Patents by Inventor Michael Connolly

Michael Connolly 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: 20080154720
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can aggregate user information in order to provide shopping route optimization. The architecture can collect data from users or business establishments, and can further make inferences about a user based upon histories, behavior, query responses, as well as from other suitable data sources. By providing the shopping route optimization, the architecture can gain access to rich sets of information, which can in turn improve the optimizations, potentially creating a virtuous cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander G. Gounares, Lili Cheng, David M. Chickering, Michael Connolly, Gary W. Flake, Eric J. Horvitz, Kamal Jain, Christopher A. Meek
  • Publication number: 20080154719
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can quantify a value of a consumer transaction to a market ecosystem. The value to the ecosystem of the transaction can be based upon features of the transaction as well as dynamics unique to the ecosystem. In addition, the value can be monetized as well as aggregated in order to produce a net economic value of a set of transactions involving a particular consumer. The architecture can further facilitate a repatriation of all or portions of the net economic value to the consumer, potentially based upon ranking and/or loyalty tiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander G. Gounares, David M. Chickering, Michael Connolly, Lili Cheng, Gary W. Flake, Eric J. Horvitz, Jeffrey R. Hemmen, Leonard Smith, Tarek Najm
  • Publication number: 20080154915
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can utilize information obtained from a communications system and/or an associated content engine or model in order to facilitate enhanced content recommendations. The information can include content recommendations (e.g., from the content model) as well as information based upon social networking features of the communications system. For example, information such as referrals from friends, family, or other parties that are likely to have firsthand knowledge of interests, objectives, and/or desires of particular consumer that potentially offer a superior data set than conventional data mining by which to form a content recommendation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary W. Flake, Lili Cheng, David M. Chickering, Michael Connolly, Alexander G. Gounares, Jeffrey R. Hemmen, Kamal Jain, Leonard Smith
  • Publication number: 20080154725
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can provide engagement-based incentives designed or intended to enrich or extent a shopping session of a shopper. In particular, the architecture can select an incentive and an engagement, each from a respective set potentially received in whole or in part from one or more vendors. The architecture can select the incentive and/or engagement based upon a location of the shopper, a profile of the shopper, or based upon other transactions occurring during a shopping session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Flake, Jeffrey R. Hemmen, Alexander G. Gounares, David M. Chickering, Eric J. Horvitz, Michael Connolly, Lili Cheng, Kamal Jain, George P. Moromisato
  • Publication number: 20080154703
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate enhanced experiences in connection with consumer shopping and/or vendor advertising. The architecture can receive an intent parameter that relates to a shopping objective of a shopper, associate the shopper with a profile, receive a set of advertisements from one or more vendors, and select a suitable advertisement for display to the shopper based upon the intent parameter and/or the profile. The architecture can also maintain a veracity score for the shopper that can indicate the shopper's tendencies to follow through with objectives listed in the intent parameters. The veracity score can be utilized, e.g., as a benchmark for bidding advertisers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary W. Flake, Lili Cheng, Jeffrey R. Hemmen, Alexander Gounares, David M. Chickering, Eric J. Horvitz, Michael Connolly, Kamal Jain, George P. Moromisato
  • Publication number: 20080154698
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can utilize features of a product to facilitate organization and/or classification of products or product features as well as opinions relating to those products or product features into market identifiers. The market identifiers can aid in aggregating opinions in a more relevant manner that potentially requires less user information about a user in order to achieve bone fide targeting. The architecture can employ data mining techniques to gather information relating to products and opinions thereof in order to create or update data tables and can further allow a user to configure the market identifier in various ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary W. Flake, Lili Cheng, David M. Chickering, Michael Connolly, Alexander G. Gounares, Kamal Jain
  • Publication number: 20080154898
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can create a wish list based upon a variety of inputs and criteria. In one aspect the architecture can generate a wish list based upon one or more images of an item desired by a user. Accordingly, the architecture can examine the image to identify the desired item and to extract relevant features from the item in order to, e.g., match the imaged item to a catalog item for sale by a vendor. In another aspect, the architecture can access information associated with a third party to build a wish list for a user. Appreciably, according to the particular aspect, the wish list can include items that are designated to a particular beneficiary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Gary W. Flake, Alexander G. Gounares
  • Publication number: 20080154917
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate auditing of a customer's possessions in a comprehensive manner. The architecture can facilitate the creation of a media archive of a customer's property, as well as an associated property list extracted based upon, e.g., examination of the archive. The property list can include an entry associated with an item of property and can be transmitted to subsidizing entities to offset the expenses associated with the creation of the archive and the property list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander Gounares, David M. Chickering, Eric J. Horvitz, Michael Connolly, Lili Cheng, Kamal Jain
  • Publication number: 20080154718
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture or extension to an operating system (or component thereof) that can facilitate extensible themes for or advertising integration with a desktop that is managed by the operating system. In particular, the architecture can acquire advertisement content such as ads or advertiser skins, select suitable content for display, and configure the operating system to display the selected content. The architecture also provides mechanisms for identifying suitable locations as well as appropriate time for displaying the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary W. Flake, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Alexander G. Gounares, Jeffrey R. Hemmen, Eric J. Horvitz, Kamal Jain, Leonard Smith
  • Patent number: 7368263
    Abstract: The present invention provides nano-scale devices, including electronic circuits, using DNA molecules as a support structure. DNA binding proteins are used to mask regions of the DNA as a material, such as a metal is coated onto the DNA. Included in the invention are DNA based transistors, capacitors, inductors and diodes. The present invention also provides methods of making integrated circuits using DNA molecules as a support structure. Methods are also included for making DNA based transistors, capacitors, inductors and diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Connolly
  • Publication number: 20080082465
