Patents by Inventor Reed Townsend

Reed Townsend 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: 10678373
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and computer-readable media process to distinguish user input device gestures, such as gestures input via a pen in a pen-based computing system, e.g., to quickly and reliably distinguish between electronic ink entry, single taps, double taps, press-and-hold actions, dragging operations, and the like. The devices, methods, and computer-readable media process quickly and reliably distinguishes between input device gestures by utilizing a gesture profile that includes a preferential input type, e.g. to preferentially recognize a received input as a first input type over a second input type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Zotov, Reed Townsend, Steven P. Dodge
  • Patent number: 10620814
    Abstract: Techniques relating to scrolling, object selection, and object moving are discussed. Strokes are inputted by a user, for instance using a touch sensitive surface. Strokes are directed to a scrollable surface with objects therein. Strokes that end before meeting a condition select the objects, and strokes then end after meeting the condition move the objects or representations thereof. The condition may be a distance. Selection may only occur when strokes meet a threshold condition such as having a particular direction (e.g., perpendicular to a direction for scrolling the surface) or moving a minimal distance. Strokes in a scrolling direction (e.g., horizontal) may scroll the surface in that direction and strokes in another direction (e.g., vertical) may both select and move the objects. Objects selected may slide on rails before moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Stephenson, Brian Wheeler, Joyce Wu, Pamela De la Torre Baltierra, Reed Townsend, Uros Batricevic
  • Patent number: 10564739
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a computing device having storage, a processor, a display, a first human input device, and a second human input device, where the first human input device is in a first category of human input devices and the second human input device is in a second category of human input devices. The computing device may perform a process involving executing a windowing environment that manages windows of applications executing on the computing device. The windowing environment may receive raw inputs from the first and second human input devices and in turn generate input pointers for the raw inputs, respectively. The input pointers may be or include instances of an input pointer class implemented by the windowing environment, the pointer class used by the windowing environment for arbitrary different types of human input pointer devices including the first human input device and the second human input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Reed Townsend, Mariel Young, Joyce Wu, Krishnan Menon, Olumuyiwa Durojaiye, Uros Batricevic, Vipul Aneja, Todd Torset
  • Publication number: 20190037035
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying personal signals of a target person are presented. More particularly, content is captured and or monitored on a local computing device of the target person. Personal signals of the target person are identified and a comparison to personal signals in a personal profile record of the target person is made to identify a delta of personal signals representing those signals that are not included in the personal profile record. The delta of personal signals is uploaded to a remotely located personal assistance service where they may be added to the personal profile record of the target person and the updated personal profile record of the target person is returned to the local computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Akhilesh KAZA, Roland RADTKE, Reed TOWNSEND, Koushik PERI
  • Publication number: 20170147149
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and computer-readable media process to distinguish user input device gestures, such as gestures input via a pen in a pen-based computing system, e.g., to quickly and reliably distinguish between electronic ink entry, single taps, double taps, press-and-hold actions, dragging operations, and the like. The devices, methods, and computer-readable media process quickly and reliably distinguishes between input device gestures by utilizing a gesture profile that includes a preferential input type, e.g. to preferentially recognize a received input as a first input type over a second input type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander J. Zotov, Reed Townsend, Steven P. Dodge
  • Patent number: 9588590
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media process and distinguish user input device gestures, such as gestures input via a pen in a pen-based computing system, e.g., to quickly and reliably distinguish between electronic ink entry, single taps, double taps, press-and-hold actions, dragging operations, and the like. Systems, methods, and computer-readable media also are provided for dynamically calibrating a computer system, e.g., calibrating a displayed input panel view based on input data recognized and received by a digitizer. Such systems and methods may operate without entering a dedicated or special calibration application, program, or routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Zotov, Reed Townsend, Steven P. Dodge
  • Publication number: 20160370878
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a computing device having storage, a processor, a display, a first human input device, and a second human input device, where the first human input device is in a first category of human input devices and the second human input device is in a second category of human input devices. The computing device may perform a process involving executing a windowing environment that manages windows of applications executing on the computing device. The windowing environment may receive raw inputs from the first and second human input devices and in turn generate input pointers for the raw inputs, respectively. The input pointers may be or include instances of an input pointer class implemented by the windowing environment, the pointer class used by the windowing environment for arbitrary different types of human input pointer devices including the first human input device and the second human input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Reed Townsend, Mariel Young, Joyce Wu, Krishnan Menon, Olumuyiwa Durojaiye, Uros Batricevic, Vipul Aneja, Todd Torset
