公开(公告)号：US07784081B2

公开(公告)日：2010-08-24

申请号：US11580729

申请日：2006-10-13

Applicant: Joel G. Hassell ,  Edward B. Knudson ,  L. Joe Hedges ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  David M. Berezowski

Inventor： Joel G. Hassell ,  Edward B. Knudson ,  L. Joe Hedges ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  David M. Berezowski

IPC: H04N5/445 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N7/16

CPC classification number: H04N21/47217 ,  G11B27/002 ,  G11B27/034 ,  G11B27/102 ,  G11B27/105 ,  G11B27/107 ,  G11B27/11 ,  G11B27/327 ,  G11B27/328 ,  G11B27/329 ,  G11B27/34 ,  G11B2220/2562 ,  G11B2220/41 ,  G11B2220/90 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/77 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/781 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N5/85 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N21/2387 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/42224 ,  H04N21/42661 ,  H04N21/4312 ,  H04N21/4325 ,  H04N21/4332 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/4345 ,  H04N21/4358 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/43622 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/458 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4722 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/4825 ,  H04N21/485 ,  H04N21/4856 ,  H04N21/6118 ,  H04N21/6143 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N21/8455 ,  H04N21/8456 ,  H04N21/85406

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to select a program for recording onto the digital storage device. The program guide may then provide the user a list of programs that includes at least one listing for a recorded program. The user may select a recorded program listing and the program guide will transfer the corresponding program from the digital storage device to a secondary storage device.

Abstract translation: 提供了具有数字存储的交互式电视节目指南系统。 节目指南为用户提供了选择用于录制到数字存储设备上的节目的能力。 节目指南然后可以向用户提供包括用于记录节目的至少一个列表的节目列表。 用户可以选择记录的节目列表，并且节目指南将相应的节目从数字存储设备传送到辅助存储设备。

公开(公告)号：US07783491B2

公开(公告)日：2010-08-24

申请号：US12106108

申请日：2008-04-18

Applicant: M. Scott Reichardt ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Toby DeWeese

Inventor： M. Scott Reichardt ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Toby DeWeese

IPC: G10L15/00

CPC classification number: G06F3/167 ,  G10L15/22 ,  G10L15/30 ,  G10L17/02 ,  G10L2015/223 ,  G10L2015/227 ,  G11B27/105 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/781 ,  H04N5/85 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N9/8042 ,  H04N9/8047 ,  H04N21/42203 ,  H04N21/4394 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/482

Abstract: A user speech interface for interactive media guidance applications, such as television program guides, guides for audio services, guides for video-on-demand (VOD) services, guides for personal video recorders (PVRs), or other suitable guidance applications is provided. Voice commands may be received from a user and guidance activities may be performed in response to the voice commands.

Abstract translation: 提供用于交互式媒体指导应用的用户语音界面，诸如电视节目指南，音频服务指南，视频点播（VOD）服务指南，个人视频录像机（PVR）指南或其他合适的指导应用。 可以从用户接收语音命令，并且可以响应于语音命令执行指导活动。

公开(公告)号：US07779445B2

公开(公告)日：2010-08-17

申请号：US12350393

申请日：2009-01-08

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis

IPC: H04N7/173

CPC classification number: H04N21/4882 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N21/23113 ,  H04N21/242 ,  H04N21/262 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/4312 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/4343 ,  H04N21/4383 ,  H04N21/4438 ,  H04N21/4583 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/47217 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N21/84

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which an interactive television application is used to support network-based or local personal video recorder capabilities. A user may use this application to view lists of program listings. The user may select a program listing of interest. The interactive television application may allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at the scheduled broadcast time. This application may also allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at a later time at which the program is not scheduled to be broadcast. The user may be provided with a reminder at this later time. In response, the user may direct the network-based or local personal video recorder to play back the program or may defer the reminder again. The interactive television application may collect information on program usage and popularity to determine how long to retain certain programming.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种交互式电视系统，其中使用交互式电视应用来支持基于网络或本地个人录像机能力。 用户可以使用此应用程序来查看节目列表的列表。 用户可以选择感兴趣的程序列表。 交互式电视应用可以允许用户在预定的广播时间设置所选节目的提醒。 该应用还可以允许用户在节目未被调度为广播的稍后时间为所选择的节目设置提醒。 在稍后的时间可以向用户提供提醒。 作为响应，用户可以指导基于网络或本地个人录像机来播放节目或者可以再次推迟提醒。 交互式电视应用程序可以收集有关节目使用和流行度的信息，以确定保留某些节目的时间长短。

公开(公告)号：US07761892B2

公开(公告)日：2010-07-20

申请号：US10361478

申请日：2003-02-06

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

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

IPC: G06F13/00 ,  G06F3/00 ,  H04N7/173

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从媒体服务器播放的程序和程序的实时缓存副本的程序的类似VCR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：US20100180300A1

公开(公告)日：2010-07-15

申请号：US12633011

申请日：2009-12-08

Applicant: Kenneth F. Carpenter ,  Robert A. Knee ,  W. Benjamin Herrington ,  Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Kenneth F. Carpenter ,  Robert A. Knee ,  W. Benjamin Herrington ,  Michael D. Ellis

IPC: H04N5/445

CPC classification number: H04N21/4117 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/44582 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/4312 ,  H04N21/4314 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/44222 ,  H04N21/4438 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/454 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/4667 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4751 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/47805 ,  H04N21/47815 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4786 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4823 ,  H04N21/4828 ,  H04N21/485

Abstract: Advanced features for interactive television applications are described, including a back feature, a forward feature, a history feature, a go to feature, an extras feature, a reminder feature, a favorites feature, a parental control feature, and a search feature. Features may be inter-resource. Support for multiple data paths, Internet access, interactive services, and user profiles are also described.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于交互式电视应用的高级功能，包括后退功能，前向功能，历史功能，转到功能，附加功能，提醒功能，收藏功能，家长控制功能和搜索功能。 功能可能是资源间的。 还描述了对多个数据路径，因特网访问，交互式服务和用户简档的支持。

公开(公告)号：US20100175084A1

公开(公告)日：2010-07-08

申请号：US12724360

申请日：2010-03-15

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  Joseph M. Guiliano

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  Joseph M. Guiliano

IPC: H04N7/025

CPC classification number: G06Q30/00 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/858

Abstract: A system is provided in which messages and promotions are linked together in an interactive television system. The messages may be electronic mail messages. When the system displays a message, it displays the associated promotion on the same screen. The television viewer may select the promotion to see more details and to order the product or program advertised or to perform other actions related to the product or program. The system may also include a program guide and allow promotions to be linked to program guide data, in which case the system may allow the television viewer to access program guide features by selecting the promotion.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种系统，其中消息和促销在交互式电视系统中链接在一起。 消息可以是电子邮件消息。 当系统显示消息时，它会在同一屏幕上显示关联的促销。 电视观看者可以选择促销来查看更多的细节并且订购被广告的产品或节目，或者执行与该产品或节目相关的其他动作。 系统还可以包括节目指南并且允许促销被链接到节目指南数据，在这种情况下，系统可允许电视观看者通过选择促销来访问节目指南特征。

公开(公告)号：US20100153986A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-17

申请号：US12621077

申请日：2009-11-18

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis

IPC: H04N7/16 ,  G06F13/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/93 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/4312 ,  H04N21/4314 ,  H04N21/4316 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/482

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which a user can use an interactive television application to establish time-based settings. The user may set television program reminders, advance-order pay-per-view programs, schedule programs for recording, and establish parental controls to prevent television viewing during certain times on certain channels. The interactive television application may be used to support video recorder functions such as personal video recorder functions implemented locally on the user's set-top box or other equipment and network-based video recorder functions implemented using servers at cable television headends and other network locations. The interactive television application may also be used to deliver video-on-demand content. When the user requests that video be delivered, conflicts may arise between the requested video delivery and the previously-established time-based settings. The interactive television application may provide the user with on-screen options that allow the user to select how to resolve these conflicts.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种交互式电视系统，其中用户可以使用交互式电视应用来建立基于时间的设置。 用户可以设置电视节目提醒，提前订购按次付费节目，用于记录的节目表，并且建立家长控制以防止某些频道上的特定时间的电视观看。 交互式电视应用可以用于支持视频记录器功能，例如在用户机顶盒上本地实现的个人录像机功能或者使用在有线电视头端和其他网络位置的服务器实现的其他设备和基于网络的录像机功能。 交互式电视应用也可以用于提供视频点播内容。 当用户请求传送视频时，可能会在请求的视频传送与先前建立的基于时间的设置之间产生冲突。 交互式电视应用程序可以向用户提供允许用户选择如何解决这些冲突的屏幕选项。

公开(公告)号：US07739709B2

公开(公告)日：2010-06-15

申请号：US11788259

申请日：2007-04-18

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

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

IPC: H04N5/445 ,  H04N7/173 ,  G06F13/00 ,  G06F3/00

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.

公开(公告)号：US20090310937A1

公开(公告)日：2009-12-17

申请号：US12546301

申请日：2009-08-24

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  Danny R. Gaydou ,  M. Scott Reichardt ,  Joseph P. Baumgartner ,  William L. Thomas

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  Danny R. Gaydou ,  M. Scott Reichardt ,  Joseph P. Baumgartner ,  William L. Thomas

IPC: H04N5/91

CPC classification number: H04N21/23406 ,  G11B27/005 ,  G11B27/034 ,  G11B27/329 ,  G11B27/34 ,  G11B2020/10962 ,  G11B2220/41 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N5/783 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N7/165 ,  H04N9/7921 ,  H04N21/2387 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/4263 ,  H04N21/4312 ,  H04N21/4314 ,  H04N21/4331 ,  H04N21/4333 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/4335 ,  H04N21/44004 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/454 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/47217 ,  H04N21/4751 ,  H04N21/4753 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4828 ,  H04N21/485 ,  H04N21/4882 ,  H04N21/632 ,  H04N21/6587 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N21/8456 ,  H04N2005/4419

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide enhanced personal video recorder (“PVR”) and interactive television program guide (“IPG”) functionality are provided. An interactive television application (“application”) may be implemented to provide such functionality. The application may be used to display a list of PVR recordings, to schedule recordings to a PVR, to configure recordings, to view a list of scheduled recordings, to configure recording settings, or to select delete priority settings for recordings. The application may integrate pay-per-view and PVR functionality. The application may send user notifications for changes that are to be made to the recording content of a PVR. Live programming may be buffered by the application using a straight buffers that are created for each new program. Parallel buffers for concurrent programs may be implemented using multiple tuners. Straight buffers may be used in managing or controlling the flow of programming. Television content may be automatically paused when a user is engaged in using the application. Multiple IPGs for different users of a PVR may be implemented. Other PVR related features are also provided.

Abstract translation: 提供了提供增强型个人录像机（“PVR”）和交互式电视节目指南（“IPG”）功能的方法和系统。 可以实现交互式电视应用（“应用”）来提供这样的功能。 该应用程序可用于显示PVR记录列表，将录像记录到PVR，配置录像，查看预定录像列表，配置录像设置或选择录制的删除优先级设置。 该应用程序可以集成按次付费和PVR功能。 应用程序可以发送用于对PVR的记录内容进行的改变的用户通知。 实时编程可以由应用程序使用为每个新程序创建的直接缓冲区缓冲。 用于并发程序的并行缓冲器可以使用多个调谐器来实现。 直线缓冲器可用于管理或控制编程流程。 当用户参与使用应用程序时，电视内容可能会自动暂停。 可以实现用于PVR的不同用户的多个IPG。 还提供了其他PVR相关功能。

公开(公告)号：US07603684B1

公开(公告)日：2009-10-13

申请号：US09262870

申请日：1999-03-04

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis

IPC: H04N5/445 ,  G06F13/00 ,  G06F3/00

CPC classification number: H04N21/4314 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/44591 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N7/17336 ,  H04N21/26283 ,  H04N21/4263 ,  H04N21/4312 ,  H04N21/4345 ,  H04N21/4524 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/4826 ,  H04N21/4828 ,  H04N21/8549 ,  H04N2005/4441

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a viewer may direct a television to simultaneously display a selected television program and a program guide display. A viewer may use the program guide display to browse available video-on-demand (VOD) while continuing to view a previously selected program in the background. The viewer may browse through video-on-demand programs on the program guide display using a variety of keys on a remote control unit. The viewer may direct the program guide to order a given video-on-demand program, and set a desired broadcast time for that program.