Patents by Inventor Donald M. Gray

Donald M. Gray 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: 8881233
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing resource management in a distributed network are disclosed. A loose collection of devices in a network may not be aware of the power restrictions for other devices. Wall powered devices will generally have drastically different power settings than battery powered mobile devices. The invention provides a federation policy for time that can be used to slave to a local service responsible for understanding the local resource requirements of each device (or node) on the network. In such a distributed time system, all services in a particular time domain may be sped up, slowed down, or completely halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Georgios Chrysanthakopoulos, Donald M. Gray
  • Patent number: 7602406
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compositing an image directly from multiple source image data for reducing system memory footprint and bandwidth and for improving color quality of the image. The image is divided into spans, lines, and slices. Each line includes at least one span and each slice includes at least one line. All lines in a slice have spans associated with identical sources. An image is composited by reading the image data directly from one or more sources of each span. If necessary, the sources are blended. A control structure is used to provide the image context and identifies the sources of the spans. The control structure includes headers for each data stream from each source of each span. Also, the color quality of the image is improved by reducing the number of color space conversions that occur as the image is composited. All sources in the same color space are blended before being blended with sources from other color spaces. Preferably, no more than a single color conversion is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, III, John Allen Tardif
  • Patent number: 7564470
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compositing an image directly from multiple source image data for reducing system memory footprint and bandwidth and for improving color quality of the image. The image is divided into spans, lines, and slices. Each line includes at least one span and each slice includes at least one line. All lines in a slice have spans associated with identical sources. An image is composited by reading the image data directly from one or more sources of each span. If necessary, the sources are blended. A control structure is used to provide the image context and identifies the sources of the spans. The control structure includes headers for each data stream from each source of each span. Also, the color quality of the image is improved by reducing the number of color space conversions that occur as the image is composited. All sources in the same color space are blended, before being blended with sources from other color spaces. Preferably, no more than a single color conversion is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, III, John Allen Tardif
  • Patent number: 7388887
    Abstract: Real-time communication of multimedia data over heterogeneous networks that may include constant delay networks, variable delay networks that have a common reckoning of time, and variable delay networks that do not have a common reckoning of time. If there are any variable delay networks in which there is no common reckoning of time in the heterogeneous networks, a common reckoning of time is established in each of those networks. Then, a constant delay network is emulated for each variable delay network using the specific common time reckoning present in each variable delay network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, III, Anand Valavi, Robert G. Atkinson, Tom Blank
  • Patent number: 7389365
    Abstract: Systems for servicing the data and memory requirements of system devices. A DMA engine that includes a data reservoir is provided that manages and arbitrates the data requests from the system devices. An arbitration unit is provided that only allows eligible devices to make a data request in any given cycle to ensure that all devices will be serviced within a programmable time period. The data reservoir contains the data buffers for each channel of each device. A memory interface ensures that sufficient data for each channel is present in the data reservoir by making requests to a system's memory based on an analysis of each channel. Based on this analysis, a request is either made to the system's main memory, or the channel waits until it is evaluated again in the future. Each channel is thereby guaranteed a response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, III, Agha Zaigham Ahsan
  • Patent number: 7295548
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for disaggregating and connecting A/V components, and communicating A/V content stream information. An A/V stream from a source device is packaged for transmission over an IP network to one or more output devices. A brick device enables the integration of legacy A/V systems into the network supported A/V system. The brick device operates to provide analog signal and IP protocol conversion, along with the synchronization of received A/V stream data packets. The rendering and play of the A/V stream content on multiple output devices is synchronized to overcome distortions and other network idiosyncrasy and to facilitate a pleasant user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Thomas Blank, Donald M Gray, III, Robert George Atkinson, Anand Valavi
  • Patent number: 7286806
    Abstract: A radio module that detachably connects with a host device. A radio module is provided that includes an antenna as an integral part of the radio module. The antenna satisfies regulatory requirements by being an integral part of the radio module. The radio module includes an interface circuit that provides the processing required for communication over a wireless network. The functionality of the interface can be divided between the radio module and the host device. The physical interface between a host device and the radio module may depend on which functions are implemented by the radio module and which functions are implemented by the host device. In one example, the physical interface is a standard connection that permits the radio module to be detachably connected with multiple devices. The radio module also includes a flexible cable such that the radio module can be optimally positioned within the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kuehnel, Anand Valavi, Donald M. Gray, III
