Patents by Inventor Melora Zaner
Melora Zaner 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: 8601598Abstract: A system that enables a cloud-based data repository to function as a secure ‘drop-box’ for data that corresponds to a user is provided. The ‘drop box’ can be facilitated through the use of cryptographic keying technologies. For instance, data that is ‘dropped’ by or on behalf of a particular user can be encrypted using a public key that corresponds to a user-specific private key. Thus, although the data resides within the large pool of ‘cloud-based’ data, it is protected since it can only be decrypted by using the private key, which is kept secret. The innovation can further facilitate user-centric secure storage by partitioning the cloud-based repository into multiple partitions, each of which corresponds to specific indexing criteria.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Raymond E Ozzie, William H. Gates, III, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Alexander G. Gounares, Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Debi P. Mishra, Ira L. Snyder, Jr., Melora Zaner-Godsey
-
Patent number: 8474027Abstract: A user-centric or identity-centric resource licensing system that manages access to ‘cloud-based’ resources (e.g., applications and services) is provided. A ‘cloud’ refers to a collection of resources (e.g., hardware and/or software) provided and maintained by an off-site or off-premise party (e.g., third party), wherein the collection of resources can be accessed by an identified user via a network. In accordance with the user-centric licensing model, the resource license (and subscription) rights can migrate with a user without regard to physical location, device used, or other contextual factors (e.g., activity engaged). Effectively, the rights are mapped (and tracked) as a function of a user identity, which can be a core identity or an identity based upon activity engaged, role, capacity, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, William H. Gates, III, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Lili Cheng, Nishant V. Dani, Daniel S. Glasser, Ira L. Snyder, Jr., Melora Zaner-Godsey
-
Patent number: 8352874Abstract: A communication icon represents a shared connection allowing members of an online group to interact with each other and participate in different activities together. The icon through which the group interacts resides on each group member's desktop and has many attributes including click activation modes and drag and drop functionality. The icon provides each group member with a representation of the group's shared relationship. Any group member can change the group icon and have that change propagated to the computers of the other members of the group. The icon can be activated for both non-verbal and verbal communications as well as activity sharing. Online members of the group are kept apprised of the group's status and activities via a displayed status bar.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Melora Zaner, Eugene Mesgar, Neel Ishwar Murarka, Asta Glatzer, Kathleen Mulcahy, Rama Ranganath, Erica Sanders, Cesare John Saretto, Tammy Savage, John Vert, Eugene Zarakhovsky
-
Patent number: 8341233Abstract: Various technologies pertaining to instant messaging are described herein. A persistent instant messaging group is created, wherein the persistent instant messaging group comprises a plurality of members and persists over a plurality of instant messaging sessions. Instances of an instant messaging application are installed on mobile telephones, and the instant messaging application is used to transmit instant messages between members of the persistent instant messaging group. Messages directed towards offline members of the persistent instant messaging group are transmitted to such members when they come online.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Brian Scott Moudy, Aarthi Natarajan, Asta Roseway, Geeven Singh, George Joy, Ranjib Singh Badh, Richard Michael Eames, Marcella C. S. Rader, Alexander K. Heron, Vasudha Chandrasekaran, Nicole Danielle Steinbok, Steven Abrahams, Troy A. Schauls, Amy Wai-Yee Ip, Melora Zaner-Godsey, Seshagiri Panchapagesan, Jeroen Van Turennout, Vlad Cretu
-
Patent number: 8341405Abstract: A system that can assist users to manage a personal active directory for all of their information maintained within a cloud-based environment is provided. The identity of a client that accesses data is monitored and recorded in a log. In turn, this information can be made available to the owner of the information in order to develop a desired access control list (ACL). Additionally, the system can employ a heuristic component that can automatically establish the ACL on the owner's behalf. As well, the system can track how information is being accessed (or attempted to be accessed) by other people therefore, giving the owner of the information the opportunity to restrict or allow access based upon any number of recorded factors (e.g., identity, context).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, William H. Gates, III, Lili Cheng, Daniel S. Glasser, Ira L Snyder, Jr., Melora Zaner-Godsey
-
Patent number: 8196051Abstract: A novel technique automatically stores synchronized group history related to an online group interaction and enables individual group members to later view and access the group history. In an embodiment of the invention, the group history is accessible by group members independently of group interactions at any later time. According to various embodiments of the invention, the group history may be presented in an overview form or a detailed form. With respect to the detailed form, the group history may be presented graphically, such as in an icon timeline or collage, textually, such as in list form, or in any combination of presentation formats. In a further embodiment of the invention, the synchronized group history is writable by group members in addition to being automatically maintained.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Melora Zaner, Eun-Kyung Chung, Geoffrey Elliott, Heather Ferguson, Tammy Savage, Jonathan Sposato, John Vert, Joe Walkush
-
Publication number: 20120072515Abstract: Various technologies pertaining to instant messaging are described herein. A persistent instant messaging group is created, wherein the persistent instant messaging group comprises a plurality of members and persists over a plurality of instant messaging sessions. Instances of an instant messaging application are installed on mobile telephones, and the instant messaging application is used to transmit instant messages between members of the persistent instant messaging group. Messages directed towards offline members of the persistent instant messaging group are transmitted to such members when they come online.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Scott Moudy, Aarthi Natarajan, Asta Roseway, Geeven Singh, George Joy, Ranjib Singh Badh, Richard Michael Eames, Marcella C.S. Rader, Alexandra K. Heron, Vasudha Chandrasekaran, Nicole Danielle Steinbok, Steven Abrahams, Troy A. Schauls, Amy Wai-Yee Ip, Melora Zaner-Godsey, Seshagiri Panchapagesan, Jeroen Van Turennout, Vlad Cretu
-
Patent number: 8086686Abstract: A system described herein includes a receiver component that receives a request to create a persistent messaging group for an instant messaging application, wherein the request includes an indication of one or more entities that are desired to be members of the persistent messaging group. The system further includes a group creator component that creates the persistent messaging group based at least in part upon the received group creation request, wherein the persistent messaging group is persisted over multiple instant messaging sessions.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Brian Scott Moudy, Aarthi Natarajan, Asta Roseway, Geeven Singh, George Joy, Ranjib Singh Badh, Richard Michael Eames, Marcella C. S. Rader, Alexander K. Heron, Vasudha Chandrasekaran, Nicole Danielle Steinbok, Steven Abrahams, Troy A. Schauls, Amy Wai-Yee Ip, Melora Zaner-Godsey, Seshagiri Panchapagesan, Jeroen Van Turennout, Vlad Cretu
-
Patent number: 8012023Abstract: Systems and methods that provide for a virtual reality entertainment system that supplies immersive entertainment and creates a sensation for a user similar to having guests in a remote location to be physically present as virtual guests. Such virtual reality entertainment system can supply a graphic and/or audio; wherein interconnected computers, video and audio processing devices, supply a live interaction between a user and a guest(s). Although guests are only present virtually (e.g., electronically present with other objects/user within the environment) such virtual invitation enables a user and guests to concurrently experience the entertainment together (e.g., a live sporting event, spectator game). In a related aspect, the subject innovation can implement holographic avatars, and a plurality of communication interfaces, to imitate (and/or transform) a relationship between the user and the virtual guests/surrounding environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William H. Gates, III, Gary W. Flake, Alexander G. Gounares, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, Christopher W. Brumme, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Daniel S. Glasser, James R. Larus, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Debi P. Mishra, Amit Mital, Ira L. Snyder, Jr., Melora Zaner-Godsey
-
Patent number: 7930197Abstract: Personal data mining mechanisms and methods are employed to identify relevant information that otherwise would likely remain undiscovered. Users supply personal data that can be analyzed in conjunction with data associated with a plurality of other users to provide useful information that can improve business operations and/or quality of life. Personal data can be mined alone or in conjunction with third party data to identify correlations amongst the data and associated users. Applications or services can interact with such data and present it to users in a myriad of manners, for instance as notifications of opportunities.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Raymond E. Ozzie, William H. Gates, III, Gary W. Flake, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, Christopher W. Brumme, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Nishant V. Dani, Dane A. Glasgow, Daniel S. Glasser, Alexander G. Gounares, James R. Larus, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Debi P. Mishra, Amit Mital, Ira L. Snyder, Jr., Chandramohan A. Thekkath, David R. Treadwell, III, Melora Zaner-Godsey
-
Publication number: 20110072098Abstract: A system described herein includes a receiver component that receives a request to create a persistent messaging group for an instant messaging application, wherein the request includes an indication of one or more entities that are desired to be members of the persistent messaging group. The system further includes a group creator component that creates the persistent messaging group based at least in part upon the received group creation request, wherein the persistent messaging group is persisted over multiple instant messaging sessions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Scott Moudy, Aarthi Natarajan, Asta Roseway, Geeven Singh, George Joy, Ranjib Singh Badh, Richard Michael Eames, Marcella C. S. Rader, Alexandra K. Heron, Vasudha Chandrasekaran, Nicole Danielle Steinbok, Steven Abrahams, Troy A. Schauls, Amy Wai-Yee Ip, Melora Zaner-Godsey, Seshagiri Panchapagesan, Jeroen Van Turennout, Vlad Cretu
-
Patent number: 7895524Abstract: A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Melora Zaner, Kathleen Mulcahy, Erica Sanders, Cesare John Saretto, Eugene Zarahovsky, Eugene Mesgar, Neel Ishwar Murarka, Heather Ferguson, Asta Glatzer, Rama Ranganath, Tammy Savage, John Vert, Linda Stone
-
Patent number: 7865563Abstract: A system described herein includes a receiver component that receives a request to create a persistent messaging group for an instant messaging application, wherein the request includes an indication of one or more entities that are desired to be members of the persistent messaging group. The system further includes a group creator component that creates the persistent messaging group based at least in part upon the received group creation request, wherein the persistent messaging group is persisted over multiple instant messaging sessions.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Inventors: Brian Scott Moudy, Aarthi Natarajan, Asta Roseway, Geeven Singh, George Joy, Ranjib Singh Badh, Richard Michael Eames, Marcella C. S. Rader, Alexandra K. Heron, Vasudha Chandrasekaran, Nicole Danielle Steinbok, Steven Abrahams, Troy A. Schauls, Amy Wai-Yee Ip, Melora Zaner-Godsey, Seshagiri Panchapagesan, Jeroen Van Turennout, Vlad Cretu
-
Publication number: 20100257460Abstract: A communication icon represents a shared connection allowing members of an online group to interact with each other and participate in different activities together. The icon through which the group interacts resides on each group member's desktop and has many attributes including click activation modes and drag and drop functionality. The icon provides each group member with a representation of the group's shared relationship. Any group member can change the group icon and have that change propagated to the computers of the other members of the group. The icon can be activated for both non-verbal and verbal communications as well as activity sharing. Online members of the group are kept apprised of the group's status and activities via a displayed status bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: MELORA ZANER, EUGENE MESGAR, NEEL ISHWAR MURARKA, ASTA GLATZER, KATHLEEN MULCAHY, RAMA RANGANATH, ERICA SANDERS, CESARE JOHN SARETTO, TAMMY SAVAGE, JOHN VERT, EUGENE ZARAKHOVSKY
-
Publication number: 20100229105Abstract: A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: MELORA ZANER, KATHLEEN MULCAHY, ERICA SANDERS, CESARE JOHN SARETTO, EUGENE ZARAKHOVSKY, EUGENE MESGAR, NEEL ISHWAR MURARKA, HEATHER FERGUSON, ASTA GLATZER, RAMA RANGANATH, TAMMY SAVAGE, JOHN VERT, LINDA STONE
-
Patent number: 7783708Abstract: Attachment browser is described. In an embodiment, an attachment browser displays a selection of communications received from multiple sources where each of the communications has an attachment. A representative image of each attachment is organized for display according to an attribute of the respective attachment, and a portion of each communication is displayed proximate an associated representative image to maintain the association of a communication and a respective attachment.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Melora Zaner-Godsey, Asta Roseway, Eun-Kyung Chung, Martin J. Hall, Tammy L Savage, Hosea Frank
-
Patent number: 7747956Abstract: A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Melora Zaner, Kathleen Mulcahy, Erica Sanders, Cesare John Saretto, Eugene Zarahovsky, Eugene Mesgar, Neel Ishwar Murarka, Heather Ferguson, Asta Glatzer, Rama Ranganath, Tammy Savage, John Vert, Linda Stone
-
Patent number: 7721216Abstract: A communication icon represents a shared connection allowing members of an online group to interact with each other and participate in different activities together. The icon through which the group interacts resides on each group member's desktop and has many attributes including click activation modes and drag and drop functionality. The icon provides each group member with a representation of the group's shared relationship. Any group member can change the group icon and have that change propagated to the computers of the other members of the group. The icon can be activated for both non-verbal and verbal communications as well as activity sharing. Online members of the group are kept apprised of the group's status and activities via a displayed status bar.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Melora Zaner, Eugene Mesgar, Neel Ishwar Murarka, Asta Glatzer, Kathleen Mulcahy, Rama Ranganath, Erica Sanders, Cesare John Saretto, Tammy Savage, John Vert, Eugene Zarakhovsky
-
Patent number: 7716150Abstract: Systems and methods that analyze aggregated tagging behavior of users, and evaluate such tagging trends to identify criteria for taxonomy applications. Initially, existence of a possible trend of tagging data based on collective user behavior is determined. Subsequently, tagging trends can be examined to identify that a predetermined convergence criteria has in fact been met, and/or establish such criteria for taxonomy applications. Machine learning systems (implicitly as well as explicitly trained) can be supplied to facilitate determining the trends and the convergence criteria.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Lili Cheng, Gary W. Flake, Alexander G. Gounares, James R. Larus, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Raymond E. Ozzie, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, Christopher W. Brumme, Michael Connolly, Daniel S. Glasser, Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Debi P. Mishra, Melora Zaner-Godsey
-
Patent number: 7702728Abstract: Techniques for enabling mobile shared group interaction are described. Members of a group may access, through a user interface, group activities that provide a shared, synchronous, interactive experience. An interface may be provided via a mobile device such as a cellular telephone that enables members who are mobile to participate in group activities with other members who are also mobile or who are logged on via a non-mobile device such as a desktop computer system.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Melora Zaner, Eun-Kyung Chung, Kathleen Mulcahy, Cesare John Saretto, Asta Roseway, Tammy Savage