Patents by Inventor Lili Cheng

Lili Cheng 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: 7530021
    Abstract: Architecture that facilitates generation of an event report that is an aggregation of public and private data related to a specific task. Information about the event is automatically compiled, including the recipients, URLs, shares, attachments, and documents, as well as location maps and social relationships. The report can be a one-page document that summarizes topics of a meeting or event, the attendees, how the attendees relate, their motivations, and what the attendees may be looking for from the meeting. The report can be formatted to structure event information in a certain way such as according to a company organizational chart, such that an attendee that is higher up on the org chart will be presented on the report higher than someone who is lower on the org chart. Moreover, attendees can be grouped according to functions, or social groupings or project groups, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lili Cheng, Shelly D. Farnham, William L. Portnoy
  • Publication number: 20090112806
    Abstract: The disclosed technique analyzes the source of the query and the query itself, to automatically determine the results view presented to the user. This view can be inferred or authored. Before the query is displayed, the query and the source can be analyzed, the results of which are then passed as view control information to the view control component. In addition, analysis can be performed on the type of items in the result set, number of items in the result set, and/or previously selected views of the user and/or from a community of users. For example, if the results are all images, the view is for images, and if the result set is very large, the results can be shown in a grouped view. The user can be provided the option to override the default view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lili Cheng, Stacey Harris, Andrzej Turski, Matthew Maclaurin, Shane F Williams
  • Publication number: 20090100109
    Abstract: Architecture for replicating and sharing of data (e.g., different types) by analyzing the type and source of the data, analyzing the recipient entities (e.g., users, other devices or systems) that will receive the data, setting access to the data, and configuring rules and defaults for replication and security/access controls. For example, a user can share data with recipient entities such as another user or group of users or another system. The data can be uploaded to a server for access and sharing by the intended recipients or made accessible directly from the recipient computing system. Thus, the intended recipient can access the data directly without being required to register, for example. The architecture automatically and transparently makes the data accessible to the intended recipients based on a number of criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Lili Cheng, Matthew Maclaurin, Shane F. Williams, Stacey Harris
  • Publication number: 20090094105
    Abstract: Contextual advertisements embedded within content having tooltip type display functionality are provided where content can be evaluated for possible points for insertion of the advertisements. The content can be evaluated against a list of trigger points indicating advertisement should be inserted along with instructions to embed the advertisements. Using this information, the content can be modified to embed appropriate advertising. Upon returning the content, a viewer thereof can view the content normally, but certain events with respect to the trigger points can cause tooltip type display of the advertisement (such as hovering a cursor over the trigger point). In this regard, trigger points, such as keywords, having associated pop-up advertisements can be underlined or otherwise identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander G. Gounares, David M. Chickering, Eric J. Horvitz, Michael Connolly, Lili Cheng, Kamal Jain, George P. Moromisato
  • Publication number: 20090094260
    Abstract: Wish list creation and population is provided where users can associate one or more images as items in a wish list. To this end, an image can be provided, such as a photograph taken by the user, and analyzed to locate matching items and information related thereto. In this regard, the user can observe and desire to purchase an item without knowledge of specifics about the item. The user can then take a picture of the item and tag the picture for upload to their wish list. Matching can be provided to identify one or more items in the picture to facilitate retrieval of information related to the items. Also, items can be selected based on discerned characteristics of the picture in a design/fashion consultant context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lili Cheng, Kamal Jain, Michael Connolly, Alexander G. Gounares, Gary W. Flake, Eric J. Horvitz
  • Publication number: 20090064024
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method to facilitate efficient and automated presentation of information to users. A decomposition component automatically decomposes an information item into sets of subcomponents in a two- or three-dimensional isometric space, and generates visualizations having interactive graphics that allow users to inspect respective subcomponents. Interface features are provided to enable hover, dwell, and clicking commands, for example, providing a variety of options to zoom in, or change configurations of the visualization in accordance with the users intentions or inferences about what they desire to see or inspect more closely. Beyond the use of decompositions into exploded views of the content of items typically viewed as singular documents, the methods can be applied to perform geometric transformations on visualizations of multiple windows and other resources based on content and activity to provide regularized visualizations of the multiple items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric J. Horvitz, Lili Cheng, Jia-Chi Wu
  • Publication number: 20090064018
