Patents by Inventor Michael W. Van Flandern
Michael W. Van Flandern 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).
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Patent number: 8015580Abstract: A unified discovery interface presents broadcast discovery data relating to broadcast content available via a broadcast channel and non-broadcast discovery data relating to non-broadcasting content available via a virtual channel of the unified discovery interface. In one implementation, the virtual channel is customizable via a discovery interface relationship parameter that indicates a relationship of the virtual channel within the unified discovery interface. The unified discovery interface allows a user to select between broadcast media content available via a broadcast channel and non-broadcast media content available via the virtual channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Poling, Jr., Frederic Azera, Jeffrey C. Fong, Michael W. Van Flandern, Christen Coomer
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Patent number: 8005838Abstract: A discovery interface presents aggregated discovery data in a discovery interface through which a user may select between television content and Internet Protocol content. In one implementation, the discovery interface includes a television channel region associated with a television channel that lists television programs. The discovery interface further includes an Internet Protocol content region associated with the television channel that lists Internet Protocol content based on user navigation within the television channel region.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael W. Van Flandern, Christen Coomer, Daniel L. Poling, Jr., Frederic Azera, Jeffrey C. Fong
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Patent number: 7840979Abstract: A discovery interface facilitates the selection of available media content. Content-relevant graphical tiles are displayed in strips within the discovery interface. In this manner, a user can survey graphics associated with available content. When the discovery interface section (e.g., a row) is in focus, the graphical tiles are expanded as compared to the tiles in sections that are not in focus to provide easier viewing by the user. Furthermore, when an individual tile is in focus, then the tile expands further to be wider and taller than any of the other tiles in the associated tile strip. In one implementation, the focused tile is also highlighted, such as with a distinguishing border. In another implementation, metadata associated with the content of the focused tile is displayed in the proximity of the focused tile.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Poling, Jr., Frederic Azera, Jeffrey C. Fong, Michael W. Van Flandern, Christen Coomer, John Elsbree
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Publication number: 20100115553Abstract: A discovery interface presents aggregated discovery data in a discovery interface through which a user may select between television content and Internet Protocol content. In one implementation, the discovery interface includes a television channel region associated with a television channel that lists television programs. The discovery interface further includes an Internet Protocol content region associated with the television channel that lists Internet Protocol content based on user navigation within the television channel region.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Michael W. Van Flandern, Christen Coomer, Daniel L. Poling, JR., Frederic Azera, Jeffrey C. Fong
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Patent number: 7675922Abstract: A computing system is equipped with one or more ports, each of which includes a plurality of coupler lines configured to engage connectors that may be associated with different types of external services and/or devices, including public switched telephone networks, Ethernet networks, ISDN networks, and/or telephone devices. Upon detecting a connection to a port, a controller evaluates at least one electrical property of the lines of the port. Based on the evaluation, the controller determines if the port is engaged with a known type of service or device. When the type of service or device is known, the controller selectively switches a plurality of port lines to appropriate communications subsystems to enable the computing system to communicate with the device or service. For example, a conventional telephone device can then be used as an audio input/output device for communication over the Internet rather than over a public switched telephone network.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Chad L Magendanz, Manolito E Adan, Michael W Van Flandern, Mohamed Belali, Pasquale Demaio, Thomas G Phillips, William J Westerinen
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Patent number: 7647332Abstract: A unified discovery interface that presents aggregated discovery data for media content available via multiple content delivery types is provided. In one implementation, the discovery data may be aggregated via a discovery data ingestion module to provide a compilation accessible by one or more client modules. The one or more client modules may present the aggregated discovery data in the unified discovery interface through which a user may select between first media content available via a first content delivery type and second media content available via a second content delivery type. In another implementation, a client module may aggregate discovery data and provide a unified discovery interface through which a user may select between first media content available via a first content delivery type and second media content available via a second content delivery type.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael W. Van Flandern, Christen Coomer, Daniel L. Poling, Jr., Frederic Azera, Jeffrey C. Fong
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Publication number: 20090305695Abstract: A system and method for improved real-time communications in a computer system that eliminates the distinctions between various communication devices, communication channels and types of communication, including voice, text and video, is provided. When connected for communication, the user may easily move between modalities, including switching devices on which the user is communicating, switching networks, and transitioning between types of communication. A computer system includes various integrated communications-related devices, and a controller controls those devices based on user actions entered via buttons or user interface software and provides notifications to the user. The user is able to input data via any appropriate input mechanism, and receive data on any suitable output mechanism. Improved non-linear caller ID navigation is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Eric Gould Bear, Chad Magendanz, Aditha May Adams, Carl Ledbetter, Steve Kaneko, Dale C. Crosier, Robert Scott Plank, Michael W. Van Flandern, Pasquale DeMaio