  • Patent number: 7180908
    Abstract: A switch with tandem ports and an outlet assembly permit individual segments of cable to be used with multiple data link protocol standards. The multiple data link protocols can be used either one at a time, with each group of wires in the cable carrying the same data link protocol in different communication sessions, or can be used in tandem, with each group of wires in the cable simultaneously carrying a different data link protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anand Valavi, Thomas Kuehnel, Donald M. Gray
  • Patent number: 7149544
    Abstract: A radio module that detachably connects with a host device. A radio module is provided that includes an antenna as an integral part of the radio module. The antenna satisfies regulatory requirements by being an integral part of the radio module. The radio module includes an interface circuit that provides the processing required for communication over a wireless network. The functionality of the interface can be divided between the radio module and the host device. The physical interface between a host device and the radio module may depend on which functions are implemented by the radio module and which functions are implemented by the host device. In one example, the physical interface is a standard connection that permits the radio module to be detachably connected with multiple devices. The radio module also includes a flexible cable such that the radio module can be optimally positioned within the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kuehnel, Anand Valavi, Donald M. Gray, III
  • Patent number: 7089336
    Abstract: Systems for servicing the data and memory requirements of system devices. A DMA engine that includes a data reservoir is provided that manages and arbitrates the data requests from the system devices. An arbitration unit is provided that only allows eligible devices to make a data request in any given cycle to ensure that all devices will be serviced within a programmable time period. The data reservoir contains the data buffers for each channel of each device. A memory interface ensures that sufficient data for each channel is present in the data reservoir by making requests to a system's memory based on an analysis of each channel. Based on this analysis, a request is either made to the system's main memory, or the channel waits until it is evaluated again in the future. Each channel is thereby guaranteed a response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, III, Agha Zaigham Ahsan
  • Patent number: 7039712
    Abstract: A new network connection setup procedure for network computers to set up data transmission connections over a network that implements traffic prioritization (e.g., according to IEEE 802.1p) has the effect of providing admission control and implicit bandwidth reservation. A sending network device (the “sender”) that wants to initiate a new transmission over the network first enters a probing mode in which it sends data packets at a priority level that is lower than the target priority level and at a transmission rate up to a peak probing transmission rate that may be the same or slightly higher than the desired transmission rate. If the sender determines based on feedback regarding the probing transmission that the network can support a transmission at the peak probing transmission rate and the probing priority level, it switches to a steady mode in which it sends data packets at the desired transmission rate and at the target priority level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anand Valavi, Donald M. Gray, III, Thomas W. Kuehnel
  • Patent number: 7024224
    Abstract: A radio module that detachably connects with a host device. A radio module is provided that includes an antenna as an integral part of the radio module. The antenna satisfies regulatory requirements by being an integral part of the radio module. The radio module includes an interface circuit that provides the processing required for communication over a wireless network. The functionality of the interface can be divided between the radio module and the host device. The physical interface between a host device and the radio module may depend on which functions are implemented by the radio module and which functions are implemented by the host device. In one example, the physical interface is a standard connection that permits the radio module to be detachably connected with multiple devices. The radio module also includes a flexible cable such that the radio module can be optimally positioned within the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kuehnel, Anand Valavi, Donald M. Gray, III
  • Patent number: 6976098
    Abstract: Systems for servicing the data and memory requirements of system devices. A DMA engine that includes a data reservoir is provided that manages and arbitrates, the data requests from the system devices. An arbitration unit is provided that only allows eligible devices to make a data request in any given cycle to ensure that all devices will be serviced within a programmable time period. The data reservoir contains the data buffers for each channel of each device. A memory interface ensures that sufficient data for each channel is present in the data reservoir by making requests to a system's memory based on an analysis of each channel. Based on this analysis, a request is either made to the system's main memory, or the channel waits until it is evaluated again in the future. Each channel is thereby guaranteed a response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, Agha Zaigham Ahsan
  • Patent number: 6970481
    Abstract: Real-time communication of multimedia data over heterogeneous networks that may include constant delay networks, variable delay networks that have a common reckoning of time, and variable delay networks that do not have a common reckoning of time. If there are any variable delay networks in which there is no common reckoning of time in the heterogeneous networks, a common reckoning of time is established in each of those networks. Then, a constant delay network is emulated for each variable delay network using the specific common time reckoning present in each variable delay network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, III, Anand Valavi, Robert G. Atkinson, Tom Blank
