Patents by Inventor Matthew MacLaurin

Matthew MacLaurin 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: 20160189274
    Abstract: A system may include a feature detector, an information gatherer, a trend identifier, a fashion database, a preference identifier, and a recommendation engine. The feature detector may analyze images including visual data showing apparel. The feature detector may determine characteristics of the apparel. The information gatherer may identify non-visual data related to the images and may derive non-visual details related to the apparel. The trend identifier may identify defined trends embodied by the apparel based on the characteristics of the apparel. The fashion database may store and categorize fashion metrics of the apparel, including the characteristics, the defined trends, and the non-visual details related to the apparel. The preference identifier may identify fashion preferences of a customer. The recommendation engine may present a fashion recommendation to the customer based at least in part on a comparison of the fashion preferences of the customer and the fashion metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew MacLaurin, Timothy Carlson, Corinne Sherman, Bria Selhorst, David Ramadge
  • Patent number: 8862737
    Abstract: A resource identifier parser can derive information from resource identifiers that are provided to non-browser application programs or the operating system, such as through the desktop area of a windows-based user interface. The resource identifier parser can understand the formatting of resource identifiers of specific domains and can derive therefrom information such as coordinates of a map page, the title of classified listings, and other like information. If the resource identifier cannot be parsed, the identified data page can be referenced to identify services offered by the page, such as data feed services, which can then be presented to the non-browser application program or the operating system to which the resource identifier was provided. As yet another alternative, the domain can provide a customized resource identifier parser to parse its resource identifiers. Such a customized parser can be either downloadable and locally executable or it can be a network service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Matthew MacLaurin, Cezary Marcjan
  • Patent number: 8707209
    Abstract: In a graphical user interface environment, a request to save a file may result in a display of a location or view in which the file is to be saved, and may include a preview indicia representing the to-be-saved file. The user may interact with the preview indicia to edit the new file's metadata by repositioning the indicia in a different view, and/or the system may automatically update the preview indicia's location in response to the user editing displayed metadata properties for the new file. The preview indicia may have a distinct appearance, and may persist to show the user how the new file can be located after the save process is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lyon K. F. Wong, Cornelis K. Van Dok, David G. DeVorchik, Matthew MacLaurin, Patrice L. Miner, Walter R. Smith, Philip P. Fortier
  • Patent number: 8103668
    Abstract: A technique for adding a search control by a user to a file, webpage, desktop, or mobile device, for example. The control lets the end user create documents, webpages, or dashboards with static and/or dynamic content as easily as inserting pictures. The technique also facilitates the imbedding of control access to the search information via this control. When a document is created, the control allows for adding a search into the document, authoring the default view of the query (e.g., thumbnail, details, extended view, slideshow, timeline, etc.), setting the scope (e.g., local computer, website, company human resources database, etc.), and “publishing” states (e.g., dynamically update, static-fixed, query run on local machine, etc). The technique also facilitates the adding of views such as via a user interface control for “adding a search” and standard “search list view control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lili Cheng, Stacey Harris, Andrzej Turski, Matthew Maclaurin, Shane F Williams
  • Publication number: 20110320603
    Abstract: A resource identifier parser can derive information from resource identifiers that are provided to non-browser application programs or the operating system, such as through the desktop area of a windows-based user interface. The resource identifier parser can understand the formatting of resource identifiers of specific domains and can derive therefrom information such as coordinates of a map page, the title of classified listings, and other like information. If the resource identifier cannot be parsed, the identified data page can be referenced to identify services offered by the page, such as data feed services, which can then be presented to the non-browser application program or the operating system to which the resource identifier was provided. As yet another alternative, the domain can provide a customized resource identifier parser to parse its resource identifiers. Such a customized parser can be either downloadable and locally executable or it can be a network service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Matthew MacLaurin, Cezary Marcjan
  • Patent number: 8015141
    Abstract: A rule-based programming language may be devised for programming an entity in an environment. Computer systems may therefore be configured to program the entity with at least one rule comprising at least zero language conditions representing an action condition, at least one language verb representing an action, and at least zero language verb parameters representing an action object. The computer system may also be configured to facilitate entry by a user of a rule set according to the rule-based programming language by receiving user selections of language conditions, language verbs, and language verb parameters. By facilitating the programming by users of entities within environments, the computer system may facilitate individuals (such as non-technical individuals, aspiring programmers, and children) in understanding programming concepts, encourage the development of experience with computer programming, and permit the generation of useful computer programs by non-proficient programmers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew MacLaurin, Michael C. Miller, Stephen B. Coy, Lili Cheng
  • Patent number: 7996786
    Abstract: Computerized methods and systems for dynamically rendering visual representations of data sets are provided. Upon receiving a request for a particular data set (for instance, in response to receiving a search request), a data set is identified and a minimum portion thereof is retrieved that is necessary to render a visual representation of the data set. In this regard, items sharing a common characteristic may be grouped with one another so that only a single visual identifier of a group of data items may be displayed. In this way, a larger portion of the entire data set may be represented in a single view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew MacLaurin, Michael Miller, Andrzej Turski
  • Patent number: 7975240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate automatic display and management of data items associated with a hierarchical tree arrangement of folders and subfolders. A computerized interface for data presentation is provided having a sorting component to determine categories relating to one or more items for display. A cluster component groups the categories according to discretized states in order to control visible output to the display. Such states can include packed and unpacked states, wherein packed states can cluster a plurality of items together and across several nodes, whereas unpacked items are controlled and displayed under a grouped heading in one context and as individual data items or entities in another context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Lili Cheng, Matthew MacLaurin
  • Patent number: 7822759
    Abstract: A unique system, user interface, and method that facilitate sharing objects in a query-based storage environment are provided. A query can be generated using metadata and the results therefrom can be obtained and shared with one or more recipients. The query and/or query results can be represented as an icon. Sharing of the query and/or query results can be accomplished in part by dragging the icon to the desired recipient. Queries can be shared as a standing query or a snapshot of the query. For standing queries, recipients can be notified when a set of query results changes. In general, queries can be saved by the user and accessed again at a later time. The user interface provides a plurality of navigation tools to facilitate the viewing of objects based on their metadata and the generation of queries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew MacLaurin, Andrzej Turski, Lili Cheng, Cezary Marcjan
  • Publication number: 20090210372
    Abstract: A rule-based programming language may be devised for programming an entity in an environment. Computer systems may therefore be configured to program the entity with at least one rule comprising at least zero language conditions representing an action condition, at least one language verb representing an action, and at least zero language verb parameters representing an action object. The computer system may also be configured to facilitate entry by a user of a rule set according to the rule-based programming language by receiving user selections of language conditions, language verbs, and language verb parameters. By facilitating the programming by users of entities within environments, the computer system may facilitate individuals (such as non-technical individuals, aspiring programmers, and children) in understanding programming concepts, encourage the development of experience with computer programming, and permit the generation of useful computer programs by non-proficient programmers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew MacLaurin, Michael C. Miller, Stephen B. Coy, Lili Cheng
  • Publication number: 20090150347
    Abstract: A technique for adding a search control by a user to a file, webpage, desktop, or mobile device, for example. The control lets the end user create documents, webpages, or dashboards with static and/or dynamic content as easily as inserting pictures. The technique also facilitates the imbedding of control access to the search information via this control. When a document is created, the control allows for adding a search into the document, authoring the default view of the query (e.g., thumbnail, details, extended view, slideshow, timeline, etc.), setting the scope (e.g., local computer, website, company human resources database, etc.), and “publishing” states (e.g., dynamically update, static-fixed, query run on local machine, etc). The technique also facilitates the adding of views such as via a user interface control for “adding a search” and standard “search list view control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lili Cheng, Stacey Harris, Andrzej Turski, Matthew Maclaurin, Shane F. Williams
  • 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: 20080222547
    Abstract: In a graphical user interface environment, a request to save a file may result in a display of a location or view in which the file is to be saved, and may include a preview indicia representing the to-be-saved file. The user may interact with the preview indicia to edit the new file's metadata by repositioning the indicia in a different view, and/or the system may automatically update the preview indicia's location in response to the user editing displayed metadata properties for the new file. The preview indicia may have a distinct appearance, and may persist to show the user how the new file can be located after the save process is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lyon K. F. Wong, Cornelis K. Van Dok, Daniel G. DeVorchik, Matthew MacLaurin, Patrice L. Miner, Walter R. Smith, Philip P. Fortier
  • Publication number: 20080222570
    Abstract: Computerized methods and systems for dynamically rendering visual representations of data sets are provided. Upon receiving a request for a particular data set (for instance, in response to receiving a search request), a data set is identified and a minimum portion thereof is retrieved that is necessary to render a visual representation of the data set. In this regard, items sharing a common characteristic may be grouped with one another so that only a single visual identifier of a group of data items may be displayed. In this way, a larger portion of the entire data set may be represented in a single view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew MacLaurin, Michael Miller, Andrzej Turski
  • Publication number: 20080021896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology for automatic clusterization and display of data items in a local or remote database system. Such clusterization can be based on properties associated with the data items such as a type, location, people, date, time, user-defined, and so forth, wherein an initial property may be employed to form a first level of clusterization and a subsequent property may be automatically determined to form an optimized clusterization from which to find and retrieve desired information. A computerized interface for organizing and retrieving data is provided. The interface includes a property analyzer to determine an item distribution for at least two cluster properties and an organizer that forms new clusters based in part on the item distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Richard Rashid, Matthew MacLaurin, Lili Cheng
  • Patent number: 7257571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology for automatic clusterization and display of data items in a local or remote database system. Such clusterization can be based on properties associated with the data items such as a type, location, people, date, time, user-defined, and so forth, wherein an initial property may be employed to form a first level of clusterization and a subsequent property may be automatically determined to form an optimized clusterization from which to find and retrieve desired information. A computerized interface for organizing and retrieving data is provided. The interface includes a property analyzer to determine an item distribution for at least two cluster properties and an organizer that forms new clusters based in part on the item distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrzej Turski, Richard F. Rashid, Matthew MacLaurin, Lili Cheng
  • Publication number: 20070136244
    Abstract: A unique system, user interface, and method that facilitate sharing objects in a query-based storage environment are provided. A query can be generated using metadata and the results therefrom can be obtained and shared with one or more recipients. The query and/or query results can be represented as an icon. Sharing of the query and/or query results can be accomplished in part by dragging the icon to the desired recipient. Queries can be shared as a standing query or a snapshot of the query. For standing queries, recipients can be notified when a set of query results changes. In general, queries can be saved by the user and accessed again at a later time. The user interface provides a plurality of navigation tools to facilitate the viewing of objects based on their metadata and the generation of queries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew MacLaurin, Andrzej Turski, Lili Cheng, Cezary Marcjan
  • Publication number: 20070136690
    Abstract: A unique menu user interface that facilitates more efficient viewing and selection of menu items is provided. The menu user interface involves arranging a plurality of menu items around a semicircular portion of an action area. The action area is constructed by creating a circle centered about a cursor or pointer. Thus, the menu items are arranged in an arc-like manner to one side of the action area to allow the user to interact with other onscreen content apart from the menu and menu items. Each menu item also includes an extension or extended portion that extends from the rectangular portion of the menu item to about the center of the semicircle. The extension on each menu item creates a larger selectable area for each item. In addition, it allows each item to have a distinct visual shape or appearance, both of which improve the user's viewing and selection capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew MacLaurin, Lili Cheng
  • Publication number: 20070028171
    Abstract: Item selections along with user inputs are leveraged to provide users with automated item tagging. Further user interaction with additional windows and other interfacing techniques are not required to tag the item. In one example, a user selects items and begins typing a tag which is automatically associated with the selected items without further user action. Tagging suggestions can also be supplied based on a user's selection, be dynamically supplied based on a user's input action, and/or be formulated automatically based on user data and/or tags and the like associated with selections by an external source. Machine learning can also be utilized to facilitate in tag determination. This increases the value of the tagged items by providing greater item access flexibility and allowing multiple associations (or tags) with each item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew MacLaurin