Patents by Inventor Richard L. Hughes

Richard L. Hughes 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: 11966992
    Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method of identifying multiple mortgage ready properties. The method includes receiving, via one or more processors, information from a customer approved for a mortgage about preferences for a real estate property and accessing, at a memory coupled to one or more processors, a memory storage location to retrieve a plurality of mortgage ready real estate properties meeting one or more of the customer preferences information. The method further includes transmitting, via the one or more processors, the plurality of real estate properties meeting one or more of the customer preferences information to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Tarmann, Richard R. Rhodes, Lokesh Awasthy, Denise DeRoeck, Jaime Skaggs, Jacob J. Alt, Shanna L. Phillips, Matthew S. Meierotto, Richard D. Groonwald, Brian J. Hughes, Shyam Tummala
  • Patent number: 11493978
    Abstract: Techniques for employing a decentralized sleep management service are described herein. In some instances, each computing device of a group of computing devices periodically shares information about itself with each other computing device of the group. With this information, each computing device within the group that is awake and capable of managing other devices selects a subset of devices to probe. The devices then probe this subset to determine whether the probed devices are asleep. In response to identifying a sleeping device, the probing device takes over management of the sleeping device. Managing the sleeping device involves informing other devices of the group that the sleeping device is being managed, in addition to monitoring requests for services on the sleeping device. In response to receiving a valid request for a service hosted by the sleeping device, the managing device awakens the sleeping device and ceases managing the now-woken device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob R. Lorch, Siddhartha Sen, Jitendra D. Padhye, Richard L. Hughes, Carlos Garcia Jurado Suarez
  • Patent number: 10983694
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a keyboard engine that operates a keyboard that accepts shape-writing input and radial entry input. A keyboard input module obtains input data from at least one input sensor of the keyboard. An intention disambiguation engine enables simultaneous use of the shape-writing input and the radial entry input acceptance for a user of the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: William A. S. Buxton, Richard L. Hughes, Kenneth P. Hinckley, Michel Pahud, Irina Spiridonova
  • Patent number: 10361981
    Abstract: A system that analyses content of electronic communications may automatically extract requests or commitments from the electronic communications. In one example process, a processing component may analyze the content to determine one or more meanings of the content; query content of one or more data sources that is related to the electronic communications; and based, at least in part, on (i) the one or more meanings of the content and (ii) the content of the one or more data sources, automatically identify and extract a request or commitment from the content. Multiple actions may follow from initial recognition and extraction, including confirmation and refinement of the description of the request or commitment, and actions that assist one or more of the senders, recipients, or others to track and address the request or commitment, including the creation of additional messages, reminders, appointments, or to-do lists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Nathan Bennett, Nirupama Chandrasekaran, Michael Gamon, Nikrouz Ghotbi, Eric Joel Horvitz, Richard L. Hughes, Prabhdeep Singh, Ryen William White
  • Publication number: 20180300056
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a keyboard engine that operates a keyboard that accepts shape-writing input and radial entry input. A keyboard input module obtains input data from at least one input sensor of the keyboard. An intention disambiguation engine enables simultaneous use of the shape-writing input and the radial entry input acceptance for a user of the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: William A. S. Buxton, Richard L. Hughes, Kenneth P. Hinckley, Michel Pahud, Irina Spiridonova
  • Patent number: 9940016
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a keyboard engine that operates a keyboard that accepts shape-writing input and radial entry input. A keyboard input module obtains input data from at least one input sensor of the keyboard. An intention disambiguation engine enables simultaneous use of the shape-writing input and the radial entry input acceptance for a user of the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: William A. S. Buxton, Richard L. Hughes, Kenneth P. Hinckley, Michel Pahud, Irina Spiridonova
  • Publication number: 20170168545
    Abstract: Techniques for employing a decentralized sleep management service are described herein. In some instances, each computing device of a group of computing devices periodically shares information about itself with each other computing device of the group. With this information, each computing device within the group that is awake and capable of managing other devices selects a subset of devices to probe. The devices then probe this subset to determine whether the probed devices are asleep. In response to identifying a sleeping device, the probing device takes over management of the sleeping device. Managing the sleeping device involves informing other devices of the group that the sleeping device is being managed, in addition to monitoring requests for services on the sleeping device. In response to receiving a valid request for a service hosted by the sleeping device, the managing device awakens the sleeping device and ceases managing the now-woken device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Jacob R. Lorch, Siddhartha Sen, Jitendra D. Padhye, Richard L. Hughes, Carlos Garcia Jurado Suarez
  • Patent number: 9582062
    Abstract: Techniques for employing a decentralized sleep management service are described herein. In some instances, each computing device of a group of computing devices periodically shares information about itself with each other computing device of the group. With this information, each computing device within the group that is awake and capable of managing other devices selects a subset of devices to probe. The devices then probe this subset to determine whether the probed devices are asleep. In response to identifying a sleeping device, the probing device takes over management of the sleeping device. Managing the sleeping device involves informing other devices of the group that the sleeping device is being managed, in addition to monitoring requests for services on the sleeping device. In response to receiving a valid request for a service hosted by the sleeping device, the managing device awakens the sleeping device and ceases managing the now-woken device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob R. Lorch, Siddhartha Sen, Jitendra D. Padhye, Richard L. Hughes, Carlos Garcia Jurado Suarez
  • Publication number: 20160337295
    Abstract: A system that analyses content of electronic communications may automatically extract requests or commitments from the electronic communications. In one example process, a processing component may analyze the content to determine one or more meanings of the content; query content of one or more data sources that is related to the electronic communications; and based, at least in part, on (i) the one or more meanings of the content and (ii) the content of the one or more data sources, automatically identify and extract a request or commitment from the content. Multiple actions may follow from initial recognition and extraction, including confirmation and refinement of the description of the request or commitment, and actions that assist one or more of the senders, recipients, or others to track and address the request or commitment, including the creation of additional messages, reminders, appointments, or to-do lists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Paul Nathan Bennett, Nirupama Chandrasekaran, Michael Gamon, Nikrouz Ghotbi, Eric Joel Horvitz, Richard L. Hughes, Prabhdeep Singh, Ryen William White
  • Publication number: 20160335572
    Abstract: A system that analyses content of electronic communications may automatically detect requests or commitments from the electronic communications. In one example process, a processor may identify a request or a commitment in the content of the electronic message; based, at least in part, on the request or the commitment, determine an informal contract; and execute one or more actions to manage the informal contract, the one or more actions based, at least in part, on the request or the commitment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Paul Nathan Bennett, Nikrouz Ghotbi, Eric Joel Horvitz, Richard L. Hughes, Prabhdeep Singh, Ryen William White
  • Publication number: 20160077734
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a keyboard engine that operates a keyboard that accepts shape-writing input and radial entry input. A keyboard input module obtains input data from at least one input sensor of the keyboard. An intention disambiguation engine enables simultaneous use of the shape-writing input and the radial entry input acceptance for a user of the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: William A. S. Buxton, Richard L. Hughes, Kenneth P. Hinckley, Michel Pahud, Irina Spiridonova
  • Publication number: 20120117404
    Abstract: Techniques for employing a decentralized sleep management service are described herein. In some instances, each computing device of a group of computing devices periodically shares information about itself with each other computing device of the group. With this information, each computing device within the group that is awake and capable of managing other devices selects a subset of devices to probe. The devices then probe this subset to determine whether the probed devices are asleep. In response to identifying a sleeping device, the probing device takes over management of the sleeping device. Managing the sleeping device involves informing other devices of the group that the sleeping device is being managed, in addition to monitoring requests for services on the sleeping device. In response to receiving a valid request for a service hosted by the sleeping device, the managing device awakens the sleeping device and ceases managing the now-woken device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob R. Lorch, Siddhartha Sen, Jitendra D. Padhye, Richard L. Hughes, Carlos Garcia Jurado Suarez
  • Patent number: 8146003
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates entering a character via an input device. An interface can receive a portion of input data from an input device, wherein the input data is at least one of an analog input from an analog directional input associated with the input device or a button input from a button associated with the input device. An enhanced input component can utilize a user interface (UI) overlay corresponding to the input device to select a character in which the UI overlay includes a segmented ring with each sector having two or more characters. The enhanced input component can enter a character for data entry based upon an analog directional input that selects a sector on the segmented ring and a button input that selects a corresponding character within the segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Gruen, Richard L. Hughes, Jessica Miller
  • Patent number: 7861392
    Abstract: A method of assembling a power transmission device includes positioning an operator along a conveyor system such that the operator may perform multiple operations to a single workpiece at more than one workstation as the workpiece moves along the conveyor system. The assembly method relates to both closed-loop and open-ended conveyor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Hibbler, Richard L. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7832003
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates a controlled communication environment which allows a user to participate in a plurality of privacy contexts with other people in a simultaneous manner in an online community. A user can assign or define varying levels of privacy to his/her information or content to control the visibility of such information by others. In particular, a first user can maintain one or more “gardens” or stores of content which may be accessible to at least a subset of the online community. Access to the contents of any one garden can be based on the privacy level of the garden and the privacy level (e.g., access parameters) granted to the person. The privacy levels and arrangement of content can be hierarchal and/or non-overlapping. Thus, a user can seamlessly communicate with multiple users at the same time regardless of their context or privacy level while maintaining the privacy boundaries of each garden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sean U. Kelly, Lili Cheng, Ryszard K. Kott, Richard L. Hughes, William L. Portnoy
  • Patent number: 7716300
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates self-regulation of a social network system based at least in part on user behavior, and in particular on good or desirable user behavior. The system and method involve monitoring user behavior such as user activity and user interactions with other users and the network itself. Several factors can be weighed to determine whether the user behavior is good. Network assets or rights can be allocated to good users in the form of gifts or trade exchange opportunities whereas less desirable or bad users may not receive such gifts or trade opportunities or assets and rights might be revoked from them. By watching user behavior and promoting good behavior in this manner, the social network can be managed and self-regulated to optimize the utilization and distribution of both limited and unlimited assets (e.g., network created and user created assets or resources).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ryszard K. Kott, Alwin R. Vyhmeister, Richard L. Hughes, Lili Cheng, Sean U. Kelly, William L. Portnoy
  • Publication number: 20090048020
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates entering a character via an input device. An interface can receive a portion of input data from an input device, wherein the input data is at least one of an analog input from an analog directional input associated with the input device or a button input from a button associated with the input device. An enhanced input component can utilize a user interface (UI) overlay corresponding to the input device to select a character in which the UI overlay includes a segmented ring with each sector having two or more characters. The enhanced input component can enter a character for data entry based upon an analog directional input that selects a sector on the segmented ring and a button input that selects a corresponding character within the segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Gruen, Richard L. Hughes, Jessica Miller
  • Publication number: 20080032703
    Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for facilitating provision of location based alerts or notifications to a plurality of mobile devices. An alert system can manage a set of accounts corresponding to the plurality of mobile devices. User accounts can include permissions controlling access to location information for the corresponding mobile devices. A single user can control multiple accounts by creating an independent account and one or more related dependent accounts controlled by the independent account. A user account can include a set of user-defined alerts triggered by the juxtaposition of users, geographic locations and/or events. Alerts delivered to a mobile device can include a simple text message and/or actionable data, such as location information, phone numbers and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: John C. Krumm, Richard L. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20080032666
    Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for facilitating provision of location based alerts or notifications to a plurality of mobile devices. An alert system can manage a set of accounts corresponding to the plurality of mobile devices. User accounts can include permissions controlling access to location information for the corresponding mobile devices. A single user can control multiple accounts by creating an independent account and one or more related dependent accounts controlled by the independent account. A user account can include a set of user-defined alerts triggered by the juxtaposition of users, geographic locations and/or events. Alerts delivered to a mobile device can include a simple text message and/or actionable data, such as location information, phone numbers and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard L. Hughes, John C. Krumm
  • Patent number: 6558207
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes contacts each having a contact body that is stamped from sheet material. The contact body has opposite surfaces and a nominal thickness between the opposite surfaces corresponding to a thickness of the sheet material. The contact body has a mounting section that is secured in a housing, and a resilient section that is deflectable upon engagement with a mating contact. The resilient section includes a deformed section wherein the opposite surfaces of the contact body are deformed to produce extremities, and a thickness between the extremities is greater than the nominal thickness of the contact body. The increased thickness increases the stiffness of the resilient section, thereby increasing the spring rate of the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Pepe, Richard L. Hughes