Patents by Inventor John S. McCoskey
John S. McCoskey 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: 8117635Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. Upstream data reception hardware, databases and processing hardware and software, and corresponding features in a user's terminal are used to accomplish these functions.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Publication number: 20110153464Abstract: A viewer for displaying an electronic book and providing for electronic commerce. In conjunction with viewing an electronic book, a user can view information about products and services, view an on-line electronic catalog, and receive samples of products available for purchase. By entering a purchase request, the user can purchase products or services. In the case of a digital product, the user can download the purchased product directly into the viewer. The viewer also records statistics concerning purchase and information requests in order to recommend related products or services, or for directing particular types of advertisements to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: ADREA LLCInventors: John S. HENDRICKS, Michael L. Asmussen, John S. McCoskey
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Publication number: 20110085080Abstract: A video and digital multimedia aggregator includes a content decoder, coder (codec) and formatter. The codec formatter receives coding and formatting requests that characterize input source content and desired output target content. Data conveyed about the source and target content may include parameters such as physical and/or logical addresses, coding and compression parameters, format descriptions, content size, description of auxiliary services, and other metadata elements that may be required for coding and formatting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: COMCAST IP HOLDINGS I, LLCInventors: William D. Swart, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 7908628Abstract: A video and digital multimedia aggregator includes a content decoder, coder (codec) and formatter. The codec formatter receives coding and formatting requests that characterize input source content and desired output target content. Data conveyed about the source and target content may include parameters such as physical and/or logical addresses, coding and compression parameters, format descriptions, content size, description of auxiliary services, and other metadata elements that may be required for coding and formatting.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: William D. Swart, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 7865567Abstract: An electronic book selection and delivery system distributes text to subscribers. The system provides for on-demand and virtual on-demand delivery of electronic books. Specified electronic books may be broadcast to a set of subscribers. Alternatively, a first section of the specified electronic books may be broadcast. A second section of each of the electronic books is then available for later delivery, upon order by a subscriber. The second sections, as well as first sections, and true on-demand electronic books may be loaded into one or more queues. The queues may then be emptied based on a priority model. Electronic books in an on-demand queue may be given priority for delivery over electronic books in other queues.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Discovery Patent Holdings, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, John S. McCoskey
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Patent number: 7865405Abstract: A viewer for displaying an electronic book and providing for electronic commerce. In conjunction with viewing an electronic book, a user can view information about products and services, view an on-line electronic catalog, and receive samples of products available for purchase. By entering a purchase request, the user can purchase products or services. In the case of a digital product, the user can download the purchased product directly into the viewer. The viewer also records statistics concerning purchase and information requests in order to recommend related products or services, or for directing particular types of advertisements to the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Discovery Patent Holdings, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen, John S. McCoskey
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Publication number: 20100313215Abstract: The present invention utilizes an aggregator for searching, packaging and delivering content. The aggregator processes requests, searches, provides search results and acquires content. The aggregator, operating in a communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: COMCAST IP HOLDINGS I, LLCInventors: John S. McCoskey, William D. Swart, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 7849393Abstract: An electronic book selection and delivery system distributes text to subscribers. The system includes the ability to use electronic links as well as a system for creating electronic links between specific electronic books and other electronic files. The links may be used or accessed by a menu system or by operation of a cursor and a select button. The other electronic files could be portions of a specific electronic book, such as a Table of Contents. The other electronic files could also exist external to a specific electronic book. For example, definitions provided in an electronic English-language dictionary could be linked to terms contained in an electronic book. The electronic links may be created by the book publisher or may be subscriber-defined. The links may use standard programming language such as hypertext markup language (HTML). The links may be established through use of a relational database.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Discovery Communications, Inc.Inventors: John S. Hendricks, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 7844985Abstract: A novel multiple channel architecture is designed to allow targeted advertising directed to television terminals connected to an operations center or a cable headend. Advertisements are displayed during commercial breaks in the television programs. Such advertisements may be broadcast on the same channel as the television program. In addition, feeder channels may carry alternate advertising that may be better suited for certain viewing audiences. The operations center or the cable headend generate a group assignment plan that assigns the television terminals to groups, based on factors such as area of dominant influence, household income and other demographic data, and programs watched data gathered by the television terminals. A switching plan is then generated that instructs the television terminals to remain with the program channel or to switch to one of the alternate feeder channels during the program breaks.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 7835989Abstract: The invention, an electronic book selection and delivery system, distributes electronic text and graphics to subscribers. The system contains an operations center, a video distribution system or a variety of alternative distribution systems, a home subsystem, and a billing and collection system. The operations center and/or distribution points perform the functions of manipulation of text data, security and coding of text, cataloging of books, message center, and uplink functions. The home subsystem connects to a video distribution system or variety of alternative distribution systems, generates menus and stores text, and transacts through communicating mechanisms. A portable book-shaped viewer is used for viewing the text. The billing system performs the transaction, management, authorization, collection and payments utilizing the telephone system or a variety of alternative communication systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1999Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Discovery Communications, Inc.Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen, John S. McCoskey
