Patents Assigned to Microsoft Corporation
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Patent number: 7660285Abstract: The routing of traffic in wireless networks is performed in accordance with a routing metric. The routing metric can reflect the effects of future self-traffic of a forthcoming communication flow. In a described implementation, a routing decision is made for a forthcoming communication flow that is to propagate over multiple nodes of a multi-hop wireless network. The routing decision is based on at least one predicted effect on the wireless network from self-traffic of the forthcoming communication flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Yongqiang Xiong, Qian Zhang, Shouyi Yin
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Patent number: 7661071Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) user interface (UI) creation system maps a two-dimensional (2-D), interactive UI to an 3-D object template in a 3-D scene. Once mapped, the 2-D UI functions as a simple user interface while appearing as a skin to the 3-D object. A 3-D UI creation tool applies image resources of a 2-D UI template to a 3-D wire frame template to create a 3-D UI. The system provides for rapid implementation of a 3-D UI without need for understanding a 3-D space or 3-D authoring software. The process includes preparing a 2-D UI, loading a 3-D scene of 3-D objects, and mapping the 2-D UI to a 3-D object template in the 3-D scene. A scheme file provides a specification for recreating the 3-D scene in a runtime module whereby the 3-D scene functions as a 3-D UI system, allowing interaction via a user input system.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Victor K. Blanco
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Patent number: 7660463Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to provide more efficient and improved extraction of a portion of a scene without requiring excessive user interaction. More particularly, the extraction may be achieved by using iterated graph cuts. In an implementation, a method includes segmenting an image into a foreground portion and a background portion (e.g., where an object or desired portion to be extracted is present in the foreground portion). The method determines the properties corresponding to the foreground and background portions of the image. Distributions may be utilized to model the foreground and background properties. The properties may be color in one implementation and the distributions may be a Gaussian Mixture Model in another implementation. The foreground and background properties are updated based on the portions. And, the foreground and background portions are updated based on the updated foreground and background properties.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Andrew Blake, Carsten Curt Eckard Rother, Padmanabhan Anandan
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Patent number: 7661109Abstract: An environment for developing clientside/serverside code is disclosed. The environment supports the perception that the server space and client space are seamlessly joined into a single program execution space. An outgrowth of the single execution space includes effective event handling on the server through enabling created objects to migrate effectively between the server and client.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory S. Lindhorst, Stephen J. Millet, John P. Shewchuk, John M. Buehler
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Patent number: 7660833Abstract: A method and system for controlling which content gets precedence and is replicated. A replica set is comprised of a set of resources. Each resource is associated with resource data and resource meta-data. For files-based systems, resource data includes file contents and attributes, while resource meta-data includes additional attributes that are relevant for negotiating synchronization during replication. An extra field called a “fence value” is added to the meta-data associated with each resource. During synchronization, first fence values are compared. The resource with the highest fence value includes the content that is controlling and replicated. If fence values are equal (and greater than a particular value), the controlling resource is determined based on other meta-data.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Dan Teodosiu, Nikolaj S. Bjorner
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Patent number: 7660705Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for learning a regression decision graph model using a Bayesian model selection approach. In a disclosed aspect, the model structure and/or model parameters can be learned using a greedy search algorithm applied to grow the model so long as the model improves. This approach enables construction of a decision graph having a model structure that includes a plurality of leaves, at least one of which includes a non-trivial linear regression. The resulting model thus can be employed for forecasting, such as for time series data, which can include single or multi-step forecasting.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Christopher A. Meek, David E. Heckerman, Robert L. Rounthwaite, David Maxwell Chickering, Bo Thiesson
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Patent number: 7659901Abstract: Systems and methods that optimize GPU processing by front loading activities from a set time/binding time to creation time via enhancements to an API that configures the GPU. Such enhancements to the API include: implementing layering arrangements, employing state objects and view components for data objects; incorporating a pipeline stage linkage/signature, employing a detection mechanism to mitigate error conditions. Such an arrangement enables front loading of the work and reduction of associated API calls.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael A. Toelle, Craig C. Peeper, Brian T. Klamik, Sam Glassenberg
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Patent number: 7660792Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving a user search experience by identifying spam results in a result set produced in response to a query. The system may include a user interface spam feedback mechanism for allowing a user to indicate that a given result is spam. The system may additionally include an automated spam identification mechanism for implementing automated techniques on the given result to determine whether the given result is spam. The system may further include a merging component for merging the determinations of the user interface spam feedback mechanism and the automated spam identification mechanism for deriving an indicator of the likelihood that a given result is spam.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Brett D. Brewer, Eric B. Watson
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Patent number: 7660813Abstract: An information highlighting facility assists the user in evaluating relevance of accessed documents to the user's information need. The accessed documents may, for example, be identified by a search engine in response to a user query. When accessing documents identified as relevant by a search engine from other networked computers, the facility provides information highlighting to assist the user in determining whether the document is relevant. A model of the user's interest, which may include an augmented set of search terms, is used to take into account the general interest of the user as captured by an interest profile and context of use of the computer by the user, or a combination thereof. The model of the user's interest is applied to the document text as the document is accessed from its source.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Natasa Milic-Frayling, Ralph Sommerer
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Patent number: 7661068Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that allow an eraser to be used for additional operations. A pen feature is provided that supports various eraser gestures. An eraser gesture is detected from a pen input device. If the eraser gesture matches a supported eraser gesture, then an operation associated with the supported eraser gesture is performed. For example, a scratchout gesture made with the eraser can undo a previous erasure of text made by the eraser. A customization feature is provided that allows a user to customize some or all of the eraser gestures.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Arnold M. Lund
