# Microsoft Corp — Patents explained on PatentBrief

Microsoft Corp has 8 landmark patents explained in plain English on PatentBrief.

- [How Search Engines Rank Images Using User Ratings](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/7836050/bing-search-ranking) — granted 2010
  A system that improves image search results by combining how well an image matches a search term with how highly users have rated that image elsewhere.
- [How Software Predicts What You Need Based on Your Coworkers](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/7685160/ntfs-file-system) — granted 2010
  A system that uses the browsing history and work habits of your colleagues to automatically build a personalized dashboard of links and content you are likely to need next.
- [How Software Interfaces Shrink to Save Screen Space](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/7530029/xbox-360-achievements-system) — granted 2009
  A method for automatically shrinking a navigation sidebar into a slim icon-based strip while maintaining access to full features through a temporary pop-up menu.
- [How to Play Any Media Playlist by Converting it to a Standard Format](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6990497/dynamic-streaming-media-management) — granted 2006
  This patent describes a system that takes media playlists in various formats, converts them into a single standard format, and then streams the referenced content, even allowing for dynamic changes during playback.
- [How Handheld Devices Organize Recently Used Files and Contacts](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6901559/microsoft-office-ribbon-ui) — granted 2005
  A 2000-era Microsoft patent for showing a 'Recent' category on handheld devices, allowing users to interact with recent items exactly like they would with any other file.
- [How Servers Combine Global and Local Content for Personalized Web Displays](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6122658/custom-localized-information-in-a-networked-server-for-display-to-an-end-user) — granted 2000
  A 1997 Microsoft patent describing how a server can mix general content with specific local details to create a personalized experience for users based on their location or demographics.
- [How the Windows Taskbar Manages Open Programs](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5920316/windows-explorer-tree-view) — granted 1999
  Microsoft's 1999 patent defines the mechanics of the Windows taskbar, allowing users to track open programs and manage window layouts through a persistent interface element.
- [How Windows 95 Supported Long Filenames While Staying Compatible](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5579517/windows-95-start-menu) — granted 1996
  A clever method for storing long filenames in older file systems by hiding them in extra directory entries that older programs simply ignore.

**Full profile:** https://patentbrief.org/company/microsoft-corp

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Plain-English explanations of US patents._