Patents by Inventor Eric Watson
Eric Watson 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: 20170167886Abstract: Described herein is technology for, on a computer, facilitating interaction with a user utilizing a dynamic map displayed on a display device. A computer receives a use indication that the user has recently used an application on a computing device associated with the user, e.g., a mobile device, with the use indication including the location of the user. Then, a graphic is displayed on the dynamic map representing the user's location. The computer then receives a selection indication that the graphic has been selected, e.g., a person chooses a particular graphic to interact with. Then, based on the selection indication, the computer initiates an interaction with the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2017Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Brandon LUCAS, Martez MOORE, Rick GRIMES, Eric WATSON
-
Patent number: 8888931Abstract: A dishwasher is provided having a wash chamber that is supplied with wash water by a water circulation pump assembly. The pump assembly has a motor, an inlet in fluid communication with a sump, and an outlet in fluid communication with the wash chamber. A macerator system is configured with the pump assembly and includes a filter screen disposed across the inlet and a chopper blade rotationally driven by the pump assembly at a defined axial distance upstream from the filter screen. The chopper blade is biased by materials in magnetic flux communication to the defined axial distance so as to maintain the defined distance in a running and stopped states of the pump assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eric Watson, Errin Gnadinger, Meher Prasadu Kollipara
-
Publication number: 20130263000Abstract: Described herein is technology for, on a computer, facilitating interaction with a user utilizing a dynamic map displayed on a display device. A computer receives a use indication that the user has recently used an application on a computing device associated with the user, e.g., a mobile device, with the use indication including the location of the user. Then, a graphic is displayed on the dynamic map representing the user's location. The computer then receives a selection indication that the graphic has been selected, e.g., a person chooses a particular graphic to interact with. Then, based on the selection indication, the computer initiates an interaction with the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: VIACOM INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Brandon Lucas, Martez Moore, Rick Grimes, Eric Watson
-
Patent number: 8239377Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention leverage search query result page thumbnails and search query result link content evaluations to provide user-dependent enhanced search query results. This provides a simplified means to inform a user of the relevancy of search query results based on the user's preferences, environment, and profile, etc. The present invention allows a user to more adequately determine the value of the search query result via search query result indicators within the thumbnail and in the proximity of a displayed result link. In one embodiment of the present invention, a thumbnail of a query result link is automatically displayed when the link is selected. This provides a tool to view an entire search result page, eliminating the necessity of scrolling through each page to find relevant search terms. In another embodiment of the present invention, indicators are utilized to inform a user of the content of a search result link.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Natasa Milic-Frayling, Brett D. Brewer, Eric Watson, Eddie L. Mays, III, Ralph Sommerer
-
Publication number: 20120145203Abstract: A dishwasher is provided having a wash chamber that is supplied with wash water by a water circulation pump assembly. The pump assembly has a motor, an inlet in fluid communication with a sump, and an outlet in fluid communication with the wash chamber. A macerator system is configured with the pump assembly and includes a filter screen disposed across the inlet and a chopper blade rotationally driven by the pump assembly at a defined axial distance upstream from the filter screen. The chopper blade is biased by materials in magnetic flux communication to the defined axial distance so as to maintain the defined distance in a running and stopped states of the pump assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Eric Watson, Errin Gnadinger, Meher Prasadu Kollipara
-
Patent number: 7953631Abstract: The subject invention provides for systems and methods that visually enhance paid inclusion listings to facilitate offering a clear and substantial value to paid inclusion advertisers while retaining ordering rights to keep listings relevant to users. More specifically, the systems and methods allow paid inclusion listings to be visually modified at the discretion of the advertiser, the user, and/or the search service provider (e.g., publisher of search results) to facilitate differentiation among advertisers, companies, and the like. The ordering of the enhanced paid inclusion listings is not compromised based on the number or type of enhancement selected by the paid inclusion customer. A search service provider or search result publisher (“service provider”) can offer a plurality, or at least one, of different types of enhancements to paid inclusion customers (“advertisers”) to affect the rendering of any paid inclusion listing to the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth A. Moss, Eric Watson, Eytan D. Seidman
-
Patent number: 7937340Abstract: Context-based user behavior data is collected from a search mechanism. This data includes, for a given query, user feedback (implicit and explicit) on the query and context information on the query. A predictive pattern is applied to the context-based user behavior data in order to produce predicted user satisfaction data. Data mining techniques may be used to create and improve one or more predictive patterns. Predicted user satisfaction data can be used to monitor or improve search mechanism performance, via a display reporting the performance or identification of any queries with a shared characteristic and sub-par user satisfaction. A dynamically-improving search mechanism uses the predicted user satisfaction data to improve the performance of the search mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Eric Watson, Susan T. Dumais
-
Publication number: 20100223257Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention leverage search query result page thumbnails and search query result link content evaluations to provide user-dependent enhanced search query results. This provides a simplified means to inform a user of the relevancy of search query results based on the user's preferences, environment, and profile, etc. The present invention allows a user to more adequately determine the value of the search query result via search query result indicators within the thumbnail and in the proximity of a displayed result link. In one embodiment of the present invention, a thumbnail of a query result link is automatically displayed when the link is selected. This provides a tool to view an entire search result page, eliminating the necessity of scrolling through each page to find relevant search terms. In another embodiment of the present invention, indicators are utilized to inform a user of the content of a search result link.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: NATASA MILIC-FRAYLING, Brett D. Brewer, Eric Watson, Eddie L. Mays, III, Ralph Sommerer
-
Patent number: 7747611Abstract: The present invention leverages search query result page thumbnails and/or search query result link content evaluations to provide user-dependent enhanced search query results. This provides a simplified means to inform a user of the relevancy of search query results based on the user's preferences, environment, and/or profile, etc. The present invention allows a user to more adequately determine the value of the search query result via search query result indicators within the thumbnail and/or in the proximity of a displayed result link. In one instance of the present invention, a thumbnail of a query result link is automatically displayed when the link is selected. This provides a means to view an entire search result page, eliminating the necessity of scrolling through each page to find relevant search terms. In another instance of the present invention, indicators are utilized to inform a user of the content of a search result link.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Natasa Milic-Frayling, Brett D. Brewer, Eric Watson, Eddie L. Mays, III, Ralph Sommerer
-
Publication number: 20100092625Abstract: A cooking appliance comprises one or more power consuming features/functions including at least one of a cooking cavity having a heating element and a cooking surface having a surface heating element. A controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller operates the cooking appliance in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively delay, adjust and disable at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the cooking appliance in the energy savings mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Michael F. Finch, John K. Besore, Timothy Dale Worthington, Brian M. Steurer, Derrick Douglas Little, Ashley Wayne Burt, Patrick Ryan Cox, Craig Nold, Jeff Donald Drake, Jeremy Joseph Ryan, Darin Franks, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric Watson, Jeffrey S. Weber
-
Publication number: 20100039762Abstract: A method and device for a powered wall-mount illuminated media display and data transfer system is disclosed. The powered wall-mounted illuminated media display and data transfer system has a decorative glass top held by a wall mounted bracket. The powered display and data transfer system has a powered section in the front hinged connected to the bracket at a pivot point The glass section extends across the horizontal plane of the system, and this allows the system to hold multiple media devices. The wall-mounting bracket will hold the weight of the glass and several handheld devices while allowing its powered section to pivot. The powered section powers and stores all power cables while allowing multiple data transfer cables to connect and send signals through connecting cables or other wireless signals. The powered section conceals all wires and has color-coded connecting points to provide ease of access to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2008Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Eric Watson
-
Publication number: 20090094552Abstract: A guided transition user interface may be used to transition from a first user interface to a second user interface. The guided transition user interface may include a representation of the second user interface as well as a description of a task to perform from the first user interface. The guided transition user interface may include a graphical image of the second user interface with annotated or highlighted areas that are related to the task. The guided transition user interface may be used for transitioning between areas of one application, transitioning between applications, and transitioning between interacting with different computing devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Eric Watson, Krishna Sunkammurali, Kenneth P. Coleman
-
Patent number: 7472113Abstract: Front end preprocessing modifies queries to get them in better form for presentation to a variety of data sources. The queries are modified by grouping terms as phrases, correcting spelling errors, and augmenting the query with category terms that trigger query execution on certain data sources. Context information about a particular user as well as information about previous queries by other uses are also used to modify the query to better reflect the user's intent.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Eric Watson, Marcelo Calbucci, Sally Salas, Darren Shakib
-
