Patents by Inventor Michael D. Ellis

Michael D. Ellis 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: 11927357
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of thermostats corresponding to a plurality of HVAC systems that serve a plurality of spaces and a computing system communicable with the plurality of thermostats via a network. The computing system is configured to, for each space of the plurality of spaces, obtain a set of training data relating to thermal behavior of the space, identify a model of thermal behavior of the space based on the set of training data, perform a model predictive control process using the model of thermal behavior of the space to obtain a temperature setpoint for the space, and provide the temperature setpoint to the thermostat corresponding to the HVAC system serving the space. The plurality of thermostats are configured to control the plurality of HVAC systems in accordance with the temperature setpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Kerry M. Bell, Bridget E. Kapler, Alan S. Schwegler, Leyla Mousavi, Kierstyn R. Robbins, Robert D. Turney, Matthew J. Ellis, Michael J. Wenzel, Mohammad N. ElBsat, Juan Esteban Tapiero Bernal, Brennan H. Fentzlaff
  • Publication number: 20240031641
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing blackout support in video mosaic and television environments are disclosed. In response to receiving a request for a video mosaic page, screen data or application data, which may include blackout information, is received. The blacked out content may be automatically recorded to the user equipment or a network server for later playback after the blackout has expired. In addition, an overlay of options associated with the blacked out asset may be presented. The overlay may include options to substitute the blacked out asset with replacement content, search for similar content, retrieve more information about the blackout, or present summary information, such as a sports ticker, in place of the blacked out cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Jon P. Radloff, Michael D. Ellis
  • Patent number: 11800181
    Abstract: On-demand systems and methods are provided to manage locally-stored on-demand content. A user's equipment controls the deletion of and/or access to on-demand content from a local storage device based on constraining criteria that may include rental conditions, dynamic factors, and keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Robert A. Knee, Michael L. Craner
  • Patent number: 11765424
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing blackout support in video mosaic and television environments are disclosed. In response to receiving a request for a video mosaic page, screen data or application data, which may include blackout information, is received. The blacked out content may be automatically recorded to the user equipment or a network server for later playback after the blackout has expired. In addition, an overlay of options associated with the blacked out asset may be presented. The overlay may include options to substitute the blacked out asset with replacement content, search for similar content, retrieve more information about the blackout, or present summary information, such as a sports ticker, in place of the blacked out cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon P. Radloff, Michael D. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20230269433
    Abstract: A list of video-on-demand (VOD) programs based on viewer selections is provided. VOD programs may be marked with a mark indicating the level of viewer interest. In one embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed that includes or excludes programs having a particular mark, or sorts programs based on the marks. In another embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed based on availability times. In yet another embodiment, after a viewer has played back a VOD program, a list of related VOD programs may be automatically displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Robert A. Knee
  • Publication number: 20230130517
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced sports-related media content access and display are provided. A user may want a media asset to continue to be output while selecting another media asset. A system may display a first and second sport for selection by a user. Upon user selection of the first sport, first and second sub-categories are displayed. User selection of a first sub-category causes display of sporting events in the first sub-category.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Jon P. Radloff
  • Patent number: 11589122
    Abstract: A list of video-on-demand (VOD) programs based on viewer selections is provided. VOD programs may be marked with a mark indicating the level of viewer interest. In one embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed that includes or excludes programs having a particular mark, or sorts programs based on the marks. In another embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed based on availability times. In yet another embodiment, after a viewer has played back a VOD program, a list of related VOD programs may be automatically displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Robert A. Knee
  • Publication number: 20220030320
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for customizing the display of interactive television overlays. A condition related to the display of an overlay on top of video for a television channel may be defined for each of a plurality of television channels. A default set of information types for an interactive television overlay (e.g., a FLIP overlay, a BROWSE overlay, etc.) may be defined for the plurality of television channels. When the overlay is displayed on top of video for a given television channel of the plurality of television channels, the overlay may include information of the default set of information types. One or more television channels of the plurality of television channels may be identified as channels for which the default set of information types does not apply (e.g., channels for which the overlay is not displayed or for which a custom set of information types is defined).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Todd A. Walker, Michael D. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20220030311
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating a playlist of series assets and systems and methods for grouping assets of a playlist in clusters are provided. In one embodiment, series assets may automatically be included into a playlist for that series. In another embodiment, an interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters based on one or more user selected parameters or may group assets in cluster based on automatically determined parameters. In yet another embodiment, the interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters and display at least one identifier in connection with each cluster to indicate a basis for forming the cluster. The identifier may be a key word or catch phrase that succinctly identifies a trait or characteristic of assets in a particular cluster associated with the identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Jon P. Radloff, Robert A. Knee, Michael L. Craner, Joshua Berry
  • Publication number: 20210385542
    Abstract: A list of video-on-demand (VOD) programs based on viewer selections is provided. VOD programs may be marked with a mark indicating the level of viewer interest. In one embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed that includes or excludes programs having a particular mark, or sorts programs based on the marks. In another embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed based on availability times. in yet another embodiment, after a viewer has played back a VOD program, a list of related VOD programs may be automatically displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Robert A. Knee
  • Publication number: 20210368128
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced sports-related media content access and display are provided. An intelligent tuning module for multi-tuner systems may designate one sporting event as a primary sporting event and another sporting event as a secondary sporting event. A primary tuner may tune the primary event whenever possible and a secondary tuner may tune the secondary event whenever possible. Sporting events may be assigned user profile scores and tuned away from in reverse priority order. An interactive scoreboard may also be displayed with various game status and alert icons. The interactive scoreboard may allow a viewer to quickly tune between high-interest sporting events. Sports-specific features, such as wagering and fantasy league support, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Jon P. Radloff
  • Publication number: 20210368229
    Abstract: On-demand systems and methods are provided to manage locally-stored on-demand content. A user's equipment controls the deletion of and/or access to on-demand content from a local storage device based on constraining criteria that may include rental conditions, dynamic factors, and keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Robert A. Knee, Michael L. Craner
  • Patent number: 11115719
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating a playlist of series assets and systems and methods for grouping assets of a playlist in clusters are provided. In one embodiment, series assets may automatically be included into a playlist for that series. In another embodiment, an interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters based on one or more user selected parameters or may group assets in cluster based on automatically determined parameters. In yet another embodiment, the interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters and display at least one identifier in connection with each cluster to indicate a basis for forming the cluster. The identifier may be a key word or catch phrase that succinctly identifies a trait or characteristic of assets in a particular cluster associated with the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: ROVl GUIDES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Jon P. Radloff, Robert A. Knee, Michael L. Craner, Joshua Berry
  • Patent number: 11115707
    Abstract: On-demand systems and methods are provided to manage locally-stored on-demand content. A user's equipment controls the deletion of and/or access to on-demand content from a local storage device based on constraining criteria that may include rental conditions, dynamic factors, and keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: ROVI GUIDES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Robert A. Knee, Michael L. Craner
  • Patent number: 11108482
    Abstract: An enhanced radio system is disclosed that provides for the capture and playback of one or more radio stations. A user may tune to a station, scan through stations, rewind through missed content (even while the system is off), and fast-forward through undesired content, while downloading and uploading audio content, and sending content to another user. A user may rate content, and be notified when that content is played on any station, with undesirable content skipped and desirable content saved, or station recommendations made. Support for multiple sets of configuration information to allow use by multiple listeners and in multiple locations may be provided. Optionally provided are security features to prevent the unauthorized downloading, uploading, and saving of copies of content, other radio related and content related information, a karaoke mode, integration with a telephone with the radio, or reporting usage information to a collection facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: 3D RADIO, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Caron S. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 11075706
    Abstract: An enhanced radio system is disclosed that provides for the capture and playback of one or more radio stations. A user may tune to a station, scan through stations, rewind through missed content (even while the system is off), and fast-forward through undesired content, while downloading and uploading audio content, and sending content to another user. A user may rate content, and be notified when that content is played on any station, with undesirable content skipped and desirable content saved, or station recommendations made. Support for multiple sets of configuration information to allow use by multiple listeners and in multiple locations may be provided. Optionally provided are security features to prevent the unauthorized downloading, uploading, and saving of copies of content, other radio related and content related information, a karaoke mode, integration with a telephone with the radio, or reporting usage information to a collection facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3D RADIO LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Caron S. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20210227063
    Abstract: A method, device, system, and media are directed to controlling a multi-tuner radio. A voice command may be received and/or filtered. An operation of the radio may be modified based on the voice command. A gesture input may be received through a gesture pad. Another operation of the multi-tuner radio may be modified based on the received gesture input. A fingerprint may be recognized with a gesture pad. A user may be authenticated based on the recognized fingerprint. The operation or the other operation may be personalized based on the fingerprint. User training may be provided for the gesture input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventor: Michael D. ELLIS
  • Patent number: 11070883
    Abstract: A list of video-on demand (VOD) programs based on viewer selections is provided. VOD programs may be marked with a mark indicating the level of viewer interest. In one embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed that includes or excludes programs having a particular mark, or sorts programs based on the marks. In another embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed based on availability times. In yet another embodiment, after a viewer has played back a VOD program a list of related VOD programs may be automatically displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Robert A. Knee
  • Publication number: 20210195011
    Abstract: A method, device, system, and media are directed to controlling a multi-tuner radio. A voice command may be received and/or filtered. An operation of the radio may be modified based on the voice command. A gesture input may be received through a gesture pad. Another operation of the multi-tuner radio may be modified based on the received gesture input. A fingerprint may be recognized with a gesture pad. A user may be authenticated based on the recognized fingerprint. The operation or the other operation may be personalized based on the fingerprint. User training may be provided for the gesture input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventor: Michael D. ELLIS
  • Publication number: 20210160554
    Abstract: Methods and systems that provide enhanced personal video recorder (“PVR”) and interactive television program guide (“IPG”) functionality are provided. An interactive television application (“application”) may be implemented to provide such functionality. The application may be used to display a list of PVR recordings, to schedule recordings to a PVR, to configure recordings, to view a list of scheduled recordings, to configure recording settings, or to select delete priority settings for recordings. The application may integrate pay-per-view and PVR functionality. The application may send user notifications for changes that are to be made to the recording content of a PVR. Live programming may be buffered by the application using a straight buffers that are created for each new program. Parallel buffers for concurrent programs may be implemented using multiple tuners. Straight buffers may be used in managing or controlling the flow of programming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Danny R. Gaydou, M. Scott Reichardt, Joseph P. Baumgartner, William L. Thomas