Patents by Inventor Michael J. Sinclair

Michael J. Sinclair 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: 20170354135
    Abstract: In some implementations, an insect trap includes a plurality of individual cells, with each of the cells being configured to trap very few, and in some instances a single flying insect. Each cell defines a cavity and may be provided with an independently operable door to selectively close the cavity. One or more sensors may sense the presence of an insect to be trapped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander Ching, Ethan Jackson, Michael J. Sinclair, Patrick Therien
  • Publication number: 20170329446
    Abstract: A method, system, and one or more computer-readable storage media for providing multi-dimensional haptic touch screen interaction are provided herein. The method includes detecting a force applied to a touch screen by an object and determining a magnitude, direction, and location of the force. The method also includes determining a haptic force feedback to be applied by the touch screen on the object based on the magnitude, direction, and location of the force applied to the touch screen, and displacing the touch screen in a specified direction such that the haptic force feedback is applied by the touch screen on the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. SINCLAIR, Michel PAHUD, Hrvoje BENKO
  • Patent number: 9715300
    Abstract: A method, system, and one or more computer-readable storage media for providing multi-dimensional haptic touch screen interaction are provided herein. The method includes detecting a force applied to a touch screen by an object and determining a magnitude, direction, and location of the force. The method also includes determining a haptic force feedback to be applied by the touch screen on the object based on the magnitude, direction, and location of the force applied to the touch screen, and displacing the touch screen in a specified direction such that the haptic force feedback is applied by the touch screen on the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Sinclair, Michel Pahud, Hrvoje Benko
  • Publication number: 20170013459
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that effectuate a simple protocol for tangible security on mobile devices. The system can include devices that generate sets of keys and associated secret identifiers, employs the one or more keys to encrypt a secret and utilizes the identifiers and encryptions of the secret to populate a table associated with a security token device that is used in conjunction with a mobile device to release sensitive information persisted on the mobile device for user selected purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: YuQun Chen, Michael J. Sinclair, Josh D. Benaloh
  • Patent number: 9503431
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that effectuate a simple protocol for tangible security on mobile devices. The system can include devices that generate sets of keys and associated secret identifiers, employs the one or more keys to encrypt a secret and utilizes the identifiers and encryptions of the secret to populate a table associated with a security token device that is used in conjunction with a mobile device to release sensitive information persisted on the mobile device for user selected purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: YuQun Chen, Michael J. Sinclair, Josh D. Benaloh
  • Publication number: 20160239092
    Abstract: An example system includes a plurality of moveable light emitters, each moveable light emitter configured to independently emit a display light from a current display location within that moveable light emitter's range of motion responsive to activation from a corresponding light activator. The system also includes a location engine to determine, for each light emitter, the current display location of that light emitter, and a mapping engine to map, for each current display location, the light activator activating the light emitter currently located at that current display location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, Michel Pahud, Eyal Ofek, Yoichi Ochiai, Michael J. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 9396669
    Abstract: A system for generating surgical procedure training media draws upon the realistic data of an actual surgical procedure for realistic training without the risks. A 3D capturing component records three-dimensional model plus imaging data over time of a portion of a patient's body undergoing a surgical procedure. A spatial detection system detects an orientation of a surgical instrument relative to the patient's body during the surgical procedure. A modeling component creates a four-dimensional model (3D model+time) of the portion of the patient's body. Animation such as contingent events, trainee prompts, a virtual surgical instrument, etc., can be added to the model to expand upon the training potential. A user interface processes and edits training media for playback of the four-dimensional model including defining triggers responsive to a trainee simulated surgical inputs to pace sequencing of playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Demetrios Karkanias, Michael J. Sinclair, James R. Hamilton, Oren Rosenbloom, Hubert Van Hoof
  • Publication number: 20160065544
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that effectuate a simple protocol for tangible security on mobile devices. The system can include devices that generate sets of keys and associated secret identifiers, employs the one or more keys to encrypt a secret and utilizes the identifiers and encryptions of the secret to populate a table associated with a security token device that is used in conjunction with a mobile device to release sensitive information persisted on the mobile device for user selected purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: YuQun Chen, Michael J. Sinclair, Josh D. Benaloh
  • Patent number: 9185109
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that effectuate a simple protocol for tangible security on mobile devices. The system can include devices that generate sets of keys and associated secret identifiers, employs the one or more keys to encrypt a secret and utilizes the identifiers and encryptions of the secret to populate a table associated with a security token device that is used in conjunction with a mobile device to release sensitive information persisted on the mobile device for user selected purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Yuqun Chen, Michael J. Sinclair, Josh Benaloh
  • Patent number: 9055607
    Abstract: Multi-modal, multi-lingual devices can be employed to consolidate numerous items including, but not limited to, keys, remote controls, image capture devices, audio recorders, cellular telephone functionalities, location/direction detectors, health monitors, calendars, gaming devices, smart home inputs, pens, optical pointing devices or the like. For example, a corner of a cellular telephone can be used as an electronic pen. Moreover, the device can be used to snap multiple pictures stitching them together to create a panoramic image. A device can automate ignition of an automobile, initiate appliances, etc. based upon relative distance. The device can provide for near to eye capabilities for enhanced image viewing. Multiple cameras/sensors can be provided on a single device to provide for stereoscopic capabilities. The device can also provide assistance to blind, privacy, etc. by consolidating services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Sinclair, Yuan Kong, Zhengyou Zhang, Behrooz Chitsaz, David W. Williams, Silviu-Petru Cucerzan, Zicheng Liu
  • Patent number: 9030532
    Abstract: Stereoscopic image display is described. In an embodiment, a location of the eye pupils of a viewer is determined and tracked. An image is displayed within a first focus for viewing with the left eye of the viewer, and the image is displayed within a second focus for viewing with the right eye of the viewer. A positional change of the eye pupils is tracked and a sequential image that corresponds to the positional change of the eye pupils is generated for stereoscopic viewing. In another embodiment, an image is displayed for stereoscopic viewing and a head position of a viewer relative to a center of the displayed image is determined. A positional change of the viewer's head is tracked, and a sequential image that corresponds to the positional change of the viewer's head is generated for stereoscopic viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Gary K. Starkweather, Michael J. Sinclair, Sing Bing Kang
  • Publication number: 20140247240
    Abstract: A method, system, and one or more computer-readable storage media for providing multi-dimensional haptic touch screen interaction are provided herein. The method includes detecting a force applied to a touch screen by an object and determining a magnitude, direction, and location of the force. The method also includes determining a haptic force feedback to be applied by the touch screen on the object based on the magnitude, direction, and location of the force applied to the touch screen, and displacing the touch screen in a specified direction such that the haptic force feedback is applied by the touch screen on the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Sinclair, Michel Pahud, Hrvoje Benko
  • Patent number: 8552976
    Abstract: Virtual controllers for visual displays are described. In one implementation, a camera captures an image of hands against a background. The image is segmented into hand areas and background areas. Various hand and finger gestures isolate parts of the background into independent areas, which are then assigned control parameters for manipulating the visual display. Multiple control parameters can be associated with attributes of multiple independent areas formed by two hands, for advanced control including simultaneous functions of clicking, selecting, executing, horizontal movement, vertical movement, scrolling, dragging, rotational movement, zooming, maximizing, minimizing, executing file functions, and executing menu choices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Michael J. Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20130233078
    Abstract: An electret accelerometer is provided in which a diaphragm, an electret, a back plate and an electronic circuit are placed in a sealed casing to prevent external acoustic signals from reaching the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 8508447
    Abstract: A pixel includes a primary element and a secondary element. At least a portion of the primary element is deformable between two positions. In one position, the light source is reflected such that the observer observes a dark pixel. In the other position, the light is reflected such that the observer observes a bright pixel. Gray levels of light are viewable by varying between the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anna Pyayt, Gary K. Starkweather, Michael J. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 8448326
    Abstract: An electret accelerometer is provided in which a diaphragm, an electret, a back plate and an electronic circuit are placed in a casing and the casing is sealed to isolate the diaphragm from external acoustic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 8274484
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method is adapted to tracking input with a device. The method includes an act of monitoring and acts of activating and displaying if a touch input is detected. The device has a first side and a second side, with the second side opposite the first side. The device has a display screen disposed on the first side, and a screen-reflective interface disposed on the second side. Respective positions on the screen-reflective interface correspond to respective locations of the display screen. The screen-reflective interface of the device is monitored. If a touch input is detected on the screen-reflective interface, the device performs acts of activating and displaying. Specifically, a tracking state is activated for the screen-reflective interface responsive to the detected touch input on the screen-reflective interface. The interface icon is displayed on the display screen to indicate that the tracking state has been activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick M. Baudisch, Georg F. Petschnigg, David H. Wykes, Albert Yiu-So Shum, Avi Geiger, Kenneth P. Hinckley, Michael J. Sinclair, Joel B. Jacobs, Jonathan D. Friedman, Rosanna H. Ho
  • Patent number: 8180465
    Abstract: A system that facilitates managing resources (e.g., functionality, services) based at least in part upon an established context. More particularly, a context determination component can be employed to establish a context by processing sensor inputs or learning/inferring a user action/preference. Once the context is established via context determination component, a power/mode management component can be employed to activate and/or mask resources in accordance with the established context. The power and mode management of the device can extend life of a power source (e.g., battery) and mask functionality in accordance with a user and/or device state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Sinclair, David W. Williams, Zhengyou Zhang, Zicheng Liu
  • Patent number: 8174508
    Abstract: An input device includes an array of adjacent capacitive sensors arranged into rows and columns. Each capacitive sensor exhibits a capacitance characteristic when in proximity to a conductive element. A plurality of mechanical hysteresis mechanisms are each deposited on and in contact with each of the capacitive sensors and configured to be actuated by a corresponding push button. Each capacitive sensor exhibits an electrical characteristic upon actuation of the corresponding mechanical hysteresis mechanism. An insulating overlay layer positioned over the array of capacitive sensors and the plurality of mechanical hysteresis mechanisms defines each push button and defines a surface for accommodating the conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Sinclair, Ray A. Bittner, David W. Voth
  • Publication number: 20120105315
    Abstract: Virtual controllers for visual displays are described. In one implementation, a camera captures an image of hands against a background. The image is segmented into hand areas and background areas. Various hand and finger gestures isolate parts of the background into independent areas, which are then assigned control parameters for manipulating the visual display. Multiple control parameters can be associated with attributes of multiple independent areas formed by two hands, for advanced control including simultaneous functions of clicking, selecting, executing, horizontal movement, vertical movement, scrolling, dragging, rotational movement, zooming, maximizing, minimizing, executing file functions, and executing menu choices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Michael J. Sinclair