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Patent number: 7660422Abstract: A version number is associated with an encrypted key executable to allow real time updating of keys for a system which facilitates users signing on to multiple websites on different domains using an encrypted ticket. Two keys may be used at each site during updating of keys, each having an associated one digit Hex version tag. When a key is to be updated with a new key, the existing or old key is provided an expiration time. A second key is provided from the system in a secure manner with a new version number and made the current key which provides decryption of the encrypted ticket. The system tracks both keys while they are concurrent. After the existing key expires, only the second, or updated key is used to provide login services for users. The system periodically flushes old keys.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Christopher E. Mitchell, Jeff C. Kunins, Max E. Metral
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Patent number: 7659885Abstract: Disclosed is a “keyboard overlay” that sits on top of a touch-sensitive display screen of a computing device. After aligning the overlay on the display screen, the user types on the overlay. When the user presses a key on the overlay, the pressure is transmitted to the display screen below. That pressure is registered by the display screen as a touch. The keyboard overlay is formed to provide tactile finger-position feedback so that a user can keep his fingers oriented properly over the keyboard. The overlay may be opaque with keycap information displayed in the key areas. The overlay may be transparent, allowing a user to see a virtual keyboard painted on the display screen below. The computing device can detect the presence and type of an overlay. Applications may respond differently to different types of overlays. Different applications may be invoked depending upon the type of overlay detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Mark Gerard Kraus, Vu Xuan Nguyen, Martin Shetter
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Patent number: 7660512Abstract: Systems and methods for managing frame rates during multimedia playback are described herein. The ideal playback timing associated with video data is determined. If an actual playback timing of the video data lags the ideal playback timing, a frame rate associated with the video data is varied using a smoothing function to recover toward the ideal playback timing. An iterative frame-dropping algorithm is applied to vary the frame rate in accordance with the smoothing function. The smoothing function incorporates as a variable an average delay associated with playback of frames in the video data.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Charles R. Kellner, Jr., William R. Sanders, Darren R. Davis
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Patent number: 7660829Abstract: The invention provides a distributed file system configured to delegate file system operations to clients. The client obtains a delegation associated with an object managed by the server. The delegation enables the client to perform a file system operation on behalf of the server. The client caches the object and enables users associated with the client to access the object in accordance with the delegation.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David Cappers Steere, Rohan Kumar, Yun Lin, Danilo D'Amico Almeida, Shishir Purushottam Pardikar
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Patent number: 7660999Abstract: A model restricts un-trusted data/objects from running on a user's machine without permission. The data is received by a protocol layer that reports a MIME type associated with the DATA, and caches the data and related cache file name (CFN). A MIME sniffer is arranged to identify a sniffed MIME type based on the cached data, the CFN, and the reported MIME type. Reconciliation logic evaluates the sniffed MIME type and the CFN to determine a reconciled MIME type, and to update the CFN. A class ID sniffer evaluates the updated CFN, the cached data, and the reconciled MIME type to determine an appropriate class ID. Security logic evaluates the updated CFN, the reported class ID, and other related system parameters to build a security matrix. Parameters from the security matrix are used to intercept data/objects before an un-trusted data/object can create a security breach on the machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Venkatraman V. Kudallur, Shankar Ganesh, Roberto A. Franco, Vishu Gupta, John G. Bedworth
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Patent number: 7660811Abstract: A system that facilitates analyzing content of a multi-dimensional structure comprises a calculation component that receives statements in a declarative language relating to one or more of an assignment and calculation and executes such statements against a multi-dimensional structure. A pass generation component creates a pass in order to maintain content of the multi-dimensional structure as it existed prior to execution of the statement, the pass is accessible upon reference to such pass.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Amir Netz, Marius Dumitru, Mosha Pasumansky, Cristian Petculescu, Richard R. Tkachuk, Alexander Berger
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Patent number: 7660781Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for searching and navigating a document database is provided. Document categories are assigned unique numeric category identifiers. Each document in a database is assigned to one of the document categories. Metadata is associated with each electronic document that includes the numeric category identifier corresponding to the category assigned to the document. The database may be searched or browsed based on category by utilizing the metadata. URLs may also be embedded in a Web page that includes a list of document identifiers and an index. The list of document identifiers is a list containing the identities of an arbitrary number of search results. The index identifies one of the documents in the list of document identifiers to be retrieved. When such a URL is selected, a Web server computer utilizes the list of document identifiers and the index to identify the document to be returned.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Bill Chau
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Patent number: 7661072Abstract: A system and method for accelerating scrolling of a display is disclosed. When a wheel of a wheeled pointing device is actuated by a user at a first rotational rate, the display in a window scrolls up or down one line at a time. When the wheel is rotated at a second rotational rate, the display in the window scrolls up or down multiple lines at a time. In additional embodiments, the scrolling technique shifts from one line at a time/multiple lines at a time to a page or pages at a time when the wheel is rotated for at a rotational rate for a minimum period of time.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Alessandro Levi Montalcini
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Patent number: 7660904Abstract: Sharing data within an instant messaging session is described. A user participating in an instant messaging session may request a data access key. The key, which provides access to data associated with the user, may then be transmitted via the instant messaging session to one or more other participants in the instant messaging session. The other instant messaging session participants can then use the key to access, via the instant messaging session, the data associated with the user. Users may be granted various levels of access to another user's data.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Imran Qureshi, Evan Gridley
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Patent number: 7660856Abstract: A method and system for using web services to notify a subscriber that an event has occurred at a voice mail switch and to retrieve the event is described. A notification server receives an event and an associated identifier from the voice mail switch. The identifier is correlated to a subscriber and an alert indicating that the event occurred is generated. The alert is sent to a destination selected by the subscriber. The alert includes an event reference that links the subscriber to the event through a network via a URL. The subscriber retrieves the event through a web portal view associated with the URL.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Robert R. O'Brien, John Thomas Wilcox