Patents by Inventor Robert Little

Robert Little 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).

  • Publication number: 20060136816
    Abstract: File formats, methods, and computer program products are provided for representing a document in a modular content framework. The modular content framework may include a file format container associated with modular parts. A file format includes logically separate modular parts that are associated with each other by one or more relationships where each modular part is associated with a relationship type. The modular parts include a document part operative as a guide for properties of the document. The modular parts may also include a document properties part containing built-in properties associated with the file format and a thumbnail part containing associated thumbnails. Each modular part is capable of being interrogated separately, extracted from the document, and/or reused in a different document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Jones, Robert Little, Andrew Bishop
  • Publication number: 20060136432
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling elements of computing systems including operating systems, software applications and different versions of software applications to better facilitate cross-application and cross-version collaboration of files. Elements within a computing system, for example, operating systems, applications, or particular versions of an application, are reconfigured at application start time or document start time so that individual elements may interact with existing files of an otherwise different computing system or such that individual elements may generate or edit files targeted at otherwise different computing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn Villaron, Brian Jones, Chad Rothschiller, Robert Little
  • Patent number: 7036073
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling validation of an extensible markup language (XML) document having elements associated with two or more schemata where elements of each schema may be arbitrarily nested within elements from the other schema and each set of elements remains valid within it's own schema. Elements of the second schema are transparent to the elements of the first schema when the word-processor validates the elements of the first schema. The elements of the second schema are separately validated, such that the elements of the first schema are transparent for the validation of the elements corresponding to the second schema.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Jones, E. Mark Sunderland, Marcin Sawicki, Robert A. Little, Ziyi Wang
  • Publication number: 20060080590
    Abstract: An extensible markup language (“XML”) schema is provided for defining a content region which displays specific types of content in an electronic document created in a word processing application program. The schema includes structural elements for defining the content region in the electronic document. The structural elements include a properties element for defining properties associated with the content to be displayed in the content region and a content element for receiving the content to be displayed according to the defined properties. The properties element and the content element define the content region in the electronic document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Jones, E. Sunderland, Marcin Sawicki, Robert Little, Tristan Davis
  • Publication number: 20060069989
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for utilizing a document object model to manage content regions for use in an electronic document. A content region is a predefined area which may be inserted in an electronic document and which serves as a placeholder for receiving and displaying specific types of content such as text, graphics data, calendar data, or tabular data. The document object model enables a user to create, modify, and delete content regions from an electronic document using an application programming interface from within a computer application program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Jones, E. Sunderland, Marcin Sawicki, Robert Little, Tristan Davis
  • Publication number: 20060069987
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for managing specific types of content in an electronic document. A user interface is provided for displaying a specific type of content in a predefined area of and electronic document. The user interface includes a content region for receiving the specific type of content and displaying the specific type of content within a predefined boundary. The user interface also includes a selection region for receiving a selection of content for insertion into the content region. The user interface validates the content received in the content region based on the specific type of content defined for the content region and based on a predefined content limit. The specific type of content received in the content region may be formatted according to a predetermined format and may also be bound to a data source external to the electronic document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Jones, Marcin Sawicki, Robert Little, Tristan Davis
  • Publication number: 20050273704
