Patents by Inventor Benjamin LAFRENIERE

Benjamin LAFRENIERE 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: 11823015
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a pattern-based recommendation subsystem automatically recommends workflows for software-based tasks. In operation, the pattern-based recommendation subsystem computes an expected distribution of frequencies across command patterns based on different distributions of frequencies across the command patterns. The expected distribution of frequencies is associated with a target user, and each different distribution of frequencies is associated with a different user. The pattern-based recommendation subsystem then applies a set of commands associated with the target user to a trained machine-learning model to determine a target distribution of weights applied to a set of tasks. Subsequently, the pattern-based recommendation subsystem determines a training item based on the expected distribution of frequencies and the target distribution of weights. The pattern-based recommendation subsystem generates a recommendation that specifies the training item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Tovi Grossman, Benjamin Lafreniere, Xu Wang
  • Patent number: 11823588
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present application sets forth a computer-implemented method for remotely monitoring performance of a task in real time, comprising receiving, in real time from a first student computing device, first student data that includes a first set of actions performed in a first student application instance executing on the first student device, comparing a first student action included in the first set of actions to a first target action, in response to comparing the first student action to the first target action, identifying a first issue indicator associated with the first student action, determining a first remedy associated with at least one of the first target action and the first issue indicator, and performing a first remediation action associated with the first remedy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Tovi Grossman, Benjamin Lafreniere, George Fitzmaurice, Volodymyr Dziubak, Andrea Bunt
  • Patent number: 11803771
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a task-based recommendation subsystem automatically recommends workflows for software-based tasks based on a trained machine-learning model that maps different sets of commands to different distributions of weights applied to a set of tasks. In operation, the task-based recommendation subsystem applies a first set of commands associated with a target user to the trained machine-learning model to determine a target distribution of weights applied to the set of tasks. The task-based recommendation subsystem then performs processing operation(s) based on at least two different distributions of weights applied to the set of tasks and the target distribution to determine a training item. Subsequently, the task-based recommendation subsystem generates a recommendation that specifies the training item. Finally, the task-based recommendation subsystem transmits the recommendation to a user to assist the user in performing a particular task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Tovi Grossman, Benjamin Lafreniere, Xu Wang
  • Patent number: 11645942
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for facilitating the learning of a new software application. The technique includes causing a first user interface to be displayed on a display, wherein the first user interface is based on a user interface associated with a first software application; receiving a user input via the first user interface from a user; determining a first function associated with a second software application that should be provided to the user based on the user input; and causing the first user interface and a portion of a second user interface associated with the second application and incorporated into the first user interface to be displayed on the display, wherein the portion of the second user interface provides the first function to the user to enable the user to perform one or more subsequent operations relative to the first function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Lafreniere, Tovi Grossman
  • Publication number: 20230069764
    Abstract: A disclosed computer-implemented method may include (1) tracking a gaze of a user as the user interacts with a user interface, (2) determining, based on tracking of the gaze of the user, that a detected user interaction with the user interface represents a false positive input inference by the user interface, and (3) executing at least one remedial action based on determining that the detected user interaction represents the false positive input inference by the user interface. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Tanya Renee Jonker, Candace Peacock, Benjamin Lafreniere, Ting Zhang, Hrvoje Benko, Rawan Alghofaili, Michael Glueck
  • Patent number: 11586464
    Abstract: A W-graph system comprising a server connected with a plurality of clients via a network. Each client/user performs a design task via a design application while the server collects timestamped event data. The server generates a plurality of W-graphs for a plurality of tasks based on the collected event data. Each W-graph comprises one or more representative workflows, each representative workflow comprising at least one merged node representing nodes from different workflows for different users performing the same task. A W-graph for a task selected by the user may be viewed in a W-graph GUI. A user may also select a W-suggest function to have a current workflow for a task analyzed for optimization based on a W-graph generated for the same task. A modified current workflow is generated that highlights user techniques in the current workflow that are less efficient than user techniques in the W-graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Tovi Grossman, George Fitzmaurice, Benjamin Lafreniere, Juho Kim, Minsuk Chang, Kaveh Hassani
  • Patent number: 11579704
    Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method may include detecting, by a computing system, a gesture that appears to be intended to trigger a response by the computing system, identifying, by the computing system, a context in which the gesture was performed, and adjusting, based at least on the context in which the gesture was performed, a threshold for determining whether to trigger the response to the gesture in a manner that causes the computing system to perform an action that is based on the detected gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Lafreniere, Tanya Renee Jonker, Stephanie Santosa, Hrvoje Benko, Daniel John Wigdor
  • Patent number: 11474660
