公开(公告)号：US08091110B2

公开(公告)日：2012-01-03

申请号：US12818661

申请日：2010-06-18

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：US08087050B2

公开(公告)日：2011-12-27

申请号：US11894748

申请日：2007-08-20

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

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

IPC: H04N5/445

CPC classification number: H04N21/4828 ,  G06F17/30817 ,  G06F17/30823 ,  G06F17/30828 ,  H04H60/31 ,  H04H60/72 ,  H04H60/82 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N7/165 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/25866 ,  H04N21/25891 ,  H04N21/26283 ,  H04N21/2665 ,  H04N21/2668 ,  H04N21/278 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/44222 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/466 ,  H04N21/4668 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/4825 ,  H04N21/4826 ,  H04N21/6125 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N21/858 ,  H04N21/8586

Abstract: A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories.

Abstract translation: 提供客户 - 服务器交互式电视节目指南系统。 在用户电视设备上实现交互式电视节目指南客户端。 交互式电视节目指南为用户提供了定义由节目指南服务器处理的表达的机会。 节目指南服务器可以基于表达来提供节目指南数据，安排提醒，节目程序记录和父母锁定节目。 用户的查看历史可能被跟踪。 节目指南服务器可以分析观看历史，并根据观看历史生成观看建议，目标广告和收集节目评分信息。

公开(公告)号：US20110258661A1

公开(公告)日：2011-10-20

申请号：US13173800

申请日：2011-06-30

Applicant: Edward B. Knudson ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  W. Benjamin Herrington ,  Steven C. Williamson ,  Pamela L. McKissick ,  William L. Thomas ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Kenneth F. Carpenter, JR. ,  Jeffrey A. Ross ,  Daniel C. Hagenbuch ,  Steven J. Reynolds ,  David M. Rudnick

Inventor： Edward B. Knudson ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  W. Benjamin Herrington ,  Steven C. Williamson ,  Pamela L. McKissick ,  William L. Thomas ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Kenneth F. Carpenter, JR. ,  Jeffrey A. Ross ,  Daniel C. Hagenbuch ,  Steven J. Reynolds ,  David M. Rudnick

IPC: H04N5/445

CPC classification number: H04N21/488 ,  G06F3/0482 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N7/17327 ,  H04N21/23614 ,  H04N21/4135 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/4316 ,  H04N21/4348 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/4542 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/47211 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4828 ,  H04N21/6547 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/8586

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system and method is provided. Time separators are displayed within lists of program listings to allow users to more easily view the program listings. On-screen arrows have their display characteristics changed according to user actions. Similar program listings are displayed only once when using search program listings. Users are provided with an opportunity to view channel information before setting channels as favorites. Information from local information services is provided in program guide display screens that are configurable by a main facility. Users are provided with an opportunity to centrally lock and unlock programs, and to bypass locks when desired.

Abstract translation: 提供了交互式电视节目指南系统和方法。 时间分隔符显示在程序列表的列表中，以允许用户更轻松地查看程序列表。 屏幕上的箭头显示特征根据用户操作而改变。 使用搜索程序列表时，类似的程序列表只显示一次。 在将频道设为收藏夹之前，向用户提供了查看频道信息的机会。 来自本地信息服务的信息在可由主要设施配置的节目指南显示屏幕中提供。 为用户提供了集中锁定和解锁程序的机会，并在需要时绕过锁定。

公开(公告)号：US08024763B2

公开(公告)日：2011-09-20

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

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：US07971222B2

公开(公告)日：2011-06-28

申请号：US12827046

申请日：2010-06-30

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：US07895624B1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-22

申请号：US09829806

申请日：2001-04-10

Applicant: William L. Thomas ,  W. Benjamin Herrington ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Robert A. Knee ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Todd A. Walker ,  M. Scott Reichardt ,  L. Joe Hedges

Inventor： William L. Thomas ,  W. Benjamin Herrington ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Robert A. Knee ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Todd A. Walker ,  M. Scott Reichardt ,  L. Joe Hedges

IPC: H04N7/10

CPC classification number: H04N21/4755 ,  H04N5/4401 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N7/17336 ,  H04N21/2393 ,  H04N21/26283 ,  H04N21/4316 ,  H04N21/4333 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/4722 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4828

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guidance to users for finding media are described. Such systems and methods may be provided in interactive media guides such as program guides, web browsers, or other suitable interactive media guides.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于向用户寻找媒体提供指导的系统和方法。 可以在诸如节目指南，网络浏览器或其他合适的交互式媒体指南的交互式媒体指南中提供这样的系统和方法。

公开(公告)号：US20110004905A1

公开(公告)日：2011-01-06

申请号：US12879378

申请日：2010-09-10

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis

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

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 &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：US20100319039A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-16

申请号：US12827049

申请日：2010-06-30

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.

公开(公告)号：US20100319026A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-16

申请号：US12797918

申请日：2010-06-10

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.

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。 程序也可能被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：US20100316350A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-16

申请号：US12820507

申请日：2010-06-22

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: H04N5/775

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。