公开(公告)号：US20120017243A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-19

申请号：US13185242

申请日：2011-07-18

Applicant: Steven J. Reynolds ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Robert A. Knee ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Joshua A. Rosenthol ,  William Hein

Inventor： Steven J. Reynolds ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Robert A. Knee ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Joshua A. Rosenthol ,  William Hein

IPC: H04N21/47

CPC classification number: H04N21/4821 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/45 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/8549

Abstract: A hybrid passive-interactive program guide is generated by combining the features of an interactive program guide with the passive video portion of a passive program guide. The interactive guide may replace passive listings with interactive listings, replace passive features with interactive features, provide supplemental advertisements, or replace passive tagging information with interactive tagging information. Users may be provided with an opportunity to purchase a program or product being advertised, to view listings for segments aired in the video portion of the passive guide, to schedule reminders for listings or video segments that are displayed by the passive guide, or to schedule video segments and related information for recording.

Abstract translation: 通过将交互式节目指南的特征与被动节目指南的被动视频部分相结合，生成混合无源交互节目指南。 交互式指南可以用交互式列表取代被动列表，用被动特征替换交互功能，提供补充广告，或者用被动标签信息替代交互式标签信息。 可以向用户提供购买正在被广告的节目或产品的机会，以查看被动向导的视频部分中播出的片段的列表，以调度由被动向导显示的列表或视频片段的提醒，或者调度 视频片段和相关信息进行录制。

公开(公告)号：US08046801B2

公开(公告)日：2011-10-25

申请号：US10927814

申请日：2004-08-26

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Joel G. Hassell ,  Thomas R. Lemmons ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Robert A. Knee ,  Robert H. McCoy

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis ,  William L. Thomas ,  Joel G. Hassell ,  Thomas R. Lemmons ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Robert A. Knee ,  Robert H. McCoy

IPC: H04N5/445 ,  H04N5/76

CPC classification number: H04N21/4227 ,  H04N5/4403 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N5/44582 ,  H04N7/106 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N7/173 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/26283 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/44222 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4751 ,  H04N21/4753 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/478 ,  H04N21/47815 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4786 ,  H04N21/4788 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/4826 ,  H04N21/485 ,  H04N21/4882 ,  H04N21/64322 ,  H04N21/8126

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. 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. 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.

Abstract translation: 提供了具有远程访问功能的交互式电视节目指南。 互动电视节目指南在互动电视节目指南设备上实现。 远程节目指南访问设备通过远程访问链接连接到交互式电视节目指南设备，以向用户提供对节目指南功能的远程访问。 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。 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）等有关的功能。

公开(公告)号：US20110179129A1

公开(公告)日：2011-07-21

申请号：US13077591

申请日：2011-03-31

Applicant: Pamela L. McKissick ,  William L. Thomas ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Mark A. Regouby ,  Joel G. Hassell

Inventor： Pamela L. McKissick ,  William L. Thomas ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Mark A. Regouby ,  Joel G. Hassell

IPC: G06F15/16

CPC classification number: H04N21/47815 ,  G06Q30/02 ,  G06Q30/0601 ,  H04N7/147 ,  H04N7/17309 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/2408 ,  H04N21/252 ,  H04N21/2543 ,  H04N21/25866 ,  H04N21/2665 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/4316 ,  H04N21/44204 ,  H04N21/44222 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/454 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/47211 ,  H04N21/4751 ,  H04N21/4753 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/4756 ,  H04N21/4758 ,  H04N21/4781 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4786 ,  H04N21/4788 ,  H04N21/6582 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/84

Abstract: A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box.

Abstract translation: 提供一种电视消息系统，其允许连接到电视分发设施的用户电视设备设备的用户相对于电视节目或其他合适的对象发送消息。 电视消息系统允许用户在观看电视节目时参与与电视节目相关的评估，比赛，促销和调查。 电视消息系统还允许用户撰写并向电视节目实体发送消息。 电视消息系统还允许用户购买与接收者的电视节目相关的礼物。 礼物可能是按次付费节目的电子礼券。 电视消息系统可以基于在机顶盒上实现的交互式电视节目指南或机顶盒应用程序。

公开(公告)号：US20110173657A1

公开(公告)日：2011-07-14

申请号：US13005975

申请日：2011-01-13

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: H04N5/445

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：US20110162011A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-30

申请号：US13041707

申请日：2011-03-07

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

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 store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Abstract translation: 提供了具有数字存储的交互式电视节目指南系统。 节目指南使用户能够将与记录节目相关联的信息存储在数字存储设备中的目录中，从而提供对节目信息的容易访问。 节目指南还可以提供用于指示存储在与节目指南一起使用的可移动存储媒体上的节目的全局媒体库。 该指南还可以允许用户管理和维护用户媒体库以进行相同操作。 与记录的节目相关联的非时间敏感数据可以以允许用户在播放时与数据进行交互的方式来存储，就好像该节目最初被播放一样。 节目指南还允许用户定义用于播放所存储的节目或节目片段序列的“超级节目”。

公开(公告)号：US20110126246A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-26

申请号：US12880741

申请日：2010-09-13

Applicant: William L. Thomas ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Joseph P. Baumgartner

Inventor： William L. Thomas ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Joseph P. Baumgartner

IPC: H04N7/173

CPC classification number: H04N21/2743 ,  G06F3/0481 ,  H04L67/06 ,  H04L67/306 ,  H04N5/4401 ,  H04N5/445 ,  H04N5/44582 ,  H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/781 ,  H04N5/85 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N7/17336 ,  H04N9/8042 ,  H04N21/2187 ,  H04N21/2541 ,  H04N21/25825 ,  H04N21/25875 ,  H04N21/25891 ,  H04N21/26283 ,  H04N21/2747 ,  H04N21/278 ,  H04N21/4122 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/4316 ,  H04N21/441 ,  H04N21/4627 ,  H04N21/47 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/47217 ,  H04N21/4751 ,  H04N21/4753 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4821 ,  H04N21/4828 ,  H04N21/6587

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating and enforcing viewing and recording limits for media-on-demand are provided. The system may provide a guidance application that allows users to select on-demand media offerings. The delivery of the on-demand media offerings may be managed based on the length of program, the bandwidth required, the available bandwidth, the time of delivery, pricing and other factors. The system may manage the delivery of on-demand offerings by assigning a number of different types of viewing rights to a user when an on-demand offering is selected. The system may warn a user of insufficient rights and enforce selected viewing rights.

