公开(公告)号：US10205995B2

公开(公告)日：2019-02-12

申请号：US12982382

申请日：2010-12-30

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  Robert A. Knee

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  Robert A. Knee

IPC: H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/45 ,  H04N5/44 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N5/77 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/443 ,  H04N21/454 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N5/775

Abstract: A program guide system is provided that supports a program guide application and multiple non-guide applications. The program guide system has a program guide application interface that allows the non-guide applications to use both device resources and program guide resources. The application interface maintains a list of registered applications and directs control requests from various applications to the current primary application. The application interface also has a user interface input director that directs keystrokes and other user input commands to the appropriate application. If a keystroke for the program guide application is detected while a non-guide application is running, the program guide application is invoked.

公开(公告)号：US10075746B2

公开(公告)日：2018-09-11

申请号：US13295026

申请日：2011-11-11

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

IPC: H04N21/235 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/643 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/2225 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/214 ,  H04N21/231 ,  H04N21/2318 ,  H04N21/2543 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/433 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/61 ,  H04N21/658 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N21/81 ,  H04N21/858 ,  H04N5/91 ,  H04N21/274 ,  H04N21/233 ,  H04N21/2343 ,  H04N21/2387

CPC classification number: H04N21/2353 ,  G06F3/00 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/91 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N7/17336 ,  H04N21/2143 ,  H04N21/2225 ,  H04N21/23113 ,  H04N21/2318 ,  H04N21/233 ,  H04N21/2335 ,  H04N21/23439 ,  H04N21/2387 ,  H04N21/2543 ,  H04N21/25435 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/26283 ,  H04N21/274 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/47208 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/47217 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/4828 ,  H04N21/6175 ,  H04N21/643 ,  H04N21/64322 ,  H04N21/6581 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/8586

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

公开(公告)号：US10027998B2

公开(公告)日：2018-07-17

申请号：US11099924

申请日：2005-04-05

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

IPC: H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/433 ,  H04N21/426 ,  H04N21/458 ,  H04N21/235 ,  H04N21/2225 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/214 ,  H04N21/231 ,  H04N21/2318 ,  H04N21/2543 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/61 ,  H04N21/643 ,  H04N21/658 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N21/81 ,  H04N21/858 ,  H04N5/91 ,  H04N21/274 ,  H04N21/233 ,  H04N21/2343 ,  H04N21/2387

CPC classification number: H04N21/2353 ,  G06F3/00 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/91 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N7/17336 ,  H04N21/2143 ,  H04N21/2225 ,  H04N21/23113 ,  H04N21/2318 ,  H04N21/233 ,  H04N21/2335 ,  H04N21/23439 ,  H04N21/2387 ,  H04N21/2543 ,  H04N21/25435 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/26283 ,  H04N21/274 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/47208 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/47217 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/4828 ,  H04N21/6175 ,  H04N21/643 ,  H04N21/64322 ,  H04N21/6581 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/8586

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

公开(公告)号：US09860584B2

公开(公告)日：2018-01-02

申请号：US13280210

申请日：2011-10-24

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  Thomas R. Lemmons ,  Connie T. Marshall ,  Donald W. Allison

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  Thomas R. Lemmons ,  Connie T. Marshall ,  Donald W. Allison

IPC: H04N5/76 ,  H04N21/433 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N7/16 ,  H04N21/41 ,  H04N21/426 ,  H04N21/438 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/85

CPC classification number: H04N21/4334 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/7755 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N5/85 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N21/4135 ,  H04N21/4263 ,  H04N21/4383 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4821

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.

公开(公告)号：US09438953B2

公开(公告)日：2016-09-06

申请号：US12869287

申请日：2010-08-26

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  Robert A. Knee

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  Robert A. Knee

IPC: G06F3/00 ,  G06F13/00 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N21/45 ,  H04N5/44 ,  H04N5/77 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/443 ,  H04N21/454 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N5/775

CPC classification number: H04N21/4508 ,  H04N5/4401 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/44582 ,  H04N5/772 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/7755 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/4438 ,  H04N21/4542 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4828

Abstract: A program guide system is provided that supports a program guide application and multiple non-guide applications. The program guide system has a program guide application interface that allows the non-guide applications to use both device resources and program guide resources. The application interface maintains a list of registered applications and directs control requests from various applications to the current primary application. The application interface also has a user interface input director that directs keystrokes and other user input commands to the appropriate application. If a keystroke for the program guide application is detected while a non-guide application is running, the program guide application is invoked.

公开(公告)号：US09237369B2

公开(公告)日：2016-01-12

申请号：US11894618

申请日：2007-08-20

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

IPC: G06F3/00 ,  G06F13/00 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N21/4227 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N21/434 ,  H04N7/10 ,  H04N7/16 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/436 ,  H04N21/442 ,  H04N21/45 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/475 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4786 ,  H04N21/4788 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/488 ,  H04N21/485 ,  H04N5/44

CPC classification number: H04N21/4227 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/44582 ,  H04N7/106 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/4345 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/44222 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4751 ,  H04N21/4753 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/47815 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4786 ,  H04N21/4788 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/485 ,  H04N21/4856 ,  H04N21/4882 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N2005/4433

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. The operation of applications such as web browser applications, home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.

公开(公告)号：US09232254B2

公开(公告)日：2016-01-05

申请号：US13338014

申请日：2011-12-27

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

IPC: H04N5/76 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/214 ,  H04N21/231 ,  H04N21/2318 ,  H04N21/2543 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/433 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/61 ,  H04N21/643 ,  H04N21/658 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N21/81 ,  H04N21/858 ,  H04N5/91 ,  H04N21/274

CPC classification number: H04N21/2353 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/91 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N7/17336 ,  H04N21/2143 ,  H04N21/2225 ,  H04N21/23113 ,  H04N21/2318 ,  H04N21/233 ,  H04N21/2335 ,  H04N21/23439 ,  H04N21/2387 ,  H04N21/2543 ,  H04N21/25435 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/26283 ,  H04N21/274 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/47208 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/47217 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/4828 ,  H04N21/6175 ,  H04N21/643 ,  H04N21/64322 ,  H04N21/6581 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/8586

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Abstract translation: 提供交互式电视节目指南系统。 交互式电视节目指南为用户提供了选择在远程媒体服务器上进行录制的节目的机会。 程序也可以记录在本地媒体服务器上。 程序指南为用户提供了对从媒体服务器播放的程序以及程序的实时缓存副本的控制。 节目指南还为用户提供了指定节目可能被录制的礼物收件人的机会。

公开(公告)号：US09185449B2

公开(公告)日：2015-11-10

申请号：US12780196

申请日：2010-05-14

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Thomas R. Lemmons

IPC: G06F3/00 ,  G06F13/00 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N21/4227 ,  H04N7/10 ,  H04N7/16 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/436 ,  H04N21/442 ,  H04N21/45 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/475 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4786 ,  H04N21/4788 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/488 ,  H04N21/485 ,  H04N5/44

CPC classification number: H04N21/4227 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/44582 ,  H04N7/106 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/4345 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/44222 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4751 ,  H04N21/4753 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/47815 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4786 ,  H04N21/4788 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/485 ,  H04N21/4856 ,  H04N21/4882 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N2005/4433

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings); etc. The operation of applications such as web browser applications; home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种基于单户家庭中多用户电视设备的交互式电视节目指南系统。 该系统为用户提供了利用给定的交互式电视节目指南来调整节目指南设置的机会。 系统协调交互式电视节目指南的操作，使得由给定的交互式电视节目指南调整的节目指南设置被其他交互式电视节目指南使用。 节目指南设置包括与设置节目提醒，个人资料，节目录制功能，消息功能，收藏功能，家长控制功能，节目指南设置功能（例如音频和视频和语言设置）相关的功能; 诸如网络浏览器应用程序等应用程序的操作; 家庭购物应用，家庭银行应用，游戏应用等也可以协调。

公开(公告)号：US08973056B2

公开(公告)日：2015-03-03

申请号：US10925892

申请日：2004-08-23

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Edward B. Knudson ,  Joel G. Hassell ,  Kevin B. Easterbrook

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Edward B. Knudson ,  Joel G. Hassell ,  Kevin B. Easterbrook

IPC: H04N5/445 ,  H04N21/443 ,  H04N21/462 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/4725 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/81 ,  H04N5/60

CPC classification number: H04N21/4431 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/60 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/4725 ,  H04N21/47815 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/8173

Abstract: A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide application and non-program-guide applications are at least partially implemented on user television equipment. A program guide program application interface is provided that is used to maintain a consistent user interface between the program guide application and the non-program-guide applications. The user may select certain non-program-guide applications as favorites and may set parental controls for certain non-program-guide applications. While the non-program-guide application operates, the program guide may check for events that require immediate attention. When such an event is detected, operation of the non-program-guide application may be suspended and the user may be asked whether the detected event should take place or whether operation of the non-program-guide application should be resumed. The program application interface may perform authentication and access rights determination functions. Reminders may be set for the content of non-program-guide applications.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种系统，其中交互式电视节目指南应用和非节目指南应用至少部分地在用户电视设备上实现。 提供了一种程序指南程序应用程序接口，用于在程序指南应用程序和非程序指导应用程序之间维护一致的用户界面。 用户可以选择某些非节目指南应用程序作为收藏夹，并且可以为某些非节目指南应用设置家长控制。 非程序指南应用程序运行时，程序指南可以检查需要立即注意的事件。 当检测到这样的事件时，可以暂停非节目指南应用的操作，并且可以询问用户是否应该发生检测到的事件，或者是否应该恢复非节目指南应用的操作。 程序应用程序接口可以执行认证和访问权限确定功能。 可以为非程序指南应用程序的内容设置提醒。

公开(公告)号：US08966567B2

公开(公告)日：2015-02-24

申请号：US12212876

申请日：2008-09-18

Applicant: William L. Thomas ,  Thomas E. Westberg ,  Brian Fife ,  Joseph DiGiovanni ,  Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： William L. Thomas ,  Thomas E. Westberg ,  Brian Fife ,  Joseph DiGiovanni ,  Michael D. Ellis

IPC: H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/439 ,  G11B27/034 ,  G11B27/34 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N21/2368 ,  H04N21/41 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/418 ,  H04N21/426 ,  H04N21/433 ,  H04N21/434 ,  H04N21/4402 ,  H04N21/442 ,  H04N21/4627 ,  H04N21/472 ,  G11B20/00 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/781 ,  H04N5/85 ,  H04N9/804

CPC classification number: H04N21/4184 ,  G11B20/00173 ,  G11B20/00731 ,  G11B27/034 ,  G11B27/34 ,  G11B2220/218 ,  G11B2220/2545 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/781 ,  H04N5/85 ,  H04N9/8042 ,  H04N21/2368 ,  H04N21/4135 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/42646 ,  H04N21/42669 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/4341 ,  H04N21/439 ,  H04N21/4394 ,  H04N21/4398 ,  H04N21/4402 ,  H04N21/44231 ,  H04N21/4627 ,  H04N21/47214

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for extracting digital content using an interactive television application. The interactive television application may allow the user to record programs on a set-top box. The interactive television application may also allow the user to extract the audio from one of the recorded programs and transfer the extracted audio to removable media (e.g., a CD-R). The interactive television application also be configured to perform a future transfer of digital content to removable media. The future transfer may occur without requiring any further user interaction.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及使用交互式电视应用提取数字内容的方法和系统。 交互式电视应用可以允许用户在机顶盒上记录节目。 交互式电视应用还可以允许用户从所记录的节目之一中提取音频，并将提取的音频传送到可移动媒体（例如，CD-R）。 交互式电视应用还被配置为执行数字内容到可移动媒体的将来传送。 未来的转移可能发生，而不需要任何进一步的用户交互。