Patents by Inventor Dane M. Howard

Dane M. Howard 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).

  • Publication number: 20100005498
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for publishing and/or sharing media presentations over a network comprise communicating with a user and one or more distribution channels via the network, gathering media resources based on user input, creating a media presentation with the media resources based on user input, and publishing the media presentation by distributing the media presentation to the one or more distribution channels via the network. In one aspect, publishing comprises directly emailing the media presentation to one or more other users via the network. In another aspect, publishing comprises providing a link to one or more other users via the network for direct access to the media presentation. In still another aspect, publishing comprises obtaining and embedding source code for the media presentation in a web page associated with one or more of the distribution channels via the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Lanahan, Dane M. Howard, Brian F. Williams, Luke Peacock, Belmer Perrella Garcia Negrillo
  • Publication number: 20100005397
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and apparatus are provided for flexible and user-friendly navigation of loaded media in a multi-media presentation, such that a user may be able to view and/or edit the presentation. In one embodiment, a method for navigating loaded media comprises loading a page of a collage document to a client device, the page having a plurality of layers with each layer being associated with a media object. The method further includes creating a list of layers of the loaded page, each layer indexed by at least a position in the collage document; navigating the collage document in at least one direction and at at least one speed based on user input; and filtering the list of layers based on at least the position in the collage document and a visual window of a user interface to display visible layers of the page within the visual window. A client device for navigating loaded media is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Lanahan, Dane M. Howard, Brian F. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100005067
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for the retention of a search query, the method comprising selecting a media search source via a user interface; providing a form-based interface that allow the entry of inputs to form a first media search query; submitting the first media search query to the media search source; receiving a first media search result for viewing on the user interface based on the first media search query, the first media search result comprising first media; displaying the first media search result in a collection depository on the user interface; and saving the first media search query as a permalink for later use in submitting a second media search query; wherein the method is performed by one or more processors adapted to execute instructions stored on one or more memory components of the computer, is described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Dane M. HOWARD, James W. LANAHAN, Brian F. WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20100005417
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and apparatus are provided for flexible and user-friendly position editing of loaded media in a multi-media presentation. In one embodiment, a method for editing the position of loaded media comprises loading a page of a collage document to a client device, the page having a plurality of layers with each layer being associated with a media object, and creating a list of layers of the loaded page with each layer indexed by at least a position in the collage document. The method further includes selecting a first media object, selecting a position editing tool to group the first media object and at least one other media object adjacent to the first media object; and moving the grouped first media object and the at least one other media object to a different position in the collage document. A client device for position editing loaded media is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: James W. Lanahan, Dane M. Howard, Brian F. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100005379
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and apparatus are provided for efficient and effective loading of media in a multi-media presentation, such that a user may be able to view and/or edit the presentation. In one embodiment, a method for loading media comprises providing a maximum number of layers per page of a collage document, the collage document including at least one page having a plurality of layers, and each layer being associated with a media object. The method further includes loading a first page of the collage document to a client device, and creating a list of layers of the loaded page, with each layer indexed by at least a position in the collage document. The method continues by filtering the list of layers based on at least the position in the collage document and a visual window of a user interface to thereby display visible layers of the loaded page within the visual window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Lanahan, Dane M. Howard, Brian F. Williams, Luke Peacock, Belmer Perrella Garcia Negrillo
  • Publication number: 20100005380
    Abstract: A method for automatic media population of a style presentation comprises collecting presentation media; positioning the collected presentation media on a storyboard; and selecting a style presentation; wherein the selection of the style presentation results in the automatic population of the style presentation with the presentation media positioned on the storyboard is described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: James W. Lanahan, Dane M. Howard, Brian F. Williams, Luke Peacock, Belmer Perrella Garcia Negrillo
  • Publication number: 20100005168
    Abstract: The system and methods disclosed herein, according to one or more embodiments, utilize locally stored resources in a secure manner within a network-based application, while allowing locally stored resources to be shared over a network. In one embodiment, a system and method for facilitating information transactions over a network include communicating with a user device and one or more distribution channels via the network, installing a local network server on the user device, monitoring user drop events, generating resource mapping of media resources based on the user drop events, and uploading media resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Brian F Williams, Dane M. Howard, James W. Lanahan
  • Publication number: 20100005068
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for the collection and segmentation of media, the method comprising selecting a media search source via a user interface; providing a form-based interface that allow the entry of inputs to form a media search query; submitting the media search query to the media search source; receiving a media search result for viewing on the user interface based on the media search query, the media search result comprising media items; and displaying the media search result in a collection depository on the user interface; and dividing at least one of the media items into a plurality of relatively smaller segments, wherein the method is performed by one or more processors adapted to execute instructions stored on one or more memory components of the computer, is described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Dane M. HOWARD, James W. Lanahan, Brian F. Williams
  • Patent number: 7593755
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device for receiving and displaying information from a wireless signal transmission is provided. The device utilizes one or more mechanical and/or digital indicators for displaying the information. One embodiment of the invention provides a smart personal object, such as a watch device, for receiving and displaying wireless transmission information, wherein the object has a traditional style and look. The device is operable to convey received information using hands, sliders, dials, rings, disks, etc. and can be constructed in traditional high fidelity/quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christian J. Colando, Albert W. Tan, Dane M. Howard, Lorenzo Tessiore, Eric Glenn Lang
  • Patent number: 7555257
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stocks channel and a news channel to a user on a mobile device. Stocks based content associated with a stocks channel and news content associated with the news channel is automatically delivered and stored on a mobile electronic device for access by a user. Using the device, users can quickly access the stock and news information without having to type in information, or specifically request the information to be downloaded to the device. The stock channel and the news channel provides a quicker and less cumbersome way of accessing stock and news information than having to access a web site, a television, a radio station, or a telephone service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joel K. Grossman, Kent H. Skinner, Albert W. Tan, Yingli Wang, Roger Colin Miller, Paul J. VanderSpek, Keith Curtis, Dane M. Howard, James W. Cooley
  • Patent number: 7433714
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are generally related to an alert mechanism. The alert mechanism is activated by the detection of one or more triggers, where the triggers can be categorized as time based and event based. Time-based triggers include timer based functions and scheduler based functions, while event-based triggers include internal alert functions and message based alert functions. Alerts are processed based on a priority scheme. Alerts take over the display area until dismissed by activation of one or more selectors by the user. Indicators may be included in a display screens to keep the user informed of ongoing changes in the alert status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dane M. Howard, Albert W. Tan, R. Donald Thompson, III, Paul Jacob Johannes VanderSpek
  • Patent number: 7181701
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are related to navigating through content on a device that includes stored information that is organized according to channels. Content that is associated with the channels is selected and viewed on a display of the device by means of passive interaction when the device is in a glance-view operating state. The device periodically changes the display according to a playlist that indexes selected channel views associated with the current channel. The selected channel views are selected from the available channels according to a rule set that is associated with the channel. After every item in the playlist is processed, the playlist is updated according to application of the rule set. A customized channel may include references to other channels such that channel views associated with the customized channel correspond to channel views from other channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dane M. Howard, Eric G. Lang, R. Donald Thompson, III
  • Publication number: 20040266491
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are generally related to an alert mechanism. The alert mechanism is activated by the detection of one or more triggers, where the triggers can be categorized as time based and event based. Time-based triggers include timer based functions and scheduler based functions, while event-based triggers include internal alert functions and message based alert functions. Alerts are processed based on a priority scheme. Alerts take over the display area until dismissed by activation of one or more selectors by the user. Indicators may be included in a display screens to keep the user informed of ongoing changes in the alert status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dane M. Howard, Albert W. Tan, R. Donald Thompson, Paul Jacob Johannes VanderSpek
  • Publication number: 20040264301
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are related to navigating through calendar based information on a device. Calendar based content associated with a calendar channel is stored on the device. The device includes modes for categorically displaying different types of information associated with the calendar channel. Example modes include: appointments view, event view, and month view. The appointment view mode is organized to display appointment information on the electronic device. The event view mode is arranged to display event information that is organized according to a day list format. The month view mode displays the days of the month. The calendar channel is synchronized and customized by the user from a single user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dane M. Howard, Keith C. Curtis, James W. Cooley
  • Publication number: 20040130580
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are related to navigating through content on a device that includes stored information that is organized according to channels. Content that is associated with the channels is selected and viewed on a display of the device by means of passive interaction when the device is in a glance-view operating state. The device periodically changes the display according to a playlist that indexes selected channel views associated with the current channel. The selected channel views are selected from the available channels according to a rule set that is associated with the channel. After every item in the playlist is processed, the playlist is updated according to application of the rule set. A customized channel may include references to other channels such that channel views associated with the customized channel correspond to channel views from other channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dane M. Howard, Eric G. Lang, R. Donald Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040130581
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are related to navigating through content on a device that includes stored information that is organized according to channels. Content that is associated with the channels is selected and viewed on a display of the device using at least four selectors. The selectors are mapped to specific functions based on an operating state, mode, or view of the device. The device includes a current operating state that may correspond to a channel splash, a channel view, an extended view, and a mode splash operating state. Selectors have consistent interaction in the device for the channel splash and mode splash operating states, while certain selectors are mapped to context specific functions for the other operating states. The context specific functionality allows great flexibility in the behavior of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dane M. Howard, Albert W. Tan, R. Donald Thompson
  • Patent number: D550111
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dane M. Howard, Jonathan Friedman, Scott McManigal, Brad Cracchiola, Seth Frankel, Jirawat Jeamvigite
  • Patent number: D551992
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dane M. Howard, Jonathan Friedman, Scott McManigal, Brad Cracchiola, Seth Frankel, Jirawat Jeamvigite
  • Patent number: D558610
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dane M. Howard, Jonathan Friedman, Scott McManigal, Brad Cracchiola, Seth Frankel, Jirawat Jeamvigite