    Abstract: An intelligent personalized agent monitors, regulates, and advises a user in decision-making processes for efficiency or safety concerns. The agent monitors an environment and present characteristics of a user and analyzes such information in view of stored preferences specific to one of multiple profiles of the user. Based on the analysis, the agent can suggest or automatically implement a solution to a given issue or problem. In addition, the agent can identify another potential issue that requires attention and suggests or implements action accordingly. Furthermore, the agent can communicate with other users or devices by providing and acquiring information to assist in future decisions. All aspects of environment observation, decision assistance, and external communication can be flexibly limited or allowed as desired by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, William H. Gates, Raymond E. Ozzie, Gary W. Flake, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, William J. Bolosky, Christopher W. Brumme, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Dane A. Glasgow, Daniel S. Glasser, Alexander G. Gounares, James R. Larus, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Debi P. Mishra, Amit Mital, Ira L. Snyder, Chandramohan A. Thekkath, Melora Zaner-Godsey
  • Publication number: 20080083036
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raymond E. Ozzie, William H. Gates, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Alexander G. Gounares, Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Debi P. Mishra, Ira L. Snyder, Melora Zaner-Godsey
  • Publication number: 20080082393
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raymond E. Ozzie, William H. Gates, 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, Chandramohan A. Thekkath, David R. Treadwell, Melora Zaner-Godsey
  • Publication number: 20080082467
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, William H. Gates, Raymond E. Ozzie, 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, Debi P. Mishra, Amit Mital, Ira L. Snyder, Chandramohan A. Thekkath, David R. Treadwell, Melora Zaner-Godsey
  • Publication number: 20080079752
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: William H. Gates, 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, Melora Zaner-Godsey
  • Publication number: 20080080526
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates preserving and maintaining data and/or services associated with a network service. The network service can be any collection of resources that are maintained by a party (e.g., third-party, off-site, etc.) and accessible by an identified user over a network (e.g., WAN, Internet, etc.). An interface component can receive a termination notification related to the network service. An executor component can relocate at least a portion of one of data and a service associated with the terminated network service to a disparate replacement network service in order to preserve any services and/or data related therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander G. Gounares, Lili Cheng, Gary W. Flake, Arnold N. Blinn, William J. Bolosky, Michael Connolly, James R. Larus, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Debi P. Mishra, Amit Mital, Ira L. Snyder, David R. Treadwell
  • Publication number: 20080082490
    Abstract: The innovation enables generation of an index of cloud-based resources (e.g., data, services, applications). The index can be used to retrieve a subset of the cloud-based resources by analyzing a user-generated or standing query. ‘Identity’ and contextual factors can be incorporated to enable rich indexing as well as subsequent retrieval of meaningful resources. The cloud-based resources can be indexed and/or searched in accordance with diverse criteria including, but not limited to, type, size, data created, date modified, author core identity, object size, etc. As well, the innovation can provide for dynamically indexing and/or searching resources in accordance with current contextual factors including, but not limited to, author current acting capacity (e.g., current identity), current engaged activity of a user, location, time, date, etc. All of these criteria can facilitate indexing and categorizing of the resources for later retrieval and rendering via a rich index view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew B. MacLaurin, Raymond E. Ozzie, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Michael Connolly, Daniel S. Glasser, Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Kartik N. Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20080082464
    Abstract: An intelligent personalized agent monitors, regulates, and advises a user in decision-making processes for efficiency or safety concerns. The agent monitors an environment and present characteristics of a user and analyzes such information in view of stored preferences specific to one of multiple profiles of the user. Based on the analysis, the agent can suggest or automatically implement a solution to a given issue or problem. In addition, the agent can identify another potential issue that requires attention and suggests or implements action accordingly. Furthermore, the agent can communicate with other users or devices by providing and acquiring information to assist in future decisions. All aspects of environment observation, decision assistance, and external communication can be flexibly limited or allowed as desired by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raymond E. Ozzie, William H. Gates, Gary W. Flake, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, William J. Bolosky, Christopher W. Brumme, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, 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, Chandramohan A. Thekkath, Melora Zaner-Godsey
  • Publication number: 20080082466
    Abstract: Systems and methods that recognize items based on aggregated tagging behavior of users regarding the items. Individual users can establish relationships among tagged items and the system analyzes aggregate of such established relationships, to recognize the item and/or infer additional information regarding the items (e.g., wisdom of crowd such as metadata annotations, relevance ranking, and the like). Subsequently, search engine crawlers can be supplied with such additional information (e.g., extra metadata for reverse link search tables) to facilitate enterprise management and search.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Raymond E. Ozzie, Gary W. Flake, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, Christopher W. Brumme, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Daniel S. Glasser, Alexander G. Gounares, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Debi P. Mishra, Melora Zaner-Godsey
  • Publication number: 20080082782
    Abstract: The innovation enables generation of an index of cloud-based resources (e.g., data, services, applications). The index can be used to retrieve a subset of the cloud-based resources by analyzing a user-generated or standing query. ‘Identity’ and contextual factors can be incorporated to enable rich indexing as well as subsequent retrieval of meaningful resources. The cloud-based resources can be indexed and/or searched in accordance with diverse criteria including, but not limited to, type, size, data created, date modified, author core identity, object size, etc. As well, the innovation can provide for dynamically indexing and/or searching resources in accordance with current contextual factors including, but not limited to, author current acting capacity (e.g., current identity), current engaged activity of a user, location, time, date, etc. All of these criteria can facilitate indexing and categorizing of the resources for later retrieval and rendering via a rich index view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Raymond E. Ozzie, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Michael Connolly, Daniel S. Glasser, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Kartik N. Raghavan