Patents by Inventor Christopher Michael Novak

Christopher Michael Novak 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: 11697065
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating a convenient transfer of control elements for a gaming session from one device to another device without interrupting the gaming session for one or more players. For example, systems disclosed herein include pairing an input device (e.g., a gaming controller) with one or more client devices. Once paired, the input device may detect a trigger condition based on proximity of a registered client device to the input device. The client device may pull control of one or more control elements for the gaming session. The client device may then continue the gaming session without interrupting the experience for the user or for other users that may be engaged within the gaming session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Ray Maitlen, Christopher Michael Novak, Telmen Gerel Dzjind, Aron Richard Chavez, Joseph Wheeler, Tyler Paul Esselstrom
  • Publication number: 20220362660
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating a convenient transfer of control elements for a gaming session from one device to another device without interrupting the gaming session for one or more players. For example, systems disclosed herein include pairing an input device (e.g., a gaming controller) with one or more client devices. Once paired, the input device may detect a trigger condition based on proximity of a registered client device to the input device. The client device may pull control of one or more control elements for the gaming session. The client device may then continue the gaming session without interrupting the experience for the user or for other users that may be engaged within the gaming session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Craig Ray MAITLEN, Christopher Michael NOVAK, Telmen Gerel DZJIND, Aron Richard CHAVEZ, Joseph WHEELER, Tyler Paul ESSELSTROM
  • Patent number: 11389720
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating a convenient transfer of control elements for a gaming session from one device to another device without interrupting the gaming session for one or more players. For example, systems disclosed herein include pairing an input device (e.g., a gaming controller) with one or more client devices. Once paired, the input device may detect a trigger condition based on proximity of a registered client device to the input device. The client device may pull control of one or more control elements for the gaming session. The client device may then continue the gaming session without interrupting the experience for the user or for other users that may be engaged within the gaming session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Ray Maitlen, Christopher Michael Novak, Telmen Gerel Dzjind, Aron Richard Chavez, Joseph Wheeler, Tyler Paul Esselstrom
  • Patent number: 11127210
    Abstract: A system for automatically displaying virtual objects within a mixed reality environment is described. In some embodiments, a see-through head-mounted display device (HMD) identifies a real object (e.g., a person or book) within a field of view of the HMD, detects one or more interactions associated with real object, and automatically displays virtual objects associated with the real object if the one or more interactions involve touching or satisfy one or more social rules stored in a social rules database. The one or more social rules may be used to infer a particular social relationship by considering the distance to another person, the type of environment (e.g., at home or work), and particular physical interactions (e.g., handshakes or hugs). The virtual objects displayed on the HMD may depend on the particular social relationship inferred (e.g., a friend or acquaintance).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Novak, James Liu, Stephen Latta, Anton O. A. Andrews, Craig R. Maitlen, Sheridan Martin
  • Publication number: 20210260470
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating a convenient transfer of control elements for a gaming session from one device to another device without interrupting the gaming session for one or more players. For example, systems disclosed herein include pairing an input device (e.g., a gaming controller) with one or more client devices. Once paired, the input device may detect a trigger condition based on proximity of a registered client device to the input device. The client device may pull control of one or more control elements for the gaming session. The client device may then continue the gaming session without interrupting the experience for the user or for other users that may be engaged within the gaming session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Craig Ray MAITLEN, Christopher Michael NOVAK, Telmen Gerel DZJIND, Aron Richard CHAVEZ, Joseph WHEELER, Tyler Paul ESSELSTROM
  • Patent number: 10909639
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating social interactions between different individuals. Information available about each of the individuals engaged in a social interaction is used to provide a “social accelerator” for an interaction between the individuals. Social interactions are improved or accelerated by aggregating available information about individuals participating in an information system. When an interaction event trigger is received, the context of context for possible social interaction between the users around the trigger event is determined. A social accelerator is selected from available interest information common to the participating user and the target user, and the social accelerator is provided to one of the individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Lobb, Shiraz J. Cupala, Omar Aftab, Christopher Michael Novak, Todd Garnet Wagner
