Patents by Inventor Michael B. Orr

Michael B. Orr 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: 20110313996
    Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating a campaign tracking platform for social media marketing are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for collecting click information regarding tracking links is provided. A tracking link is generated corresponding to a target source of content through which a subscriber of the social media campaign tracking platform can share the content with third parties via social media. The tracking link has encoded therein structured metadata indicative of a social media action within which the tracking link is contained. Responsive to receiving a click-through event for the tracking link from a requestor, click information is stored in a consumption database associated with the social media campaign tracking platform and the requestor is redirected to the target source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Strauss, Corey W. Reece, Michael B. Orr
  • Patent number: 7461332
    Abstract: A three-way separation of information in a document includes content, design and media aspects. This division supports automatic rendering to multiple forms of media such as print, Intranet, Internet, and OLE embedding. In a particular embodiment, the document is separated into its content, design and media aspects. Content, design, a medium specification are identified and layout is performed as per the three aspects. In one embodiment, an information data structure is provided that includes three tree structures: a design tree, a content tree and a media tree. A media division data structure is associated with a parent component in a composition. The parent component has a parent region in a medium and has child components. Each child component is associated with a child region of the medium. The media division data structure provides rules, properties and values for performing layout in a particular region of the medium. Layout may be performed on a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Keith S. Brintzenhofe, Nathan W. Everett, Gay Linda Gardner, Joseph King, Geoffrey Von Limbach, Marc B. McDonald, Michael B. Orr, Steven E. Weil
  • Patent number: 6928610
    Abstract: A three-way separation of information in a document includes content, design and media aspects. This division supports automatic rendering to multiple forms of media such as print, Intranet, Internet, and OLE embedding. In a particular embodiment, the document is separated into its content, design and media aspects. Content, design, a medium specification are identified and layout is performed as per the three aspects. In one embodiment, an information data structure is provided that includes three tree structures: a design tree, a content tree and a media tree. A media division data structure is associated with a parent component in a composition. The parent component has a parent region in a medium and has child components. Each child component is associated with a child region of the medium. The media division data structure provides rules, properties and values for performing layout in a particular region of the medium. Layout may be performed on a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Keith S. Brintzenhofe, Nathan W. Everett, Gay Linda Gardner, Joseph King, Geoffrey von Limbach, Marc B. McDonald, Michael B. Orr, Steven E. Weil
  • Patent number: 6734871
    Abstract: A scheme data structure is used for applying a set of coordinated attributes to any number of components within a composition such as a document, Internet web page, computer screen etc. A scheme data structure allows a user to easily apply variations of professionally designed font, color, graphic, paragraph and other schemes to a composition. The data structure includes a scheme instance category indicating a type of scheme and a number of attributes corresponding to the scheme instance category. The structure has a number of scheme slots, and each scheme slot can be associated with zero or more components of the composition. Each of the scheme slots is arranged to hold a distinct value for each of the attributes. Thus, for each of the scheme slots, the scheme instance data structure may be used to apply values of attributes to the components of the composition associated with each scheme slot. Each scheme instance data structure may also have a number of levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Weil, Michael B. Orr, Joseph King, Nathan W. Everett
  • Publication number: 20030079177
    Abstract: A three-way separation of information in a document includes content, design and media aspects. This division supports automatic rendering to multiple forms of media such as print, Intranet, Internet, and OLE embedding. In a particular embodiment, the document is separated into its content, design and media aspects. Content, design, a medium specification are identified and layout is performed as per the three aspects. In one embodiment, an information data structure is provided that includes three tree structures: a design tree, a content tree and a media tree. A media division data structure is associated with a parent component in a composition. The parent component has a parent region in a medium and has child components. Each child component is associated with a child region of the medium. The media division data structure provides rules, properties and values for performing layout in a particular region of the medium. Layout may be performed on a server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Keith S. Brintzenhofe, Nathan W. Everett, Gay Linda Gardner, Joseph King, Geoffrey von Limbach, Marc B. McDonald, Michael B. Orr, Steven E. Weil
  • Patent number: 6480856
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new system for implementing software objects using an object-prototype model. Objects are defined as collections of properties, each having a unique property name. A collection of property names defines a “shape.” The use of shapes frees the representation of an object in memory from the order in which the properties of the object are declared. Methods are defined independently of objects and are applicable to a specified shape, rather than to objects that are derived from a class in which the method is defined. Methods can be applied to any object that has the specified shape or that has a superset of the properties defining the specified shape, regardless of the place of the object in any inheritance hierarchy. The definition of a shape can also include additional selection criteria, such as restrictions on the values of properties, so that the application of a method can be restricted to objects satisfying the specified criteria. The.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Marc B. McDonald, Michael B. Orr
  • Publication number: 20010054050
    Abstract: A scheme data structure is used for applying a set of coordinated attributes to any number of components within a composition such as a document, Internet web page, computer screen etc. A scheme data structure allows a user to easily apply variations of professionally designed font, color, graphic, paragraph and other schemes to a composition. The data structure includes a scheme instance category indicating a type of scheme and a number of attributes corresponding to the scheme instance category. The structure has a number of scheme slots, and each scheme slot can be associated with zero or more components of the composition. Each of the scheme slots is arranged to hold a distinct value for each of the attributes. Thus, for each of the scheme slots, the scheme instance data structure may be used to apply values of attributes to the components of the composition associated with each scheme slot. Each scheme instance data structure may also have a number of levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Steven E. Weil, Michael B. Orr, Joseph King, Nathan W. Everett
  • Patent number: 6278462
    Abstract: A scheme data structure is used for applying a set of coordinated attributes to any number of components within a composition such as a document, Internet web page, computer screen etc. A scheme data structure allows a user to easily apply variations of professionally designed font, color, graphic, paragraph and other schemes to a composition. The data structure includes a scheme instance category indicating a type of scheme and a number of attributes corresponding to the scheme instance category. The structure has a number of scheme slots, and each scheme slot can be associated with zero or more components of the composition. Each of the scheme slots is arranged to hold a distinct value for each of the attributes. Thus, for each of the scheme slots, the scheme instance data structure may be used to apply values of attributes to the components of the composition associated with each scheme slot. Each scheme instance data structure may also have a number of levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Weil, Michael B. Orr, Joseph King, Nathan W. Everett
  • Patent number: 6161114
    Abstract: A method of fitting content elements of a composition to a media layout is disclosed. Each content element has an associated content type, and the media layout has a content rendering space for presenting information contained in the content elements. For each content type, a content scale factor is initialized and extent values are computed. If the content elements do not fit within the media layout, then non-fit factors are determined, the scale factors and extent values are recomputed and these steps are repeated until the content fits. Another method computes a layout of a composition in a recursive fashion using a design tree. Design children components of a current component in the design tree are identified, and new media components between the current component and the identified design children components are created. A media division for each media component indicates a portion of the layout for each media component. Another method computes a layout of a composition for a chosen medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Design Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. King, Geoffrey von Limbach, Marc B. McDonald, Michael B. Orr, Steven E. Weil
  • Patent number: 5978582
    Abstract: A system for implementing software objects using an object-prototype model. Objects are defined as collections of properties, each having a unique property name. A collection of property names defines a "shape." The use of shapes frees the representation of an object in memory from the order in which the properties of the object are declared. Methods are defined independently of objects and are applicable to a specified shape, rather than to objects that are derived from a class in which the method is defined. Methods can be applied to any object that has the specified shape or that has a superset of the properties defining the specified shape, regardless of the place of the object in any inheritance hierarchy. The definition of a shape can also include additional selection criteria, such as restrictions on the values of properties, so that the application of a method can be restricted to objects satisfying the specified criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Marc B. McDonald, Michael B. Orr
  • Patent number: 5956737
    Abstract: A method of fitting content elements of a composition to a media layout is disclosed. Each content element has an associated content type, and the media layout has a content rendering space for presenting information contained in the content elements. For each content type, a content scale factor is initialized and extent values are computed. If the content elements do not fit within the media layout, then non-fit factors are determined, the scale factors and extent values are recomputed and these steps are repeated until the content fits. Another method computes a layout of a composition in a recursive fashion using a design tree. Design children components of a current component in the design tree are identified, and new media components between the current component and the identified design children components are created. A media division for each media component indicates a portion of the layout for each media component. Another method computes a layout of a composition for a chosen medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Design Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. King, Geoffrey von Limbach, Marc B. McDonald, Michael B. Orr, Steven E. Weil
  • Patent number: 5903902
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides for a three-way separation of the information in a document. In a particular embodiment, the document is separated into its content, design and media aspects. In one embodiment, an information data structure is provided that includes three tree structures. A design tree structure represents the design of a composition and includes design components. A content tree structure represents the content of the composition and includes content elements. A media tree structure represents the selected medium of the composition and includes media components. The content and media tree structures are linked to the design tree structure. The design tree structure, the content tree structure and the media tree structure are unique but utilize at least some common components from one another. A component data structure represents a content element within a composition. The component includes a content facet, a design facet and a media facet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Design Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Orr, Nathan W. Everett, Gay Linda Gardner, Joseph D. King, Marc B. McDonald, Geoffrey von Limbach, Steven E. Weil
  • Patent number: 5895476
    Abstract: A three-way separation of information in a document includes content, design and media aspects. This division supports automatic rendering to multiple forms of media such as print, Intranet, Internet, and OLE embedding. A method changes the design of a composition having a current design that is rendered in a particular medium. The composition is represented by components in a current design tree and includes content elements associated with the components. A new design tree is created for the composition based upon a new design and new design components. Next, each of the content elements are linked into an association with one of the new design components such that the set of relationships between the content elements in the context of the new design are maintained. Media layout values are calculated for each content element of the composition. The content elements are laid out in the new design and the new design retains the composition rendered in the particular medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Design Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Orr, Keith S. Brintzenhofe, Joseph D. King, Marc B. McDonald, Geoffrey von Limbach, Steven E. Weil
  • Patent number: 5895477
    Abstract: A three-way separation of information in a document includes content, design and media aspects. This division supports automatic rendering to multiple forms of media such as print, Intranet, Internet, and OLE embedding. A method adds content to a composition having a chosen design and automatically calculates a layout for the composition. A content object is dropped upon a receiving component of the composition. The dropped content object has at least one potential type. A potential type of the content object is matched with a compatible type of the receiving component. Next, the design tree is modified to incorporate the content object, and media layout values are calculated for each content element of the composition The dropped content may change the existing content, may replace it completely, may be inserted into the existing content, may change its properties, or may result in new components being created in the design tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Design Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Orr, Keith S. Brintzenhofe, Joseph D. King, Marc B. McDonald, Geoffrey von Limbach, Steven E. Weil
  • Patent number: 5822587
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new system for implementing software objects using an object-prototype model. Objects are defined as collections of properties, each having a unique property name. A collection of property names defines a "shape." The use of shapes frees the representation of an object in memory from the order in which the properties of the object are declared. Methods are defined independently of objects and are applicable to a specified shape, rather than to objects that are derived from a class in which the method is defined. Methods can be applied to any object that has the specified shape or that has a superset of the properties defining the specified shape, regardless of the place of the object in any inheritance hierarchy. The definition of a shape can also include additional selection criteria, such as restrictions on the values of properties, so that the application of a method can be restricted to objects satisfying the specified criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Design Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc B. McDonald, Michael B. Orr
  • Patent number: 5748963
    Abstract: The invention includes an efficient method of dynamically binding an operation (22) to an implementation. During a first occurrence of the operation, the operation identifier and argument information are compared with entries (52) in a dictionary (50) to determine an appropriate implementation. The operation is modified by replacing the operation identifier (58) and argument information (60) with a reference to a matching entry (52). Upon subsequent execution of the operation, the interpreter checks to see whether the types of the arguments in the current function call match those in the dictionary entry. If they match, the implementation referenced by the dictionary entry is executed. If they do not match, the dictionary is searched for a matching entry. Because most operations do not change types of arguments during most function calls, the invention results in greatly improved efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Design Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Orr