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Patent number: 7630501Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for automatic calibration of an acoustic system. The acoustic system may include a source A/V device, calibration computing device, and multiple rendering devices. The calibration system may include a calibration component attached to each rendering device and a source calibration module. The calibration component on each rendering device includes a microphone. The source calibration module includes distance and optional angle calculation tools for automatically determining a distance between the rendering device and a specified reference point upon return of the test signal from the calibration component.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William Tom Blank, Kevin M. Schofield, Kirk O. Olynyk, Robert G. Atkinson, James David Johnston, Michael W. Van Flandern
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Patent number: 7577429Abstract: A system and method for improved real-time communications in a computer system that eliminates the distinctions between various communication devices, communication channels and types of communication, including voice, text and video, is provided. When connected for communication, the user may easily move between modalities, including switching devices on which the user is communicating, switching networks, and transitioning between types of communication. A computer system includes various integrated communications-related devices, and a controller controls those devices based on user actions entered via buttons or user interface software and provides notifications to the user. The user is able to input data via any appropriate input mechanism, and receive data on any suitable output mechanism. Improved non-linear caller ID navigation is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Eric Gould Bear, Chad Magendanz, Aditha May Adams, Carl Ledbetter, Steve Kaneko, Dale C. Crosier, Robert Scott Plank, Michael W. Van Flandern, Pasquale DeMaio
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Patent number: 7567549Abstract: A computer telephony interface adapter (CTIA) for interfacing a computing device, a telephone, and a telephone network. The CTIA communicates with the telephone network using a telephone network protocol, such as a PSTN or a PBX protocol. Also, the CTIA communicates with a POTS telephone or a PBX telephone according to the telephone network protocol and with the computing device according to a data communication protocol, such as a USB or wireless protocol. The CTIA includes a controller in communication with the telephone network, the telephone, and the computing device. The controller converts communications between the telephone network protocol and the data communication protocol. In addition, the controller selectively couples the telephone into communication with the telephone network and the computing device at the same time. Thus, the CTIA enables local control over real-time shared communication among the telephone, telephone network, and computing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Manolito E. Adan, Michael W. Van Flandern
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Patent number: 7409209Abstract: A user activates switches comprising a keypad of a telephone to produce a dual-tone, multi-frequency (DTMF) signal that controls the characteristics of a wireless control signal that is transmitted to control another device. The DTMF tones produced by the keypad are scanned by a microcontroller or by the processor of a personal computer that is coupled to the telephone. In response to detecting predefined DTMF tones from the keypad, an infrared or radio frequency wireless control signal is transmitted to the other device to affect a corresponding control function. For example, when a telephone call is received, the “*” key followed by another predefined key on the keypad can be activated to produce a wireless control signal that causes an audio/video component to be muted. The remote control functionality of the telephone keypad can also be used for other purposes, such as controlling a cursor on a display or making a selection.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Manolito E. Adan, Michael W. Van Flandern
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Publication number: 20080159715Abstract: Content availability online is declaratively or dynamically associated with the presentation of media from a primary media source. The online content is delivered out-of-band with respect to the primary media source for seamless playback alongside the primary content. Traditional media presentation through broadcast television or prerecorded music or video may be extended with new content offerings dynamically delivered using commodity Internet technology either in advance or in real time. Such bonus content may include related video clips and information, cross promotional content, purchase opportunities, extended commercials, and interactive experiences. Particular ancillary content can be personalized per consumer based on their past usage habits.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Eddie Fuasaro, Michael W. Van Flandern, Daniel L. Poling
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Publication number: 20080127281Abstract: A unified discovery interface that presents aggregated discovery data for media content available via multiple content delivery types is provided. In one implementation, the discovery data may be aggregated via a discovery data ingestion module to provide a compilation accessible by one or more client modules. The one or more client modules may present the aggregated discovery data in the unified discovery interface through which a user may select between first media content available via a first content delivery type and second media content available via a second content delivery type. In another implementation, a client module may aggregate discovery data and provide a unified discovery interface through which a user may select between first media content available via a first content delivery type and second media content available via a second content delivery type.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael W. Van Flandern, Christen Coomer, Daniel L. Poling, Frederic Azera, Jeffrey C. Fong