Abstract translation: 提供了用于传达和执行对按需媒体进行查看和记录限制的系统和方法。 该系统可以提供允许用户选择按需媒体产品的指导应用。 可以根据节目长度，所需带宽，可用带宽，发送时间，定价等因素来管理按需媒体产品的传送。 当选择按需提供时，系统可以通过向用户分配多种不同类型的观看权限来管理按需产品的交付。 系统可能会警告用户权利不足，并强制执行选定的查看权限。

公开(公告)号：US20110088060A1

公开(公告)日：2011-04-14

申请号：US12905467

申请日：2010-10-15

Applicant: Robert A. Knee ,  Steven J. Reynolds ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Joel G. Hassell

Inventor： Robert A. Knee ,  Steven J. Reynolds ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Joel G. Hassell

IPC: H04N7/025

CPC classification number: H04N21/25883 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/235 ,  H04N21/44222 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/454 ,  H04N21/4662 ,  H04N21/8106 ,  H04N21/812

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system for determining user input values for demographic categories is provided. The system includes user television equipment having a receiver for receiving program guide information for the interactive television program guide, a user input receiver for receiving user input from user interface, such as a remote control, a microprocessor which utilizes the user input received to determine user values for demographic categories, and memory for storing the user values determined. In one illustrative use of the system for targeting advertisements to a user of the interactive television program guide, the receiver also receives advertisements, where the advertisements have preselected values for specified demographic categories. The user television equipment, preferably using microprocessor, compares the preselected values for the specified demographic categories associated with the advertisements with values of corresponding demographic categories stored in memory to determine which advertisements should be displayed. Those advertisements determined to be displayable based upon the comparison are then displayed.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于确定用于人口统计类别的用户输入值的交互式电视节目指南系统。 该系统包括具有用于接收用于交互式电视节目指南的节目指南信息的接收机的用户电视设备，用于从诸如遥控器的用户接口接收用户输入的用户输入接收机，利用接收到的用户输入来确定用户的微处理器 用于人口统计类别的值，以及用于存储确定的用户值的存储器。 在用于将广告定位到交互式电视节目指南的用户的系统的一个说明性用途中，接收机还接收广告，其中广告具有用于指定人口统计类别的预选值。 优选使用微处理器的用户电视设备将与广告相关联的指定人口统计类别的预选值与存储在存储器中的相应人口统计类别的值进行比较，以确定应显示哪些广告。 然后显示基于比较确定为可显示的那些广告。

公开(公告)号：US20110047487A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-24

申请号：US12880326

申请日：2010-09-13

Applicant: Toby DeWeese ,  Pamela L. McKissick ,  William L. Thomas ,  Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Toby DeWeese ,  Pamela L. McKissick ,  William L. Thomas ,  Michael D. Ellis

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  H04N7/173 ,  G06F15/16

CPC classification number: H04N21/4788 ,  H04L12/1818 ,  H04N7/147 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/2408 ,  H04N21/254 ,  H04N21/2665 ,  H04N21/4223 ,  H04N21/431 ,  H04N21/4316 ,  H04N21/454 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/4751 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/4756 ,  H04N21/4758 ,  H04N21/4782 ,  H04N21/4786 ,  H04N21/632 ,  H04N21/6581 ,  H04N21/812 ,  H04N21/8173 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N21/8545

Abstract: A television chat system is provided that allows television viewers to engage in real-time communications in chat groups with other television viewers while watching television. Users of the television chat system may engage in real-time communications with other users who are currently watching the same television program or channel.The system allows real-time communications in a chat group to be transmitted between users at user television equipment devices via a television distribution facility. The television chat system of the present invention permits users to join chat groups related to television programs, channels, or categories of programs that the user may be interested in. Real-time communications may be textual messages, audio communications, or video communications.The television chat system may also allow users to send chat requests to ask other users to enter a chat group. The system also permits users to establish chat groups that television viewers are permitted to join. The television chat system may be based on an interactive television program guide or set-top box application implemented on a set-top box.

Abstract translation: 提供电视聊天系统，其允许电视观众在观看电视的同时与其他电视观众进行聊天组中的实时通信。 电视聊天系统的用户可以与正在观看同一电视节目或频道的其他用户进行实时通信。 该系统允许通过电视分配设施在用户电视设备设备的用户之间传输聊天组中的实时通信。 本发明的电视聊天系统允许用户加入与电视节目，频道或用户可能感兴趣的节目类别相关的聊天组。实时通信可以是文本消息，音频通信或视频通信。 电视聊天系统还可以允许用户发送聊天请求以请求其他用户进入聊天组。 该系统还允许用户建立电视观众允许加入的聊天组。 电视聊天系统可以基于在机顶盒上实现的交互式电视节目指南或机顶盒应用程序。

公开(公告)号：US07870585B2

公开(公告)日：2011-01-11

申请号：US11894806

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