Patents by Inventor Amer A. Hassan

Amer A. Hassan 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: 9112645
    Abstract: A computing device configured for wireless communication may effectively control adaptation to channel conditions. The device may be configured to identify and classify conditions impacting performance of a channel so that appropriate adaptations may be made. Interference may be detected by correlating received signal strength and packet errors. High received signal strength correlated to a high packet error rate may signify presence of a source of interference. Once a source of interference is detected, other criteria may be used to determine the nature of the interference so that an adaptation that is minimally disruptive of applications can be selected. Additionally, channel degradation may be predicted by monitoring trends in error rates, including Forward Error Correction rates, and adaptation may be used before packet error rates exceed an unacceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Bernard D. Aboba, Kun Tan, Jiansong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150229612
    Abstract: A wireless computing device operating as a controller of a peer-to-peer group configured to generate unique master keys for each device joining the group. The wireless computing device may use the unique master keys to selectively remove remote devices from the group such that the remote device cannot later rejoin the group. Other remote devices, each possessing a master key that remains valid, can disconnect from the group and later reconnect to the group without express user action. To support such behavior, the wireless device may provide a user interface through which a user may manage connected remote devices by providing commands to selectively disconnect or remove remote devices from the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Mitesh K. Desai, Yatharth Gupta, Henrique Filgueiras
  • Patent number: 9105031
    Abstract: Security techniques and security mechanisms for wireless networks that transmit content such as advertisements. According to exemplary techniques, control messages comprising unrequested content (e.g., advertisement data) may be transmitted in response to a request from a client device, while in other exemplary techniques the control messages may be transmitted without any request from a client device. In some exemplary implementations, security mechanisms such as public key cryptography algorithms may be used to secure transmissions. In some of these techniques which implement public key cryptography, a user may be required to retrieve a public key from a source other than the wireless access point transmitting encrypted advertisements (e.g., a sign or terminal in a commercial entity transmitting such advertisements, or from a web service), such that the user may confirm that the encrypted content is from a source matching the retrieved public key and thus confirm the authenticity of a wireless access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Hui Shen, Amer A. Hassan, Yi Lu, Thomas W. Kuehnel, Andrew T. Baron, Deyun Wu
  • Patent number: 9106433
    Abstract: Applicants have discovered that error detection techniques, such as Forward Error Correction techniques, may be used to predict the degradation below a certain threshold of an ability to accurately convey information on a communication channel, for example, to predict a failure of the communication channel. In response, transmission and/or reception of information on the channel may be adapted, for example, to prevent the degradation below the threshold, e.g., prevent channel failure. Predicting the degradation may be based, at least in part, on data transmission error information corresponding to one or more blocks of information received on the channel and may include determining an error rate pattern over time. Based on these determinations, the degradation below the threshold may be predicted and the transmission and/or reception adapted. Adapting may include initiating use of a different error encoding scheme and/or using an additional communication channel to convey information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Deyun Wu, Christian Huitema, Vishesh M. Parikh
  • Patent number: 9094834
    Abstract: The concepts relate to radio white space utilization. One example can measure a potential radio white space frequency. The example can also communicate results of the measuring for other devices and receive other results from the other devices relating to the potential radio white space frequency. The method can further determine whether the potential radio white space frequency is actually an available radio white space frequency based upon the results and the other results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Daniel A. Reed, Paul W. Garnett, Billy Anders
  • Publication number: 20150187086
    Abstract: Problems of bandwidth utilization and delay, with a computer having a wirelessly connected display, are addressed by having the computer instruct a display device to access content from remote resources and combine that content with content processed locally at the computer and sent to the display device. The display device includes a processor, or display computer, associated with a display. When the computer transmits data to the display device, the data includes information indicating the resource, such as a server accessible over a computer network, which stores the content to be displayed. The processor associated with the display uses this information to access the content directly from its resource. The processor associated with the display can be embedded in the housing for the display or can be housed in a separate housing that is electrically connected directly to the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Amer Hassan, Edward C. Giaimo, III
  • Publication number: 20150188655
    Abstract: A computing device operating according to a frequency division multiplexed protocol in which communication occurs over a signal formed from a plurality of sub-channels selected from anywhere in a frequency spectrum. A computing device may select sub-channels cognitively by using information about sub-channels previously deemed suitable or unsuitable by that computing device or other computing devices. A described technique for determining sub-channel suitability includes analyzing radio frequency energy in the sub-channel to detect signals generated by another computing device or high noise levels. Information may also be used to cognitively select sub-channels to be analyzed, such as by first selecting for analysis previously-used sub-channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Christian Huitema
  • Publication number: 20150188651
    Abstract: A computing device operating according to a frequency division multiplexed protocol in which communication occurs over a signal formed from a plurality of sub-channels selected from anywhere in a frequency spectrum. A computing device may select sub-channels cognitively by using information about sub-channels previously deemed suitable or unsuitable by that computing device or other computing devices. A described technique for determining sub-channel suitability includes analyzing radio frequency energy in the sub-channel to detect signals generated by another computing device or high noise levels. Information may also be used to cognitively select sub-channels to be analyzed, such as by first selecting for analysis previously-used sub-channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Christian Huitema
  • Publication number: 20150188652
    Abstract: A computing device operating according to a frequency division multiplexed protocol in which communication occurs over a signal formed from a plurality of sub-channels selected from anywhere in a frequency spectrum. A computing device may select sub-channels cognitively by using information about sub-channels previously deemed suitable or unsuitable by that computing device or other computing devices. A described technique for determining sub-channel suitability includes analyzing radio frequency energy in the sub-channel to detect signals generated by another computing device or high noise levels. Information may also be used. to cognitively select sub-channels to be analyzed, such as by first selecting for analysis previously-used sub-channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Christian Huitema
  • Publication number: 20150181512
    Abstract: A computing environment containing a mesh network that is adapted to provide a reliable transport mechanism over which services may be delivered. Nodes of the mesh can automatically select routable addresses without conflicts, which allows nodes of the mesh to be accessed, even as the mesh changes through the addition or deletion of nodes. Also, nodes communicate with a protocol that supports service advertisements. These advertisements can identify mesh nodes that supply services, such as file or print servers, for which devices that have not yet connected to the network may be searching. Advertisements can also identify services to be used by nodes in the network, allowing, for example, anode to select a gateway providing a reliable connection to an external network. The mesh network can be used as a transport for communication using protocols, such as TCP/IP, that generally exhibit poor performance when using unreliable transports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kuehnel, Alok Manchanda, Taroon Mandhana, Amer A. Hassan, Mukesh Karki, Christian Huitema, Yusuf Atas
  • Publication number: 20150180921
    Abstract: A system for signaling an application when a requested data rate and Quality of Service cannot be achieved using OFDM wireless data transmission, and the application proceeds by either renegotiating QoS and data rate, or waiting until they requested rate and QoS are met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Thomas W. Kuehnel, Deyun Wu, Christian Huitema, D. Gabriel Frost
  • Patent number: 9065687
    Abstract: A computing device operating according to a frequency division multiplexed protocol in which communication occurs over a signal formed from a plurality of sub-channels selected from anywhere in a frequency spectrum. A computing device may select sub-channels cognitively by using information about sub-channels previously deemed suitable or unsuitable by that computing device or other computing devices. A described technique for determining sub-channel suitability includes analyzing radio frequency energy in the sub-channel to detect signals generated by another computing device or high noise levels. Information may also be used to cognitively select sub-channels to be analyzed, such as by first selecting for analysis previously-used sub-channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Christian Huitema
  • Publication number: 20150163153
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the efficient use of a wireless channel. Flows of compatible packets to be transmitted are processed in separate queues based on characteristics of the packets, destination and quality of service (QoS) requirements. Aggregation parameters selected for each flow define when packets aggregated on a flow are to be sent. The aggregation parameters may reflect packet type, such as QoS requirements, an application type and/or wireless channel conditions. In some embodiments, the aggregation parameters indicate a threshold frame size or include a threshold time to buffer a packet while waiting for other packets on that flow to fill a frame. When an aggregation parameter for a queue is met, the aggregated packets are transmitted as a frame. The queue is cleared and subsequent packets may begin aggregating. Some types of packets, such as acknowledgment packets, may be sent without aggregation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Thomas W. Kuehnel, Pan Chun Wen
