Patents by Inventor Alwin R. Vyhmeister

Alwin R. Vyhmeister 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: 7716300
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates self-regulation of a social network system based at least in part on user behavior, and in particular on good or desirable user behavior. The system and method involve monitoring user behavior such as user activity and user interactions with other users and the network itself. Several factors can be weighed to determine whether the user behavior is good. Network assets or rights can be allocated to good users in the form of gifts or trade exchange opportunities whereas less desirable or bad users may not receive such gifts or trade opportunities or assets and rights might be revoked from them. By watching user behavior and promoting good behavior in this manner, the social network can be managed and self-regulated to optimize the utilization and distribution of both limited and unlimited assets (e.g., network created and user created assets or resources).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Kott, Alwin R. Vyhmeister, Richard L. Hughes, Lili Cheng, Sean U. Kelly, William L. Portnoy