  • Patent number: 6957148
    Abstract: The use of antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) to inhibit translation of mRNAs promises to be an important means of controlling gene expression and disease processes. ODNs are about 20 nucleotides long, so hundreds of possible targets are available in a given mRNA. An elusive goal has been to efficiently predict the best in vivo antisense target without having to study a large pool of possible ODN sequences for each mRNA. It would be a breakthrough if ODN selection could be accurately guided by the application of sequence specific parameters to an mRNA sequence. The selection of the best ODN sequence is complicated since cellular uptake, conditions at the mRNA target site, non-sequence-specific effects, sequence redundancy, and mRNA secondary structures are difficult to predict. Thermodynamic parameters for nearest-neighbor (dimer) duplex stabilities, from in vitro studies, have not been adequate predictors of in vivo hybridization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: The Board of Regents, University of Texas System
    Inventor: Donald M. Gray
  • Patent number: 6910136
    Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying the authorization of a server to provide network resources to a client. At selected times, the client asserts an authorization interrupt, which will disable some or all non-essential functions of the client unless the server's authorization is verified within an allotted period of time. The client creates a client message by generating a random number and combining it with a client identifier and a value that specifies the current time. The client message is encrypted and sent to the server. Only authorized servers can decrypt the client message and create an encrypted service message that includes the random number. The service message can also contain an authorization code specifying the services that the client may receive, and an expiration count indicating when the authorization procedure will be repeated. The client receives and decrypts the service message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Wasserman, Toby E. Farrand, Donald M. Gray, III
  • Patent number: 6903753
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compositing an image directly from multiple source image data for reducing system memory footprint and bandwidth and for improving color quality of the image. The image is divided into spans, lines, and slices. Each line includes at least one span and each slice includes at least one line. All lines in a slice have spans associated with identical sources. An image is composited by reading the image data directly from one or more sources of each span. If necessary, the sources are blended. A control structure is used to provide the image context and identifies the sources of the spans. The control structure includes headers for each data stream from each source of each span. Also, the color quality of the image is improved by reducing the number of color space conversions that occur as the image is composited. All sources in the same color space are blended before being blended with sources from other color spaces. Preferably, no more than a single color conversion is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, III, John Allen Tardif
  • Patent number: 6816923
    Abstract: Systems and methods for servicing the data and memory requirements of system devices. A DMA engine that includes a data reservoir for reducing or eliminating device buffers is provided that manages and arbitrates the data requests from the system devices. An arbitration unit is provided that only allows eligible devices to make a data request in any given cycle to ensure that all devices will be serviced within a programmable time period. The data reservoir contains the data buffers for each channel of each device. A memory interface ensures that sufficient data for each channel is present in the data reservoir by making requests to a system's memory based on an analysis of each channel. Analysis factors include how much data is remaining in the data reservoir, how long will that data last, and how long until the channel will be analyzed again. Based on this analysis, a request is either made to the system's main memory, or the channel waits until it is evaluated again in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Webtv Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, Agha Zaigham Ahsan
  • Publication number: 20040204102
    Abstract: A radio module that detachably connects with a host device. A radio module is provided that includes an antenna as an integral part of the radio module. The antenna satisfies regulatory requirements by being an integral part of the radio module. The radio module includes an interface circuit that provides the processing required for communication over a wireless network. The functionality of the interface can be divided between the radio module and the host device. The physical interface between a host device and the radio module may depend on which functions are implemented by the radio module and which functions are implemented by the host device. In one example, the physical interface is a standard connection that permits the radio module to be detachably connected with multiple devices. The radio module also includes a flexible cable such that the radio module can be optimally positioned within the wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kuehnel, Anand Valavi, Donald M. Gray
  • Patent number: 6795875
    Abstract: Systems for servicing the data and memory requirements of system devices. A DMA engine that includes a data reservoir is provided that manages and arbitrates the data requests from the system devices. An arbitration unit is provided that only allows eligible devices to make a data request in any given cycle to ensure that all devices will be serviced within a programmable time period. The data reservoir contains the data buffers for each channel of each device. A memory interface ensures that sufficient data for each channel is present in the data reservoir by making requests to a system's memory based on an analysis of each channel. Based on this analysis, a request is either made to the system's main memory, or the channel waits until it is evaluated again in the future. Each channel is thereby guaranteed a response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Gray, Agha Zaigham Ahsan