Patents by Inventor James J. Leftwich
James J. Leftwich 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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Publication number: 20100273554Abstract: An electronic game and method are set forth wherein the objective of the electronic game, playable by one or more persons, is to select moving or stationary game elements and move them to or otherwise cause them to make contact with a matched or otherwise associated goal and thus score points, and do so among a game space containing other moving and/or stationary game elements which themselves may be selected and moved by the player, and which if contacted by a user-controlled game element may result in either beneficial or detrimental consequences to the configuration of the playing field, the elements themselves, scoring, and progression of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: James J. Leftwich, Stephen S. Doss
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Publication number: 20100265174Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: GREGORY C. SMITH, Thomas S. Quinn, James J. Leftwich
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Patent number: 7782298Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Gregory C. Smith, Thomas J. Quinn, James J. Leftwich
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Patent number: 7710396Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Gregory C. Smith, Thomas J. Quinn, James J. Leftwich
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Patent number: 7692628Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Gregory C. Smith, Thomas J. Quinn, James J. Leftwich
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Publication number: 20090210910Abstract: A high density interactive media guide interface provides for the selection of a source from a dense array of available sources by displaying an array of available sources in a dense format that illustrates the availability of a high number of sources and expanding the display of selected sources to provide additional information regarding that source. “Clickless selection” is provided by either positioning the cursor over the desired selection or positioning the desired selection under a pre-designated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2005Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventors: Gregory Clark Smith, James J. Leftwich
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Patent number: 7543321Abstract: An electronic programming guide generator utilizes filters to select only programming filtered to display in an electronic programming guide display.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: StarSight Telecast, Inc.Inventor: James J Leftwich
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Publication number: 20080184303Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith Hunwick, Theresa Alba, Molly K. King
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Patent number: 7233316Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Gregory C. Smith, Thomas J. Quinn, James J. Leftwich
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Patent number: 7058904Abstract: A method for the easy input and operation of miniature computing devices which allows for a plurality of input functions using only two buttons in a method of contextual navigation. The two buttons provide four different input functions which are continually graphically displayed upon the computing device display such that the user can always discern the action that will occur when one or both buttons are depressed. Different functions occur with the pressing of each one of the buttons yielding two functions whereas pressing both buttons for a short period yields a third function and both buttons for a longer period a fourth function. Additional utility is provided through the use of voice commands that may be communicated and stored in the computing device with associated data which will be displayed upon subsequent communication of the same voice command. A third button facilitates the entering and retrieval of voice command related data.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Akceil Inc.Inventors: Soudy M. Khan, James J. Leftwich
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Publication number: 20040218104Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Gregory C. Smith, Thomas J. Quinn, James J. Leftwich
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Publication number: 20030196201Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: Starsight Telecast, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith Hunwick, Theresa Alba, Molly K. King
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Publication number: 20030037336Abstract: An electronic programming guide generator utilizes filters to select only programming filtered to display in an electronic programming guide display.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 1998Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: JAMES J. LEFTWICH
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Patent number: 6356256Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) is described for providing access to performance data for T1 or E1 communication lines. Data, such as error statistics, usage statistics, and burst measurements can be displayed graphically in a manner that can be easily assimilated by a user. The GUI is generated by a Java applet, to enable remote viewing of the data over the Internet or other network. A user can zoom in on a portion of a displayed plot of data by clicking with a cursor control device and dragging the cursor over a selected portion of the plot. The plot is automatically redisplayed with the selected portion enlarged. Alternatively, the user may click on a point on the graph to zoom in on a portion of the graph centered at the selected point. A first and second plot of data are displayed as a line graph and a filled region, respectively, to provide visual contrast between the plots.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: VINA Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James J. Leftwich
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Publication number: 20020019981Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Applicant: Starsight Telecast IncorporatedInventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith Hunwick, Theresa Alba, Molly K. King
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Publication number: 20010052942Abstract: A compact, handheld portable electronic imaging system including both an electronic imaging camera and hard copy printer are separately housed with respect to each other and readily interfaceable with respect to each other for use either in combination or apart. In addition, a base unit provides a connection to a personal computer or network and provides power to recharge the batteries in the electronic imaging camera. Wireless transceiver interface means for transmitting electronic images between the electronic imaging camera and printer are provided so that when used apart, image defining electronic image information signals may be directed to the printer for the making of hard copies therefrom. A display viewfinder allows the user to see the scene in bright sun light and provides visual feedback and operation with a single user control which results in a simplified user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: George O. MacCollum, Scott D. Wicker, Trung Q. Phung, James J. Leftwich
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Patent number: 6323911Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Starsight Telecast, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith Hunwick, Theresa Alba, Molly K. King
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Patent number: 6075575Abstract: A remote control device 2 for navigating and interacting with a television schedule information system that is displayed, for example, on the viewer's television screen. The remote control device comprises a casing 4, a local controller 20 for scrolling a movable cursor 110 within an individual screen area or window on the television screen and a global controller 22 for moving the cursor between adjacent screen areas. The local controller includes a rolling cylinder 24 for vertical scrolling and a pair of buttons 32, 34 on either side of the cylinder for horizontal scrolling. The local and global controllers allow viewers to quickly and efficiently browse through the television guide, perform various actions, such as selecting or activating items, and interact with services related to the television programs without having to remove their eyes from the television.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: StarSight Telecast, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith Hunwick, Theresa Alba, Molly K. King