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Publication number: 20080046928Abstract: A discovery interface facilitates the selection of available media content. Content-relevant graphical tiles are displayed in strips within the discovery interface. In this manner, a user can survey graphics associated with available content. When the discovery interface section (e.g., a row) is in focus, the graphical tiles are expanded as compared to the tiles in sections that are not in focus to provide easier viewing by the user. Furthermore, when an individual tile is in focus, then the tile expands further to be wider and taller than any of the other tiles in the associated tile strip. In one implementation, the focused tile is also highlighted, such as with a distinguishing border. In another implementation, metadata associated with the content of the focused tile is displayed in the proximity of the focused tile.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Poling, Frederic Azera, Jeffrey C. Fong, Michael W. Van Flandern, Christen Coomer, John Elsbree
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Publication number: 20080022310Abstract: A unified discovery interface presents broadcast discovery data relating to broadcast content available via a broadcast channel and non-broadcast discovery data relating to non-broadcasting content available via a virtual channel of the unified discovery interface. In one implementation, the virtual channel is customizable via a discovery interface relationship parameter that indicates a relationship of the virtual channel within the unified discovery interface. The unified discovery interface allows a user to select between broadcast media content available via a broadcast channel and non-broadcast media content available via the virtual channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Patent GroupInventors: Daniel L. Poling, Frederic Azera, Jeffrey C. Fong, Michael W. Van Flandern, Christen Coomer
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Publication number: 20080004960Abstract: A discovery interface including an interactive promotional space is provided. In one implementation, for example, a discovery interface includes links to promotional portals of individual content providers. A user can select one of the links to be redirected to a promotional portal of a content provider. The promotional portal includes a space through which the user may access additional offerings of the content provider. The promotional portal, for example, may include links, such as interactive thumbnails, to additional media content offered by the content provider.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Applicant: Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Patent GroupInventors: Christen Coomer, Daniel L. Poling, Michael W. Van Flandern, Frederic Azera, Jeffrey C. Fong
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Publication number: 20040218583Abstract: A computer telephony interface adapter (CTIA) for interfacing a computing device, a telephone, and a telephone network. The CTIA communicates with the telephone network using a telephone network protocol, such as a PSTN or a PBX protocol. Also, the CTIA communicates with a POTS telephone or a PBX telephone according to the telephone network protocol and with the computing device according to a data communication protocol, such as a USB or wireless protocol. The CTIA includes a controller in communication with the telephone network, the telephone, and the computing device. The controller converts communications between the telephone network protocol and the data communication protocol. In addition, the controller selectively couples the telephone into communication with the telephone network and the computing device at the same time. Thus, the CTIA enables local control over real-time shared communication among the telephone, telephone network, and computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Manolito E. Adan, Michael W. Van Flandern
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Publication number: 20040214562Abstract: A user activates switches comprising a keypad of a telephone to produce a dual-tone, multi-frequency (DTMF) signal that controls the characteristics of a wireless control signal that is transmitted to control another device. The DTMF tones produced by the keypad are scanned by a microcontroller or by the processor of a personal computer that is coupled to the telephone. In response to detecting predefined DTMF tones from the keypad, an infrared or radio frequency wireless control signal is transmitted to the other device to affect a corresponding control function. For example, when a telephone call is received, the “*” key followed by another predefined key on the keypad can be activated to produce a wireless control signal that causes an audio/video component to be muted. The remote control functionality of the telephone keypad can also be used for other purposes, such as controlling a cursor on a display or making a selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Manolito E. Adan, Michael W. Van Flandern
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Patent number: 5793356Abstract: A digital joystick operates in a digital mode or an analog emulation mode. In the digital mode, the joystick generates digital data indicating the position of a control stick and the status of buttons and transmits the digital data to the computer. The joystick may be coupled to the computer through a game port or a conventional interface port. Computer software operating within the computer can receive digital data directly from the joystick if it is operating in the digital mode. When in the analog emulation modes the joystick emulates resistances related to the position of the control stick. The emulated resistance data emulates the value of corresponding resistances in a conventional joystick. The resistance values may be derived from a programmable resistor, a programmable impedance, or a programmable current source. Multiplexers may also be used to couple the appropriate resistance value to the conventional game port input.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1995Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Mark K. Svancarek, Manolito E. Adan, Michael W. Van Flandern, John G. Pierce, Hajime Suzuki, Richard B. Kash
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Patent number: 5786818Abstract: A system and method for minimizing clicks in the operation of a graphical user interface such as the WINDOWS operating environment is disclosed. Provided for minimizing the need for clicking to operate a graphical user interface is a "Focus" feature, which essentially eliminates the need to click. In particular, the Focus feature eliminates the need to single click on predetermined windows and applications in order to establish a "focus". That is, as a user moves a pointer around the screen in Windows, the Focus feature essentially follows the pointer and the equivalent of a single click is sent to objects such as icons or system menus for the desktop environment, such as file manager and program manager in the explorer window of version 3.1, or such as to system menus when the pointer passes over them.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1996Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Timothy T. Brewer, Daniel S. Hoeger, Lora K. McCambridge, Teresa L. Kelsey, Anthony R. Claflin, Kenneth R. Robertson, Michael W. Van Flandern