公开(公告)号：US08291461B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-16

申请号：US12637922

申请日：2009-12-15

Applicant: William L. Thomas ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Kevin B. Easterbrook ,  Joseph P. Baumgartner ,  W. Benjamin Herrington

Inventor： William L. Thomas ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  David M. Berezowski ,  Kevin B. Easterbrook ,  Joseph P. Baumgartner ,  W. Benjamin Herrington

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 managing the distribution of on-demand media in an interactive television application are provided. An interactive television application may receive a request for on-demand media from a user. The interactive television application may provide an option to the user for the transmission of the on-demand media. Such options may include, for example, an option to request a reduced-bandwidth version of the on-demand media, an option to schedule a future time for presentation of the on-demand media, an option to download the on-demand media to a recording device, and an option to check the availability of the on-demand media. A reduced price for transmission of the on-demand media may be provided to the user.

Abstract translation: 提供了用于在交互式电视应用中管理按需媒体分发的系统和方法。 交互式电视应用可以从用户接收对点播媒体的请求。 交互式电视应用可以向用户提供用于传输点播媒体的选项。 这样的选项可以包括例如请求按需媒体的减少带宽版本的选项，调度用于呈现按需媒体的未来时间的选项，将按需媒体下载的选项 记录装置，以及检查按需媒体的可用性的选项。 可以向用户提供按需媒体的传输降低的价格。

公开(公告)号：US08266662B2

公开(公告)日：2012-09-11

申请号：US12818659

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.

公开(公告)号：US20120192232A1

公开(公告)日：2012-07-26

申请号：US13419057

申请日：2012-03-13

Applicant: Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Michael D. Ellis

IPC: H04N21/482

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：US20120151526A1

公开(公告)日：2012-06-14

申请号：US13280215

申请日：2011-10-24

Applicant: Thomas R. Lemmons ,  Connie T. Marshall ,  Donald W. Allison ,  Michael D. Ellis

Inventor： Thomas R. Lemmons ,  Connie T. Marshall ,  Donald W. Allison ,  Michael D. Ellis

IPC: H04N21/472

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.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种交互式电视节目指南系统，其中用户可以使用节目指南观看一个节目，同时记录另一节目而不中断录制或观看过程。 该交互式电视节目指南系统还允许用户在观看和记录模式下利用所有或某些节目指南特征，这取决于正在实现的实施例。 此外，这种手表和记录系统可以使用具有RF旁路或数字开关的多调谐器机顶盒或单个调谐器机顶盒来实现。 除了机顶盒之外，系统可以使用卫星接收机，具有处理器和存储器的高级电视机或计算机来实现。 各种实现为用户提供了非常通用的手表和记录环境。

公开(公告)号：US20120148211A1

公开(公告)日：2012-06-14

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

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：US20120141096A1

公开(公告)日：2012-06-07

申请号：US13335787

申请日：2011-12-22

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: H04N5/76

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.

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。

公开(公告)号：US20120096493A1

公开(公告)日：2012-04-19

申请号：US13335649

申请日：2011-12-22

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: H04N21/482

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：US08156528B2

公开(公告)日：2012-04-10

申请号：US10105082

申请日：2002-03-21

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: H04N5/445

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：US08151296B2

公开(公告)日：2012-04-03

申请号：US12705503

申请日：2010-02-12

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

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

IPC: H04N7/10 ,  H04N7/025

CPC classification number: H04N21/4622 ,  H04N5/44543 ,  H04N7/163 ,  H04N7/17318 ,  H04N21/235 ,  H04N21/237 ,  H04N21/26283 ,  H04N21/4331 ,  H04N21/4332 ,  H04N21/435 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/472 ,  H04N21/47211 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4753 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/4882 ,  H04N21/84 ,  H04N2005/44556

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program guide data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server. The continuous data stream may also include program and program grouping identifiers. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with programs identified in the continuous data stream.

Abstract translation: 提供交互式电视节目指南系统。 在用户电视设备上实现的交互式电视节目指南从两个数据传送机制获得节目指南数据。 当前节目指南数据是从连续的数据流中获得的。 其他节目指南数据（其可以包括当前节目指南数据）通过节目指南从节目指南服务器获得。 连续数据流还可以包括程序和程序分组标识符。 节目指南可以执行与在连续数据流中识别的节目相关联的实时动作。

公开(公告)号：US08127329B1

公开(公告)日：2012-02-28

申请号：US12189386

申请日：2008-08-11

Applicant: Gerard Kunkel ,  Jon P. Radloff ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Michael L. Craner ,  Rajeshwari B. Iyer ,  Andrzej Jakubowski

Inventor： Gerard Kunkel ,  Jon P. Radloff ,  Michael D. Ellis ,  Michael L. Craner ,  Rajeshwari B. Iyer ,  Andrzej Jakubowski

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

CPC classification number: H04N5/76 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N5/783 ,  H04N9/8205 ,  H04N21/4263 ,  H04N21/4316 ,  H04N21/432 ,  H04N21/4383 ,  H04N21/4532 ,  H04N21/454 ,  H04N21/462 ,  H04N21/4622 ,  H04N21/47208 ,  H04N21/47211 ,  H04N21/47214 ,  H04N21/4755 ,  H04N21/482 ,  H04N21/84

Abstract: Systems and methods for a video scan are provided. The scan may be dynamically interactive and a function of characteristics of the programs in the scan (e.g., commercial breaks or the end of a program approaching) The scan may simultaneously display multiple scan windows for a plurality of programs, for example in a scan wizard. The scan wizard allows the user to simultaneously view a scan window and an information panel, select criteria for the scan from a criteria panel, and control the scan using a scan control panel. The scan may allow the user to record a program displayed in the scan without interrupting the scan (e.g., by using an additional tuner). The scan may display, within the scan interface, trick-play functions for appropriate scanned programs (e.g., recorded, cached and on-demand programs). The user may select and perform trick-play functions for a scanned program without exiting the scan mode.