Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Immaneni Ashok

Jonathan C Cluts

David William Baumert

Flora P Goldthwaite

Pamela J Heath

Aaron Woodman

Sven Pleyer

Flora Goldthwaite

A method and system are provided for allowing a user to efficiently manage communications. A system for allowing a user having a unique identity is provided, wherein the unique identity is associated with a plurality of electronic devices. The system includes a service for assigning a reference to a user's unique identity, wherein other identities can access the user's unique identity only by using the reference. The system additionally includes permission controls for allowing the user to control access to the unique identity by restricting authorization to a selected set of other identities. Groups of individuals may receive different levels of authorization such that some individuals may be authorized to make live contact and others may be required to leave a message. Preference controls allow the system user to select at least one associated device from a plurality of associated devices for receiving communication upon an access attempt by an authorized user. The preference controls also allow a system user to select a preferred mode of receiving communication such as audio, video or text modes.

System and method for managing electronic communications

A method and system are provided for allowing a user to efficiently manage communications. A system for allowing a user having a unique identity is provided, wherein the unique identity is associated with a plurality of electronic devices. The system includes a service for assigning a reference to a user's unique identity, wherein other identities can access the user's unique identity only by using the reference. The system additionally includes permission controls for allowing the user to control access to the unique identity by restricting authorization to a selected set of other identities. Groups of individuals may receive different levels of authorization such that some individuals may be authorized to make live contact and others may be required to leave a message. Preference controls allow the system user to select at least one associated, device from a plurality of associated devices for receiving communication upon an access attempt by an authorized user. The preference controls also allow a system user to select a preferred mode of receiving communication such as audio, video or text modes.

A computer-implemented system and method is provided for enhancing a user experience within an environment. The experience is enhanced using a number of devices that are connected on a network. The method involves monitoring the environment for cues, such as words from a user reading a book. Upon receiving a cue, one or more of the networked devices are prompted to produce a desired effect that is associated with the cue. The experience of those in the environment is enhanced or augmented by the effects produced. The system of the invention uses a computer that executes a script manager component and a device dispatcher component. The script manager component receives the cues and matches the cue with a desired effect that the network device(s) are to produce. The script manager informs the device dispatcher, which instructs the network devices(s) to produce the desired effect.

Computer system and method for enhancing experience using networked devices

The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in customizing, organizing and presenting digital information for selection and interaction by end users. The present invention conveys multiple pieces of information to a user in a multi-dimensional metaphor. A user is presented with a selection of content options that are catered to the user. Presented information is filtered on the basis of configurable user criteria, wherein the criteria includes both what is represented and how it is presented, as it relates to current and past user choices of content. The present invention also presents ancillary information that is associated with the digital content. Additionally, the present invention provides user interface features directed to content from a variety of media, including on air, video, photos, music, games and books.

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Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Immaneni Ashok