Patents by Inventor Mark K. Berner

Mark K. Berner 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).

  • Patent number: 11456019
    Abstract: Systems and methods for alerting users to differences between first and second media versions of a story are provided. Given a first version of the media asset, a first sequence of plot segments in the first version that collectively represent a story arc may be identified. A second version of the media asset may be processed to identify a second sequence of plot segments that collectively represent the story arc. The first sequence and second sequence of plot segments may be compared to identify a set of plot segments representing a difference between the sequences. In response to detecting that a user consuming the first version of the media asset has reached a given plot segment that represents a resolution to the story, a summary of the set of plot segments representing the difference between the first and second sequences may be generated for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Bates, Jesse F. Patterson, Mark K. Berner, Eric Dorsey, David W. Chamberlin, Paul Stevens, Herbert A. Waterman, William L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11451883
    Abstract: A method of and system for enabling a distributed entertainment system over a computing device is described herein. When implementing a distributed entertainment system wherein the entertainment system is directly correlated to live events or televised programs, there are a number of issues that must be addressed such as differing timing and channels of television programs and separate state laws. Furthermore, there are a plethora of varying computing device models possibly requiring model-specific software. An “Activity Client” is provided to handle such concerns. Furthermore, since time is of the essence for activities based on live or televised events, it is necessary to ensure a computing device is able to receive the necessary updates for the program before the event begins. By providing only the needed components instead of entire data packages, the present invention is able to much more efficiently prepare users' computing devices in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Huske, Mark J. Micheli, Mark K. Berner, Matt Ford, David B. Lockton
  • Patent number: 11443511
    Abstract: Systems and methods provided for presenting supplemental content in an augmented reality environment where an object within a field of view of an augmented reality device of a user is identified and processed to detect a reference related to a participant in an event. A user profile or user social network is searched to identify a message from the user about the participant. The message may be combined with the object in the augmented reality field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: ROVl GUIDES, INC.
    Inventors: Adam Bates, Jesse F. Patterson, Mark K. Berner, Eric Dorsey, Jonathan A. Logan, David W. Chamberlin, Paul Stevens, Herbert A. Waterman
  • Patent number: 11400379
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method and system for detecting unusual performance in a game. The game has a participant. The method calculates for the participant, a performance metric. The method compares the performance metric to a threshold value. Based on the comparison, the method optionally connects to a server. In some embodiments, the connection is for uploading a set of data from the participant to the server. The server, of some embodiments, broadcasts to the participant. The broadcast is a one-way transmission. In some embodiments, the broadcast includes a distribution based on a set of sample participants. In these embodiments, the set of sample participants comprises a representative sample of all the participants in the game. The threshold value, of some embodiments, is based on the broadcast and in some embodiments, the broadcast includes a histogram. The connecting occurs, in some embodiments, when the performance metric exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli
  • Publication number: 20220226738
    Abstract: A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli
  • Patent number: 11363320
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing subscriptions. A media guidance application obtaining viewing patterns of a subscriber and determining a first and second media package of interest to the subscriber. A first and second release schedule are obtained related to media content in the first and second media packages. The media guidance application predicts a first viewing impact of the first subscription and a second viewing impact of the second subscription, for the upcoming time period, wherein the viewing impact indicates a total predicted amount of time spent viewing the media packages in the upcoming time period. An available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period is also determined. The media guidance application generates a subscription recommendation for the upcoming time period based on the first viewing impact, second viewing impact, and available amount of time for viewing media in the upcoming time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Bates, Hafiza Jameela, Jesse F. Patterson, Mark K. Berner, Eric Dorsey, Jonathan A. Logan, David W. Chamberlin, Paul Stevens, Herbert A. Waterman, William L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11298621
    Abstract: A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli
  • Publication number: 20220105428
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Publication number: 20220080306
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Publication number: 20220080307
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Publication number: 20220032182
    Abstract: Cellular phone games based on television archives allow users to play games on their cellular phones wherein the games are based on archived television programs. The game is able to be played simultaneously between competitors or on demand. Game data and video data are combined into one file and are sent to participating cellular phones so that the required information is received at the same time at each cellular phone. Each cellular phone contains software to manipulate the game and video data so that the user is able to play the game. The game is played by watching video clips from archived television programs and then selecting choices related to the video clips using the inputs on the user's cellular phone. User scores are determined based on the answers to the questions related to the video clips and results are distributed to the participants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner
  • Patent number: 11235237
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 11185770
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Publication number: 20210362052
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 11179632
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Publication number: 20210354034
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 11148050
    Abstract: Cellular phone games based on television archives allow users to play games on their cellular phones wherein the games are based on archived television programs. The game is able to be played simultaneously between competitors or on demand. Game data and video data are combined into one file and are sent to participating cellular phones so that the required information is received at the same time at each cellular phone. Each cellular phone contains software to manipulate the game and video data so that the user is able to play the game. The game is played by watching video clips from archived television programs and then selecting choices related to the video clips using the inputs on the user's cellular phone. User scores are determined based on the answers to the questions related to the video clips and results are distributed to the participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner
  • Publication number: 20210287437
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a media guidance application (e.g., implemented on a user device) that allows users to select any arbitrary position in a virtual reality environment from where to view the virtual reality content and changes a user's perspective based on the selected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Logan, Adam Bates, Hafiza Jameela, Jesse F. Patterson, Mark K. Berner, Eric Dorsey, David W. Chamberlin, Paul Stevens, Herbert A. Waterman
  • Publication number: 20210260476
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 11083965
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe