Patents Examined by Nicholas Corbo
  • Patent number: 8327396
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for multi-purpose metering are disclosed. An example method includes acquiring a rate of data transfer to/from the monitored location and comparing the acquired rate of data transfer to a threshold. The example method also includes setting at least one media monitoring device in a first bandwidth mode when the acquired rate of data transfer exceeds the threshold, and setting the at least one media monitoring device in a second bandwidth mode when the acquired rate of data transfer is below the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Arun Ramaswamy, Charles C. Conklin, Wayne A. Olmsted, Karin Johnson, Fred Martensen, Daniel Nelson, Alexander Topchy, Paul M. Mears
  • Patent number: 8312486
    Abstract: A method for presenting advertisements for commercial products in video productions, whereby the commercial product is placed in the video production as an element of the video production. A viewer is enabled to interact with the video production to select the product. Information is then displayed about the selected product; and the viewer is enabled to purchase the selected product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cinsay, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Briggs, Heath McBurnett, Delfino Galindo, Jr., Freddy Knuth
  • Patent number: 8291454
    Abstract: A system for displaying information may include memory, one or more processors, and one or more modules stored in memory. The one or more modules are configured for execution by the one or more processors and may include instructions for: presenting a subset of a collection of data on a first grid having a first axis corresponding to units of time and a second axis, the collection of data comprising data representing time-bounded events; presenting a second grid having, first and second axes corresponding to the first and second axes of the first grid, the second grid corresponding to a larger portion of the collection of data than the subset presented on the first grid; and presenting a user moveable window for selecting a portion of the second grid, and selecting the subset presented on the first grid in accordance with a current position of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Carl Gossweiler, III, Marisa Bauer, John Wayne Blackburn, David A. Brown, Neha Gupta, Timothy Dharma Heilman, Manish Gordhan Patel, David Scott Reiss, Mehran Sahami, Maricia Scott, Thomas H. Taylor, Alice Tull, Mark Wagner, Lucy Congyun Zhang, Daniel John Zigmond
  • Patent number: 8291456
    Abstract: Problem In the case of displaying text information, a static image and a dynamic image on an image display device carried on a train or car in accordance with designated schedule, a blank period that can be visually recognized by human eyes occurs when displaying a compressed static image by switching from a previous video image. Thus, there is a problem of discomfort such as lack of real-time property and difficulty in viewing by a viewer. Means for Solution In a video information distribution and display system carried on a train or car, compressed static image video information scheduled to be displayed next is expanded and prepared by extracting and storing into a display storage part in advance, or the like, in accordance with an image control signal (display command) sent thereto together with video information, and the static image is displayed by seamlessly switching from a currently displayed video image at content switching timing of the display command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Norishige Emoto, Masao Oki, Yoichi Masubuchi
  • Patent number: 8272017
    Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating information in a network are disclosed herein and may include receiving, at a mobile terminal, a high definition television (HDTV) signal via a DVB-H downlink communication path. A standard definition television (SDTV) signal may be simultaneously received at the mobile terminal via a cellular downlink communication path. The SDTV signal and the HDTV signal may comprise the same media content. The HDTV signal received via the DVB-H downlink communication path and the SDTV signal received via the cellular downlink communication path may be selected in the mobile terminal for processing. The selection may be based on a preference indicated via the mobile terminal. The selection may also be based on at least one downlink channel condition indicator corresponding to the HDTV signal or the SDTV signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Pieter van Rooyen
  • Patent number: 8266667
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and promoting television programming, advertisements, and other content to selected viewers. A display is provided on a remote control device, prompts are provided on the display, and viewer responses to those prompts are monitored, stored in memory, and thereafter processed to reward viewers for responding properly to the prompts. Various methods for promoting such programs are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Frank O'Donnell, Brandt Thompson, Paul V. Darbee
  • Patent number: 8261313
    Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and method of transmitting broadcast viewing information thereof are disclosed. The mobile communication terminal includes a broadcast module configured to receive a broadcast program, an information collecting unit configured to collect and manage the broadcast viewing information for the received broadcast program, a transmitting unit configured to transmit the broadcast viewing information to a broadcast managing server according to a transmission cycle, a receiving unit configured to receive a change request message for the transmission cycle from the broadcast managing server, and a control unit configured to change the transmission cycle according to the change request message, and control the transmitting unit to transmit the broadcast viewing information to the broadcast managing server in the changed transmission cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Suk Kun Kim, Sung Chae Na
  • Patent number: 8255946
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. In one embodiment, an authentication server can transmit a unique broadcast identifier to a broadcast system and a local device. The broadcast system can then transmit a broadcast that includes the unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jack F. Perry, II
  • Patent number: 8255951
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for accessing services in a television system. In one implementation, a DHCT presents a user a menu containing a plurality of selectable link representations corresponding to separate services or applications offered by the cable television system. The user navigates the menu with a remote device and selects a desired service by choosing the selectable link representation corresponding to the desired service or application. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selectable link command into an executable call, and activates the service or application corresponding to the selected link representation from the menu chosen by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Dean F. Jerding, Arturo A. Rodriguez, Robert O. Banker, John M. Schlarb, Robert T. Van Orden, Bindu Crandall
  • Patent number: 8255959
    Abstract: A first playback apparatus instructs a server apparatus to suspend playback of content, and the first playback apparatus stores identification information of the content for which suspension of playback was instructed and suspension information indicating the location at which playback of content was suspended. In response to a request from a second playback apparatus, the first playback apparatus presents the second playback apparatus with the stored suspension information, and the second playback apparatus selects the content, which is to be played back, in accordance with the suspension information presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Ito, Takeshi Toyama, Makoto Kobayashi, Kyohei Inukai
  • Patent number: 8255942
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. For example, in one embodiment, a broadcast station can broadcast a first over-the-air broadcast that includes a token. A local device can scan for and identify the token in the first over-the-air broadcast it receives. The local device can then transmit the received token and user registration to an authentication server. The authentication server can use the token and user registration information to create a unique broadcast identifier. The authentication server can then transmit the unique broadcast identifier to the broadcast station and the local device. The broadcast station then broadcasts a second over-the-air broadcast that includes a unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the second over-the-air broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jack F. Perry, II
  • Patent number: 8255945
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. In one embodiment, an authentication server can transmit a unique broadcast identifier to a broadcast system and a local device. The broadcast system can then transmit a broadcast that includes the unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jack F. Perry, II
  • Patent number: 8255943
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. For example, in one embodiment, a broadcast station can broadcast a first over-the-air broadcast that includes a token. A local device can scan for and identify the token in the first over-the-air broadcast it receives. The local device can then transmit the received token and user registration to an authentication server. The authentication server can use the token and user registration information to create a unique broadcast identifier. The authentication server can then transmit the unique broadcast identifier to the broadcast station and the local device. The broadcast station then broadcasts a second over-the-air broadcast that includes a unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the second over-the-air broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jack F. Perry, II
  • Patent number: 8255940
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. For example, in one embodiment, a broadcast station can broadcast a first over-the-air broadcast that includes a token. A local device can scan for and identify the token in the first over-the-air broadcast it receives. The local device can then transmit the received token and user registration to an authentication server. The authentication server can use the token and user registration information to create a unique broadcast identifier. The authentication server can then transmit the unique broadcast identifier to the broadcast station and the local device. The broadcast station then broadcasts a second over-the-air broadcast that includes a unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the second over-the-air broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jack F. Perry, II
  • Patent number: 8255944
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. In one embodiment, an authentication server can transmit a unique broadcast identifier to a broadcast system and a local device. The broadcast system can then transmit a broadcast that includes the unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jack F. Perry, II
  • Patent number: 8255941
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. For example, in one embodiment, a broadcast station can broadcast a first over-the-air broadcast that includes a token. A local device can scan for and identify the token in the first over-the-air broadcast it receives. The local device can then transmit the received token and user registration to an authentication server. The authentication server can use the token and user registration information to create a unique broadcast identifier. The authentication server can then transmit the unique broadcast identifier to the broadcast station and the local device. The broadcast station then broadcasts a second over-the-air broadcast that includes a unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the second over-the-air broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jack F. Perry, II
  • Patent number: 8255947
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for authenticating local and remote devices associated with a broadcast area. In one embodiment, an authentication server can transmit a unique broadcast identifier to a broadcast system and a local device. The broadcast system can then transmit a broadcast that includes the unique broadcast identifier. Once the local device receives the unique broadcast identifier from the broadcast and the authentication server, it can be authenticated as being in the broadcast area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jack F. Perry, II
  • Patent number: 8250614
    Abstract: A media-on-demand (MOD) portal application allows users to view and access from a single display interface MOD content provided by multiple media providers, such as vendors and service providers. The MOD portal application may provide grid display screens showing program listings of available media content. The grids may include rows and columns, where each row and each column includes program listings associated with a particular category. In one illustrative grid, each row includes programming from a single media vendor and each column includes programming of a particular genre. A media guidance application is also provided which automatically determines if a user does not watch an MOD program the user has ordered. The media guidance application may automatically make the unwatched program available to the user at a later time, for example by automatically recording the program or by allowing the user to access the program at the later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Matthew Scott Reichardt, Simo Elkhadiri, Kevin Kershaw
  • Patent number: 8250596
    Abstract: A technique for providing a reward as an incentive for a monitored person to be an audience member of at least one program being performed by reproduction equipment. A programming signal is provided for broadcasting the program with a programming signal source. The programming signal is encoded with discrete code signals, such that a preset number of the code signals occur within a given period of time, to produce an output signal, and the output signal is then broadcast. The broadcast output signal is received at a site where the monitored person is located, and the code signals therein are detected. The detected code signals are recognized only if a signal manually-actuated by the monitored person is received within a predetermined time period. The number of the code signals recognized while the monitored person is an audience member of the at least one program is determined, and the number of recognized code signals is compared with predetermined reward issuance criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Lee S. Weinblatt
  • Patent number: 8250599
    Abstract: System and method for providing time-based content. In one embodiment, time-based offers are presented to viewers of broadcast content, and may be presented on the same display device being used to display broadcast programming. In another embodiment, time-based offers are commercial offers inviting the viewer to purchase goods or services at a special rate for a limited time. Time-based offers may also be customized based on programming content being viewed and/or viewer profile data. Responses to presented time-based offers may be used to update viewer profile data and/or merchant conversion profile data, which is a measure of how effective the particular offer is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: David Zito, Joseph Essas