Patents by Inventor Thomas H. Alphin
Thomas H. Alphin 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).
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Patent number: 10732796Abstract: Techniques are described for obtaining user activity information and navigational mnemonic information. The activity information and navigational mnemonic information can be used to control information presented in displays in a manner that can assist a user in locating an activity using displayed navigational mnemonics. User activity information can include an application identifier and a content identifier. Navigational mnemonic information can include a resource identifier and a relevance identifier. A user can search for activities based on a relationship between a navigational mnemonic and an activity, such as a temporal relationship. Applications can register both activity information and navigational mnemonic information through an interface, and a navigational mnemonic feed service can provide navigation mnemonics that are not directly related to user activity on user computer devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, Kenneth Lynn Crocker, Colleen E. Hamilton, Brian R. Meyers, Michael J. Novak
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Patent number: 10671245Abstract: Techniques are described for creating and modifying task records and for controlling information displayed to a user in corresponding task representations. The task records are associated with more or more user activities, where each activity is associated with a record having an identifier for the activity, an application identifier that indicates a software application associated with the activity, and a content identifier identifying content associated with the software application and the activity. The activity records can include activation information. A user can select a task representation and resume one or more activities associated with the task. Tasks records can be shared between different computer devices of the user, and with different users. Task and activity records can be associated with navigational mnemonics. Representations of task and activity records can be displayed proximate representations of associated navigational mnemonics to help a user locate tasks and activities of interest.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, Kenneth Lynn Crocker, Brian R. Meyers, Michael J. Novak, Valerie Louise Wang
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Patent number: 10656800Abstract: Techniques for visual configuration and activation are described. Techniques discussed herein enable visuals to be presented to a user based on a user-specific visual configuration. The visuals are activated such that the visuals are selectable to access various functionalities. In at least some embodiments, a visualization that represents a user-specific visual configuration is provided to and displayed on a device. The visualization includes inactive visuals that are activated based on various considerations.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Henri-Charles Machalani, Marina Dukhon, Thomas H. Alphin, III, Samer F. Sawaya, Sarah W. McDevitt, Daniel W. DeKlotz, Jakub P. Kotynia, Marko Panic, David S. Amenta
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Patent number: 10627995Abstract: Techniques are described for creating and modifying task records and for controlling information displayed to a user in corresponding task representations. The task records are associated with more or more user activities, where each activity is associated with a record having an identifier for the activity, an application identifier that indicates a software application associated with the activity, and a content identifier identifying content associated with the software application and the activity. The activity records can include activation information. A user can select a task representation and resume one or more activities associated with the task. Tasks records can be shared between different computer devices of the user, and with different users. Task and activity records can be associated with navigational mnemonics. Representations of task and activity records can be displayed proximate representations of associated navigational mnemonics to help a user locate tasks and activities of interest.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, Kenneth Lynn Crocker, Brian R. Meyers, Michael J. Novak, Valerie Louise Wang
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Patent number: 10467230Abstract: Techniques are described for obtaining and displaying user activity information. For example, user activity information can include an application identifier, a content identifier, and a relevance identifier. A summary display is rendered for display that presents user activity information for user activities meeting relevance criteria. A user can select to view an activity details view, presenting information regarding all of their activity over a time period. A user can search for activities meeting particular criteria, and can view past activities along with applications currently being executed by the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, Kenneth Lynn Crocker, Brian R. Meyers, Michael J. Novak
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Patent number: 10452222Abstract: Various systems, such as operating systems and application suites, have multiple programs that are installed and settings that are configured in order to put the system in a desired operational state (e.g., a substantially fully functioning state). Different users can have different experiences based on different programs they use, and the set of programs they use can come from network locations. A set of system readiness tasks is created that identifies the various actions to be performed to put the system in the desired operational state. Performance of the set of system readiness tasks is coordinated to display, prior to achieving the desired operational state, a preview of a user interface of the system that is customized to a specific user of the system. Performance of the set of system readiness tasks continues, while displaying the preview of the user interface, until the desired operational state is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, Samuel D. Clement, Samer F. Sawaya, Henri-Charles Machalani, Ananda Sarkar, Naresh Chandrasekaran
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Patent number: 10110590Abstract: Techniques enabling live tiles without application-code execution permit live content to be presented in tiles without executing code of applications associated with those tiles. By so doing, live tiles may be presented more safely, faster, or using fewer resources.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, John Michael Calandrino, Benjamin Salim Srour, Richard J. Duncan
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Publication number: 20180284958Abstract: Techniques are described for obtaining user activity information and navigational mnemonic information. The activity information and navigational mnemonic information can be used to control information presented in displays in a manner that can assist a user in locating an activity using displayed navigational mnemonics. User activity information can include an application identifier and a content identifier. Navigational mnemonic information can include a resource identifier and a relevance identifier. A user can search for activities based on a relationship between a navigational mnemonic and an activity, such as a temporal relationship. Applications can register both activity information and navigational mnemonic information through an interface, and a navigational mnemonic feed service can provide navigation mnemonics that are not directly related to user activity on user computer devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, Kenneth Lynn Crocker, Colleen E. Hamilton, Brian R. Meyers, Michael J. Novak
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Publication number: 20180284959Abstract: Techniques are described for creating and modifying task records and for controlling information displayed to a user in corresponding task representations. The task records are associated with more or more user activities, where each activity is associated with a record having an identifier for the activity, an application identifier that indicates a software application associated with the activity, and a content identifier identifying content associated with the software application and the activity. The activity records can include activation information. A user can select a task representation and resume one or more activities associated with the task. Tasks records can be shared between different computer devices of the user, and with different users. Task and activity records can be associated with navigational mnemonics. Representations of task and activity records can be displayed proximate representations of associated navigational mnemonics to help a user locate tasks and activities of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, Kenneth Lynn Crocker, Brian R. Meyers, Michael J. Novak, Valerie Louise Wang
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Publication number: 20180246937Abstract: Techniques are described for obtaining and displaying user activity information. For example, user activity information can include an application identifier, a content identifier, and a relevance identifier. A summary display is rendered for display that presents user activity information for user activities meeting relevance criteria. A user can select to view an activity details view, presenting information regarding all of their activity over a time period. A user can search for activities meeting particular criteria, and can view past activities along with applications currently being executed by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2017Publication date: August 30, 2018Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, Kenneth Lynn Crocker, Brian R. Meyers, Michael J. Novak
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Publication number: 20180026965Abstract: Techniques enabling live tiles without application-code execution are described. These techniques permit live content to be presented in tiles without executing code of applications associated with those tiles. By so doing, live tiles may be presented more safely, faster, or using fewer resources.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, John Michael Calandrino, Benjamin Salim Srour, Richard J. Duncan
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Patent number: 9807081Abstract: Techniques enabling live tiles without application-code execution are described. These techniques permit live content to be presented in tiles without executing code of applications associated with those tiles. By so doing, live tiles may be presented more safely, faster, or using fewer resources.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, John Michael Calandrino, Benjamin Salim Srour, Richard J. Duncan
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Publication number: 20160352724Abstract: This document describes techniques enabling live tiles without application-code execution. These techniques permit live content to be presented in tiles without executing code of applications associated with those tiles. By so doing, live tiles may be presented more safely, faster, or using fewer resources.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, John Michael Calandrino, Benjamin Salim Srour, Richard J. Duncan
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Patent number: 9450952Abstract: Techniques enabling live tiles without application-code execution permit live content to be presented in tiles without executing code of applications associated with those tiles. By so doing, live tiles may be presented more safely, faster, or using fewer resources.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, John Michael Calandrino, Benjamin Salim Srour, Richard J. Duncan
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Publication number: 20140359469Abstract: Various systems, such as operating systems and application suites, have multiple programs that are installed and settings that are configured in order to put the system in a desired operational state (e.g., a substantially fully functioning state). Different users can have different experiences based on different programs they use, and the set of programs they use can come from network locations. A set of system readiness tasks is created that identifies the various actions to be performed to put the system in the desired operational state. Performance of the set of system readiness tasks is coordinated to display, prior to achieving the desired operational state, a preview of a user interface of the system that is customized to a specific user of the system. Performance of the set of system readiness tasks continues, while displaying the preview of the user interface, until the desired operational state is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, Samuel D. Clement, Samer F. Sawaya, Henri-Charles Machalani, Ananda Sarkar, Naresh Chandrasekaran
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Publication number: 20140359721Abstract: This document describes techniques enabling live tiles without application-code execution. These techniques permit live content to be presented in tiles without executing code of applications associated with those tiles. By so doing, live tiles may be presented more safely, faster, or using fewer resources.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Thomas H. Alphin, III, John Michael Calandrino, Benjamin Salim Srour, Richard J. Duncan
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Publication number: 20140298214Abstract: Techniques for visual configuration and activation are described. Techniques discussed herein enable visuals to be presented to a user based on a user-specific visual configuration. The visuals are activated such that the visuals are selectable to access various functionalities. In at least some embodiments, a visualization that represents a user-specific visual configuration is provided to and displayed on a device. The visualization includes inactive visuals that are activated based on various considerations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Henri-Charles Machalani, Marina Dukhon, Thomas H. Alphin, III, Samer F. Sawaya, Sarah W. McDevitt, Daniel W. DeKlotz, Jakub P. Kotynia, Marko Panic, David S. Amenta
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Patent number: 8378989Abstract: Methods are provided for interpreting a touch in relation to touch targets displayed on a touch-screen display, the touch targets associated with an application. A touch is detected at a first touch-screen location. The application is queried to determined a first touch target located within a predetermined touch region of the first touch-screen location. The application is then queries to determine whether a second touch target is located within the predetermined touch region. The touch is them disambiguated to determine whether the touch was intended for the first touch target or the second touch target.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Richard J. Duncan, Leroy B. Keely, David A. Perry, Thomas H. Alphin, Chris Devaraj, David A. Matthews, Steven P. Dodge
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Publication number: 20120274592Abstract: Methods are provided for interpreting a touch in relation to touch targets displayed on a touch-screen display, the touch targets associated with an application. A touch is detected at a first touch-screen location. The application is queried to determined a first touch target located within a predetermined touch region of the first touch-screen location. The application is then queries to determine whether a second touch target is located within the predetermined touch region. The touch is them disambiguated to determine whether the touch was intended for the first touch target or the second touch target.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Richard J. Duncan, Leroy B. Keely, David A. Perry, Thomas H. Alphin, Chris Devaraj, David A. Matthews, Steven P. Dodge
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Patent number: 8255822Abstract: Textboxes are provided to support both standard textbox operations and handwriting input. A textbox may be displayed as a standard textbox, receive input from a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse), and/or a handheld writing device (e.g., an electronic pen or stylus), and interpret the input to perform standard textbox operations. Based on various user actions, the textbox is displayed as an enlarged textbox that provides a writing surface for receiving input from the handheld writing device that is interpreted as handwriting input. Text is recognized from the handwriting input, and the text from the enlarged textbox is synchronized with the textbox.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jan-Kristian Markiewicz, Thomas Randall Wick, Krishna Kotipali, Adrian James Garside, Takanobu Murayama, Susan E. Dziadosz, Tracy Dianne Schultz, Leroy B. Keely, Thomas H. Alphin