Patents by Inventor Pamela J. Heath
Pamela J. Heath 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: 8460108Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a gaming experience, e.g., an immersive gaming experience, in a networked environment are provided. Gaming experiences generated according to the methods provided herein transform a localized, networked environment into a “virtual game space”, thereby encouraging group and/or team play. Comprehensive assessments about nearby and/or common household devices, systems (e.g., lighting or sound systems), and/or other networked objects (e.g., clothing, furniture, fabric, etc.) are made and dynamically and intelligently woven into the fabric of the game itself. In this way, any networked device within the environment may be called upon to act as a game controller or input/output device, allowing game challenges to be expanded across a room, a home, and even a neighborhood. Methods for scaling a gaming experience uniquely to each environment, depending on the availability and capabilities of networked devices, are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory L. Hendrickson, Jonathan C. Cluts, Pamela J. Heath
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Patent number: 8280771Abstract: A person is viewing a display. By evaluating tracked information about the person, the display and/or the content being viewed, a tracking system determines that an opportunity exists to present an advertisement that is relevant to the person in the context of the person currently viewing the display. The tracking system provides advertiser data for the advertisement and instructions for generating the advertisement to a synthesis system local to the viewer and the viewer's display system, which dynamically synthesizes the advertisement and provides it to the display.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory L. Hendrickson, James T. Reichert, Jonathan C. Cluts, Pamela J. Heath, Sven Pleyer, David W. Baumert, John P. Gallagher, Wistar D. Rinearson, Flora P. Goldthwaite
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Patent number: 8185627Abstract: A method and system are provided for facilitating interaction between a device and a device environment. The system may include a detection module for automatically detecting proximity of a participant within the device environment. The system may additionally include a user-configurable authorization module for authorizing the device to adjust a device user interface in a pre-determined manner in response to the detection of the participant. The system may also provide for sharing resources among multiple participating devices, wherein each of the multiple participating devices has a device specific set of application resources. The system may additionally include a configurable resource regulation mechanism for making the device specific application resources from the second participating device available to the first participating device.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David W. Baumert, Aaron F. Woodman, Flora P. Goldthwaite, Jonathan Cluts, Pamela J. Heath
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Publication number: 20120116888Abstract: A person is viewing a display. By evaluating tracked information about the person, the display and/or the content being viewed, a tracking system determines that an opportunity exists to present an advertisement that is relevant to the person in the context of the person currently viewing the display. The tracking system provides advertiser data for the advertisement and instructions for generating the advertisement to a synthesis system local to the viewer and the viewer's display system, which dynamically synthesizes the advertisement and provides it to the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Gregory L. Hendrickson, James T. Reichert, Jonathan C. Cluts, Pamela J. Heath, Sven Pleyer, David W. Baumert, John P. Gallagher, Wistar D. Rinearson, Flora P. Goldthwaite
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Patent number: 8161531Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing a user to efficiently manage communications. A system for allowing a user having a unique identity is provided, wherein the unique identity is associated with a plurality of electronic devices. The system includes a service for assigning a reference to a user's unique identity, wherein other identities can access the user's unique identity only by using the reference. The system additionally includes permission controls for allowing the user to control access to the unique identity by restricting authorization to a selected set of other identities. Groups of individuals may receive different levels of authorization such that some individuals may be authorized to make live contact and others may be required to leave a message. Preference controls allow the system user to select at least one associated device from a plurality of associated devices for receiving communication upon an access attempt by an authorized user.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Flora P. Goldthwaite, Jonathan Cluts, Pamela J. Heath, David W. Baumert, Sven Pleyer, Aaron F. Woodman, Immaneni Ashok
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Patent number: 8126774Abstract: A person is viewing a display. By evaluating tracked information about the person, the display and/or the content being viewed, a tracking system determines that an opportunity exists to present an advertisement that is relevant to the person in the context of the person currently viewing the display. The tracking system provides advertiser data for the advertisement and instructions for generating the advertisement to a synthesis system local to the viewer and the viewer's display system, which dynamically synthesizes the advertisement and provides it to the display.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory L. Hendrickson, James T. Reichert, Jonathan C. Cluts, Pamela J. Heath, Sven Pleyer, David W. Baumert, John P. Gallagher, Wistar D. Rinearson, Flora P. Goldthwaite
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Publication number: 20110264743Abstract: A method and system are provided for facilitating interaction between a device and a device environment. The system may include a detection module for automatically detecting proximity of a participant within the device environment. The system may additionally include a user-configurable authorization module for authorizing the device to adjust a device user interface in a pre-determined manner in response to the detection of the participant. The system may also provide for sharing resources among multiple participating devices, wherein each of the multiple participating devices has a device specific set of application resources. The system may additionally include a configurable resource regulation mechanism for making the device specific application resources from the second participating device available to the first participating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: DAVID W. BAUMERT, AARON F. WOODMAN, FLORA P. GOLDTHWAITE, JONATHAN CLUTS, PAMELA J. HEATH
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Patent number: 7996514Abstract: A method and system are provided for facilitating interaction between a device and a device environment. The system may include a detection module for automatically detecting proximity of a participant within the device environment. The system may additionally include a user-configurable authorization module for authorizing the device to adjust a device user interface in a pre-determined manner in response to the detection of the participant. The system may also provide for sharing resources among multiple participating devices, wherein each of the multiple participating devices has a device specific set of application resources. The system may additionally include a configurable resource regulation mechanism for making the device specific application resources from the second participating device available to the first participating device.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David W. Baumert, Aaron F. Woodman, Flora P. Goldthwaite, Jonathan Cluts, Pamela J. Heath
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Patent number: 7882548Abstract: A method is provided for using an identity service for protecting identity information during an electronic transaction. The method includes registering an identity client, wherein the identity client possesses an associated multi-component identity. The method further includes regulating access to the multi-component identity such that the identity service authorizes dissemination of fewer than all components of the multi-component identity to an identity requester. Additionally, a method for providing client identity repair protect a client from fraudulent distribution of electronically available client identity information. Upon detection of fraudulent distribution of identity information, a new identity reference is created and attempts to access an old identity reference are tracked. If the attempts to access the old identity reference are authorized, the attempts are re-directed to the new identity reference. However, if the attempts were unauthorized, access to the new identity reference is denied.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Pamela J. Heath, Jonathan C. Cluts, Sven Pleyer
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Publication number: 20100255815Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing a user to efficiently manage communications. A system for allowing a user having a unique identity is provided, wherein the unique identity is associated with a plurality of electronic devices. The system includes a service for assigning a reference to a user's unique identity, wherein other identities can access the user's unique identity only by using the reference. The system additionally includes permission controls for allowing the user to control access to the unique identity by restricting authorization to a selected set of other identities. Groups of individuals may receive different levels of authorization such that some individuals may be authorized to make live contact and others may be required to leave a message. Preference controls allow the system user to select at least one associated device from a plurality of associated devices for receiving communication upon an access attempt by an authorized user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Flora P. Goldthwaite, Jonathan Cluts, Pamela J. Heath, David W. Baumert, Sven Pleyer, Aaron F. Woodman, Immaneni Ashok
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Patent number: 7774823Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing a user to efficiently manage communications. A system for allowing a user having a unique identity is provided, wherein the unique identity is associated with a plurality of electronic devices. The system includes a service for assigning a reference to a user's unique identity, wherein other identities can access the user's unique identity only by using the reference. The system additionally includes permission controls for allowing the user to control access to the unique identity by restricting authorization to a selected set of other identities. Groups of individuals may receive different levels of authorization such that some individuals may be authorized to make live contact and others may be required to leave a message. Preference controls allow the system user to select at least one associated, device from a plurality of associated devices for receiving communication upon an access attempt by an authorized user.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Flora P. Goldthwaite, Jonathan Cluts, Pamela J. Heath, David W. Baumert, Sven Pleyer, Aaron F. Woodman, Immaneni Ashok
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Patent number: 7636853Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in security authentication in a network environment. The present invention enables shared security information by networked devices. It also allows access to networked devices on the basis of authentication surety. The system assigns surety levels on the basis of the modes and methods of user authentication to the network. Further, the present invention allows the gradual decay, of user authentication and thus access to networked devices over time. Further still, the present invention distinguishes between individual identities and personas within the network environment. Surety levels associated with an authentication provide a predetermined level of access to networked devices or device features. The present invention provides improved security and diminishes the risk of fraudulent access to a network via identity theft.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jonathan C. Cluts, Sven Pleyer, Pamela J. Heath
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Patent number: 7596296Abstract: A system and related techniques integrate the accessing, retrieving and playback of enhanced music or other digital media or content, including to permit advanced authoring, mixing and environmental inputs and effects. According to embodiments of the invention in one regard, a user may access a playback engine to retrieve and dynamically mix, manage and integrate music content with environmental sensors and effects such as detection people or numbers or people, lighting effects and other sensory experience. Thus the tempo of a mixed music track may vary with the number or persons in a room or the time of day or night, or lighting effects may brighten or dim based on dynamic contrasts in the music or other content. According to further embodiments, the playback engine may permit a user to link or navigate to other community resources such as a Web site detailing an artist, album, movie or soundtrack, or a bulletin board for consumers with an interest in artists, actors or others.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Inventors: Gregory L. Hendrickson, David W. Baumert, James T. Reichert, Pamela J. Heath, Sven Pleyer
