Patents by Inventor Matthew J. Kotler

Matthew J. Kotler 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: 7743325
    Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium are provided for fitting text to shapes within a graphic. According to the method, initial constraints are defined that comprise initial values describing how a shape and text within the shape should be laid out. Constraint rules are also defined for use in modifying the initial constraints when application of the initial constraints to the text in a shape results in the text overflowing the boundaries of the shape. A change may be detected to the graphic that would affect the size or position of one or more of the shapes or the text within one of the shapes. If such a change causes text to overflow when laid out using the initial constraints, the constraint rules are applied sequentially to modify the constraints. The modified constraints are then reapplied to the shapes to create a new layout for the graphic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ilan Berker, Jason C. Costa, Keywon Chung, Matthew J. Kotler, Janet L. Schorr, Scott A. Sherman, Karen K. Wong
  • Patent number: 7737996
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for forming one or more animation sequences used in animating a graphic. A semantic model of one or more semantic elements corresponding to content data is received. A presentation model of one or more presentation elements corresponding to objects is received. A set of one or more mappings is determined. The set of one or more mappings includes a mapping of each of said semantic elements to one or more presentation elements. The set of one or more mappings are traversed in an ordering in accordance with a selected animation sequence type specifying a set of objects that animate together. One or more animation sequences are built when performing the traversing step using each of the one or more mappings by applying one or more rules in accordance with a particular classification associated with each of the one or more mappings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lutz Gerhard, Matthew J. Kotler, Stephen T. Wells, Thomas C. Underhill, Alexandre Gueniot
  • Patent number: 7702997
    Abstract: A system architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into text. The architecture allows insertion of discrete individual fields, referred to as “free floating fields”, inline with normal textual sentences. In an HTML document, for example, the free floating fields are elements constructed along with text elements and rendered together as an integrated document. Once rendered, the free floating fields present contents that resemble normal text consistent with the surrounding text. The free floating fields offer spreadsheet functionality, including the ability to handle complex formulas, reference values in a separate free floating field or table, and automatically recalculate the formulas when a source value changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Patent number: 7702998
    Abstract: A system architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into text. The architecture allows insertion of discrete individual fields, referred to as “free floating fields”, inline with normal textual sentences. In an HTML document, for example, the free floating fields are elements constructed along with text elements and rendered together as an integrated document. Once rendered, the free floating fields present contents that resemble normal text consistent with the surrounding text. The free floating fields offer spreadsheet functionality, including the ability to handle complex formulas, reference values in a separate free floating field or table, and automatically recalculate the formulas when a source value changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Patent number: 7673227
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Richard J. Wolf, Vinod Anantharaman, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Publication number: 20090319897
    Abstract: A digital image editing system and method are presented that allow a user to visualize a range of changes to an image. The system determines a range of parameter values for a parameter of a selected filter. Then, the system creates multiple thumbnails of the image where each thumbnail illustrates a representation of the image with a different parameter value within the range of parameter values of the filter applied to the image. The system displays the created thumbnails in a user interface from which a user can select a thumbnail to apply the parameter value represented by the selected thumbnail. Thus, the digital image editing system allows the user to visually select an appropriate parameter value among the values accepted by the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, L. Tucker Hatfield, Michael B. Fried, Feng Zhu, Heena Macwan
  • Patent number: 7549115
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from, presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Vinod Anantharaman, Christopher Matthew Franklin, Oliver G. Fisher, Alexander G. Gounares, Matthew D. Morgan, Richard J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7523390
    Abstract: A system architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into text. The architecture allows insertion of discrete individual fields, referred to as “free floating fields”, inline with normal textual sentences. In an HTML document, for example, the free floating fields are elements constructed along with text elements and rendered together as an integrated document. Once rendered, the free floating fields present contents that resemble normal text consistent with the surrounding text. The free floating fields offer spreadsheet functionality, including the ability to handle complex formulas, reference values in a separate free floating field or table, and automatically recalculate the formulas when a source value changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Publication number: 20090083615
    Abstract: A system architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into text. The architecture allows insertion of discrete individual fields, referred to as “free floating fields”, inline with normal textual sentences. In an HTML document, for example, the free floating fields are elements constructed along with text elements and rendered together as an integrated document. Once rendered, the free floating fields present contents that resemble normal text consistent with the surrounding text. The free floating fields offer spreadsheet functionality, including the ability to handle complex formulas, reference values in a separate free floating field or table, and automatically recalculate the formulas when a source value changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Publication number: 20090080801
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for altering the appearance of a digital image using a shape. A mask edit mode of operation is provided in which an application program displays a mask shape superimposed on a digital image. The application program also provides user interface controls for altering the size, position, and rotation of the digital image independently of the mask shape, and user interface controls for altering the size, position, and rotation of the mask shape independently of the digital image. When a cropping request is received, the portion of the digital image within the mask shape is mapped onto the mask shape, thereby creating a mask-cropped shape, and a normal editing mode is entered. In the normal editing mode a set of user interface controls is provided for modifying the size, position, and rotation of the mask-cropped shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Larry T. Hatfield, Scott H. Douglas, Nicholas W. Rohring, Matthew J. Kotler, Steven P. Geffner
  • Patent number: 7506243
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Richard J. Wolf, Vinod G. Anantharaman, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Patent number: 7506242
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Richard J. Wolf, Vinod Anantharaman, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Patent number: 7483028
    Abstract: Dynamic routing of 1D and 2D connectors is provided in a connected diagram. 2D connector shapes, end-shapes, content such as text or images are dynamically adjusted as objects are placed onto the diagram canvas. Connection points for connectors are determined using cardinal points, shortest distance between objects, or by generating additional cardinal points with a virtual object. Connectors are routed using a boundary box placed between cardinal points and a relationship between imaginary vectors pointing away from the objects at the connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Karen K. Wong, David Gerton, Ilan Berker, Ramona Pousti, Matthew J. Kotler
  • Patent number: 7423646
    Abstract: A method for determining the location of a shape to be inserted into a diagram representing a data graph is disclosed. The method comprises determining a starting shape within the diagram; retrieving the number of nodes associated with the node associated with the starting shape; and comparing a preferred number of child nodes associated with the node associated with the starting shape to the current number of child nodes associated with the node. The results of the comparison are used to determine the node to be inserted in the data graph, the location of the node in the data graph, and the location of the shape in the diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Shailesh Saini, Crystal L Hoyer, Matthew J Kotler, Gary A Pritting, Karen K Wong
  • Patent number: 7412645
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Richard J. Wolf, Vinod Anantharaman, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Patent number: 7350141
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Richard J. Wolf, Vinod Anantharaman, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Patent number: 7275216
    Abstract: A system and method that enables a designer to build electronic forms and corresponding hierarchical schemas are described. Displays of hierarchical schemas, electronic forms, and components used to build the hierarchical schemas and electronic forms are provided to the designer. The designer selects components and arranges them on a display to visually build an electronic form. As the form is built, the corresponding hierarchical schema is incrementally updated to reflect changes made to the electronic form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jean D. Paoli, Laurent Mollicone, Ned B. Friend, Matthew J. Kotler, Thomas R. Lawrence, Shuk-Yan Lai, Sharma K. Hendel, Jason Whitmarsh
  • Publication number: 20070186168
    Abstract: A facility for generating a graphic image is described. The facility receives from a user a body of text whose creation is not subject to any rules or prototypes. The facility discerns from the body of text a textual organization. The facility then generates a graphic image conveying the discerned textual organization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Fubini Waldman, Dawn M. Wright, Gary A. Pritting, Lutz Gerhard, Matthew J. Kotler, Cynthia C. Shelly
  • Patent number: 7253823
    Abstract: System and methods for providing 1D and 2D connectors in a connected diagram. Routing and layout of connectors is accomplished through a pre-defined set of behaviors and properties on a connector that enable an aesthetic layout. Routing behaviors and visual look of the connectors within a diagram may be included in an XML definition file or controlled by a user. The user may switch between 1D and 2D connectors regardless of a shape of the connector. Padding and offset features are assigned to connectors for aesthetically pleasing presentation of object relations. Text box shapes and placements on or near connectors are aligned with connector type, size, and placement. Images and non-predefined shapes may be used as connectors with behaviors assigned similar to predefined shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Karen K. Wong, David Gerton, Ilan Berker, Ramona Pousti, Matthew J. Kotler
  • Patent number: 7155667
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Richard J. Wolf, Vinod Anantharaman, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin