Patents by Inventor Eric W. Patterson

Eric W. Patterson 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: 10482637
    Abstract: A chart element representing a chart modification for a standard chart may be provided pictorially by a computing device. The standard chart may be modified using the chart element through the presentation of a first gallery representing a feature of the standard chart for possible modification. The feature may include a horizontal axis title and a vertical axis title. A selection of the vertical axis title for possible modification from the first gallery may be received. A set of visual representations of how the vertical axis title could be modified in a second gallery may then be presented. The visual representations may include options for not displaying an axis title and for displaying an axis title in a rotated orientation. One of the options may be selected to modify the standard chart. The modified chart may then be displayed by the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Anupam Garg, Eric W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 10394440
    Abstract: Inserting a formula at a location on a content surface in a user interface is provided. A user interface showing a status bar which includes one or more predetermined calculations may be displayed on a computer. The computer may receive a selection of a predetermined calculation from the status bar in the user interface. The selected predetermined calculation may then be dragged from the status bar and inserted at a drop location on the content surface in the user interface. The computer may then automatically generate a formula corresponding to the selected predetermined calculation in the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Patterson, Karen X. Cheng, Benjamin Edward Rampson
  • Patent number: 9996953
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for providing a three-dimensional (ā€œ3Dā€) annotation facing tool. In accordance with some concepts and technologies disclosed herein, the 3D annotation facing tool provides a way for a user to control the orientation of annotations associated with productivity data in a 3D environment. The 3D annotation facing tool can provide a user with the ability to lock the orientation of the annotation along one or more directional axes. The 3D annotation facing tool can also provide a user with the ability to maintain an orientation of the annotation in a camera facing view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Patterson, Alexandre da Veiga, Ian Patterson Wood
  • Publication number: 20170337715
    Abstract: A chart element representing a chart modification for a standard chart may be provided pictorially by a computing device. The standard chart may be modified using the chart element through the presentation of a first gallery representing a feature of the standard chart for possible modification. The feature may include a horizontal axis title and a vertical axis title. A selection of the vertical axis title for possible modification from the first gallery may be received. A set of visual representations of how the vertical axis title could be modified in a second gallery may then be presented. The visual representations may include options for not displaying an axis title and for displaying an axis title in a rotated orientation. One of the options may be selected to modify the standard chart. The modified chart may then be displayed by the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Anupam GARG, Eric W. PATTERSON
  • Publication number: 20170242563
    Abstract: Inserting a formula at a location on a content surface in a user interface is provided. A user interface showing a status bar which includes one or more predetermined calculations may be displayed on a computer. The computer may receive a selection of a predetermined calculation from the status bar in the user interface. The selected predetermined calculation may then be dragged from the status bar and inserted at a drop location on the content surface in the user interface. The computer may then automatically generate a formula corresponding to the selected predetermined calculation in the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Patterson, Karen X. Cheng, Benjamin Edward Rampson
  • Patent number: 9727989
    Abstract: A chart element representing a chart modification for a standard chart may be provided pictorially by a computing device. The standard chart may be modified using the chart element through the presentation of a first gallery representing a feature of the standard chart for possible modification. The feature may include a horizontal axis title and a vertical axis title. A selection of the vertical axis title for possible modification from the first gallery may be received. A set of visual representations of how the vertical axis title could be modified in a second gallery may then be presented. The visual representations may include options for not displaying an axis title and for displaying an axis title in a rotated orientation. One of the options may be selected to modify the standard chart. The modified chart may then be displayed by the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Anupam Garg, Eric W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 9588953
    Abstract: Inserting a formula at a location on a content surface in a user interface is provided. A user interface showing a status bar which includes one or more predetermined calculations may be displayed on a computer. The computer may receive a selection of a predetermined calculation from the status bar in the user interface. The selected predetermined calculation may then be dragged from the status bar and inserted at a drop location on the content surface in the user interface. The computer may then automatically generate a formula corresponding to the selected predetermined calculation in the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Patterson, Karen X. Cheng, Benjamin Edward Rampson
  • Patent number: 9164673
    Abstract: An improved interactive user interface for presenting functionalities of an application is provided. An application functionality applied to a data element range may be represented by a selectable preview element that provides a preview of the application functionality applied to the data element range. Upon selection of a preview element, one or more drop zones may be displayed. The preview element may be dragged to a drop zone and may animate into a visualization of the application functionality applied to the data element. The type of visualization that is displayed may be dependent on the drop zone to which the preview element is dragged. After a preview element is dropped into a drop zone, the functionality may be applied to the data element range and be displayed. The interactive data visualizations may encourage a user to explore features of an application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Karen X. Cheng, Benjamin Edward Rampson, Eric W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20150169531
    Abstract: Touch/gesture-enabled interaction and navigation with electronic spreadsheets is provided. Navigation of, finding content in, and interacting with spreadsheets and spreadsheet objects is enhanced via a variety of touch/gesture interactions that allow users to more fully utilize and appreciate spreadsheet functionality and content. Different spreadsheet application functionality modes and spreadsheet content levels may be navigated in response to touch/gesture interactions. Information associated with and/or underlying spreadsheets and/or spreadsheet objects may be exposed. Touchable areas in or around selectable spreadsheet cells, areas/objects and/or selectable functionality controls may be enhanced for improving touch/gesture interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John Campbell, Samuel Chow Radakovitz, Uhl Albert, Eric W. Patterson, Carlos Augusto Otero
  • Publication number: 20140132609
    Abstract: A chart element representing a chart modification for a standard chart may be provided pictorially by a computing device. The standard chart may be modified using the chart element through the presentation of a first gallery representing a feature of the standard chart for possible modification. The feature may include a horizontal axis title and a vertical axis title. A selection of the vertical axis title for possible modification from the first gallery may be received. A set of visual representations of how the vertical axis title could be modified in a second gallery may then be presented. The visual representations may include options for not displaying an axis title and for displaying an axis title in a rotated orientation. One of the options may be selected to modify the standard chart. The modified chart may then be displayed by the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anupam Garg, Eric W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20140047313
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for providing a three-dimensional (ā€œ3Dā€) annotation facing tool. In accordance with some concepts and technologies disclosed herein, the 3D annotation facing tool provides a way for a user to control the orientation of annotations associated with productivity data in a 3D environment. The 3D annotation facing tool can provide a user with the ability to lock the orientation of the annotation along one or more directional axes. The 3D annotation facing tool can also provide a user with the ability to maintain an orientation of the annotation in a camera facing view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric W. Patterson, Alexandre da Veiga, Ian Patterson Wood
  • Publication number: 20140043325
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for facetted browsing. In accordance with the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, data can be obtained at a computer system. The data can include data values and geographic information. The computer system can generate a geospatial visualization of the data based, at least partially, upon the data values and the geographic location information. The computer system can also generate an overlay visualization of the data based, at least partially, upon the data values. The computer system can also output the geospatial visualization and the overlay visualization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: B. Scott Ruble, Danhua Zhu, Eric W. Patterson, Curtis G. Wong, Jai Srinivasan, Kevin Fan, Jonathan Edgar Fay, John Alfred Payne, Igor Borisov Peev
  • Publication number: 20140046923
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for generating queries for data points in a spreadsheet application. In accordance with the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a computer system can execute a visualization component. The computer system can obtain spreadsheet data having records that include values, temporal information, location information, and other information. The spreadsheet data can be presented in a visualization, and the computer system can detect selection of a representation of a record in the visualization. The computer system can generate a query based upon record, submit the query to a search engine, and obtain results for presentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: B. Scott Ruble, Curtis G. Wong, Eric W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8638333
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for modifying a chart. Chart elements are provided to a user pictorially. Each picture represents a chart modification. The chart elements are used to modify the formatting of a standard chart according to user preferences. The modified chart document is then displayed to the user including user desired formatting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anupam Garg, Eric W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20140019899
    Abstract: An improved interactive user interface for presenting functionalities of an application is provided. An application functionality applied to a data element range may be represented by a selectable preview element that provides a preview of the application functionality applied to the data element range. Upon selection of a preview element, one or more drop zones may be displayed. The preview element may be dragged to a drop zone and may animate into a visualization of the application functionality applied to the data element. The type of visualization that is displayed may be dependent on the drop zone to which the preview element is dragged. After a preview element is dropped into a drop zone, the functionality may be applied to the data element range and be displayed. The interactive data visualizations may encourage a user to explore features of an application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karen X. Cheng, Benjamin Edward Rampson, Eric W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8605090
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for modifying a chart. Chart elements are provided to a user pictorially. Each picture represents a chart modification. The chart elements are used to modify the formatting of a standard chart according to user preferences. The modified chart document is then displayed to the user including user desired formatting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anupam Garg, Eric W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20130104020
    Abstract: Inserting a formula at a location on a content surface in a user interface is provided. A user interface showing a status bar which includes one or more predetermined calculations may be displayed on a computer. The computer may receive a selection of a predetermined calculation from the status bar in the user interface. The selected predetermined calculation may then be dragged from the status bar and inserted at a drop location on the content surface in the user interface. The computer may then automatically generate a formula corresponding to the selected predetermined calculation in the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric W. Patterson, Karen X. Cheng, Benjamin Edward Rampson
  • Patent number: 7788259
    Abstract: A user interface is provided for allowing a user to quickly and easily connect to data and other informational sources. A user can use a user interface to interact with a collection of connection files to quickly and easily connect to various data sources and other informational sources. The user interface is configured to make data sources available at a glance, providing a user with a convenient and comprehensive display of the data sources. The user interface is designed to be a simplified experience for data import that is helpful to both novice and more experienced users in that the data is presented simply without a lot of extraneous information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric W. Patterson, Kristin Michele Tolle, Alexander Martynov
  • Publication number: 20100060645
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for modifying a chart. Chart elements are pictorially presented to a user for use by the user in modifying a generated standard chart. The chart elements may be presented to the user in a chart ribbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anupam Garg, Eric W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7533340
    Abstract: An interactive tooltip provides access to help information and enhanced editing capabilities. The interactive tooltip may be useful for a user editing a function within a spreadsheet formula. The present invention may integrate HTML-like interactivity with a conventional tooltip to provide a new interface for working with the associated data. The interactivity of the tooltip may provide additional levels of help or documentation when requested and may provides additional editing navigation functionality within the associated data. Embodiments of the present invention may provide a tooltip in close proximity to the associated data, while the associated data is being edited. In the case of a spreadsheet, a tooltip may be provided when the user begins editing a function within a spreadsheet cell. The help facility may recognize that the user has begun entering a function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Margaret G. Hudson, Tuan Huynh, Kent R. Lowry, Justin M. Maguire, III, Eric W. Patterson, Marcella Rader, Mariya Tikunova