective recognition correction or interaction. A system and procedure is described that adjusts the spacing of text to allow easier interaction with the recognition results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian J. Garside, Alice Dai, Takanobu Murayama, Tracy D. Schultz
  • Storage cabinet
    Patent number: D642400
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Quality Craft Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent G. Koehn
  • Chest and base toolbox combination
    Patent number: D642404
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Quality Craft Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Koehn