Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Underhill

Thomas C. Underhill 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: 11301635
    Abstract: Style extensibility is provided to shapes in a diagram by editing text files. A structured data model is used to render the diagram representing items provided by the user in a text-based format such as a bulleted list. A style engine determines style properties for style labels assigned to key shapes of the diagram. Style properties include features associated with the shapes and their content that preserve an overall look-and-feel of the diagram. Color scheme(s) are also provided through the style labels. A layout engine uses layout definitions based on user input and default parameters along with style label assignments to render a presentation model. Style properties may be modified and new styles added after the diagram is rendered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Lutz Gerhard, Janet L. Schorr, Thomas C. Underhill
  • Publication number: 20190228071
    Abstract: Style extensibility is provided to shapes in a diagram by editing text files. A structured data model is used to render the diagram representing items provided by the user in a text-based format such as a bulleted list. A style engine determines style properties for style labels assigned to key shapes of the diagram. Style properties include features associated with the shapes and their content that preserve an overall look-and-feel of the diagram. Color scheme(s) are also provided through the style labels. A layout engine uses layout definitions based on user input and default parameters along with style label assignments to render a presentation model. Style properties may be modified and new styles added after the diagram is rendered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Lutz Gerhard, Janet L. Schorr, Thomas C. Underhill
  • Patent number: 10319125
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for creating and laying out a graphic within a drawing application program. The method includes receiving a data model defining a set of data and data relationships to be represented in the graphic, receiving a graphic definition describing the mapping of the data from the data model to a set of algorithms, algorithm parameters, constraints, constraint rules, and shape properties, determining a shape size and position for the layout nodes utilizing the set of algorithms, constraints, and constraint rules from the graphic definition, and creating a list of shapes and shape properties for the graphic, including size and position. The method further includes determining if the graphic fits a given layout into a specific area based on the set of constraint values and if the graphic does not fit the specific area, then modifying the set of constraint values using the constraint rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Janet L. Schorr, Stephen T. Wells, Matthew Kotler, Thomas C. Underhill, Scott A. Sherman, Ilan Berker
  • Patent number: 10248647
    Abstract: Style extensibility is provided to shapes in a diagram by editing text files. A structured data model is used to render the diagram representing items provided by the user in a text-based format such as a bulleted list. A style engine determines style properties for style labels assigned to key shapes of the diagram. Style properties include features associated with the shapes and their content that preserve an overall look-and-feel of the diagram. Color scheme(s) are also provided through the style labels. A layout engine uses layout definitions based on user input and default parameters along with style label assignments to render a presentation model. Style properties may be modified and new styles added after the diagram is rendered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Lutz Gerhard, Janet L. Schorr, Thomas C. Underhill
  • Patent number: 10176156
    Abstract: A method for providing linked note-taking includes receiving a notification from an online presentation service presenting a document that a note file relating to the document has been created in a client application, requesting at least a portion of the document and document information from the online presentation service, receiving, from the online presentation service, the at least a portion of the document and document information retrieved from a client application where the document resides, receiving a note within the note file and associating the note with at least a portion of the document and document information without locally opening the document in the client application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia D. Wessling, Apeksha Godiyal, Mustafa Bilal, Charles Duze, James M. Krantz, Abraham Mathew, Thomas C. Underhill, Cassandra Lewis, Chad Nedzlek
  • Publication number: 20170301122
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for creating and laying out a graphic within a drawing application program. The method includes receiving a data model defining a set of data and data relationships to be represented in the graphic, receiving a graphic definition describing the mapping of the data from the data model to a set of algorithms, algorithm parameters, constraints, constraint rules, and shape properties, determining a shape size and position for the layout nodes utilizing the set of algorithms, constraints, and constraint rules from the graphic definition, and creating a list of shapes and shape properties for the graphic, including size and position. The method further includes determining if the graphic fits a given layout into a specific area based on the set of constraint values and if the graphic does not fit the specific area, then modifying the set of constraint values using the constraint rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Janet L. SCHORR, Stephen T. WELLS, Matthew KOTLER, Thomas C. UNDERHILL, Scott A. SHERMAN, Ilan BERKER
  • Patent number: 9747710
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for creating and laying out a graphic within a drawing application program. The method includes receiving a data model defining a set of data and data relationships to be represented in the graphic, receiving a graphic definition describing the mapping of the data from the data model to a set of algorithms, algorithm parameters, constraints, constraint rules, and shape properties, determining a shape size and position for the layout nodes utilizing the set of algorithms, constraints, and constraint rules from the graphic definition, and creating a list of shapes and shape properties for the graphic, including size and position. The method further includes determining if the graphic fits a given layout into a specific area based on the set of constraint values and if the graphic does not fit the specific area, then modifying the set of constraint values using the constraint rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Janet L. Schorr, Stephen T. Wells, Matthew Kotler, Thomas C. Underhill, Scott A. Sherman, Ilan Berker
  • Publication number: 20160041968
    Abstract: Style extensibility is provided to shapes in a diagram by editing text files. A structured data model is used to render the diagram representing items provided by the user in a text-based format such as a bulleted list. A style engine determines style properties for style labels assigned to key shapes of the diagram. Style properties include features associated with the shapes and their content that preserve an overall look-and-feel of the diagram. Color scheme(s) are also provided through the style labels. A layout engine uses layout definitions based on user input and default parameters along with style label assignments to render a presentation model. Style properties may be modified and new styles added after the diagram is rendered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Lutz Gerhard, Janet L. Schorr, Thomas C. Underhill
  • Patent number: 9170987
    Abstract: Style extensibility is provided to shapes in a diagram by editing text files. A structured data model is used to render the diagram representing items provided by the user in a text-based format such as a bulleted list. A style engine determines style properties for style labels assigned to key shapes of the diagram. Style properties include features associated with the shapes and their content that preserve an overall look-and-feel of the diagram. Color scheme(s) are also provided through the style labels. A layout engine uses layout definitions based on user input and default parameters along with style label assignments to render a presentation model. Style properties may be modified and new styles added after the diagram is rendered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Lutz Gerhard, Janet L. Schorr, Thomas C. Underhill
  • Publication number: 20140292767
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for creating and laying out a graphic within a drawing application program. The method includes receiving a data model defining a set of data and data relationships to be represented in the graphic, receiving a graphic definition describing the mapping of the data from the data model to a set of algorithms, algorithm parameters, constraints, constraint rules, and shape properties, determining a shape size and position for the layout nodes utilizing the set of algorithms, constraints, and constraint rules from the graphic definition, and creating a list of shapes and shape properties for the graphic, including size and position. The method further includes determining if the graphic fits a given layout into a specific area based on the set of constraint values and if the graphic does not fit the specific area, then modifying the set of constraint values using the constraint rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Janet L. Schorr, Stephen T. Wells, Matthew Kotler, Thomas C. Underhill, Scott A. Sherman, Ilan Berker
  • Patent number: 8791955
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for creating and laying out a graphic within a drawing application program. The method includes receiving a data model defining a set of data and data relationships to be represented in the graphic, receiving a graphic definition describing the mapping of the data from the data model to a set of algorithms, algorithm parameters, constraints, constraint rules, and shape properties, determining a shape size and position for the layout nodes utilizing the set of algorithms, constraints, and constraint rules from the graphic definition, and creating a list of shapes and shape properties for the graphic, including size and position. The method further includes determining if the graphic fits a given layout into a specific area based on the set of constraint values and if the graphic does not fit the specific area, then modifying the set of constraint values using the constraint rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Janet L. Schorr, Stephen T. Wells, Matthew Kotler, Thomas C. Underhill, Scott A. Sherman, Ilan Berker
  • Publication number: 20140123002
    Abstract: A method for providing linked note-taking includes receiving a notification from an online presentation service presenting a document that a note file relating to the document has been created in a client application, requesting at least a portion of the document and document information from the online presentation service, receiving, from the online presentation service, the at least a portion of the document and document information retrieved from a client application where the document resides, receiving a note within the note file and associating the note with at least a portion of the document and document information without locally opening the document in the client application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia D. Wessling, Apeksha Godiyal, Mustafa Bilal, Charles Duze, James M. Krantz, Abraham Mathew, Thomas C. Underhill, Cassandra Lewis, Chad Nedzlek
  • Patent number: 7750924
    Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium are provided for generating graphics having a finite number of dynamically sized and positioned shapes. According to the method, a relative size and position are defined for each of the shapes in a graphic. The relative size and position of the shapes may be defined relative to a canvas size or relative to other shapes. Once the size and position have been defined, the size and position are translated into size and position values expressed as relative to a canvas size. A mapping is also created between specific locations in a data set and the shapes. The graphic is generated utilizing the mapping and by sizing and positioning the shapes relative to the current canvas size. If a new canvas size is detected, the size and position of the shapes may be recomputed relative to the new canvas size. The graphic may also be utilized within a dynamic graphic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ilan Berker, Matthew Kotler, Janet L. Schorr, Scott A. Sherman, Thomas C. Underhill, Stephen T. Wells
  • Patent number: 7747944
    Abstract: A graphics software program automatically generates a style transformation scheme for graphics. The graphics software program receives a selection of a style transformation and a semantic model describing a graphic. The graphics software program assigns style values for different objects of the graphic according to the style transformation and semantic model. A data structure is provided for a style transformation definition created to assign the style values to the objects of the graphic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lutz Gerhard, Georg F. Petschnigg, John R. Schilling, Thomas C. Underhill
  • Patent number: 7739591
    Abstract: Structuring graphics with placeholders may be provided. A first diagram may be displayed configured to display data associated with a data model. The first diagram may have a first diagram type. Next, a request may be received to display the data model in a second diagram configured to display the data associated with the data model. The second diagram may have a second diagram type. Then, the second diagram may be displayed configured to show the data associated with the data model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Janet L. Schorr, Crystal L. Hoyer, Ilan Berker, Shain Heuer, Thomas C. Underhill
  • Patent number: 7737996
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for forming one or more animation sequences used in animating a graphic. A semantic model of one or more semantic elements corresponding to content data is received. A presentation model of one or more presentation elements corresponding to objects is received. A set of one or more mappings is determined. The set of one or more mappings includes a mapping of each of said semantic elements to one or more presentation elements. The set of one or more mappings are traversed in an ordering in accordance with a selected animation sequence type specifying a set of objects that animate together. One or more animation sequences are built when performing the traversing step using each of the one or more mappings by applying one or more rules in accordance with a particular classification associated with each of the one or more mappings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lutz Gerhard, Matthew J. Kotler, Stephen T. Wells, Thomas C. Underhill, Alexandre Gueniot
  • Publication number: 20080136822
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for creating and laying out a graphic within a drawing application program. The method includes receiving a data model defining a set of data and data relationships to be represented in the graphic, receiving a graphic definition describing the mapping of the data from the data model to a set of algorithms, algorithm parameters, constraints, constraint rules, and shape properties, determining a shape size and position for the layout nodes utilizing the set of algorithms, constraints, and constraint rules from the graphic definition, and creating a list of shapes and shape properties for the graphic, including size and position. The method further includes determining if the graphic fits a given layout into a specific area based on the set of constraint values and if the graphic does not fit the specific area, then modifying the set of constraint values using the constraint rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Janet L. Schorr, Stephen T. Wells, Matthew Kotler, Thomas C. Underhill, Scott A. Sherman, Ilan Berker
  • Patent number: 7348982
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for creating and laying out a graphic within a drawing application program. The method includes receiving a data model defining a set of data and data relationships to be represented in the graphic, receiving a graphic definition describing the mapping of the data from the data model to a set of algorithms, algorithm parameters, constraints, constraint rules, and shape properties, determining a shape size and position for the layout nodes utilizing the set of algorithms, constraints, and constraint rules from the graphic definition, and creating a list of shapes and shape properties for the graphic, including size and position. The method further includes determining if the graphic fits a given layout into a specific area based on the set of constraint values and if the graphic does not fit the specific area, then modifying the set of constraint values using the constraint rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Janet L. Schorr, Stephen T. Wells, Matthew Kotler, Thomas C. Underhill, Scott A. Sherman, Ilan Berker
  • Publication number: 20070283284
    Abstract: Structuring graphics with placeholders may be provided. A first diagram may be displayed configured to display data associated with a data model. The first diagram may have a first diagram type. Next, a request may be received to display the data model in a second diagram configured to display the data associated with the data model. The second diagram may have a second diagram type. Then, the second diagram may be displayed configured to show the data associated with the data model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Janet L. Schorr, Crystal L. Hoyer, Ilan Berker, Shain Heuer, Thomas C. Underhill