    Abstract: Modular content framework and document format methods and systems are described. The described framework and format define a set of building blocks for composing, packaging, distributing, and rendering document-centered content. These building blocks define a platform-independent framework for document formats that enable software and hardware systems to generate, exchange, and display documents reliably and consistently. The framework and format have been designed in a flexible and extensible fashion. In addition to this general framework and format, a particular format, known as the reach package format, is defined using the general framework. The reach package format is a format for storing paginated documents. The contents of a reach package can be displayed or printed with full fidelity among devices and applications in a wide range of environments and across a wide range of scenarios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry Dunietz, Charles Jazdzewski, David Ornstein, Rob Relyea, Oliver Foehr, Mike Hillberg, Joseph Ternasky, Robert Little, Christopher Anderson
  • Publication number: 20050264596
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing image-forming devices includes forming a non-diagnostic image on a surface, forming diagnostic marks on the surface using distinct image-forming points and sensing the diagnostic marks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Little
  • Publication number: 20050253888
    Abstract: A method for evaluating an image forming device includes forming an object on a print medium. A light beam is scanned along a scan line that intersects the object. Reflectance data corresponding to the scan line is obtained. The image forming device is evaluated according to the reflectance data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Fogarty, Josep-Maria Serra, Robert Little
  • Publication number: 20050251735
    Abstract: Modular content framework and document format methods and systems are described. The described framework and format define a set of building blocks for composing, packaging, distributing, and rendering document-centered content. These building blocks define a platform-independent framework for document formats that enable software and hardware systems to generate, exchange, and display documents reliably and consistently. The framework and format have been designed in a flexible and extensible fashion. In addition to this general framework and format, a particular format, known as the reach package format, is defined using the general framework. The reach package format is a format for storing paginated documents. The contents of a reach package can be displayed or printed with full fidelity among devices and applications in a wide range of environments and across a wide range of scenarios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry Dunietz, Charles Jazdzewski, David Ornstein, Rob Relyea, Oliver Foehr, Mike Hillberg, Joseph Ternasky, Robert Little, Christopher Anderson
  • Patent number: 6945814
    Abstract: A multi-position electrical connector for a robotic tool changer includes a bracket mountable to a robotic tool changer master or tool module, a coupling interface in a fixed position with respect to the bracket, and a cable interface moveable to a plurality of positions with respect to the bracket. Both the coupling interface and the cable interface include a plurality of electrical contacts, which are electrically connected. In one embodiment, the cable interface is disposed at substantially 90 degrees to the coupling interface, and is rotatable about an axis of the coupling interface. The cable interface may be fixed in one of a plurality of positions around the coupling interface. In one embodiment, a selected position is fixed by mating a retention member on one of the cable interface and the bracket, with a recess on the other of the cable interface and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: James Snape, Robert Little
  • Publication number: 20050149861
    Abstract: Self-describing portions of text or data are provided for associating with or inserting in a computer-generated document. Portions of a document, such as individual paragraphs or groups of paragraphs or fragments of text, are provided self-describing properties, such as file format type associated with the portion, style, font, list type, and the like. If such a portion of a document is subsequently linked to or copied or moved to a second document or to a different location in a first document, the self-describing properties provided for the portion travel with the portion to the second document or to the different location in the first document. An application receiving the content portion may consume and display the portion according to the properties provided for the portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Bishop, Brian Jones, Chad Rothschiller, Robert Little, Shawn Villaron, Charles Walker
  • Publication number: 20050142931
    Abstract: A multi-position electrical connector for a robotic tool changer includes a bracket mountable to a robotic tool changer master or tool module, a coupling interface in a fixed position with respect to the bracket, and a cable interface moveable to a plurality of positions with respect to the bracket. Both the coupling interface and the cable interface include a plurality of electrical contacts, which are electrically connected. In one embodiment, the cable interface is disposed at substantially 90 degrees to the coupling interface, and is rotatable about an axis of the coupling interface. The cable interface may be fixed in one of a plurality of positions around the coupling interface. In one embodiment, a selected position is fixed by mating a retention member on one of the cable interface and the bracket, with a recess on the other of the cable interface and the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: James Snape, Robert Little
  • Publication number: 20050125720
    Abstract: A programmable object model allows a user to programmatically access and utilize a Namespace or schema library containing XML schema files and related XML-based resources for associating the schema files and XML-based resources with one or more documents and for customizing the functionality associated with the schema files and XML-based resources. The programmable object model also allows the user/programmer to remove schema files and other XML-based resources from association with previously associated documents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Little, Brian Jones, Marcin Sawicki, Mark Sunderland
  • Publication number: 20050120297
    Abstract: A table styles inference engine is described to determine the optimal body pattern to describe a user-created table. In order to achieve compatibility with existing table styles, an optimal uniform body pattern, an optimal row banding pattern and an optimal column banding pattern are determined. The user-defined table is analyzed assuming different uniform body patterns. The optimal uniform body pattern is then determined by determining the uniform body pattern that most closely matches the user-defined table. The user-defined table is also analyzed assuming different row banding body patterns. The optimal row banding body pattern is then determined by determining the row banding body pattern that most closely matches the user-defined table. The user-defined table is also analyzed assuming different column banding body patterns. The optimal column banding body pattern is then determined by determining the column banding body pattern that most closely matches the user-defined table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto Taboada, Robert Little
  • Publication number: 20050108278
    Abstract: A word processor including a native XML file format is provided. The well formed XML file fully represents the word-processor document, and fully supports 100% of word-processor's rich formatting. There are no feature losses when saving the word-processor documents as XML. A published XSD file defines all the rules behind the word-processor's XML file format. Hints may be provided within the XML associated files providing applications that understand XML a shortcut to understanding some of the features provided by the word-processor. The word-processing document is stored in a single XML file. Additionally, manipulation of word-processing documents may be done on computing devices that do not include the word-processor itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Jones, Andrew Bishop, Daniel Snyder, Marcin Sawicki, Robert Little, Anthony Krueger
  • Publication number: 20050108198
    Abstract: A Word processor including a native XML file format is provided. The well formed XML file fully represents the word-processor document, and fully supports 100% of word-processor's rich formatting. There are no feature losses when saving the word-processor documents as XML. A published XSD file defines all the rules behind the word-processor's XML file format. Hints may be provided within the XML associated files providing applications that understand XML a shortcut to understanding some of the features provided by the word-processor. The word-processing document is stored in a single XML file. Additionally, manipulation of word-processing documents may be done on computing devices that do not include the word-processor itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Jones, Andrew Bishop, Daniel Snyder, Marcin Sawicki, Robert Little, Anthony Krueger
  • Publication number: 20050102265
    Abstract: A word processor including a native XML file format is provided. The well formed XML file fully represents the word-processor document, and fully supports 100% of word-processor's rich formatting. There are no feature losses when saving the word-processor documents as XML. A published XSD file defines all the rules behind the word-processor's XML file format. Hints may be provided within the XML associated files providing applications that understand XML a shortcut to understanding some of the features provided by the word-processor. The word-processing document is stored in a single XML file. Additionally, manipulation of word-processing documents may be done on computing devices that do not include the word-processor itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Jones, Andrew Bishop, Daniel Snyder, Marcin Sawicki, Robert Little, Anthony Krueger
  • Patent number: 6871319
    Abstract: A table styles inference engine determines the optimal body pattern to describe a user-created table. Optimal uniform, row banding, and column banding body patterns, are determined. The user-defined table is analyzed assuming different uniform different row banding, and/or different column banding body patterns. The optimal uniform body pattern is then determined by determining the uniform body pattern that most closely matches the user-defined table. The optimal row banding body pattern is then determined by determining the row banding body pattern that most closely matches the user-defined table. The optimal column banding body pattern is then determined by determining the column banding body pattern that most closely matches the user-defined table. From these optimal body patterns, the closest match to the user-defined table is determined to be the overall optimal body pattern. The overall optimal body pattern is then saved as a table style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto C. Taboada, Robert Little
  • Publication number: 20050055679
    Abstract: A programming object can comprise an executable method for loading a state of the object and an executable method for saving the object's state. The programming object can be an instance of a programmer-defined class. The executable method of the object for loading the state of the object can load the object's state as markup language text, and the executable method of the object for saving the object's state can save the object's state as markup language text.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: James Francis, Frank Mantek, Andrew Layman, Robert Little, Darren Apfel