Patents by Inventor Alexander G. Gounares

Alexander G. Gounares 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).

  • Publication number: 20090309891
    Abstract: An avatar generator for a virtual environment reflects a physiological characteristic of the user, injecting a degree of reality into the capabilities or appearance. Thereby, many of the incentives of the real world are replicated in a virtual environment. Physiological data that reflect a degree of health of the real person can be linked to rewards of capabilities of a gaming avatar, an amount of time budgeted to play, or a visible indication. Thereby, people are encouraged to exercise. Physiological data that reflect the health and perhaps also mood also improve social interaction in virtual environments. People seeking to meet and become acquainted with particular types of people are not thwarted by the artificiality of avatars. The physiological data can be gleaned from a third party health data collection repository, a healthcare smart card, a real-time physiological sensor (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose, peak flow, pedometer, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chris Demetrios Karkanias, Hubert Van Hoof, Kenneth D. Ray, Alexander G. Gounares, Eric J. Horvitz, Hong L. Choing
  • Patent number: 7627502
    Abstract: Wish list creation and population is provided where users can associate one or more images as items in a wish list. To this end, an image can be provided, such as a photograph taken by the user, and analyzed to locate matching items and information related thereto. In this regard, the user can observe and desire to purchase an item without knowledge of specifics about the item. The user can then take a picture of the item and tag the picture for upload to their wish list. Matching can be provided to identify one or more items in the picture to facilitate retrieval of information related to the items. Also, items can be selected based on discerned characteristics of the picture in a design/fashion consultant context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lili Cheng, Kamal Jain, Michael Connolly, Alexander G. Gounares, Gary W. Flake, Eric J. Horvitz
  • Publication number: 20090271257
    Abstract: System(s) and method(s) are provided to drive early adoption and retention of disparate sources of funding and financing an award program, with application to a consumer compensation scheme subsidized through advertisement revenue. A component that manages advertisement revenue, or received funds, allocates a portion of revenue to subsidize a rebate program, or award program, for enrolled advertisers, or sources of funding, from a universe of advertisers. Rebate or award funds are provided to enrolled advertisers on an exclusivity based for a specific period of time, after which funds are transferred to a commonly accessible account. The subsidized nature of the awarded compensation funds and their time sensitivity drive advertiser enrollment and retention and ensures consumers are aggressively compensated. In an aspect, the subsidized rebate program can be exploited to directly compensate a consumer online or offline in exchange for the consumer's intent in engaging with a service platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Flake, Nishant V. Dani, Brian James Utter, Alexander G. Gounares, Kamal Jain, Michael Conte
  • Publication number: 20090271255
    Abstract: System(s) and method(s) are provided to drive commercial transactions and advertisement based on explicit consumer's value-cost propositions. Value-cost propositions express consumer's desires with respect to parameters related to a commercial transaction product price point, sensitivity to price and time, preferred shipping mechanism(s), contractor reputation, supply chain utilized by contractor, and so on. A component registers consumers to submit their value-cost propositions, and aggregates the information so conveyed to generate a market latent demand. The latter is conveyed to a set of advertisers, who respond to the latent demand by (i) adjusting their cost-profit propositions or (ii) countering the consumer's value-cost propositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian James Utter, Nishant V. Dani, Alexander G. Gounares, Michael Conte
  • Patent number: 7610273
    Abstract: Authorization of a file on a computer is provided for using a cryptographic hash of the file or other identifier to find one or more content ratings. Content ratings, coupled with source and publisher ratings, are used to evaluate the file against an authorization policy set up by a user, manufacturer, or corporate IT department. Files which are suspect due to low ratings are not authorized to run on the computer. Files for which little information can be found are left to the user to decide whether to authorize. Rating services provide aggregated content ratings based on editorial or user reviews, and index their searchable ratings based on cryptographic hashes of the files being evaluated. Rating services provide allow lists and exclude lists or may provide individual responses to queries containing cryptographic hashes of files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ashok Kuppusamy, Alexander G. Gounares, Elissa E. S. Murphy, Raymond E. Endres
  • Publication number: 20090265242
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can mitigate privacy concerns in connection with ad targeting or data collection. In particular, architecture can be included in a personal mobile communication device such as a cell phone. During communication transactions between the host device and a peer device, shared information can be extracted either from content included in the communication or from metadata. Based upon the shared information, a social graph maintained on the host device can be updated. In addition, the host device can receive a large set of ads and select or tailor a custom ad from the set based upon the social graph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric J. Horvitz, Brett D. Brewer, Mary P. Czerwinski, Melissa W. Dunn, Karim T. Farouki, Jason Garms, Alexander G. Gounares, Milind V. Mahajan, Jayaram NM. Nanduri, Timothy D. Sharpe, Darrell Leroy Blegen
  • Publication number: 20090259533
    Abstract: System(s) and method(s) are provided to trade compensation credit(s) in a customer price incentive scheme funded through advertisement. A secondary market for rewards is established through advertisement spend from a set of disparate category advertisers (e.g., brand advertisers and product advertisers). Market liquidity is injected through an advertisement component that directs a portion of advertisement spend to issue tradable compensation credit(s) at a initial offering price. A trade platform facilitates commercialization of compensation credit(s) among a set of registered advertisers: A regulatory component provides governance and establishes pricing of traded compensation credit(s), while a brokerage component facilitates negotiation among traders. Disparate advertisers can be joined for trading based at least in part on advertiser intelligence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian James Utter, Thomas Frank Bergstraesser, Alexander G. Gounares
  • Publication number: 20090259537
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to directly compensate an agent that utilizes a software application in exchange for the agent's intent in using the application, and for displaying intent-driven advertisement to the agent. Intent is inferred through information received from the agent, when utilizing the software application, according to an agent's privacy settings. Based on agent's intent, an advertisement is displayed and an associated software-related compensation is provided to the agent. Compensation accumulation profiles can be established based at least in part on privacy settings. Compensation possesses monetary value and can be directed towards (i) increasing software functionality, (ii) providing credits for training and literature related to the utilization of the application, or (iii) servicing a device in which the application is executed. The monetary aspect of the software-related compensation originated in intent-driven advertisement effectively funds the agent's software application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Polina Veksler, Zachary A. Apter, Brian James Utter, Alexander G. Gounares, Kamal Jain
