Patents by Inventor Robert Hoffer

Robert Hoffer 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).

  • Method and system for using screen names to customize interactive agents
    Patent number: 7266585
    Abstract: A method for using the screen names of users are used to appropriately tailor a service for the users. If the service is a restricted service, then the screen name is used as the basis for deciding whether access should be granted to ensure that access is granted to a limited set of users. Alternatively, if the service is comprised of several component sub-services, and some of those sub-services are restricted, then the screen name is used as the basis for deciding whether access should be granted to the relevant sub-service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Colloquis, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Kay, Robert Hoffer
  • Method for performing authenticated access to a service on behalf of a user
    Patent number: 7146404
    Abstract: A method for using the screen names of users are used to appropriately tailor a service for the users. If the service is a restricted service, then the screen name is used as the basis for deciding whether access should be granted to ensure that access is granted to a limited set of users. Alternatively, if the service is comprised of several component sub-services, and some of those sub-services are restricted, then the screen name is used as the basis for deciding whether access should be granted to the relevant sub-service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Colloquis, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Kay, Robert Hoffer
  • Method and system for using screen names to customize interactive agents
    Publication number: 20060031365
    Abstract: A method for using the screen names of users are used to appropriately tailor a service for the users. If the service is a restricted service, then the screen name is used as the basis for deciding whether access should be granted to ensure that access is granted to a limited set of users. Alternatively, if the service is comprised of several component sub-services, and some of those sub-services are restricted, then the screen name is used as the basis for deciding whether access should be granted to the relevant sub-service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy Kay, Robert Hoffer
  • Method and system for interactively responding to instant messaging requests
    Patent number: 6993555
    Abstract: A method and system for interactively responding to queries from a user sending messages through an instant messaging network. The query or request is interpreted and appropriate action is taken, such as accessing a local or remote data resource and generating an answer to the user's query. The answer is formatted as appropriate and returned to the user as an instant message or via another route specified by the user. A method and system of providing authenticated access to a given web page via instant messaging is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Conversagent, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Kay, Robert Hoffer
  • Method and system for using screen names to customize interactive agents
    Publication number: 20030074410
    Abstract: A method for using the screen names of users are used to appropriately tailor a service for the users. If the service is a restricted service, then the screen name is used as the basis for deciding whether access should be granted to ensure that access is granted to a limited set of users. Alternatively, if the service is comprised of several component sub-services, and some of those sub-services are restricted, then the screen name is used as the basis for deciding whether access should be granted to the relevant sub-service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: ACTIVE BUDDY, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Kay, Robert Hoffer
  • Method and system for interactively responding to instant messaging requests
    Patent number: 6430602
    Abstract: A method and system for interactively responding to queries from a remotely located user includes a computer server system configured to receiving an instant message query or request from the user over the Internet. The query or request is interpreted and appropriate action is taken, such as accessing a local or remote data resource and formulating an answer to the user's query. The answer is formatted as appropriate and returned to the user as an instant message or via another route specified by the user. A method and system of providing authenticated access to a given web page via instant messaging is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Active Buddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Kay, Robert Hoffer
  • Method and system for interactively responding to instant messaging requests
    Publication number: 20020103917
    Abstract: A method and system for interactively responding to queries from a user sending messages through an instant messaging network. The query or request is interpreted and appropriate action is taken, such as accessing a local or remote data resource and generating an answer to the user's query. The answer is formatted as appropriate and returned to the user as an instant message or via another route specified by the user. A method and system of providing authenticated access to a given web page via instant messaging is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Active Buddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Kay, Robert Hoffer