公开(公告)号：US20100325673A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-23

申请号：US12827940

申请日：2010-06-30

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: H04N7/173

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

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.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种系统，其允许用户从节目指南中选择要购买的付费节目。 节目指南确定所选节目是否是一系列付费节目的一部分。 如果所选择的节目是包的一部分，则向用户提供关于包的信息，以便用户可以决定是否购买包。 如果所选程序是几个软件包的一部分，则提供所有软件包的信息。 系统自动设置包含重复编程的包的提醒。 系统监视用户是否已经看过这些包中的任何程序。 当用户从包中观看节目时，其余的提醒将被取消。 如果用户没有看到任何类型的软件包中的任何程序，则取消软件包的购买，并向用户提供重新安排的机会。

公开(公告)号：US20100319032A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-16

申请号：US12826910

申请日：2010-06-30

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

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

IPC: H04N5/445

CPC classification number: H04N21/4828 ,  G06F3/0482 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/4667 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N2005/44556

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种交互式电视节目指南系统，其中节目指南可以向用户提供组合类别的可选列表。 组合类别由运动，新闻，喜剧，电影，儿童等多个简单类别组成。节目列表提供给节目指南。 至少一些程序列表与组合类别相关联。 可以使用组合类别构建过程来将组合类别分配给节目列表。 用户能够使用可选择的类别列表来快速识别感兴趣的程序。

公开(公告)号：US20100310227A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-09

申请号：US12818863

申请日：2010-06-18

Applicant: Joseph P. Baumgartner ,  Kenneth F. Carpenter, JR. ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Danny R. Gaydou

Inventor： Joseph P. Baumgartner ,  Kenneth F. Carpenter, JR. ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Danny R. Gaydou

IPC: H04N5/765

CPC classification number: H04N21/4147 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N21/4135 ,  H04N21/431 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/43622 ,  H04N21/4424 ,  H04N21/443 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4821

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing an interactive television system for recording television programming. The interactive television system may include components for providing personal video recorder (PVR) functionality, such as an interactive television program guide (IPG), PVR extensions, PVR application programming interfaces (APIs), a PVR device, any suitable hardware or software, or a combination thereof. These components may be implemented in, for example, an arrangement having an integrated PVR-compliant device with a PVR device, or in an arrangement having a PVR-compliant device (e.g., a set-top box) coupled to PVR equipment (e.g., a remote PVR server or a PVR sidecar) with a PVR device. The PVR-compliant device may include software and hardware configured to implement the IPG. The PVR APIs may be a library of intelligent vendor-specific and vendor-independent APIs able to determine the type of PVR device being used. The PVR extensions and PVR APIs may be configured to provide a seamless integration of functionality associated with the PVR-compliant device and the PVR device. A full port of the IPG may be implemented in both the PVR-compliant device and the PVR device.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于提供用于记录电视节目的交互式电视系统的系统和方法。 交互式电视系统可以包括用于提供个人录像机（PVR）功能的组件，例如交互式电视节目指南（IPG），PVR扩展，PVR应用程序接口（API），PVR设备，任何合适的硬件或软件，或 其组合。 这些组件可以在例如具有与PVR设备的集成的PVR兼容设备的布置中实现，或者在具有耦合到PVR设备的PVR兼容设备（例如，机顶盒）的布置中实现（例如， 一个远程PVR服务器或一个PVR sidecar）与PVR设备。 符合PVR的设备可以包括被配置为实现IPG的软件和硬件。 PVR API可以是智能供应商特定的和供应商独立的API的库，可以确定正在使用的PVR设备的类型。 PVR扩展和PVR API可以被配置为提供与PVR兼容设备和PVR设备相关联的功能的无缝集成。 IPG的完整端口可以在PVR兼容设备和PVR设备中实现。

公开(公告)号：US07827582B2

公开(公告)日：2010-11-02

申请号：US11894666

申请日：2007-08-20

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis

IPC: H04N7/173

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.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种交互式电视节目指南系统，其中观众可以引导电视同时显示所选择的电视节目和节目指南显示。 观众可以使用节目指南显示器来浏览可用的视频点播（VOD），同时在后台继续观看先前选择的节目。 观众可以使用遥控器上的各种按键浏览节目指南显示上的视频点播节目。 观众可以指导节目指南来订购给定的视频点播节目，并为该节目设置所需的广播时间。

公开(公告)号：US07823177B2

公开(公告)日：2010-10-26

申请号：US12402979

申请日：2009-03-12

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis

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

CPC classification number: H04N21/482 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/4583 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/47211 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/47815 ,  H04N21/4826 ,  H04N21/488

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract translation: 提供了一个用于支持编程停电的交互式电视节目指南。 在一些实施例中，交互式电视节目指南可以取消对用户提醒或记录已调度的被黑点程序的提醒和记录。 在一些实施例中，交互式电视节目指南可以防止用户调度用于提醒和记录的中断程序。 在一些实施例中，交互式电视节目指南可以阻止用户订购被禁止的按次付费节目。 在一些实施例中，交互式电视节目指南可以在信息显示中提供中断信息。 在一些实施例中，交互式电视节目指南可以提供用于中断节目的替换媒体。

公开(公告)号：US20100251301A1

公开(公告)日：2010-09-30

申请号：US12814030

申请日：2010-06-11

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

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

IPC: H04N5/445

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：US07802285B2

公开(公告)日：2010-09-21

申请号：US11198830

申请日：2005-08-04

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

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

IPC: 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：US20100215341A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-26

申请号：US12775025

申请日：2010-05-06

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  David M. Berezowski

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  David M. Berezowski

IPC: H04N5/91

CPC classification number: H04N5/781 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N5/85 ,  H04N7/088 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/4316 ,  H04N21/4334 ,  H04N21/4351 ,  H04N21/443 ,  H04N21/458 ,  H04N21/4583 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/466 ,  H04N21/4667 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/47217 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/8545

Abstract: A media recording system may be provided. The recording system may include features for reducing recording cut-off of a particular media event due to changes in the start time and end time of what is scheduled to be recorded. The recording system may provide a user with an opportunity to select a program by for example, selecting a listing, to have that program automatically recorded at a scheduled time for presentation to viewers. Changes in the schedule of programs may be compensated manually or automatically when the recording system receives information about actual or predicted time changes. In a manual mode, a user may adjust start or end times based on time change information that is displayed. For an automatic mode, the recording system may automatically compensate for predicted or actual time changes that are known by automatically adjusting the start and end times of recording.

Abstract translation: 可以提供媒体记录系统。 记录系统可以包括由于调度要被记录的开始时间和结束时间的改变而减少特定媒体事件的记录截止的特征。 记录系统可以向用户提供通过例如选择列表来选择节目的机会，以使节目在预定的时间自动记录以呈现给观看者。 当记录系统接收关于实际或预测的时间变化的信息时，可以手动或自动地补偿节目表的更改。 在手动模式中，用户可以基于显示的时间变化信息来调整开始或结束时间。 对于自动模式，记录系统可以自动补偿通过自动调整记录的开始和结束时间已知的预测或实际时间变化。

公开(公告)号：US20100205635A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-12

申请号：US12761522

申请日：2010-04-16

Applicant: Peter C. Boylan, III ,  Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Peter C. Boylan, III ,  Michael D. Ellis

IPC: H04N5/445

CPC classification number: H04N21/4314 ,  G06F3/0482 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/4312 ,  H04N21/4316 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4722 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/4828 ,  H04N21/488 ,  H04N21/4882 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/8133 ,  H04N21/8153 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N21/8545 ,  H04N21/858

Abstract: An interactive television system with programming-related links is provided. The system may include user television equipment on which interactive program guide and non-program-guide applications may be implemented. Information that is displayed in a display screen for a non-program-guide application may be related to programming. A display screen or overlay for programming that is related to the information may be displayed when a user selects the displayed information. The display or overlay for the programming may include advertisements, video, graphics, options, or programming descriptions. The display screen or overlay may have been displayed by the program guide application.

Abstract translation: 提供了具有编程相关链接的交互式电视系统。 该系统可以包括可以在其上实现交互式节目指南和非节目指南应用的用户电视设备。 在非程序指南应用的显示屏中显示的信息可能与编程有关。 当用户选择显示的信息时，可以显示与信息相关的用于编程的显示屏幕或覆盖物。 编程的显示或覆盖可以包括广告，视频，图形，选项或编程描述。 显示屏幕或重叠画面可能已被节目指南应用程序显示。

公开(公告)号：US20100192192A1

公开(公告)日：2010-07-29

申请号：US12751315

申请日：2010-03-31

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

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。