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Patent number: 7571328Abstract: A system and method for distributing digital content over a computer network. A set of digital content is provided in a storage location that is accessible by the network. One or more physical tokens store data related to accessing the set of digital content. When a token is at a remote location, a request for the set of digital content to be presented at the remote location is received. In response to this request, presentation of the digital content is allowed at the remote location.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David W. Baumert, Flora P. Goldthwaite, Gregory L. Hendrickson, Jonathan C. Cluts, Pamela J. Heath
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Patent number: 7499860Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method is provided for enhancing a user experience within an environment. The experience is enhanced using a number of devices that are connected on a network. The method involves monitoring the environment for cues, such as words from a user reading a book. Upon receiving a cue, one or more of the networked devices are prompted to produce a desired effect that is associated with the cue. The experience of those in the environment is enhanced or augmented by the effects produced. The system of the invention uses a computer that executes a script manager component and a device dispatcher component. The script manager component receives the cues and matches the cue with a desired effect that the network device(s) are to produce. The script manager informs the device dispatcher, which instructs the network devices(s) to produce the desired effect.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David William Baumert, Jonathan C. Cluts, Pamela J. Heath, Flora Goldthwaite, Aaron Woodman, Immaneni Ashok
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Patent number: 7363591Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in customizing, organizing and presenting digital information for selection and interaction by end users. The present invention conveys multiple pieces of information to a user in a multi-dimensional metaphor. A user is presented with a selection of content options that are catered to the user. Presented information is filtered on the basis of configurable user criteria, wherein the criteria includes both what is represented and how it is presented, as it relates to current and past user choices of content. The present invention also presents ancillary information that is associated with the digital content. Additionally, the present invention provides user interface features directed to content from a variety of media, including on air, video, photos, music, games and books.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Flora Goldthwaite, Immaneni Ashok, David William Baumert, Jonathan C. Cluts, Sven Pleyer, Pamela J. Heath, Aaron Woodman
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Patent number: 7162640Abstract: A method is provided for using an identity service for protecting identity information during an electronic transaction. The method includes registering an identity client, wherein the identity client possesses an associated multi-component identity. The method further includes regulating access to the multi-component identity such that the identity service authorizes dissemination of fewer than all components of the multi-component identity to an identity requestor. Additionally, a method for providing client identity repair protect a client from fraudulent distribution of electronically available client identity information. Upon detection of fraudulent distribution of identity information, a new identity reference is created and attempts to access an old identity reference are tracked. If the attempts to access the old identity reference are authorized, the attempts are re-directed to the new identity reference. However, if the attempts were unauthorized, access to the new identity reference is denied.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Pamela J. Heath, Jonathan C. Cluts, Sven Pleyer
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Publication number: 20040268153Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing a user to efficiently manage communications. A system for allowing a user having a unique identity is provided, wherein the unique identity is associated with a plurality of electronic devices. The system includes a service for assigning a reference to a user's unique identity, wherein other identities can access the user's unique identity only by using the reference. The system additionally includes permission controls for allowing the user to control access to the unique identity by restricting authorization to a selected set of other identities. Groups of individuals may receive different levels of authorization such that some individuals may be authorized to make live contact and others may be required to leave a message. Preference controls allow the system user to select at least one associated, device from a plurality of associated devices for receiving communication upon an access attempt by an authorized user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Flora P. Goldthwaite, Jonathan Cluts, Pamela J. Heath, David W. Baumert, Sven Pleyer, Aaron F. Woodman, Immaneni Ashok
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Publication number: 20040187013Abstract: A method is provided for using an identity service for protecting identity information during an electronic transaction. The method includes registering an identity client, wherein the identity client possesses an associated multi-component identity. The method further includes regulating access to the multi-component identity such that the identity service authorizes dissemination of fewer than all components of the multi-component identity to an identity requestor. The invention additionally includes a method for providing client identity repair in order to protect a client from fraudulent distribution of electronically available client identity information. The method for providing repair includes creating a new identity reference upon detection of fraudulent distribution of identity information and tracking attempts to access an old identity reference.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Pamela J. Heath, Jonathan C. Cluts, Sven Pleyer
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Publication number: 20040153656Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in security authentication in a network environment. The present invention enables shared security information by networked devices. It also allows access to networked devices on the basis of authentication surety. The system assigns surety levels on the basis of the modes and methods of user authentication to the network. Further, the present invention allows the gradual decay, of user authentication and thus access to networked devices over time. Further still, the present invention distinguishes between individual identities and personas within the network environment. Surety levels associated with an authentication provide a predetermined level of access to networked devices or device features. The present invention provides improved security and diminishes the risk of fraudulent access to a network via identity theft.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Jonathan C. Cluts, Sven Pleyer, Pamela J. Heath