公开(公告)号：US6016141A

公开(公告)日：2000-01-18

申请号：US944153

申请日：1997-10-06

Applicant: Edward B. Knudson ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Bruce L. Davis

Inventor： Edward B. Knudson ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Bruce L. Davis

IPC: H04N5/445 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/6547 ,  B04N7/445

CPC classification number: H04N21/4668 ,  H04N21/435 ,  H04N21/44218 ,  H04N21/44222 ,  H04N21/47211 ,  H04N21/4826 ,  H04N21/6547 ,  H04N21/8126 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N7/17318

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user to select a pay program for purchase from a program guide. The program guide determines whether the selected program is part of a package of pay programs. If the selected program is part of a package, information regarding the package is provided to the user so that the user may decide whether to purchase the package. If the selected program is part of several packages, information for all packages is provided. The system automatically sets reminders for packages containing repetitive programming. The system monitors whether the user has watched any of the programs in such packages. When the user watches a program from the package, the remaining reminders are cancelled. If a user does not watch any programs in a package of any type, purchase of the package is cancelled and the user is provided with the opportunity to reschedule.

公开(公告)号：US5621454A

公开(公告)日：1997-04-15

申请号：US481815

申请日：1995-06-07

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  Stephen M. Dunn ,  Michael W. Fellinger ,  Fancy B. Younglove ,  David M. James ,  David L. Clifton ,  Richard S. Land

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  Stephen M. Dunn ,  Michael W. Fellinger ,  Fancy B. Younglove ,  David M. James ,  David L. Clifton ,  Richard S. Land

IPC: H04N17/00 ,  G06K9/00 ,  G06K9/62 ,  G06K9/70 ,  G06K9/78 ,  G06T7/00 ,  H04H1/00 ,  H04H60/37 ,  H04H60/58 ,  H04H60/59 ,  H04N7/10 ,  H04N9/00 ,  H04N17/04

CPC classification number: G06K9/00711 ,  G06F17/30802 ,  H04H60/372 ,  H04H60/58 ,  H04H60/59 ,  H04H2201/90

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a signature characterizing an interval of a video signal representing a picture for use in broadcast segment recognition. The signature is produced based on portions of the video signal representing corresponding regions of the picture. The invention also serves to produce a corresponding mast word including a plurality of bit values each representing a reliability of a corresponding value of the signature. The first signature is formed having a plurality of values each of which is based on a respective one of the portions of the video signal. A second signature is formed also having a plurality of values each based on respective ones of a plurality of shifted portions of the video signal. The shifted portions each corresponds to a respective one of the video signal portions and has a location displaced from a location of the respective one of the portions by a predetermined amount, such that each value of the first signature corresponds to a value of the second signature. The respective values of the first and second signatures are compared and bit values of the mask word are established based on this comparison.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及一种产生表征用于广播段识别的图像的视频信号的间隔的签名的方法。 基于表示图像的相应区域的视频信号的部分产生签名。 本发明还用于产生包括多个比特值的对应的桅杆词，每个比特值表示签名的相应值的可靠性。 第一签名被形成为具有多个值，每个值基于视频信号的相应一个部分。 形成第二签名，其也具有基于视频信号的多个移位部分中的相应的多个值的多个值。 移位部分各自对应于视频信号部分中的相应一个，并且具有从相应一个部分的位置偏移预定量的位置，使得第一个签名的每个值对应于第二签名的值 。 比较第一和第二签名的各个值，并基于该比较建立掩码字的位值。

公开(公告)号：US5612729A

公开(公告)日：1997-03-18

申请号：US475779

申请日：1995-06-07

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  Stephen M. Dunn ,  Michael W. Fellinger ,  Fancy B. Younglove ,  David M. James ,  David L. Clifton ,  Richard S. Land

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  Stephen M. Dunn ,  Michael W. Fellinger ,  Fancy B. Younglove ,  David M. James ,  David L. Clifton ,  Richard S. Land

IPC: H04N17/00 ,  G06K9/00 ,  G06K9/62 ,  G06K9/70 ,  G06K9/78 ,  G06T7/00 ,  H04H1/00 ,  H04H60/37 ,  H04H60/58 ,  H04H60/59 ,  H04N7/10 ,  H04N9/00 ,  H04N17/04

CPC classification number: G06K9/00711 ,  G06F17/30802 ,  H04H60/372 ,  H04H60/58 ,  H04H60/59 ,  H04H2201/90

Abstract: A method and system for producing a signature which characterizes an audio broadcast signal for use in broadcast signal recognition, wherein the signature is based on a comparison of time-displaced frequency band values each representing a respective frequency band of the audio broadcast signal. Each of a first group of the frequency band values is compared with a respective value from the second group representing portions of the audio broadcast signal within the same predetermined frequency band. At least a part of the signal portions represented by the second group were broadcast prior to the signal portions represented by the first group, and a signature is formed based on the comparison of the first and second groups.

Abstract translation: 一种用于产生表征用于广播信号识别的音频广播信号的签名的方法和系统，其中所述签名基于每个表示音频广播信号的相应频带的时间偏移频带值的比较。 将第一组频带值中的每一个与表示相同预定频带内的音频广播信号的部分的第二组的相应值进行比较。 在由第一组表示的信号部分之前广播由第二组表示的信号部分的至少一部分，并且基于第一和第二组的比较形成签名。

公开(公告)号：US5436653A

公开(公告)日：1995-07-25

申请号：US876578

申请日：1992-04-30

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  Stephen M. Dunn ,  Michael W. Fellinger ,  Fancy B. Younglove ,  David M. James ,  David L. Clifton ,  Richard S. Land

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  Stephen M. Dunn ,  Michael W. Fellinger ,  Fancy B. Younglove ,  David M. James ,  David L. Clifton ,  Richard S. Land

IPC: H04N17/00 ,  G06K9/00 ,  G06K9/62 ,  G06K9/70 ,  G06K9/78 ,  G06T7/00 ,  H04H1/00 ,  H04H60/37 ,  H04H60/58 ,  H04H60/59 ,  H04N7/10 ,  H04N9/00 ,  H04N17/04

CPC classification number: G06K9/00711 ,  G06F17/30802 ,  H04H60/372 ,  H04H60/58 ,  H04H60/59 ,  H04H2201/90

Abstract: Broadcast segment recognition systems and methods are provided in which a signature representing a monitored broadcast segment is compared with broadcast segment signatures in a data base representing known broadcast segments to determine whether a match exists. Criteria for determining the validity of such a match are provided. In addition, signatures characterizing respective intervals of a broadcast signal exhibiting correlation are produced by generating a difference vector for each respective interval and carrying out vector transformations of the different vectors to reduce such correlation. Also, a broadcast segment recognition data base is updated by monitoring a broadcast signal to detect signal events indicating possible broadcast segments of interest in which at least two alternative segments of interest are detected by assigning priority to one of the two segments based upon predetermined criteria. A signature characterizing a broadcast signal interval is produced including a plurality of digital words each characterizing a respective sub-interval thereof by selecting at least one such digital word based on predetermined digital word distribution criteria, match probability and a degree of signal difference between the respective sub-interval and adjacent portions of the signal.

Abstract translation: 提供了广播段识别系统和方法，其中表示监视的广播段的签名与表示已知广播段的数据库中的广播段签名进行比较，以确定是否存在匹配。 提供了确定这种匹配的有效性的标准。 此外，通过产生每个相应间隔的差分矢量并执行不同矢量的矢量变换来产生表征相关性的广播信号的相应间隔的特征，以减少这种相关性。 此外，通过监视广播信号来更新广播段识别数据库，以基于预定标准，通过将优先级分配给两个段之一来检测信号事件，该信号事件指示可能的广播段，其中感兴趣的至少两个替代段被检测。 产生表征广播信号间隔的签名，包括通过基于预定的数字字分配标准选择至少一个这样的数字字来表征其相应子间隔的多个数字字，匹配概率和相应的数字字之间的信号差异程度 子间隔和信号的相邻部分。

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.