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method to facilitate efficient and automated presentation of information to users. A decomposition component automatically decomposes an information item into sets of subcomponents in a two- or three-dimensional isometric space, and generates visualizations having interactive graphics that allow users to inspect respective subcomponents. Interface features are provided to enable hover, dwell, and clicking commands, for example, providing a variety of options to zoom in, or change configurations of the visualization in accordance with the users intentions or inferences about what they desire to see or inspect more closely. Beyond the use of decompositions into exploded views of the content of items typically viewed as singular documents, the methods can be applied to perform geometric transformations on visualizations of multiple windows and other resources based on content and activity to provide regularized visualizations of the multiple items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric J. Horvitz, Lili Cheng, Jia-Chi Wu
  • Publication number: 20090055428
    Abstract: A metadata management architecture. The architecture includes a property component that lists one or more properties related to a file, and a viewing component that present files having one or more of the related properties. A synchronization component provides immediate synchronization between property editing fields of the property component and a view in the property-based browser component, providing both instantaneous feedback on property changes and an ability to manipulate properties graphically. Thus, a change in the property pane is immediately reflected in the view component, and a change in the view component is immediately reflected in the property pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Cornelis K. Van Dok, Lili Cheng, Lyon K.F. Wong, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Patrice L. Miner
  • Patent number: 7496582
    Abstract: A method identifies components associated with a first end point in an environment, such as a social environment. The method further identifies components associated with a second end point in the environment. A determination is made regarding whether any of the identified components are associated with both the first end point and the second end point. The method then displays relationships between the first end point, the second end point, and any components associated with both the first end point and the second end point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Shelly D. Farnham, William L. Portnoy, Lili Cheng
  • Publication number: 20090006334
    Abstract: Described is a collection of search-related references authored from a set of search results, in which the collection may be persisted. Search results may be obtained via a federated search of multiple data sources (e.g., local files, the Internet, a corporate network/database). Search results may be presented as individual reference items or grouped into dynamic collection query reference sets, which may be added to the collection. A collection may also embed one or more other collections. Upon opening a collection, search results may be automatically updated by re-running any dynamic collection queries. The user authors the collection by selecting items from a search results interface and dropping or pasting the item reference into a collection interface, and/or by activating an item collection affordance associated with the item. Manual or automatic layout of collection item references is provided, such as to provide a tabular layout or a two-dimensional layout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew B. MacLaurin, Stacey Ellan Harris, Lili Cheng, Andrzej Turski
  • Patent number: 7472356
    Abstract: A user interface system and method of displaying lists of information using a squeezed/semi-collapsed state of the group that shows, for example, a portion of the group (e.g., only the first few items of the group) is provided. The squeezed/semi-collapsed state takes up less room on the screen than an open state but gives the user more information about the group than the closed state, allowing more groups to be visible simultaneously while still providing detailed information about the contents of the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Vronay, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Lili Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080307346
    Abstract: A metadata management architecture. The architecture includes a property component that lists one or more properties related to a file, and a viewing component that present files having one or more of the related properties. A synchronization component provides immediate synchronization between property editing fields of the property component and a view in the property-based browser component, providing both instantaneous feedback on property changes and an ability to manipulate properties graphically. Thus, a change in the property pane is immediately reflected in the view component, and a change in the view component is immediately reflected in the property pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Cornelis K. Van Dok, Lili Cheng, Lyon K.F. Wong, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Patrice L. Miner
  • Publication number: 20080288531
    Abstract: A metadata management architecture. The architecture includes a property component that lists one or more properties related to a file, and a viewing component that present files having one or more of the related properties. A synchronization component provides immediate synchronization between property editing fields of the property component and a view in the property-based browser component, providing both instantaneous feedback on property changes and an ability to manipulate properties graphically. Thus, a change in the property pane is immediately reflected in the view component, and a change in the view component is immediately reflected in the property pane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Cornelis K. Van Dok, Lili Cheng, Lyon K.F. Wong, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Patrice L. Miner
  • Patent number: 7444156
