Patents by Inventor Michael R. Longé

Michael R. Longé 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: 20100277416
    Abstract: A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: TEGIC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. LONGE, Brian PALMER, Keith Charles HULLFISH, Doug BRAMS
  • Publication number: 20100271299
    Abstract: A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: JAMES STEPHANICK, Christina James, Ethan R. Bradford, Michael R. Longe
  • Patent number: 7821503
    Abstract: A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: James Stephanick, Christina James, Ethan R. Bradford, Michael R. Longé
  • Publication number: 20100257478
    Abstract: There is disclosed an enhanced text entry system which uses word-level analysis to correct inaccuracies automatically in user keystroke entries on reduced-size or virtual keyboards. A method and system are defined which determine one or more alternate textual interpretations of each sequence of inputs detected within a designated auto-correcting region. The actual interaction locations for the keystrokes may occur outside the boundaries of the specific keyboard key regions associated with the actual characters of the word interpretations proposed or offered for selection, where the distance from each interaction location to each corresponding intended character may in general increase with the expected frequency of the intended word in the language or in a particular context. Likewise, in a virtual keyboard system, the keys actuated may differ from the keys actually associated with the letters of the word interpretations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Michael R. LONGE, Pim Van MEURS
  • Patent number: 7778818
    Abstract: A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Longe, Brian Palmer, Keith Charles Hullfish, Doug Brams
  • Publication number: 20100188338
    Abstract: Interchangeable input modules, such as keypads, having user input devices configured to mate with base devices are described herein. The user input devices may include pluralities of inputs, such as input keys, associated with languages. The interchangeable input modules may further include storage components configured to store configuration data, linguistic structures, and/or predictive logic. Additionally, the interchangeable input modules may have interfaces configured to electrically couple the interchangeable input modules to the base devices after the interchangeable input modules are mated with the base devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Michael R. Longe
  • Publication number: 20100174529
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Ethan Robert Bradford, Keith Charles Hullfish, David J. Kay, Pim Van Meurs, Michael R. Longe
  • Patent number: 7750891
    Abstract: A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: James Stephanick, Christina James, Ethan R. Bradford, Michael R. Longé
  • Patent number: 7720682
    Abstract: From a text entry tool, a digital data processing device receives inherently ambiguous user input. Independent of any other user input, the device interprets the received user input against a vocabulary to yield candidates such as words (of which the user input forms the entire word or part such as a root, stem, syllable, affix), or phrases having the user input as one word. The device displays the candidates and applies speech recognition to spoken user input. If the recognized speech comprises one of the candidates, that candidate is selected. If the recognized speech forms an extension of a candidate, the extended candidate is selected. If the recognized speech comprises other input, various other actions are taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: James Stephanick, Richard Eyraud, David Jon Kay, Pim Van Meurs, Ethan Bradford, Michael R. Longe
  • Patent number: 7712053
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Robert Bradford, Keith Charles Hullfish, David J. Kay, Pim Van Meurs, Michael R. Longe
  • Publication number: 20090284471
    Abstract: There is disclosed an enhanced text entry system which uses word-level analysis to correct inaccuracies automatically in user keystroke entries on reduced-size or virtual keyboards. A method and system are defined which determine one or more alternate textual interpretations of each sequence of inputs detected within a designated auto-correcting region. The actual interaction locations for the keystrokes may occur outside the boundaries of the specific keyboard key regions associated with the actual characters of the word interpretations proposed or offered for selection, where the distance from each interaction location to each corresponding intended character may in general increase with the expected frequency of the intended word in the language or in a particular context. Likewise, in a virtual keyboard system, the keys actuated may differ from the keys actually associated with the letters of the word interpretations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Longe, Pim Van Meurs
  • Publication number: 20090213134
    Abstract: A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: James Stephanick, Christina James, Ethan R. Bradford, Michael R. Longe
  • Publication number: 20090138828
    Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method includes presenting a user interface having a visual representation for each of multiple ongoing conversations involving a recipient user identity who is associated with each of the conversations. Message activity of the recipient user identity with respect to one or more of the multiple ongoing conversations is monitored and activity level associated with at least one incoming message for a recipient user identity is identified based upon the monitored message activity. The monitored message activity includes the recipient user identity's interaction with a conversation associated with the incoming message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: AOL LLC
    Inventors: David Schultz, Michael R. Longe, W. Karl Renner
  • Publication number: 20090016499
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of transmitting electronic messages in a computer environment. The preferred embodiment receives an electronic message addressed to a telephone number and determines an instant message identifier associated with the telephone number. In response to the determination that an instant message identifier associates with the telephone number, it is further determined whether an instant message receiver is available to receive messages addressed to the instant message identifier. In response to a determination that an instant message receiver is available to receive instant messages addressed to the instant message identifier, the electronic message is forwarded as an instant message addressed to the instant message identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: AOL, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (formerly known as America Online, Inc.)
    Inventors: Keith C. Hullfish, Charles A. Carey, Michael R. Longe, Joe Parr
  • Publication number: 20080291059
    Abstract: A computer receives user entry of a sequence of keypresses, representing an intended series of letters collectively spelling-out some or all of a desired textual object. Resolution of the intended series of letters and the desired textual object is ambiguous, however, because some or all of the key presses individually represent multiple letters. The computer interprets the keypresses utilizing concurrent, competing strategies, including one-keypress-per-letter and multi-tap interpretations. The computer displays a combined output of proposed interpretations and completions from both strategies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Michael R. Longe
  • Patent number: 7428580
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of transmitting electronic messages in a computer environment. The preferred embodiment receives an electronic message addressed to a telephone number and determines an instant message identifier associated with the telephone number. In response to the determination that an instant message identifier associates with the telephone number, it is further determined whether an instant message receiver is available to receive messages addressed to the instant message identifier. In response to a determination that an instant message receiver is available to receive instant messages addressed to the instant message identifier, the electronic message is forwarded as an instant message addressed to the instant message identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: AOL LLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Hullfish, Charles A. Carey, Michael R. Longé, Joe Parr
  • Publication number: 20080126073
    Abstract: A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Michael R. Longe, Brian Palmer, Keith Charles Hullfish, Doug Brams
  • Patent number: 7286115
    Abstract: A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Longe, Brian Palmer, Keith Charles Hullfish, Doug Brams
  • Patent number: 7277088
    Abstract: A method and system are defined which determine one or more alternate textual interpretations of each sequence of inputs detected within a designated auto-correcting keyboard region. The actual contact locations for the keystrokes may occur outside the boundaries of the specific keyboard key regions associated with the actual characters of the word interpretations proposed or offered for selection, where the distance from each contact location to each corresponding intended character may in general increase with the expected frequency of the intended word in the language or in a particular context. Likewise, in a mechanical keyboard system, the keys actuated may differ from the keys actually associated with the letters of the word interpretations. Each such sequence corresponds to a complete word, and the user can easily select the intended word from among the generated interpretations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Alex Robinson, Michael R. Longe
  • Patent number: 7164367
    Abstract: An efficient and simple approach to encoding ideographic characters as sequences of input strokes or stroke categories is disclosed, wherein: each character is represented by one or more sequences of one or more components; each component corresponds to a plurality of alternative stroke sequences, each of which is associated with a probability that it will be the sequence which the user enters to specify the given component or character; and the probability associated with the user's preferred stroke sequence is automatically increased by the system when the character is selected, thus automatically adapting to a user's preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: America Online, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford A. Kushler, Michael R. Longe, Pim Van Meurs, Keng Chong Wong