  • Publication number: 20090248493
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems for rewarding influencers in a Web 2.0 environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Gary W. Flake, William H. Gates, III, Alexander G. Gounares, W. Daniel Hillis, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, Craig J. Mundie, Christopher D. Payne, Richard F. Rashid, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090177527
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to rewarding influencers in a Web 2.0 environment. More specifically, in some implementations, an influence of an electronically-accessed content on an involvement between an accessor and a third party is assessed. In further implementations, a provider of the electronically accessed content is rewarded based on the assessed influence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Gary W. Flake, William H. Gates, III, Alexander G. Gounares, W. Daniel Hillis, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, Craig J. Mundie, Christopher D. Payne, Richard F. Rashid, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090171649
    Abstract: A system (and corresponding method) that employs wiki-type models to consider authoring rather than composition in an application environment is provided. The innovation enables collaborative information and templates to be used to enhance quality, productivity, etc. within a software application environment. These wiki-type models can provide features, functions and benefits related to, but not limited to, general information, auto-fills, formats, schema, conversions, preferences, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ajitesh Kishore, Brian Meek, Christopher Hugh Pratley, Alexander G. Gounares, Lewis Charles Levin
  • Patent number: 7552862
    Abstract: Architecture is provided that facilitates user-controlled access to user profile information. A user is allowed to selectively expose (or mask) portions of his/her profile to third parties. Additionally, advertisers and/or content providers can offer incentives or enticement in response to the acceptance of which a user exposes larger portions of their profile. The architecture comprises a system that facilitates profile management utilizing a profile component that facilitates creation and storage of an electronic profile of a user, and a control component under control of the user for controlling access to the profile. Machine learning and reasoning is provided to make inferences and automate aspects thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Flake, Eric J. Horvitz, Joshua T. Goodman, Eric D. Brill, Bradly A. Brunell, Susan T. Dumais, Alexander G. Gounares, Trenholme J. Griffin, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Raymond E. Ozzie
  • Publication number: 20090157570
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates managing data within an environment. An interface component can receive a role-based model reflective of at least one position within an environment, wherein the environment includes two or more entities within an organized hierarchy. The role-based model can include at least one role assigned to an entity in which the assignment is indicative of the position of the entity within the environment. A role component can provide data access to the entity within the environment in accordance with the role assigned to such entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gurdeep S. Pall, Jeffrey S. Raikes, Alexander G. Gounares, Ajitesh Kishore
  • Patent number: 7549115
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from, presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Vinod Anantharaman, Christopher Matthew Franklin, Oliver G. Fisher, Alexander G. Gounares, Matthew D. Morgan, Richard J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7523390
    Abstract: A system architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into text. The architecture allows insertion of discrete individual fields, referred to as “free floating fields”, inline with normal textual sentences. In an HTML document, for example, the free floating fields are elements constructed along with text elements and rendered together as an integrated document. Once rendered, the free floating fields present contents that resemble normal text consistent with the surrounding text. The free floating fields offer spreadsheet functionality, including the ability to handle complex formulas, reference values in a separate free floating field or table, and automatically recalculate the formulas when a source value changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Publication number: 20090094105
    Abstract: Contextual advertisements embedded within content having tooltip type display functionality are provided where content can be evaluated for possible points for insertion of the advertisements. The content can be evaluated against a list of trigger points indicating advertisement should be inserted along with instructions to embed the advertisements. Using this information, the content can be modified to embed appropriate advertising. Upon returning the content, a viewer thereof can view the content normally, but certain events with respect to the trigger points can cause tooltip type display of the advertisement (such as hovering a cursor over the trigger point). In this regard, trigger points, such as keywords, having associated pop-up advertisements can be underlined or otherwise identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander G. Gounares, David M. Chickering, Eric J. Horvitz, Michael Connolly, Lili Cheng, Kamal Jain, George P. Moromisato
  • Publication number: 20090094260
    Abstract: Wish list creation and population is provided where users can associate one or more images as items in a wish list. To this end, an image can be provided, such as a photograph taken by the user, and analyzed to locate matching items and information related thereto. In this regard, the user can observe and desire to purchase an item without knowledge of specifics about the item. The user can then take a picture of the item and tag the picture for upload to their wish list. Matching can be provided to identify one or more items in the picture to facilitate retrieval of information related to the items. Also, items can be selected based on discerned characteristics of the picture in a design/fashion consultant context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lili Cheng, Kamal Jain, Michael Connolly, Alexander G. Gounares, Gary W. Flake, Eric J. Horvitz
  • Publication number: 20090083615
    Abstract: A system architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into text. The architecture allows insertion of discrete individual fields, referred to as “free floating fields”, inline with normal textual sentences. In an HTML document, for example, the free floating fields are elements constructed along with text elements and rendered together as an integrated document. Once rendered, the free floating fields present contents that resemble normal text consistent with the surrounding text. The free floating fields offer spreadsheet functionality, including the ability to handle complex formulas, reference values in a separate free floating field or table, and automatically recalculate the formulas when a source value changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Patent number: 7506243
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Richard J. Wolf, Vinod G. Anantharaman, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Patent number: 7506242
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Richard J. Wolf, Vinod Anantharaman, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin