Patents by Inventor Donald W. Allison
Donald W. Allison has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10116993Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Patent number: 10063909Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20180103288Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Thomas R. Lemmons, Connie T. Marshall, Donald W. Allison
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Patent number: 9860584Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Thomas R. Lemmons, Connie T. Marshall, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20170142490Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Patent number: 9521461Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Patent number: 9479840Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Patent number: 9426533Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Publication number: 20160227270Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, JR., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20160100229Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Publication number: 20150264424Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, JR., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20150237404Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Patent number: 9066147Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Patent number: 9043844Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Patent number: 9032445Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Patent number: 9003451Abstract: An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access information related to television programs over an Internet communications link. The user can view television program guide listings and related video stills and video clips. The user can perform database searches on the program guide listings (e.g., to search for a particular type of television program). The user can set a reminder message for a television program that is transmitted prior to the transmission time of the program. If desired, the user can select an option that directs the multimedia system to tune directly to a television channel for a selected program or to a related television program guide or movie guide service on a television channel. The user can order pay-per-view events using the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers, Donald W. Allison, Mark A. Regouby, Steven C. Williamson, Joanna L. Hensley, W. Benjamin Herrington, Paul N. Reddy
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Publication number: 20140337894Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Publication number: 20140169769Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Publication number: 20140169770Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Patent number: 8745669Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis