Patents by Inventor Ramez Naam

Ramez Naam 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).

  • Patent number: 10853374
    Abstract: A method and media are provided for managing feedback data that will be used for ranking search results. A plurality of user feedback data from more than one user can be aggregated into a search index. The user feedback data can be associated with one or more documents within the index such that the one or more documents can be ranked based on the type of feedback data that is aggregated. Once the documents have been ranked, the ranked documents can be provided to a requester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: James Dai, Julia H. Farago, Natala J. Menezes, Ramez Naam, Saleel Sathe, Hugh E. Williams
  • Patent number: 9396269
    Abstract: Architecture that monitors interaction data (e.g., search queries, query results and click-through rates), and provides users with links to other users that fall into similar categories with respect to the foregoing monitored activities (e.g., providing links to individuals and groups that share common interests and/or profiles). A search engine can be interactively coupled with one or more social networks, and that maps individuals and/or groups within respective social networks to subsets of categories associated with searches. A database stores mapped information which can be continuously updated and reorganized as links within the system mapping become stronger or weaker. The architecture can comprise a social network system that includes a database for mapping search-related information to an entity of a social network, and a search component for processing a search query for search results and returning a link to an entity of a social network based on the search query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Meek, Eric J. Horvitz, Joshua T. Goodman, Gary W. Flake, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Anoop Gupta, Ramez Naam, Kenneth A. Moss, William H. Gates, III, John C. Platt, Trenholme J. Griffin, Bradly A. Brunell
  • Patent number: 9141704
    Abstract: Architecture that monitors interaction data (e.g., search queries, query results and click-through rates), and provides users with links to other users that fall into similar categories with respect to the foregoing monitored activities (e.g., providing links to individuals and groups that share common interests and/or profiles). A search engine can be interactively coupled with one or more social networks, and that maps individuals and/or groups within respective social networks to subsets of categories associated with searches. A database stores mapped information which can be continuously updated and reorganized as links within the system mapping become stronger or weaker. The architecture can comprise a social network system that includes a database for mapping search-related information to an entity of a social network, and a search component for processing a search query for search results and returning a link to an entity of a social network based on the search query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Meek, Eric J. Horvitz, Joshua T. Goodman, Gary W. Flake, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Anoop Gupta, Ramez Naam, Kenneth A. Moss, William H. Gates, III, John C. Platt, Trenholme J. Griffin, Bradly A. Brunell
  • Patent number: 8812534
    Abstract: Architecture for completing search queries by using artificial intelligence based schemes to infer search intentions of users. Partial queries are completed dynamically in real time. Additionally, search aliasing can also be employed. Custom tuning can be performed based on at least query inputs in the form of text, graffiti, images, handwriting, voice, audio, and video signals. Natural language processing occurs, along with handwriting recognition and slang recognition. The system includes a classifier that receives a partial query as input, accesses a query database based on contents of the query input, and infers an intended search goal from query information stored on the query database. A query formulation engine receives search information associated with the intended search goal and generates a completed formal query for execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Platt, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Trenholme J. Griffin, Anoop Gupta, Gary W. Flake, Ramez Naam, Joshua T. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8484179
    Abstract: Search results and associated search-result details are provided in response to user queries. Embodiments include identifying a number of search-result details for different indexed search results, identifying one or more detail-attributes for each search-result detail, and identifying one or more user-attributes for a particular user. These search results, associated search-result details, and associated detail-attributes may be stored in a database. Upon receiving a search query from the user, search results may be generated. Search-result details specific to each search result and specific to the end-user may also be generated by identifying the detail-attributes associated with each search-result detail and the user-attributes associated with the end-user. These search results may then be presented to the end-user. Upon receiving an indication of interest in a particular search result, the search result details may then be presented to the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Tran, Mira Lane, Eric Michael Schurman, Kemp Crockett Peterson, Jamie Paul Buckley, Richard Leigh Mains, Evan Nicklas Wu Malahy, Ramez Naam
  • Patent number: 8458349
    Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to anonymous network interaction. More specifically, mechanisms are provided to ensure anonymity with respect network interaction such that third parties are unable to determine the source and/or intent of communications. Accordingly, entities may anonymize all outgoing and/or incoming data packets so as to mitigate outside entities from learning about information being sought and/or provided. For example, a user or corporation may employ an anonymizer with respect to web searching so that outside entities are not able to determine what information is attempted to be accessed and by whom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bradly A. Brunell, Susan T. Dumais, Joshua T. Goodman, Eric J. Horvitz, Gary Flake, Anoop Gupta, Christopher A. Meek, Ramez Naam, Kyle Peltonen
  • Publication number: 20120239653
    Abstract: Architecture for completing search queries by using artificial intelligence based schemes to infer search intentions of users. Partial queries are completed dynamically in real time. Additionally, search aliasing can also be employed. Custom tuning can be performed based on at least query inputs in the form of text, graffiti, images, handwriting, voice, audio, and video signals. Natural language processing occurs, along with handwriting recognition and slang recognition. The system includes a classifier that receives a partial query as input, accesses a query database based on contents of the query input, and infers an intended search goal from query information stored on the query database. A query formulation engine receives search information associated with the intended search goal and generates a completed formal query for execution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Platt, Gary W. Flake, Ramez Naam, Anoop Gupta, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Trenholme J. Griffin, Joshua T. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8260809
    Abstract: Architecture for completing search queries by using artificial intelligence based schemes to infer search intentions of users. Partial queries are completed dynamically in real time. Additionally, search aliasing can also be employed. Custom tuning can be performed based on at least query inputs in the form of text, graffiti, images, handwriting, voice, audio, and video signals. Natural language processing occurs, along with handwriting recognition and slang recognition. The system includes a classifier that receives a partial query as input, accesses a query database based on contents of the query input, and infers an intended search goal from query information stored on the query database. A query formulation engine receives search information associated with the intended search goal and generates a completed formal query for execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Platt, Gary W. Flake, Ramez Naam, Anoop Gupta, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Trenholme J. Griffin
  • Patent number: 8190627
    Abstract: Architecture for completing search queries by using artificial intelligence based schemes to infer search intentions of users. Partial queries are completed dynamically in real time. Additionally, search aliasing can also be employed. Custom tuning can be performed based on at least query inputs in the form of text, graffiti, images, handwriting, voice, audio, and video signals. Natural language processing occurs, along with handwriting recognition and slang recognition. The system includes a classifier that receives a partial query as input, accesses a query database based on contents of the query input, and infers an intended search goal from query information stored on the query database. A query formulation engine receives search information associated with the intended search goal and generates a completed formal query for execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Platt, Gary W. Flake, Ramez Naam, Anoop Gupta, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Trenholme J. Griffin, Joshua T. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8122041
    Abstract: Sharing of search histories is facilitated with a computer based system and method that allow a searcher to share search results generated without prior authentication of an identity with a search engine. Sharing and collaboration are further facilitated by allowing search history items to be shared with a minimum of additional searcher input. Context for the search history items is provided by associating a search query with an accessed document link without requiring separate tagging of the link by the searcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sreeharsha Kamireddy, Cory Hicks, Michael Schechter, Rick Gruenhagen, Ramez Naam
  • Patent number: 8060524
    Abstract: A system, method, and medium are provided for providing a personalized answer to a user-defined search query by utilizing the user's search history. A search session is instantiated, and search queries, search results, user selections of search results, and other information is recorded. A search query is received and analyzed to determine whether the query reflects user intent to re-find a search result that the user previously was presented in response to a previously issued search query. Search results pages provided to the user in response to queries include a personalized history answer that represents a previously viewed search result that the user may be attempting to re-find.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Austin Schechter, Ramez Naam
  • Publication number: 20110238829
    Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to anonymous network interaction. More specifically, mechanisms are provided to ensure anonymity with respect network interaction such that third parties are unable to determine the source and/or intent of communications. Accordingly, entities may anonymize all outgoing and/or incoming data packets so as to mitigate outside entities from learning about information being sought and/or provided. For example, a user or corporation may employ an anonymizer with respect to web searching so that outside entities are not able to determine what information is attempted to be accessed and by whom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradly A. Brunell, Susan T. Dumais, Joshua T. Goodman, Eric J. Horvitz, Gary Flake, Anoop Gupta, Christopher A. Meek, Ramez Naam, Kyle Peltonen
  • Patent number: 8005810
    Abstract: Architecture that allows a user to search for content or to restrict an online search to a limited number of websites and/or blog sites. Architecture is provided that facilitates data searching via a source component that includes data representative of a website or a blog, and a search component that processes the data to restrict or bias a query based in part on the data. The source component can include one or more of a favorites list, a blogroll, a pointer to an XML file, or a pointer to an OPML (outline processor markup language) file to specify a list of sites or blogs which they frequent. The search component processes a search query and restricts or biases the search by specifying a list of sites or blogs which are contained in the data of the source component, for example, the favorites list, the pointer to an XML file, the pointer to an OPML file, and the blogroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ramez Naam, Randall F. Kern, Oliver Hurst-Hiller
  • Patent number: 7984169
    Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to anonymous network interaction. More specifically, mechanisms are provided to ensure anonymity with respect network interaction such that third parties are unable to determine the source and/or intent of communications. Accordingly, entities can anonymize all outgoing and/or incoming data packets so as to mitigate outside entities from learning about information being sought and/or provided. For example, a user or corporation can employ an anonymizer with respect to web searching so that outside entities are not able to determine what information is attempted to be accessed and by whom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Bradly A. Brunell, Susan T. Dumais, Joshua T. Goodman, Eric J. Horvitz, Gary Flake, Anoop Gupta, Christopher A. Meek, Ramez Naam, Kyle Peltonen
  • Publication number: 20110167053
    Abstract: A system that can analyze a multi-dimensional input thereafter establishing a search query based upon extracted features from the input. In a particular example, an image can be used as an input to a search mechanism. Pattern recognition and image analysis can be applied to the image thereafter establishing a search query that corresponds to features extracted from the image input. The system can also facilitate indexing multi-dimensional searchable items thereby making them available to be retrieved as results to a search query. More particularly, the system can employ text analysis, pattern and/or speech recognition mechanisms to extract features from searchable items. These extracted features can be employed to index the searchable items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Lawler, Eric J. Horvitz, Joshua T. Goodman, Anoop Gupta, Christopher A. Meek, Eric D. Brill, Gary W. Flake, Ramez Naam, Surajit Chaudhuri, Oliver Hurst-Hiller
  • Patent number: 7917514
    Abstract: A system that can analyze a multi-dimensional input thereafter establishing a search query based upon extracted features from the input. In a particular example, an image can be used as an input to a search mechanism. Pattern recognition and image analysis can be applied to the image thereafter establishing a search query that corresponds to features extracted from the image input. The system can also facilitate indexing multi-dimensional searchable items thereby making them available to be retrieved as results to a search query. More particularly, the system can employ text analysis, pattern and/or speech recognition mechanisms to extract features from searchable items. These extracted features can be employed to index the searchable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Lawler, Eric J. Horvitz, Joshua T. Goodman, Anoop Gupta, Christopher A. Meek, Eric D. Brill, Gary W. Flake, Ramez Naam, Surajit Chaudhuri, Oliver Hurst-Hiller
  • Patent number: 7849093
    Abstract: Architecture is provided for performing multimedia searches and returning media galleries, and then prominently displaying the galleries to a user. The disclosed innovation generates a gallery classifier and then displays found galleries to the user in a new and informative user interface. In one aspect, a system is provided that facilitates searching data for gallery pages. The system includes a gallery classifier that receives web data associated with web pages, and identifies a web page as a gallery page during a search operation. The system also includes a gallery user interface that presents a gallery page and associated content as part of the search process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Julia H. Farago, Nicholas A. Whyte, Ramez Naam
  • Publication number: 20100287183
    Abstract: Sharing of search histories is facilitated with a computer based system and method that allow a searcher to share search results generated without prior authentication of an identity with a search engine. Sharing and collaboration are further facilitated by allowing search history items to be shared with a minimum of additional searcher input. Context for the search history items is provided by associating a search query with an accessed document link without requiring separate tagging of the link by the searcher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: SREEHARSHA KAMIREDDY, CORY HICKS, MICHAEL SCHECHTER, RICK GRUENHAGEN, RAMEZ NAAM
  • Patent number: 7822762
    Abstract: A system that employs an explicitly and/or implicitly trained model in order to return entity-specific computer-based search results is provided. The innovation can provide for a customized search model that focuses search in connection with achieving information that is meaningful with respect to goals of an entity. The model can be used to modify a search query in accordance with a goal of the entity or to generate the search query thereby returning meaningful and/or targeted results to the user. The system can automatically gather entity-related data thereafter determining or inferring a goal as well as training the model. Moreover, the system can selectively configure (e.g., order, rank, filter) and render results to a user based upon the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Payne, Eric J. Horvitz, Alexander G. Gounares, Susan T. Dumais, Kyle G. Peltonen, Gary W. Flake, Xuedong D. Huang, William H. Gates, III, John C. Platt, Oliver Hurst-Hiller, Joshua T. Goodman, Christopher A. Meek, Ramez Naam, Raymond E Ozzie, Eric D. Brill
  • Publication number: 20100268699
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for customizing search result descriptions for results returned by a search engine. The search result descriptions may be obtained through a search over a computer network. The system includes a search result description request component for enabling selection of particular data for retrieval by the search engine. The system additionally includes a search result description generator for retrieving and returning the requested data. The system also includes a search result description renderer for displaying search result descriptions in a selected manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: RAMEZ NAAM