  • Publication number: 20190139157
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating social interactions between different individuals. Information available about each of the individuals engaged in a social interaction is used to provide a “social accelerator” for an interaction between the individuals. Social interactions are improved or accelerated by aggregating available information about individuals participating in an information system. When an interaction event trigger is received, the context of context for possible social interaction between the users around the trigger event is determined. A social accelerator is selected from available interest information common to the participating user and the target user, and the social accelerator is provided to one of the individuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Lobb, Shiraz J. Cupala, Omar Aftab, Christopher Michael Novak, Todd Garnet Wagner
  • Patent number: 10198775
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating social interactions between different individuals. Information available about each of the individuals engaged in a social interaction is used to provide a “social accelerator” for an interaction between the individuals. Social interactions are improved or accelerated by aggregating available information about individuals participating in an information system. When an interaction event trigger is received, the context of context for possible social interaction between the users around the trigger event is determined. A social accelerator is selected from available interest information common to the participating user and the target user, and the social accelerator is provided to one of the individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Lobb, Shiraz J. Cupala, Omar Aftab, Christopher Michael Novak, Todd Garnet Wagner
  • Publication number: 20170103582
    Abstract: A system for automatically displaying virtual objects within a mixed reality environment is described. In some embodiments, a see-through head-mounted display device (HMD) identifies a real object (e.g., a person or book) within a field of view of the HMD, detects one or more interactions associated with real object, and automatically displays virtual objects associated with the real object if the one or more interactions involve touching or satisfy one or more social rules stored in a social rules database. The one or more social rules may be used to infer a particular social relationship by considering the distance to another person, the type of environment (e.g., at home or work), and particular physical interactions (e.g., handshakes or hugs). The virtual objects displayed on the HMD may depend on the particular social relationship inferred (e.g., a friend or acquaintance).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Novak, James Liu, Stephen Latta, Anton O.A. Andrews, Craig R. Maitlen, Sheridan Martin
  • Patent number: 9536350
    Abstract: A system for automatically displaying virtual objects within a mixed reality environment is described. In some embodiments, a see-through head-mounted display device (HMD) identifies a real object (e.g., a person or book) within a field of view of the HMD, detects one or more interactions associated with real object, and automatically displays virtual objects associated with the real object if the one or more interactions involve touching or satisfy one or more social rules stored in a social rules database. The one or more social rules may be used to infer a particular social relationship by considering the distance to another person, the type of environment (e.g., at home or work), and particular physical interactions (e.g., handshakes or hugs). The virtual objects displayed on the HMD may depend on the particular social relationship inferred (e.g., a friend or acquaintance).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Novak, James Liu, Stephen Latta, Anton O. A. Andrews, Craig R. Maitlen, Sheridan Martin
  • Patent number: 9245501
    Abstract: Virtual objects are located for display in a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide an augment reality view to an HMD wearer. An HMD wearer's total field of view (TFOV) is classified into two or more regions. Additionally, a field of view (FOV) for the HMD wearer is determined. The FOV is compared with the two or more regions of the HMD wearer's TFOV. Responsive to this comparison, virtual objects are determined for display based on a location of the FOV relative to the two or more regions of the HMD wearer's TFOV. The virtual objects may then be displayed by the HMD at an appropriate location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: James Chia-Ming Liu, Stephen Gilchrist Latta, Anton Andrews, Benjamin Isaac Vaught, Christopher Michael Novak, Sheridan Leigh Martin
  • Publication number: 20150235632
    Abstract: Virtual objects are located for display in a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide an augment reality view to an HMD wearer. An HMD wearer's total field of view (TFOV) is classified into two or more regions. Additionally, a field of view (FOV) for the HMD wearer is determined. The FOV is compared with the two or more regions of the HMD wearer's TFOV. Responsive to this comparison, virtual objects are determined for display based on a location of the FOV relative to the two or more regions of the HMD wearer's TFOV. The virtual objects may then be displayed by the HMD at an appropriate location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: JAMES CHIA-MING LIU, STEPHEN GILCHRIST LATTA, ANTON ANDREWS, BENJAMIN ISAAC VAUGHT, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL NOVAK, SHERIDAN LEIGH MARTIN
  • Patent number: 9041623
    Abstract: Virtual images are located for display in a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide an augment reality view to an HMD wearer. Sensor data may be collected from on-board sensors provided on an HMD. Additionally, other day may be collected from external sources. Based on the collected sensor data and other data, the position and rotation of the HMD wearer's head relative to the HMD wearer's body and surrounding environment may be determined. After resolving the HMD wearer's head position, the HMD wearer's total field of view (TFOV) may be classified into regions. Virtual images may then be located in the classified TFOV regions to locate the virtual images relative to the HMD wearer's body and surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: James Chia-Ming Liu, Stephen Gilchrist Latta, Anton Andrews, Benjamin Isaac Vaught, Christopher Michael Novak, Sheridan Leigh Martin
  • Publication number: 20130169682
    Abstract: A system for automatically displaying virtual objects within a mixed reality environment is described. In some embodiments, a see-through head-mounted display device (HMD) identifies a real object (e.g., a person or book) within a field of view of the HMD, detects one or more interactions associated with real object, and automatically displays virtual objects associated with the real object if the one or more interactions involve touching or satisfy one or more social rules stored in a social rules database. The one or more social rules may be used to infer a particular social relationship by considering the distance to another person, the type of environment (e.g., at home or work), and particular physical interactions (e.g., handshakes or hugs). The virtual objects displayed on the HMD may depend on the particular social relationship inferred (e.g., a friend or acquaintance).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Novak, James Liu, Stephen Latta, Anton O.A. Andrews, Craig R. Maitlen, Sheridan Martin
  • Publication number: 20130093789
    Abstract: Virtual images are located for display in a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide an augment reality view to an HMD wearer. Sensor data may be collected from on-board sensors provided on an HMD. Additionally, other day may be collected from external sources. Based on the collected sensor data and other data, the position and rotation of the HMD wearer's head relative to the HMD wearer's body and surrounding environment may be determined. After resolving the HMD wearer's head position, the HMD wearer's total field of view (TFOV) may be classified into regions. Virtual images may then be located in the classified TFOV regions to locate the virtual images relative to the HMD wearer's body and surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: JAMES CHIA-MING LIU, STEPHEN GILCHRIST LATTA, ANTON ANDREWS, BENJAMIN ISAAC VAUGHT, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL NOVAK, SHERIDAN LEIGH SMALL
  • Publication number: 20120327116
    Abstract: Virtual images are located for display in a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide an augment reality view to an HMD wearer. Sensor data may be collected from on-board sensors provided on an HMD. Additionally, other day may be collected from external sources. Based on the collected sensor data and other data, the position and rotation of the HMD wearer's head relative to the HMD wearer's body and surrounding environment may be determined. After resolving the HMD wearer's head position, the HMD wearer's total field of view (TFOV) may be classified into regions. Virtual images may then be located in the classified TFOV regions to locate the virtual images relative to the HMD wearer's body and surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: JAMES CHIA-MING LIU, STEPHEN GILCHRIST LATTA, ANTON ANDREWS, BENJAMIN ISSAC VAUGHT, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL NOVAK, SHERIDAN LEIGH SMALL
  • Publication number: 20110320536
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating social interactions between different individuals. Information available about each of the individuals engaged in a social interaction is used to provide a “social accelerator” for an interaction between the individuals. Social interactions are improved or accelerated by aggregating available information about individuals participating in an information system. When an interaction event trigger is received, the context of context for possible social interaction between the users around the trigger event is determined. A social accelerator is selected from available interest information common to the participating user and the target user, and the social accelerator is provided to one of the individuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Lobb, Shiraz J. Cupala, Omar Aftab, Christopher Michael Novak, Todd Garnet Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110306426
    Abstract: A method for enabling a user to participate in an activity in a processing device based on user intent is provided. The method includes receiving a wish list of intents from a user on a processing device. The wish list of intents identifies user intent to participate in one or more activities in processing device. A matching list of intents is generated for the user based on the wish list of intents. The matching list of intents includes at least one activity identified by other users such as users in the user's friends list that match an intent in the wish list of intents specified by the user. The activities may include one or more multiplayer games in the gaming system. A selection of one or more other users in the matching list of intents is received from the user. An activity trigger notification associated with the activity may be provided to the user and the other users based on the selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Novak, Stephen Paul Dolan