Patents by Inventor Christopher W. Higgins

Christopher W. Higgins 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: 10212539
    Abstract: Apparatus, interfaces, and computer instructions are provided for establishing an association between a user and a declared interest, such as a brand or some other subject, and for generating a map to display the interests of one or more users. An association is established between an interest identifier, a user, and target object selected based upon an action of the user. The target object may include a location that may be specified by coordinates. The action may include selection of the at least one location by the user. Selection may include selecting a user interface feature that causes the at least one location to be selected based upon a geographical position of the user. The position may be determined by a Global Positioning System device carried by the user. Techniques are also disclosed for identifying people who are potentially interested in a given interest, or in a second interest related to a first interest, based on previously established interest-location-user associations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: EXCALIBUR IP, LLC
    Inventors: Marc E. Davis, Christopher W. Higgins, Joseph O'Sullivan, Athellina Athsani, Christopher S. Jaffe, Ron Martinez
  • Patent number: 9858348
    Abstract: A system and method for presentation of media related to a context. A request is received over a network from a requesting device for media related to a context, wherein the request comprises at least one criteria. A query is formulated based on the context criteria so as to search, via the network, for user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data that is available via the network and relates to the context and to media files so as to identify at least one media file that is relevant to the context criteria. A playlist is assembled via the network containing a reference to the media files. The media files on the playlist are transmitted over the network to the requesting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Christopher T. Paretti, Nicola Stefano Ghezzi, Michael Spiegelman, Ronald Martinez, Marc Davis, Chris Kalaboukis
  • Publication number: 20170303081
    Abstract: Apparatus, interfaces, and computer instructions are provided for establishing an association between a user and a declared interest, such as a brand or some other subject, and for generating a map to display the interests of one or more users. An association is established between an interest identifier, a user, and target object selected based upon an action of the user. The target object may include a location that may be specified by coordinates. The action may include selection of the at least one location by the user. Selection may include selecting a user interface feature that causes the at least one location to be selected based upon a geographical position of the user. The position may be determined by a Global Positioning System device carried by the user. Techniques are also disclosed for identifying people who are potentially interested in a given interest, or in a second interest related to a first interest, based on previously established interest-location-user associations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Marc E. DAVIS, Christopher W. HIGGINS, Joseph O'SULLIVAN, Athellina ATHSANI, Christopher S. JAFFE, Ron MARTINEZ
  • Patent number: 9706345
    Abstract: Apparatus, interfaces, and computer instructions are provided for establishing an association between a user and a declared interest, such as a brand or some other subject, and for generating a map to display the interests of one or more users. An association is established between an interest identifier, a user, and target object selected based upon an action of the user. The target object may include a location that may be specified by coordinates. The action may include selection of the at least one location by the user. Selection may include selecting a user interface feature that causes the at least one location to be selected based upon a geographical position of the user. The position may be determined by a Global Positioning System device carried by the user. Techniques are also disclosed for identifying people who are potentially interested in a given interest, or in a second interest related to a first interest, based on previously established interest-location-user associations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: EXCALIBUR IP, LLC
    Inventors: Marc E. Davis, Christopher W. Higgins, Joseph O'Sullivan, Athellina Athsani, Christopher S. Jaffe, Ron Martinez
  • Patent number: 9574899
    Abstract: A system and method for determination and display of personalized distance. A request is received for the determination of a personalized distance over a network, wherein the request comprises an identification of a requesting user, and a plurality of real world entities comprising at least a starting location and an ending location. At least one route is determined between the first location and the second location. Spatial, temporal, topical, and social data available to the network relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route is retrieved using a global index of data available to the network. A personalized distance is calculated via the network between the first location and the second location using spatial, temporal, topical, and social data relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route. A representation of the personalized distance calculated for the route is displayed on a display medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: EXCALIBUR IP, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Kalaboukis, Christopher W. Higgins, Marc Davis, Joseph O'Sullivan, Athellina Athsani, Ronald Martinez, Christopher T. Paretti
  • Patent number: 9467808
    Abstract: A system and method is described herein for managing power consumption by a plurality of sensors in a proximity-based ad hoc network. The system and method receives sensor data that is provided from a plurality of sensors and constructs a proximity-based ad hoc network among the plurality of sensors based on the sensor data. The system and method also receives and analyzes power status information from each sensor in a group of spatially and temporally proximate sensors in the proximity-based ad hoc network. Based on the analysis, the system and method then modifies a manner in which at least one sensor in the group provides sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Marc E. Davis, Joseph O'Sullivan, Christopher Paretti, Christopher W. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20160084670
    Abstract: A system and method for determination and display of personalized distance. A request is received for the determination of a personalized distance over a network, wherein the request comprises an identification of a requesting user, and a plurality of real world entities comprising at least a starting location and an ending location. At least one route is determined between the first location and the second location. Spatial, temporal, topical, and social data available to the network relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route is retrieved using a global index of data available to the network. A personalized distance is calculated via the network between the first location and the second location using spatial, temporal, topical, and social data relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route. A representation of the personalized distance calculated for the route is displayed on a display medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Chris Kalaboukis, Christopher W. Higgins, Marc Davis, Joseph O'Sullivan, Athellina Athsani, Ronald Martinez, Christopher T. Paretti
  • Patent number: 9222780
    Abstract: A system and method for determination and display of personalized distance. A request is received for the determination of a personalized distance over a network, wherein the request comprises an identification of a requesting user, and a plurality of real world entities comprising at least a starting location and an ending location. At least one route is determined between the first location and the second location. Spatial, temporal, topical, and social data available to the network relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route is retrieved using a global index of data available to the network. A personalized distance is calculated via the network between the first location and the second location using spatial, temporal, topical, and social data relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route. A representation of the personalized distance calculated for the route is displayed on a display medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Kalaboukis, Christopher W. Higgins, Marc Davis, Joseph O'Sullivan, Athellina Athsani, Ronald Martinez, Christopher T. Paretti
  • Patent number: 9158794
    Abstract: A system and method for presentation of media related to a context. A request is received over a network from a requesting device for media related to a context, wherein the request comprises at least one criteria. A query is formulated based on the context criteria so as to search, via the network, for user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data that is available via the network and relates to the context and to media files so as to identify at least one media file that is relevant to the context criteria. A playlist is assembled via the network containing a reference to the media files. The media files on the playlist are transmitted over the network to the requesting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Christopher T. Paretti, Nicola Stefano Ghezzi, Michael Spiegelman, Ronald Martinez, Marc Davis, Chris Kalaboukis
  • Patent number: 9058609
    Abstract: A brand engine receives a request from a user device operated by a first user to display user information of a second user. User information of the first user is mapped to at least the user information of the second user by the brand engine. The mapping may map the user information of the first user to user information of further users in a social network. The mapping may map of any combination of spatial, temporal, social, and topical data related to the users. A modified representation of a brand profile of the second user is generated by the brand engine based on the mapping. The modified representation is transmitted to the user device. The user device displays the modified representation for the first user. The modified representation of the brand profile may include any combination of filtered and/or sorted brand objects, recommended brand objects, and/or modified brand objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Trout, Christopher W. Higgins, Joseph O'Sullivan, Marc E. Davis, Ronald G. Martinez
  • Patent number: 8856167
    Abstract: A system and method for context based query augmentation. A question is received over a network from a questioning user comprising an identification of a user and at least one question criteria. A first query is formulated so as to search for user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data in order to identify user context data relevant to question criteria. The question is modified using the user context data to create at least one modified question having at least one additional criteria based on the user context data. A second query is formulated so as to search for knowledge data, user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data in order to identify knowledge data relevant to the identified user and the modified question criteria. The knowledge data is transmitted to the questioning user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Marc Eliot Davis, Christopher T. Paretti, Simon P. King, Rahul Nair, Carrie Burgener
  • Patent number: 8813107
    Abstract: A system and method for selecting and presenting media on a network to tune an environment to the tastes of the users within that environment, thus improving the experience of that location. A physical location of a media presentation device is received over a network. The physical location of a plurality of end users are identified via the network, wherein each of plurality of users associated are with a plurality of media files stored on the network. A least one of the end users that are within a defined proximity to the media presentation device are identified. At least one media file associated with the end users that are within a defined proximity to the media presentation device are identified and transmitted over the network to the media presentation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Christopher T. Paretti, Nicola Stefano Ghezzi, Michael Spiegelman, Ronald Martinez, Marc Davis, Chris Kalaboukis
  • Patent number: 8756030