  • Patent number: 9042935
    Abstract: The concepts relate to radio channel utilization. One example can monitor a location of a mobile device that has both a first type of wireless capabilities and a second type of wireless capabilities. The example can determine a distance from the location of the mobile device to a location of a wireless device. The example can cause data to be transmitted from the mobile device to the wireless device at a power level based upon the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Garnett, Trenholme J. Griffin, Amer A. Hassan, Paul W. A. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20150140925
    Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to providing spectrum utilization feedback from a whitespace device. A database query for a set of available channels in a spectrum (e.g., broadcast spectrum, etc.) during a time period can be transmitted from the whitespace device to a regulatory authorized database system. The database query includes data that specifies a set of channels used by the whitespace device during a previous time period prior to the time period. Responsive to the database query, a response can be received at the whitespace device from the regulatory authorized database. The response indicates the set of available channels in the spectrum during the time period, where the available channels are unassigned to licensees at a location of the whitespace device during the time period. Moreover, the whitespace device is configured to opportunistically communicate in the spectrum over one or more of the available channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Paul William Garnett, Amer Hassan
  • Publication number: 20150133177
    Abstract: The concepts relate to radio channel utilization and more specifically to determining whether individual radio channels are available for use. One example can cause multiple sensing devices in a region to sense radio channels. The example can obtain signal information sensed by the multiple sensing devices in relation to an individual radio channel. The example can collectively analyze the signal information from the multiple sensing devices to determine whether the individual radio channel is being used for a licensed broadcast in the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. GARNETT, Amer A. HASSAN, Paul W.A. MITCHELL, Jeffrey Z. YAN
  • Patent number: 9031042
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for adapting a communication system to varying conditions. Using some form of discovery protocol, the communication standards supported by at least two communicants are determined. Each communicant may then periodically monitor the quality of the channel established by the communication standard and dynamically select a set of one or more communication standards to use for communicating. Further, when communicants share common non-standard parameterized implementations of communication standards, changes to the protocols which the communication standards comprise can be used to add options for a more dynamic response to changing conditions than is possible when adhering only to an established communication standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Christian Huitema, Thomas Kuehnel, Vishesh M. Parikh
  • Publication number: 20150117198
    Abstract: Techniques for service policies for communication sessions are described. According to various embodiments, a service policy specifies various rules and/or procedures for handling communication sessions. For instance, a service policy can specify service priority designations to be applied to communication sessions based on various attributes of the communication sessions. Techniques discussed herein provide for automated and dynamic management of service policies in a variety of communication scenarios, e.g., via per-session customization of service policies. In at least some embodiments, techniques may be employed to remedy problems that may occur during a communication session, such as via bandwidth reallocation, dynamic remapping of routing paths, and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Pascal F. Menezes, Amer A. Hassan, Jon Morrow
  • Publication number: 20150118987
    Abstract: Techniques for policies for selecting sources for resource strings are described. Generally, a resource string refers to a set of characters that can be used to initiate communication with a particular resource. According to one or more embodiments, techniques discussed herein enable resource strings to be determined at different locations, e.g., geographic locations. In at least some embodiments, string source policies are implemented that specify parameters for selecting a source from which to obtain resource strings. According to one or more embodiments, string profiles are implemented that specify resource strings that correspond to particular resources and/or types of resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Neil A. Deason, Amer A. Hassan, Carl S. Olivier, Roy D. Kuntz
  • Patent number: 9019878
    Abstract: A mechanism for a wireless device to obtain access to network connectivity through a WAN-enabled device. The wireless device may use peer-to-peer communication to request the WAN-enabled device enter a mode in which it serves as an access point to its WAN. The wireless device may then associate with the WAN-enabled device in its role as an access point to access connectivity services. Such a capability may be used, for example, to allow a wireless computing device to gain access to the Internet through a smartphone or other device that has Internet access, and can also be configured to communicate in accordance with the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Billy R. Anders, Jr., Dennis Flanagan, Amer A. Hassan, Yatharth Gupta