Publication number: 20080159907Abstract: An apparatus includes a cabinet defining a chamber, a drawer slidably positioned within the chamber and movable between an open position and a closed position, the drawer defining a compartment configured to receive a load, in the closed position the drawer coupled to the cabinet and restricting air flow exiting the cabinet. The apparatus includes an ozone generator configured to selectively generate ozone into the compartment, an ozone conversion device configured to selectively convert ozone to oxygen, and a sensor configured to detect a level of ozone within the compartment and generate a signal representative of the level of ozone. A controller is operatively coupled to the ozone generator, the ozone conversion device and the sensor, and is configured to activate one of the ozone generator and the ozone conversion device in response to a signal received from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Anand G. Joshi, Martin Zentner, Eric Watson, Shrikant Basurtekar, Martin Nicholas Austin
-
Publication number: 20070266133Abstract: Tasks for managing a network can be displayed in a priority task list. Tasks can be selected for inclusion based on rules, such as rules relating to best practices. The rules can be applied against network status, usage status, user profiles, and the like. Upon selection of a user interface element in the priority task list, an appropriate user interface for accomplishing the task can be displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2006Publication date: November 15, 2007Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Mai-Ian Bukovec, Eric Watson, Gary Purchase
-
Publication number: 20070245261Abstract: Multiple options, techniques, and procedures can be provided for navigating, accessing, and displaying tasks, task templates, or instances of task templates. Two options can be presented for navigating to a task template using a user interface. One option can comprise selecting a task from a contextual task list, and the other option can comprise selecting a context-free task. A user can visually switch between two procedures for providing access to a task template. A first procedure can comprise invoking the task template by selecting a task from a context-free task list. A second procedure can comprise invoking the task template by selecting a contextual task from a contextual task list that displayed as a result of a selection of an entity from a topology view. Other techniques for task navigation can comprise displaying a topology view and a contextual task list, and displaying a list of context-free tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2006Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Mai-lan Bukovec, Eric Watson, Michael LaManna, Erin Bourke-Dunphy, James Harriger
-
Publication number: 20070233854Abstract: Management status summaries can be displayed representing conditions of aspects of a computer network. Status information relating to an aspect of a computer network can be obtained from network resources. Status rules can be evaluated based on the obtained status information, and a condition indicator set. A visual representation of the condition indicator, representing the condition of the aspect, can be displayed in a user interface. Status information relating to a plurality of aspects can be obtained from a plurality of network resources, status rules can be evaluated, and a plurality of condition indicators set. Visual representations of the plurality of condition indicators of the plurality of aspects can be displayed. A computer user interface can comprise a first content area displaying visual representations of condition indicators indicating conditions of aspects of a computer network and a second content area displaying details from status information.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Mai-Ian Bukovec, Eric Watson, Lingan Satkunanathan, Michael Kramer
-
Publication number: 20070233853Abstract: User connection information can be displayed. User connection information can represent user connections to a plurality of computer servers of a multi-server system. User connection information can be received from a plurality of computer servers, user details can be obtained, and a representation of the user connection information for the plurality of computer servers can be displayed. Users connected to computer servers can be notified by displaying a representation of user connection information, displaying a user-notification task, receiving a selection of the user notification task, and notifying the users of an event. User connection information can be retrieved and displayed by retrieving user connection information from a plurality computer servers of a multi-server system, storing the retrieved user connection information, and displaying a representation of the user connection information based on the stored user connection information.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kanchuki Sarma, Mai-Ian Bukovec, Eric Watson, Ryan Elliott, Eric Kool-Brown
-
Publication number: 20070234346Abstract: Computer server installation images can be created by installing and configuring software, such as an operating system and an application, on a computer server with deployment neutral settings and then imaging the server. A plurality of computer servers can be installed using a plurality of computer server installation images. A first server can be installed with a first image, and software installed from the image can be configured with deployment specific settings. A second server can be installed with a second image, and software installed from the image can be configured with deployment specific settings.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael Kramer, Brendan Power, Eric Watson, Lee Linden
-
Publication number: 20070234345Abstract: Multiple integrated computer servers can be installed. User interfaces can be presented and installation answers received. Servers and software can be installed according to installation answers. An installation answer provided on one server can be used to install other servers. Installation of computer servers can be an automated and distributed process. Decisions can be made to install applications on servers. Configuration settings can be received and used to install applications. A configuration setting can be received on one server and used to install applications on other servers. Computer servers can be installed by asking installation questions and receiving installation answers. Installation decisions can then be made regarding configuring a server. A knowledge base can be consulted and additional installation decisions can be made.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael Kramer, Eric Watson, Leszek Mazur, Neil Fishman, Drew Spencer