    Abstract: A system and method is described herein for validating and correcting time codes generated by a plurality of sensors in a proximity-based ad hoc network. The time code information is used to correlate data produced by the sensors in a manner that is useful for location tracking. By validating and correcting the time codes, the system and method improves the integrity of such time code information and any location information generated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Marc E. Davis, Joseph O'Sullivan, Christopher Paretti, Christopher W. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20140114572
    Abstract: A system and method for determination and display of personalized distance. A request is received for the determination of a personalized distance over a network, wherein the request comprises an identification of a requesting user, and a plurality of real world entities comprising at least a starting location and an ending location. At least one route is determined between the first location and the second location. Spatial, temporal, topical, and social data available to the network relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route is retrieved using a global index of data available to the network. A personalized distance is calculated via the network between the first location and the second location using spatial, temporal, topical, and social data relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route. A representation of the personalized distance calculated for the route is displayed on a display medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Kalaboukis, Christopher W. Higgins, Marc Davis, Joseph O'Sullivan, Athellina Athsani, Ronald Martinez, Christopher T. Paretti
  • Patent number: 8706406
    Abstract: A system and method for determination and display of personalized distance. A request is received for the determination of a personalized distance over a network, wherein the request comprises an identification of a requesting user, and a plurality of real world entities comprising at least a starting location and an ending location. At least one route is determined between the first location and the second location. Spatial, temporal, topical, and social data available to the network relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route is retrieved using a global index of data available to the network. A personalized distance is calculated via the network between the first location and the second location using spatial, temporal, topical, and social data relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route. A representation of the personalized distance calculated for the route is displayed on a display medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Kalaboukis, Christopher W. Higgins, Marc Davis, Joseph O'Sullivan, Athellina Athsani, Ronald Martinez, Christopher T. Paretti
  • Publication number: 20130297652
    Abstract: A system and method for presentation of media related to a context. A request is received over a network from a requesting device for media related to a context, wherein the request comprises at least one criteria. A query is formulated based on the context criteria so as to search, via the network, for user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data that is available via the network and relates to the context and to media files so as to identify at least one media file that is relevant to the context criteria. A playlist is assembled via the network containing a reference to the media files. The media files on the playlist are transmitted over the network to the requesting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Christopher T. Paretti, Nicola Stefano Ghezzi, Michael Spiegelman, Ronald Martinez, Marc Davis, Chris Kalaboukis
  • Patent number: 8452855
    Abstract: A system and method for presentation of media related to a context. A request is received over a network from a requesting device for media related to a context, wherein the request comprises at least one criteria. A query is formulated based on the context criteria so as to search, via the network, for user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data that is available via the network and relates to the context and to media files so as to identify at least one media file that is relevant to the context criteria. A playlist is assembled via the network containing a reference to the media files. The media files on the playlist are transmitted over the network to the requesting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Christopher T. Paretti, Nicola Stefano Ghezzi, Michael Spiegelman, Ronald Martinez, Marc Davis, Chris Kalaboukis
  • Patent number: 8280766
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product is described that matches commercial incentives to consumers based on targeting data associated with the commercial incentive and user data associated with consumers in a manner that advantageously allows for highly-targeted delivery of commercial incentives to the consumers that are most likely to use them. Because both the targeting data and the user data may include spatial, temporal, social and topical data, matching may be performed based on any or all of these data types, as well as based on any combination of these data types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Marc E. Davis, Robert C. Trout
  • Publication number: 20120239487
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product is described that matches commercial incentives to consumers based on targeting data associated with the commercial incentive and user data associated with consumers in a manner that advantageously allows for highly-targeted delivery of commercial incentives to the consumers that are most likely to use them. Because both the targeting data and the user data may include spatial, temporal, social and topical data, matching may be performed based on any or all of these data types, as well as based on any combination of these data types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Marc E. Davis, Robert C. Trout
  • Publication number: 20120016729
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product is described that matches commercial incentives to consumers based on targeting data associated with the commercial incentive and user data associated with consumers in a manner that advantageously allows for highly-targeted delivery of commercial incentives to the consumers that are most likely to use them. Because both the targeting data and the user data may include spatial, temporal, social and topical data, matching may be performed based on any or all of these data types, as well as based on any combination of these data types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Marc E. Davis, Robert C. Trout