Patents by Inventor Terry Farrell

Terry Farrell 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: 11294661
    Abstract: Methods and systems for updating a file using heuristics. One system includes an electronic processor configured to identify a code file stored on a storage device and determine a signature of the code file. The electronic processor is also configured to compare the signature of the code file to each of a plurality of signatures to determine a degree of similarity between the signature of the code file and each of the plurality of signatures, wherein each of the plurality of signatures is associated with a code update, and, in response to the degree of similarity between the signature of the code file and one of the plurality of signatures satisfying a predetermined threshold, apply the code update associated with the one of the plurality of signatures to the code file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Darren Doyle, Terry Farrell, Thomas Doyle
  • Patent number: 11195131
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing usage for a software service. One example system includes a database storing workflow data for the service, user profile data for a plurality of users, and service usage data for the users; and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to determine a target user engagement level for the service. The electronic processor is configured to retrieve from the database based on the service, a first workflow action, and to execute the first workflow action for the plurality of users. The electronic processor is configured to receive, from the service, a usage level for a user of the plurality of users, and to compare the usage level for the user to the target level for the service. The electronic processor is configured to, when the usage level fails to exceed the target, execute an additional workflow action, different from the first, for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Mowatt, Terry Farrell
  • Patent number: 11151226
    Abstract: A system for modifying application specific feature rights (ASFR) is disclosed herein. The example system can include a file system to store a file, where the file system includes a number of ASFR corresponding to the file, where the number of ASFR designates a client type that is to trigger activation of features indicated by the number of ASFR. The system can include a processor and a computer-readable memory storage device storing executable instructions to be executed by the processor to cause a modifying service implemented on a computing device to perform actions. In an example these actions can include detecting a selection of the file stored in a file system. In an example, the system can also modify the file to indicate the number of ASFR associated with the file. The system can also send the modified file to a first user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Farrell, Daniel Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11030385
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are disclosed herein for presenting add-in previews. In an implementation, a service receives a request for a preview of an application add-in. The service identifies a template document in response to the request and applies the application add-in to the template document to generate an enhanced preview of the application add-in. The service replies to the request with the enhanced preview.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Mowatt, Terry Farrell
  • Patent number: 10776852
    Abstract: A reduced capability subset of an application referred to as a “starter application” is provided on a computer device prior to purchase and intended for use by a user purchasing the computer device. The starter application may monitor input from the user when the starter application is executing to ascertain opportunities to inform the user of an upgrade and then solicit the user for purchasing the upgrade. The starter application may use a limited access browser to contact a server to assist in the solicitation and complete the transaction. Upon completing the transaction, the upgrade is provided to the computing device. The upgrade may comprise the full capability version of the application, templates, clip art, or other software. The upgrade may entail transmitting the upgrade to the computer device or providing an authorization key to unlock the upgrade that is already stored on the computer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Farrell, Norbert van Woerkom, Robert McQuillan, David Mowatt, Pieter Kasselman
  • Patent number: 10664256
    Abstract: Methods and systems for deploying software applications based on previous deployments. One method includes collecting first telemetry data tracking usage of a first plurality of features of a first software application by a first plurality of devices and creating a first plurality of mappings based on the first telemetry data. The method further includes, as part of deploying the first software application within an organization, collecting second telemetry data tracking usage of a second plurality of features of a second software application by a second plurality of devices of the organization, creating a second plurality of mappings based on the second telemetry data, determining a set of features to be included in a testing plan relating to the first software application based on the first plurality of mappings and the second plurality of mappings, and implementing the testing plan as part of deploying the first software application within the organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Farrell, Darren Doyle, David Mowatt
  • Patent number: 10534599
    Abstract: Methods and systems for envisioning benefits of a software upgrade. One system includes at least one electronic processor configured to detect when a user performs actions within a software application, capture data about user actions and application features, and determine through a set of rules if an updated or new feature to perform the user actions exists in an upgraded version of the application software. The electronic processor is also configured to, when a rule triggers, store user and application data and present to the user a visualization of the updated feature available in the upgraded application software. User and application data can be aggregated for a plurality of users, a plurality of application software, or both. Display of new features to a plurality of users can be user controlled or controlled by a super user based on analysis and reporting of user data accumulated over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Mowatt, Terry Farrell
  • Publication number: 20190180005
    Abstract: A system for modifying application specific feature rights (ASFR) is disclosed herein. The example system can include a file system to store a file, where the file system includes a number of ASFR corresponding to the file, where the number of ASFR designates a client type that is to trigger activation of features indicated by the number of ASFR. The system can include a processor and a computer-readable memory storage device storing executable instructions to be executed by the processor to cause a modifying service implemented on a computing device to perform actions. In an example these actions can include detecting a selection of the file stored in a file system. In an example, the system can also modify the file to indicate the number of ASFR associated with the file. The system can also send the modified file to a first user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Farrell, Daniel Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10242164
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for modifying application specific feature rights are disclosed herein. In one example, a system for modifying application specific feature rights (ASFR) is disclosed. The example system can include a file system to store a file, where the file system includes a number of ASFR corresponding to the file, where the number of ASFR designates a client type that is to trigger activation of features indicated by the number of ASFR. The system can include a processor and a computer-readable memory storage device storing executable instructions to be executed by the processor to cause a modifying service implemented on a computing device to perform actions. In an example these actions can include detecting a selection of the file stored in a file system. In an example, the system can also modify the file to indicate the number of ASFR associated with the file. The system can also send the modified file to a first user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Farrell, Daniel Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10235864
    Abstract: A method for alerting a user when an item is missing from a container. The method comprising implementing, by an item tracking system, a plurality of steps. The steps comprise determining an expected set of items for the container, using an item sensor associated with the container to determine a current set of items in the container, comparing the current set with the expected set to detect whether any of the expected items is missing from the container, determining a packing area for the container, tracking a location of the container, and causing an alert to be outputted via a user interface, in response to the container leaving the packing area with any of the expected items missing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Mowatt, Terry Farrell
  • Publication number: 20180365597
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are disclosed herein for booking service provider appointments. In an implementation, program instructions direct a processing system to enumerate a set of customers requesting a service and identify a set of available service providers able to provide the service. For a selected service provider, the program instructions direct the processing system to notify the selected service provider of a potential booking, calculate a plurality of scores for the potential booking, generate guidance for the selected service provider regarding effects of accepting the potential booking and effects of rejecting the potential booking based on the plurality of scores, and communicate the guidance to be presented to the selected service provider. The program instructions further direct the processing system to receive an input decision from the selected service provider regarding the potential booking and communicate the input decision to be presented to the requesting customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Terry Farrell, David Mowatt
  • Publication number: 20180367420
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated resolution. In one implementation, a first notification is received. Such a notification is associated with a first instance of a service as provided to a first user. In response to receipt of the first notification, a first action is initiated with respect to the first instance of the service as provided to the first user. A second notification is received. Such a notification is associated with a second instance of the service as provided to a second user. Based on the first action initiated with respect to the first instance of the service as provided to the first user, a second action is initiated. Such a second action can be initiated in response to receipt of the second notification. The second action can also be initiated with respect to the second instance of the service as provided to the second user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Ashleigh Patricia Conway, Darren Doyle, Terry Farrell
  • Publication number: 20180307480
    Abstract: Methods and systems for updating a file using heuristics. One system includes an electronic processor configured to identify a code file stored on a storage device and determine a signature of the code file. The electronic processor is also configured to compare the signature of the code file to each of a plurality of signatures to determine a degree of similarity between the signature of the code file and each of the plurality of signatures, wherein each of the plurality of signatures is associated with a code update, and, in response to the degree of similarity between the signature of the code file and one of the plurality of signatures satisfying a predetermined threshold, apply the code update associated with the one of the plurality of signatures to the code file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Darren Doyle, Terry Farrell, Thomas Doyle
  • Publication number: 20180225949
    Abstract: A method for alerting a user when an item is missing from a container. The method comprising implementing, by an item tracking system, a plurality of steps. The steps comprise determining an expected set of items for the container, using an item sensor associated with the container to determine a current set of items in the container, comparing the current set with the expected set to detect whether any of the expected items is missing from the container, determining a packing area for the container, tracking a location of the container, and causing an alert to be outputted via a user interface, in response to the container leaving the packing area with any of the expected items missing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Mowatt, Terry Farrell
  • Publication number: 20180217829
    Abstract: Methods and systems for envisioning benefits of a software upgrade. One system includes at least one electronic processor configured to detect when a user performs actions within a software application, capture data about user actions and application features, and determine through a set of rules if an updated or new feature to perform the user actions exists in an upgraded version of the application software. The electronic processor is also configured to, when a rule triggers, store user and application data and present to the user a visualization of the updated feature available in the upgraded application software. User and application data can be aggregated for a plurality of users, a plurality of application software, or both. Display of new features to a plurality of users can be user controlled or controlled by a super user based on analysis and reporting of user data accumulated over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: David Mowatt, Terry Farrell
  • Publication number: 20170262825
    Abstract: A license recommendation service in an online app store is disclosed herein. The license recommendation service collects usage information related to the actual usage of an application (or applications) downloaded from the app store. The actual usage pertains to how a user uses an application under an initial license. A license recommendation may be made based on the actual usage of the application. The service communicates to the local execution environment in which the application executes such that the recommendation may be surfaced in the context of the user moving to a subsequent license.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Ashleigh Patricia Conway, Darren Doyle, David Mowatt, Pieter Kasselman, Terry Farrell
  • Publication number: 20170109507
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for modifying application specific feature rights are disclosed herein. In one example, a system for modifying application specific feature rights (ASFR) is disclosed. The example system can include a file system to store a file, where the file system includes a number of ASFR corresponding to the file, where the number of ASFR designates a client type that is to trigger activation of features indicated by the number of ASFR. The system can include a processor and a computer-readable memory storage device storing executable instructions to be executed by the processor to cause a modifying service implemented on a computing device to perform actions. In an example these actions can include detecting a selection of the file stored in a file system. In an example, the system can also modify the file to indicate the number of ASFR associated with the file. The system can also send the modified file to a first user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Farrell, Daniel Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20160292135
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are disclosed herein for presenting add-in previews. In an implementation, a service receives a request for a preview of an application add-in. The service identifies a template document in response to the request and applies the application add-in to the template document to generate an enhanced preview of the application add-in. The service replies to the request with the enhanced preview.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: David Mowatt, Terry Farrell
  • Patent number: 9454349
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for user interface placeholders for application extensions. In accordance with the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, user interface placeholders are inserted into user interfaces to represent extensions that have been activated or inserted into an application program or file. The placeholders describe the extension, provide instructions for activating the extension via an entitlement process, display visual indicia associated with the extensions, and/or provide functionality that is executed by a device in response to detecting interactions with the placeholders. After completing the entitlement process, the application program, file, placeholder, or extension can be updated manually or by an application callback to reflect the user's entitlement to use the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Farrell, David Åhs, Maurizio Cibelli, David Mowatt
  • Publication number: 20160196601
    Abstract: A reduced capability subset of an application referred to as a “starter application” is provided on a computer device prior to purchase and intended for use by a user purchasing the computer device. The starter application may monitor input from the user when the starter application is executing to ascertain opportunities to inform the user of an upgrade and then solicit the user for purchasing the upgrade. The starter application may use a limited access browser to contact a server to assist in the solicitation and complete the transaction. Upon completing the transaction, the upgrade is provided to the computing device. The upgrade may comprise the full capability version of the application, templates, clip art, or other software. The upgrade may entail transmitting the upgrade to the computer device or providing an authorization key to unlock the upgrade that is already stored on the computer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Terry Farrell, Norbert van Woerkom, Robert McQuillan, David Mowatt, Pieter Kasselman