  • Patent number: 9483155
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a computing device having storage, a processor, a display, a first human input device, and a second human input device, where the first human input device is in a first category of human input devices and the second human input device is in a second category of human input devices. The computing device may perform a process involving executing a windowing environment that manages windows of applications executing on the computing device. The windowing environment may receive raw inputs from the first and second human input devices and in turn generate input pointers for the raw inputs, respectively. The input pointers may be or include instances of an input pointer class implemented by the windowing environment, the pointer class used by the windowing environment for arbitrary different types of human input pointer devices including the first human input device and the second human input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joyce Wu, Krishnan Menon, Mariel Young, Olumuyiwa Durojaiye, Reed Townsend, Todd Torset, Uros Batricevic, Vipul Aneja
  • Publication number: 20160246471
    Abstract: Techniques relating to scrolling, object selection, and object moving are discussed. Strokes are inputted by a user, for instance using a touch sensitive surface. Strokes are directed to a scrollable surface with objects therein. Strokes that end before meeting a condition select the objects, and strokes then end after meeting the condition move the objects or representations thereof. The condition may be a distance. Selection may only occur when strokes meet a threshold condition such as having a particular direction (e.g., perpendicular to a direction for scrolling the surface) or moving a minimal distance. Strokes in a scrolling direction (e.g., horizontal) may scroll the surface in that direction and strokes in another direction (e.g., vertical) may both select and move the objects. Objects selected may slide on rails before moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Alan Stephenson, Brian Wheeler, Joyce Wu, Pamela De la Torre Baltierra, Reed Townsend, Uros Batricevic
  • Patent number: 9335913
    Abstract: Techniques relating to scrolling, object selection, and object moving are discussed. Strokes are inputted by a user, for instance using a touch sensitive surface. Strokes are directed to a scrollable surface with objects therein. Strokes that end before meeting a condition select the objects, and strokes then end after meeting the condition move the objects or representations thereof. The condition may be a distance. Selection may only occur when strokes meet a threshold condition such as having a particular direction (e.g., perpendicular to a direction for scrolling the surface) or moving a minimal distance. Strokes in a scrolling direction (e.g., horizontal) may scroll the surface in that direction and strokes in another direction (e.g., vertical) may both select and move the objects. Objects selected may slide on rails before moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Stephenson, Brian Wheeler, Joyce Wu, Pamela De la Torre Baltierra, Reed Townsend, Uros Batricevic
  • Patent number: 9274622
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a unified pointer message 300 may describe in a single type of pointer message a coordinate input from a user via multiple types of pointer devices. An input device interface 150 may receive a coordinate input 350 from an input device. A processor 120 may execute an application programming interface layer 430 that creates a unified pointer message 300 for the coordinate input 350. The processor 120 may send the unified pointer message 300 to an application. The processor 120 may process a device specific data set 244 unhandled by the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Wright, Hirofumi Yamamoto, Pak Kiu Chung, Raju Ramanathan, Krishnan Menon, Lawrence Osterman, Alan Stephenson, Reed Townsend, Jacob Rossi
  • Patent number: 9041660
    Abstract: This document describes tools associated with soft keyboard control functions. In some implementations, the tools recognize a keyboard launch gesture on a touch sensitive screen and present a preview of a keyboard on the touch sensitive screen responsive to the launch gesture. The tools can also display the keyboard on the touch sensitive screen responsive to cessation of the launch gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jan-Kristian Markiewicz, Reed Townsend, David Matthews, Vishnu Sivaji
  • Publication number: 20140137029
    Abstract: Techniques relating to scrolling, object selection, and object moving are discussed. Strokes are inputted by a user, for instance using a touch sensitive surface. Strokes are directed to a scrollable surface with objects therein. Strokes that end before meeting a condition select the objects, and strokes then end after meeting the condition move the objects or representations thereof. The condition may be a distance. Selection may only occur when strokes meet a threshold condition such as having a particular direction (e.g., perpendicular to a direction for scrolling the surface) or moving a minimal distance. Strokes in a scrolling direction (e.g., horizontal) may scroll the surface in that direction and strokes in another direction (e.g., vertical) may both select and move the objects. Objects selected may slide on rails before moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT
    Inventors: Alan Stephenson, Brian Wheeler, Joyce Wu, Pamela De la Torre Baltierra, Reed Townsend, Uros Batricevic
  • Publication number: 20140075458
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a unified pointer message 300 may describe in a single type of pointer message a coordinate input from a user via multiple types of pointer devices. An input device interface 150 may receive a coordinate input 350 from an input device. A processor 120 may execute an application programming interface layer 430 that creates a unified pointer message 300 for the coordinate input 350. The processor 120 may send the unified pointer message 300 to an application. The processor 120 may process a device specific data set 244 unhandled by the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Wright, Hirofumi Yamamoto, Pak Kiu Chung, Raju Ramanathan, Krishnan Menon, Lawrence Osterman, Alan Stephenson, Reed Townsend, Jacob Rossi
  • Publication number: 20140075372
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a computing device having storage, a processor, a display, a first human input device, and a second human input device, where the first human input device is in a first category of human input devices and the second human input device is in a second category of human input devices. The computing device may perform a process involving executing a windowing environment that manages windows of applications executing on the computing device. The windowing environment may receive raw inputs from the first and second human input devices and in turn generate input pointers for the raw inputs, respectively. The input pointers may be or include instances of an input pointer class implemented by the windowing environment, the pointer class used by the windowing environment for arbitrary different types of human input pointer devices including the first human input device and the second human input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Joyce Wu, Krishnan Menon, Mariel Young, Olumuyiwa Durojaiye, Reed Townsend, Todd Torset, Uros Batricevic, Vipul Aneja
  • Publication number: 20130326432
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media process and distinguish user input device gestures, such as gestures input via a pen in a pen-based computing system, e.g., to quickly and reliably distinguish between electronic ink entry, single taps, double taps, press-and-hold actions, dragging operations, and the like. Systems, methods, and computer-readable media also are provided for dynamically calibrating a computer system, e.g., calibrating a displayed input panel view based on input data recognized and received by a digitizer. Such systems and methods may operate without entering a dedicated or special calibration application, program, or routine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander J. Zotov, Reed Townsend, Steven P. Dodge
  • Patent number: 8539383
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media process and distinguish user input device gestures, such as gestures input via a pen in a pen-based computing system, e.g., to quickly and reliably distinguish between electronic ink entry, single taps, double taps, press-and-hold actions, dragging operations, and the like. Systems, methods, and computer-readable media also are provided for dynamically calibrating a computer system, e.g., calibrating a displayed input panel view based on input data recognized and received by a digitizer. Such systems and methods may operate without entering a dedicated or special calibration application, program, or routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander J. Zotov, Reed Townsend, Steven P. Dodge
  • Patent number: 8004503
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically calibrating a pointing device, such as a stylus, with a writing surface, such as a touch screen. In one example, an automated method is implemented to calibrate the writing surface based user inputs attempting to use the computer for functions other than calibration of the writing surface. The user inputs may be, for example, a user selecting a button within a non-calibration software application. The automated method may generate a miscalibration vector based upon where the user input was received and where the user input was expected. In yet another example, a bias field may be generated for the writing surface from the collected user inputs. In yet other examples, a computing device may comprise computer-executable instructions for performing one or methods of calibrating the writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Zotov, Reed Townsend, Sameer Shariff, Steve Dodge
  • Patent number: 7847789
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention reduce the number of false positive touch inputs made by a non-stylus object such as the user's finger or hand. When the stylus is located proximate to the touch-sensitive surface, the sensitivity of the surface to non-stylus input is disabled, reduced, or otherwise modified. For example, non-stylus inputs may be ignored while the stylus is within a proximity zone defined near the touch-sensitive surface. Further aspects of the present invention are directed to adjusting the threshold requirements of a non-stylus input depending upon where on the touch-sensitive surface the input is made. Still further aspects of the present invention are directed to calibrating various sensitivity thresholds for non-stylus input, as well as the size and/or shape of the proximity zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander J. Kolmykov-Zotov, Emily K. Rimas-Ribikauskas, Matt Lerner, Reed Townsend, Steven P. Dodge, Leroy B. Keely
  • Publication number: 20100141590
    Abstract: This document describes tools associated with soft keyboard control functions. In some implementations, the tools recognize a keyboard launch gesture on a touch sensitive screen and present a preview of a keyboard on the touch sensitive screen responsive to the launch gesture. The tools can also display the keyboard on the touch sensitive screen responsive to cessation of the launch gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jan-Kristian Markiewicz, Reed Townsend, Dave Matthews, Vishnu Sivaji