    Abstract: Techniques for gradually transitioning a user to a second navigation scheme while using a first navigation scheme in a 3D design application that generates and displays a 3D virtual environment. The design application initially implements the first navigation scheme and a set of function tools of the standard navigation scheme. The design application monitors for a set of patterns of navigation actions during use of the first-person navigation scheme, each pattern being performed more efficiently when using the standard navigation scheme. Upon detecting a pattern using the first-person navigation scheme, the design application may switch to the standard navigation scheme. Also, upon detecting selection of a function tool, the design application may switch to the standard navigation scheme during use of the function tool. When the function tool is closed, the design application may switch back to the first-person navigation scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Tovi Grossman, Benjamin Lafreniere
  • Publication number: 20220308675
    Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method may include detecting, by a computing system, a gesture that appears to be intended to trigger a response by the computing system, identifying, by the computing system, a context in which the gesture was performed, and adjusting, based at least on the context in which the gesture was performed, a threshold for determining whether to trigger the response to the gesture in a manner that causes the computing system to perform an action that is based on the detected gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Benjamin Lafreniere, Tanya Renee Jonker, Stephanie Santosa, Hrvoje Benko, Daniel John Wigdor
  • Patent number: 11436384
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a generative design application iteratively generates designs via a generative design process. In operation, the generative design application performs one or more layout operations on virtual objects based on a first set of design constraints to generate a first design. The generative design application then modifies the first set of design constraints based on feedback associated with a mid-air representation of the first design displayed in a virtual reality environment to generate a second set of design constraints. Subsequently, the generative design application performs one or more layout operations on the virtual objects based on the second set of design constraints to generate a second design that achieves design goal(s). Advantageously, enabling a designer to incrementally indicate design goal(s) as constraints via a virtual reality environment instead of as a predetermined objective function reduces both the time and effort required to generate designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Lafreniere, Tovi Grossman, Ariel Weingarten, George Fitzmaurice
  • Patent number: 11423801
    Abstract: A tutorial system presents a tutorial comprising a series of steps for building a computing system and testing successful completion of at least one of the steps. The computing system comprises a programmable controller and at least one hardware component. The tutorial system is coupled to the target computing system via a connection. The tutorial system may present one or more programming steps for the user to enter and load particular programming to the controller. The tutorial system may further present one or more physical steps for the user to physically configure a particular hardware component, such as physically configuring connections or wiring between the particular hardware component and the controller and/or another hardware component of the computing system. The tutorial system directly tests successful completion of a physical step or a programming step through values received from the computing system via the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Tovi Grossman, Jeremy Warner, George Fitzmaurice, Benjamin Lafreniere
  • Patent number: 11295400
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing tasks associated with a construction project. The technique includes transmitting to a worker, via a mobile computing device worn by the worker, a first instruction related to performing a first task included in a plurality of tasks associated with a construction project, and transmitting to a light-emitting device a command to provide a visual indicator to the worker that facilitates performing the first task, based on an input received from the mobile computing device, determining that the worker has completed the first task of the construction project, selecting, from a database that tracks eligibility of each of the plurality of tasks, a second task included in the plurality of tasks that the worker is eligible to perform, and transmitting to the worker, via the mobile computing device, a second instruction related to performing the second task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Tovi Grossman, George Fitzmaurice, Anderson Nogueira, Nick Beirne, Justin Frank Matejka, Danil Nagy, Steven Li, Benjamin LaFreniere, Heather Kerrick, Thomas White, Fraser Anderson, Evan Atherton, David Thomasson, Arthur Harsuvanakit, Maurice Ugo Conti
  • Patent number: 11262850
    Abstract: Via no-handed inputs to a smartwatch, an end-user can initiate various smartwatch operations when either or both hands of the end-user are occupied. The smartwatch includes a suite of sensors for capturing inertial, acoustic, and optical data. The smartwatch also interfaces with a handheld mobile computing device and/or a shoe-mounted pedometry device to capture additional sensor data. A control engine executing on the smartwatch processes captured sensor data and identifies no-handed inputs performed by the end-user. The control engine maps these no-handed inputs to specific commands that can be executed on the smartwatch to initiate smartwatch operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Seongkook Heo, George Fitzmaurice, Benjamin Lafreniere, Tovi Grossman
  • Patent number: 11042274
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a method, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and a system for generating video clips for teaching how to apply a tools in various application programs for editing documents. The method includes identifying one or more characteristic features of a video clip. The method also includes providing the one or more characteristic features to a trained machine learning analysis module. The method further includes evaluating the characteristic features to generate a clip rating. The method also includes determining whether to discard the video clip based on the clip rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Lafreniere, Tovi Grossman, Justin Frank Matejka, George Fitzmaurice
  • Patent number: 11010014
    Abstract: Techniques for gradually transitioning a user to a second navigation scheme while using a first navigation scheme in a 3D design application that generates and displays a 3D virtual environment. The design application initially implements the first navigation scheme and a set of function tools of the standard navigation scheme. The design application monitors for a set of patterns of navigation actions during use of the first-person navigation scheme, each pattern being performed more efficiently when using the standard navigation scheme. Upon detecting a pattern using the first-person navigation scheme, the design application may switch to the standard navigation scheme. Also, upon detecting selection of a function tool, the design application may switch to the standard navigation scheme during use of the function tool. When the function tool is closed, the design application may switch back to the first-person navigation scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Tovi Grossman, Benjamin Lafreniere
  • Publication number: 20200348969
    Abstract: A W-graph system comprising a server connected with a plurality of clients via a network. Each client/user performs a design task via a design application while the server collects timestamped event data. The server generates a plurality of W-graphs for a plurality of tasks based on the collected event data. Each W-graph comprises one or more representative workflows, each representative workflow comprising at least one merged node representing nodes from different workflows for different users performing the same task. A W-graph for a task selected by the user may be viewed in a W-graph GUI. A user may also select a W-suggest function to have a current workflow for a task analyzed for optimization based on a W-graph generated for the same task. A modified current workflow is generated that highlights user techniques in the current workflow that are less efficient than user techniques in the W-graph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Tovi GROSSMAN, George FITZMAURICE, Benjamin LAFRENIERE, Juho KIM, Minsuk CHANG, Kaveh HASSANI
  • Publication number: 20200349482
    Abstract: A W-graph system comprising a server connected with a plurality of clients via a network. Each client/user performs a design task via a design application while the server collects timestamped event data. The server generates a plurality of W-graphs for a plurality of tasks based on the collected event data. Each W-graph comprises one or more representative workflows, each representative workflow comprising at least one merged node representing nodes from different workflows for different users performing the same task. A W-graph for a task selected by the user may be viewed in a W-graph GUI. A user may also select a W-suggest function to have a current workflow for a task analyzed for optimization based on a W-graph generated for the same task. A modified current workflow is generated that highlights user techniques in the current workflow that are less efficient than user techniques in the W-graph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Tovi GROSSMAN, George FITZMAURICE, Benjamin LAFRENIERE, Juho KIM, Minsuk CHANG, Kaveh HASSANI
  • Publication number: 20200242201
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a generative design application iteratively generates designs via a generative design process. In operation, the generative design application performs one or more layout operations on virtual objects based on a first set of design constraints to generate a first design. The generative design application then modifies the first set of design constraints based on feedback associated with a mid-air representation of the first design displayed in a virtual reality environment to generate a second set of design constraints. Subsequently, the generative design application performs one or more layout operations on the virtual objects based on the second set of design constraints to generate a second design that achieves design goal(s). Advantageously, enabling a designer to incrementally indicate design goal(s) as constraints via a virtual reality environment instead of as a predetermined objective function reduces both the time and effort required to generate designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin LAFRENIERE, Tovi GROSSMAN, Ariel WEINGARTEN, George FITZMAURICE
  • Publication number: 20200133451
    Abstract: A command map GUI that illustrates command usage patterns of a first entity and/or a comparison between the first entity and a second entity. A server receives and stores command usage data from a plurality of clients, each client executing a software application that enables a set of commands. A client displays the GUI based on command usage data received from the server. The GUI displays a circle chart comprising a plurality of segments representing various command categories, each segment including a wedge that represents the amount of usage of the corresponding command category. The GUI also displays a plurality of data points, each data point representing a command, wherein the distance from the center of the circle chart represents the amount of usage of the corresponding command. The GUI may display a certification and/or an unused command recommended for a user based on command usage patterns of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Tovi GROSSMAN, Alexandra R. BERGIN, Benjamin LAFRENIERE, Michael STURTZ, Jaime A. PERKINS, Adam L. MENTER, Howard R. SWEARER, George FITZMAURICE, Justin Frank MATEJKA, Ji In SHIN, William SABRAM, Michael L. MCMANUS
  • Publication number: 20200133819
    Abstract: A command map GUI that illustrates command usage patterns of a first entity and/or a comparison between the first entity and a second entity. A server receives and stores command usage data from a plurality of clients, each client executing a software application that enables a set of commands. A client displays the GUI based on command usage data received from the server. The GUI displays a circle chart comprising a plurality of segments representing various command categories, each segment including a wedge that represents the amount of usage of the corresponding command category. The GUI also displays a plurality of data points, each data point representing a command, wherein the distance from the center of the circle chart represents the amount of usage of the corresponding command. The GUI may display a certification and/or an unused command recommended for a user based on command usage patterns of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Tovi GROSSMAN, Alexandra R. BERGIN, Benjamin LAFRENIERE, Michael STURTZ, Jaime A. PERKINS, Adam L. MENTER, Howard R. SWEARER, George FITZMAURICE, Justin Frank MATEJKA, Ji In SHIN, William SABRAM, Michael L. MCMANUS