    Abstract: A user-controlled cellular telephone positioning feature allows a cellular telephone user to correlate a user-specified location name with a cellular telephone location among one or more cells of a cellular telephone network. In one implementation, a cellular telephone location tagging application is stored and operated on a cellular telephone. The application obtains a cell identification string corresponding to a cell of a cellular telephone system with which cell the cellular telephone is in communication and allows the user to associate a location name and the cell identification string as location information for a selected location. Location data are maintained on a user's cellular telephone, and the user can selectively make the location information available others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome Boss, Lili Cheng, Cezary Marcjan, David Milstein, Gilad Odinak
  • Patent number: 7444598
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method to facilitate efficient and automated presentation of information to users. A decomposition component automatically decomposes an information item into sets of subcomponents in a two- or three-dimensional isometric space, and generates visualizations having interactive graphics that allow users to inspect respective subcomponents. Interface features are provided to enable hover, dwell, and clicking commands, for example, providing a variety of options to zoom in, or change configurations of the visualization in accordance with the users intentions or inferences about what they desire to see or inspect more closely. Beyond the use of decompositions into exploded views of the content of items typically viewed as singular documents, the methods can be applied to perform geometric transformations on visualizations of multiple windows and other resources based on content and activity to provide regularized visualizations of the multiple items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Horvitz, Lili Cheng, Jia-Chi Wu
  • Patent number: 7441194
    Abstract: A calendar-based interface system accommodates innate human memory by associating computer-related events, and other events, based upon when they occur. The calendar user interface system utilizes a calendar as a top-level user interface for accessing computer information. The calendar-based interface system utilizes system-wide monitoring of the user and associations between various computer files, people, and other information related to the user. This allows a user to view and assign searchable metadata (e.g., metadata relating to associated dates) and to retrieve computer information that matches selected metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Vronay, Lili Cheng, Sean U. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7426537
    Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing a shared dynamic content experience are disclosed. A method for sharing a dynamic content experience according to the invention includes an inviter computer communicating, via a first communication path between an invitee computer and a network based communication server, an invitation to establish a shared dynamic content experience between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. If the invitation is accepted, a content sharing communication path is established between the inviter computer and the invitee computer. Information relating to a current dynamic content experience at the inviter computer is communicated, via the content sharing communication path, to the invitee computer. Information relating to a current dynamic content experience at the invitee computer is communicated, via the content sharing communication path, to the inviter computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver Lee, Quji Guo, Joel K. Grossman, Brian D. Wentz, Jordan L. K. Schwartz, Christopher J. Araman, Randall Knight Winjum, Shelly Farnham, Lili Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080222170
    Abstract: A computer system models human memory by deriving associations between objects, events, and the context of the computer user or users. These associations can be dynamically generated, changing depending on the behavior of the user and context. Examples of areas in which this system can be used include time management (e.g., a calendar that presents time-based groupings of objects), people management (e.g., use analysis of user communications to rank importance of people to the user, groupings, and associations between people/groups and other objects such as documents, email), and general computer management (e.g., use analysis of user behavior to identify important objects and objects that are related to a current focus and context of the computer user).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shelly D. Farnham, Andrzej Turski, David P. Vronay, Lili Cheng, Sean U. Kelly, Cezary Marcjan, Richard F. Rashid
  • Publication number: 20080215450
    Abstract: Remote provisioning of an IT network and/or associated services is provided. Hardware, software, service and/or expertise can be moved from on-premise to a remote location (e.g., central, distributed . . . ). Accordingly, at least a large degree computation can be moved to the center to exploit economies of scale, among other things. In such an architecture, computational resources (e.g., data storage, computation power, cache . . . ) can be pooled, and entities can subscribe to a particular level of resources related to a private entity IT network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: William H. Gates, Raymond E. Ozzie, Gary W. Flake, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, Christopher W. Brumme, Lili Cheng, Nishant V. Dani, Daniel S. Glasser, Alexander G. Gounares, Galen C. Hunt, James R. Larus, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Debi P. Mishra, Amit Mital, Ira L. Snyder, Chandramohan A. Thekkath
  • Patent number: 7421438
    Abstract: A metadata management architecture. The architecture includes a property component that lists one or more properties related to a file, and a viewing component that present files having one or more of the related properties. A synchronization component provides immediate synchronization between property editing fields of the property component and a view in the property-based browser component, providing both instantaneous feedback on property changes and an ability to manipulate properties graphically. Thus, a change in the property pane is immediately reflected in the view component, and a change in the view component is immediately reflected in the property pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Cornelis K Van Dok, Lili Cheng, Lyon K. F. Wong, Matthew B MacLaurin, Patrice L Miner