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Patent number: 7793326Abstract: The present invention utilizes an aggregator for searching, packaging and delivering content. The aggregator processes requests, searches, provides search results and acquires content. The aggregator, operating in a communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. McCoskey, William D. Swart, Michael L. Asmussen
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Publication number: 20100180296Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The invention uses upstream data reception hardware, databases and processing hardware and software, and corresponding features in the televisions to accomplish these functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: COMCAST IP HOLDINGS I, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 7743330Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used to place virtual objects in video programs. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The available virtual objects available are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information. When a frame of a program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual object is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object may be interactive, and may be used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site. An operations center or a cable headend may generate a group assignment plan that assigns the subscribers' terminals to groups, based on factors such as area of dominant influence and household income. A placement plan may instruct the television terminals to display the desired virtual object.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Boner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 7721307Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The invention uses upstream data reception hardware, databases and processing hardware and software, and corresponding features in the televisions to accomplish these functions.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Publication number: 20090216623Abstract: A viewer for displaying an electronic book and providing for electronic commerce. In conjunction with viewing an electronic book, a user can view information about products and services, view an on-line electronic catalog, and receive samples of products available for purchase. By entering a purchase request, the user can purchase products or services. In the case of a digital product, the user can download the purchased product directly into the viewer. The viewer also records statistics concerning purchase and information requests in order to recommend related products or services, or for directing particular types of advertisements to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: Discovery Communications, Inc.Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen, John S. McCoskey
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Patent number: 7509270Abstract: A viewer for displaying an electronic book and providing for electronic commerce. In conjunction with viewing an electronic book, a user can view information about products and services, view an on-line electronic catalog, and receive samples of products available for purchase. By entering a purchase request, the user can purchase products or services. In the case of a digital product, the user can download the purchased product directly into the viewer. The viewer also records statistics concerning purchase and information requests in order to recommend related products or services, or for directing particular types of advertisements to the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Discovery Communications, Inc.Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen, John S. McCoskey
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Publication number: 20090031335Abstract: A method and a system for selecting and ordering broadcast programs uses an electronic program guide that may be broadcast to subscribers or posted on an Internet web site. The system allows national broadcasters to provide one or more channels of pay-per-view or subscription programming and to establish a mechanism for billing subscribers who access the programs. Subscribers may access the Internet and send a program request to a web site. An authorization is then forwarded to a billing center and to a local broadcaster. The billing center debits the subscriber's account, or prepares a bill. The local broadcaster sends the authorization to the subscriber. The authorization includes a program code and a terminal identifier that permit the subscriber's television or set top terminal to decrypt and display the program.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 7298851Abstract: The invention, electronic book security and copyright protection system, provides for secure distribution of electronic text and graphics to subscribers and secure storage. The method may be executed at a content provider's site, at an operations center, over a video distribution system or over a variety of alternative distribution systems, at a home subsystem, and at a billing and collection system. The content provider or operations center and/or other distribution points perform the functions of manipulation and secure storage of text data, security encryption and coding of text, cataloging of books, message center, and secure delivery functions. The home subsystem connects to a secure video distribution system or variety of alternative secure distribution systems, generates menus and stores text, and transacts through communicating mechanisms. A portable book-shaped viewer is used for secure viewing of the text.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Discovery Communications, Inc.Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen, John S. McCoskey
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Patent number: 7168084Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used to target virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The virtual objects may be targeted based on individual subscriber information or on information related to groups of subscribers. When a frame of a program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual object is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object may be interactive, and may be used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site. An operations center or a cable headend may generate a group assignment plan that assigns the subscribers' television terminals to groups, based on factors such as area of dominant influence and household income.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Sedna Patent Services, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Boner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 7134131Abstract: A method and a system for selecting and ordering broadcast programs uses an electronic program guide that may be broadcast to subscribers or posted on an Internet web site. The system allows national broadcasters to provide one or more channels of pay-per-view or subscription programming and to establish a mechanism for billing subscribers who access the programs. Subscribers may access the Internet and send a program request to a web site. An authorization is then forwarded to a billing center and to a local broadcaster. The billing center debits the subscriber's account, or prepares a bill. The local broadcaster sends the authorization to the subscriber. The authorization includes a program code and a terminal identifier that permit the subscriber's television or set top terminal to decrypt and display the program.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Sedna Patent Services, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen