Patents by Inventor Max Muller

Max Muller 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: 20170089709
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for polygonal routing are described. A computer system can provide turn-by-turn navigation in a venue for a mobile device using a navigation graph. The navigation graph can include nodes representing a series of navigation areas leading from a start point to an end point in a venue including indoor space. Each navigation area can be a polygon occupying a non-zero geographic area. The computer system updates the turn-by-turn instructions when the mobile device enters or exits a navigation area in the series of navigation areas, until the device reaches the end point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Austin A. Marusco, Ashish Agarwal, Justin M. Strawn, Mithilesh Kumar, Vincent P. Arroyo, Max Muller, III, Vojislav Samsalovic
  • Patent number: 9582507
    Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based purchase and distribution of media are disclosed. The purchase and distribution of media by these methods and systems are not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to media within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server and/or client. For example, a potential purchaser can search and browse through numerous media items on-line that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can thereafter purchase one or more media items on-line with great ease. Upon purchasing a media item, the content for the media item can be downloaded over the network to the purchaser. The content for the media item is then encrypted for the purchaser's use and stored on the purchaser's machine. Thereafter, the purchaser can make use of the media item (e.g., play the media item). Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing numerous media items are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Patrice Gautier, Max Muller, Thomas Burkholder, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Dave Heller, Thomas Dowdy, Mike Wiese
  • Publication number: 20160307244
    Abstract: Systems and methods here include computer-implemented methods for determining ratings for software including displaying multiple content descriptors and options for user selection of both the frequency and intensity of the content in the software program by non-numerical selections. Some embodiments include receiving selections of user characterizations of frequency and intensity for each of the multiple content descriptors, and mapping the user characterization selections of each of the multiple content descriptors to find a rating level for each of the multiple content descriptors. Some embodiments include determining a highest rating level for the software program by comparing all of the rating levels of all of the multiple content descriptors, and distributing the software program to certain geographies based on the determined highest rating level for the software program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Max MULLER, Ricardo D. CORTES, Aloke BHATNAGAR
  • Publication number: 20160140162
    Abstract: Improved techniques and systems for storage, delivery and acquisition of digital assets stored in cloud data storage. Cloud data storage can be provided by a cloud data repository that is capable of storing digital data for various users. A given user can access cloud data storage from any of his/her authorized client devices via a network. A given client device can access not only locally stored digital assets but also remotely stored digital assets from cloud data storage. In one embodiment, downloads of digital assets resident in cloud data storage to client devices can be managed in view of available network performance. As one example, digital assets of differing quality levels can be downloaded in a manner dependent on network performance. As another example, locally stored digital assets of reduced quality can be upgraded (e.g., replaced) by higher quality versions in a manner dependent on network performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Robbin, Lucas C. Newman, Scott J. Forstall, Stephen O. Lemay, Steve Saro Gedikian, Max Muller, Thomas Alsina
  • Patent number: 9342287
    Abstract: Improved approaches for rating a software program are disclosed. The rating can be automatically determined from a plurality of user characterizations. The user characterizations can be designated by a user (e.g., developer or publisher) with respect to a plurality of content descriptors. The user characterizations can be supplied by the user on submitting a software program to an online distribution system. Once a rating is determined and associated with a software program, the rating can be used to influence availability of the software program from an online distribution system. The rating (or how the rating influences availability) can be dependent on geographical region. The rating being determined can also be influenced by rating rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Max Muller, Ricardo D. Cortes, Aloke Bhatnagar
  • Publication number: 20150350844
    Abstract: Techniques for storing information representing a venue are described. A venue data provider may upload venue data to a venue data service. The venue data can include locations, geometries, and business categories of the buildings and floors. The venue data service can validate the venue data, and request a survey service to survey the venue using the validated venue data. A survey can include recording measurements of an environment variable at various locations of the venue. The location service can generate location fingerprint data from the survey. The location fingerprint data can include expected measurements of the environment variable at various locations of the building. The venue data service can provide the location fingerprint data to a mobile device such that the mobile device can determine a location of the mobile device in the venue using sensor readings of the environment variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Ashish Agarwal, Ian Aric Mondragon, Rahul Ravikumar, Calvin Lin, Max Muller, III, Philip Stanger, Vojislav Samsalovic
  • Patent number: 9201895
    Abstract: Improved techniques and systems for storage, delivery and acquisition of digital assets stored in cloud data storage. Cloud data storage can be provided by a cloud data repository that is capable of storing digital data for various users. A given user can access cloud data storage from any of his/her authorized client devices via a network. A given client device can access not only locally stored digital assets but also remotely stored digital assets from cloud data storage. In one embodiment, downloads of digital assets resident in cloud data storage to client devices can be managed in view of available network performance. As one example, digital assets of differing quality levels can be downloaded in a manner dependent on network performance. As another example, locally stored digital assets of reduced quality can be upgraded (e.g., replaced) by higher quality versions in a manner dependent on network performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Robbin, Lucas C. Newman, Scott J. Forstall, Stephen O. Lemay, Steve Saro Gedikian, Max Muller, Thomas Alsina
  • Publication number: 20150262152
    Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based purchase and distribution of media are disclosed. The purchase and distribution of media by these methods and systems are not only secure but also controlled. The media takes the form of a digital media item, which is assembled by a client application from one or more digital media item components, including at least one digital graphic associated with the media content contained in the digital media item. The digital media item components are stored on one or more server computers and are obtained by the client application, which requests, from a server computer, a media access response containing one or more pointers to digital media item components on one or more server computers. The assembled digital media item can then be encrypted for the purchaser's use and stored on the purchaser's machine. Thereafter, the purchaser can make use of the digital media item (e.g., play the digital media item).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Max Muller, Wilfredo Sanchez, Ben Holt
  • Patent number: 9076176
    Abstract: An improved system and method for submitting, distributing and/or managing digital products with respect to a product distribution site are disclosed. The submission of digital products to the product distribution site is able to be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted digital products can then be managed in a largely automated manner and made available for online purchase and distribution at the product distribution site. Once a digital product is submitted, the user can access the status of the digital product submission to obtain information of whether the digital product has been approved or rejected. In one embodiment, the digital products are computer program products (e.g., computer software programs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Fosback, Ricardo D. Cortes, Max Muller
  • Patent number: 9043243
    Abstract: A system and method of delivering a media package to an on-line downloading store are disclosed. The method includes receiving a media file into a compressor application in which at least one compression job is assigned for the media file. The method further includes receiving setting data and destination data for storing a media package associated with processing the media file. The method next includes retrieving pre-defined asset metadata based on user-submitted credential data and vendor identification data, receiving contract acceptance data based on a pre-existing contract associated with the media file and generating a media package configured for ingestion into the on-line media store for each at least one compression job assigned to the media file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Cortes, Max Muller, III, Jason Fosback
  • Patent number: 8966371
    Abstract: Providing digital media content is disclosed. A metadata file and a plurality of data files are received. The metadata file is used to process the plurality of data files. The processing of the plurality of data files using the metadata file is performed without human intervention to provide a downloadable digital media content asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Suitts, James Felix Black, Jonathan James Currey, Max Muller, III
  • Patent number: 8935217
    Abstract: A system and method for submission of digital assets to a digital asset submission system are disclosed. The digital asset submission system can manage submissions of digital assets to a network-based distribution system. Submission of digital assets to the digital asset submission system can be performed over a network in a controlled manner such that the digital assets can be validated prior to transmission of the digital assets to the digital asset submission system. Advantageously, digital assets to be submitted for distribution can be substantially validated before the digital assets are transmitted to the digital asset submission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Suitts, David Makower, Ricardo D. Cortes, Max Muller, Juan Carlos Jimenez, Jeremy Brown, Jason Fosback
  • Patent number: 8880712
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related generally to the submission of metadata content and media content to a media distribution system. The media content can include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, a client submitting metadata content can validate the metadata content prior to submission of the metadata content and/or associated media content. A media distribution system receiving metadata content can also validate the metadata content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Cortes, Max Muller
  • Publication number: 20140244801
    Abstract: An improved system, device and method for transferring a digital asset (e.g., digital product) from a requestor to a recipient with assistance from an asset distribution system. According to one aspect, a requester who has one or more digital assets available for distribution by an online asset distribution system can invoke a transfer of at least one of such digital assets to a recipient. The online asset distribution system can manage the transfer of a digital asset from the requestor to the recipient. The management of the transfer includes one or more of ensuring eligibility of the recipient and/or the digital asset for the transfer, ensuring acceptance of the transfer by the recipient, ensuring acceptance of contract terms governing the transfer, performing the transfer of the digital asset to the recipient, and/or providing various electronic status notifications to the requestor and/or the recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Aloke Bhatnagar, Ricardo D. Cortes, Max Muller, David Alonzo Van Tassell, Amit Shirsat, Ashish Agarwal, Marianne Edgeworth
  • Publication number: 20140059065
    Abstract: Improved techniques and systems for determining equivalency of digital assets are disclosed. The techniques and systems are suitable and useful for storing, delivering and accessing digital assets to or from a network-based digital data repository (e.g., cloud data storage). One aspect disclosed is that processing can be performed to determine whether digital assets are equivalent. Such processing can, in one embodiment, use multi-tier fingerprinting to determine equivalency of digital assets. In another embodiment, processing can use descriptive information (e.g., metadata) to assist in determining equivalency of digital assets. In another embodiment, a database can store equivalency information to provide “caching” of equivalency results for subsequent efficient determinations of equivalency. The digital assets become accessible from the network-based digital data repository via electronic devices (e.g., user devices) and thus usable by the electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ricardo D. Cortes, Max Muller
  • Patent number: 8516446
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that allow automated qualification of a binary application program. A binary application program submitted from a developer can be automatically examined to determine whether the binary application program complies with rules or guidelines of a platform. If the binary application program complies with the rules or guidelines, the binary application program can be qualified, and can be distributed upon further approval. If the binary application program does not comply with the rules or guidelines, the application program can be rejected and a notification can be sent to the developer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Matthew Williams, Luke Theodore Hiesterman, Dallas De Atley, Kenneth D. Anderson, Andrew Dennis Boyko, Max Muller, III
  • Patent number: 8473479
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the submission of media content to a media distribution system and the generation of media items from the media content. The media items may include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, a package for use in generating a downloadable digital media content asset includes metadata content that describes how the media content in a plurality of data files including media content can be processed to generate a downloadable digital media content asset, where the package includes information identifying the plurality of data files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Suitts, Jonathan James Currey, Max Muller, III
  • Patent number: 8370419
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the submission of metadata content and digital content, such as media content, to a media distribution system. The media content can include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, a client submitting metadata content can validate the metadata content prior to submission of the metadata content and/or associated media content. A media distribution system receiving metadata content can also validate the metadata content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Max Muller, Ricardo Cortes
  • Patent number: 8359348
    Abstract: Methods and systems for submitting media to a media distribution site are disclosed. The submission of media to the media distribution site is able to be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted media can then be encoded in a largely automated manner at the media distribution site into a suitable digital form and then made available for online purchase and distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Robbin, David Heller, Max Muller
  • Publication number: 20120323868
    Abstract: Improved techniques and systems for storage, delivery and acquisition of digital assets stored in cloud data storage. Cloud data storage can be provided by a cloud data repository that is capable of storing digital data for various users. A given user can access cloud data storage from any of his/her authorized client devices via a network. A given client device can access not only locally stored digital assets but also remotely stored digital assets from cloud data storage. In one embodiment, downloads of digital assets resident in cloud data storage to client devices can be managed in view of available network performance. As one example, digital assets of differing quality levels can be downloaded in a manner dependent on network performance. As another example, locally stored digital assets of reduced quality can be upgraded (e.g., replaced) by higher quality versions in a manner dependent on network performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Robbin, Lucas C. Newman, Scott J. Forstall, Stephen O. Lemay, Steve Saro Gedikian, Max Muller, Thomas Alsina