Patents by Inventor Michael R. Nichols

Michael R. Nichols 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: 9171137
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing digital rights settings are provided. In some aspects, the systems and methods described include receiving user input including an order for obtaining access rights to a media asset. Control circuitry determines whether the media asset is associated with a first package of media assets. The control circuitry cross-references a database of user order history to determine whether the user has obtained access rights for each media asset in the first package of media assets. If the user has obtained access rights for each media asset in the first package of media assets, the control circuitry generates digital rights settings for each media asset in the first package of media assets to enable the user to create a mashup. The mashup includes portions of at least one media asset in the first package. The control circuitry generates a display based on the digital rights settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda Mallardo, Matthew Pakulski, Jeffrey Gibson, Mycal Elliot, Michael R. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20150281764
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a sequence of video clips are provided. A user input identifying a source of video is received. Responsive to the user input, a plurality of future videos provided by the source that is unavailable to the user at a time when the user input was received is identified. A sequence of video clips associated with the identified plurality of future videos is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Stathacopoulos, Michael R. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20150281635
    Abstract: Systems and methods for re-recording content associated with popularity that re-emerged are provided. A plurality of media assets is recorded. Responsive to determining that popularity of a given one of the plurality of media assets fell below a first threshold, the given media asset is selected for deletion and the given media asset is added to a list of a plurality of media assets that have been selected for deletion. Popularity for the given media asset in the list is retrieved after selecting the given media asset for deletion. The retrieved popularity of the given media asset, which previously fell below the first threshold, is compared to a second threshold. In response to determining that the retrieved popularity of the given media asset, which previously fell below the first threshold, is now above the second threshold, an action relating to re-recording the given media asset is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Young A. Tang, William L. Thomas, Michael R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9125169
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules are provided. In particular, these methods and systems may store an entertainment profile of a user, wherein the entertainment profile identifies entertainment media characteristics of the user. It may then be determined that the user entered a predetermined range of a location. In response to this, a location-based rule that corresponds to the location and that defines an action to be taken may be automatically identified. Based on the location-based rule, the location, and the entertainment profile of the user, the action may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9120838
    Abstract: The invention provides a series of novel Lipid A analogs that are structually simple, synthetically accessible, and capable of blocking the cellular receptor within the signal transduction pathway. The novel Lipid A analogs can include a monosaccharide core with hydrophobic side chains and amino acid ionic motif. The invention further provides methods of using the compounds and compositions thereof in various therapeutic methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Alexei Demchenko, Michael R. Nichols, Sophon Kaeothip
  • Publication number: 20150244972
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that automatically manages the storage and deletion of media assets received by a user. For example, based on the source, content, context, file type, size, current storage capabilities, or another characteristic of the media asset, the media guidance application may determine a length of time to retain the media asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES INC.
    Inventors: Alejandro S. Pulido, Michael R. Nichols, Walter R. Klappert
  • Patent number: 9116645
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for determining whether full or partial access to an application should be granted based on whether a full print or a partial print is detected. The control circuitry may then identify a user profile corresponding to a print. Control circuitry may determine a level of confidence that the print corresponds to the user profile. Control circuitry may determine whether to provide the user full access to the application by comparing the level of confidence to a threshold, where, if the level of confidence exceeds the threshold, the user is granted full access to the application. In the case that the level of confidence does not exceed the threshold, the control circuitry may compare the level of confidence to a different threshold, where, if the different threshold is exceeded, the user may be granted partial access to the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Minah Oh, Michael R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9094708
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a media guidance application that can prioritize media content listings based on the real-time progression of the content associated with the listing. The media guidance application may interpret metadata concerning the progress of the content associated with the listing to determine whether or not a particular user will have, or continue to have, interest in the listing based on real-time statistical analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Seyller, Michael R. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20150189375
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for presenting information to groups of users using user optical devices that enable each user to view and share media content in a collaborative manner. For example, users using linked user optical devices may perceive a media playlist on a particular wall. The media playlist may then be modified (e.g., media assets may be added and/or removed) based on any of the users contacting the particular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Brian Craig Peterson, William J. Korbecki, Vanessa Wickenkamp, Michael R. Nichols, Melissa Bradley
  • Patent number: 9014535
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for synchronizing simultaneous media asset viewing for users at different geographical viewing locations. In some embodiments, a first user device receives a request to synchronize viewing of a media asset with a second user device. Control circuitry may automatically determine that the media asset is available to the second user device after becoming available to the first user device. Based on the determining, the control circuitry may automatically schedule the media asset for recording on the first user device. In some embodiments, control circuitry synchronizes viewing of the media asset when the media access becomes available to the second user device. The second user device may access a video feed transmitted by a media source, while the first user device accesses a video feed of a recorded media asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Thomas Steven Woods, Michael R. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20150039421
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for selecting media assets based on a scent detected at a location of a user device. For example, a media guidance application implemented on a user device may incorporate or have access to a scent detection component, which may determine one or more scents at the location of the user device. The media guidance application may then select a media asset that corresponds to the determined one or more scents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robin Ford, Daniel Thomas Ward, Paul Jensen, Michael R. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20150033259
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for performing operations in response to changes in brain activity of a user. For example, a media guidance application implemented on a user device may monitor the brain activity of the user (e.g., in order to perform one of more operations based on the brain activity of the user). In response to detecting particular brain activity (e.g., indicating that a user has fallen asleep), the media guidance application may instruct the user device to cease monitoring the brain activity of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Michael R. Nichols, Camron Shimy, William Wagner, Yinghsueh Chen, Paul Stathacopoulos
  • Publication number: 20150033262
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application configured to generate for display an icon that provides feedback to a user related to the current brain activity of the user. For example, a media guidance application may monitor the brain activity of the user in order to determine whether or not to perform a particular operation. The media guidance application may further generate a display of icons that inform the user of the current brain activity of the user and/or the progress of the user towards achieving a particular operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Michael R. Nichols, Camron Shimy, William Wagner, Yinghsueh Chen, Paul Stathacopoulos
  • Publication number: 20150029087
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for adjusting power consumption and/or sensitivity levels of a user device based on the current brain activity of a user. For example, a media guidance application implemented on a user device may monitor brain activity of a user. In response to determining particular brain activity (e.g., associated with the inactivity of the user), the media guidance application may initiate a stand-by mode in order to reduce power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Michael R. Nichols, Camron Shimy, William Wagner, Yinghsueh Chen, Paul Stathacopoulos
  • Publication number: 20150033258
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that may monitor the brain activity of a user and determine a first brain state of the user based on the brain activity, in which the first brain state corresponds to a first mood. The media guidance application may also select a second brain state that corresponds to a second mood of the user. In response to determining the first brain state does not correspond to the second brain state, the media guidance application may generate a display of a media asset to the user that is associated with inducing the second brain state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Michael R. Nichols, Camron Shimy, William Wagner, Yinghsueh Chen, Paul Stathacopoulos
  • Publication number: 20150033266
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application configured to monitor brain activity in various regions of a brain of a user in order to navigate, recommend, provide access to, and perform operations related to media content. For example, in response to detecting that particular brain activity in a region of the brain does not correspond to a threshold range of brain activity for that region of the brain, a media guidance application may perform a media guidance operation related to that region of the brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Michael R. Nichols, Camron Shimy, William Wagner, Yinghsueh Chen, Paul Stathacopoulos
  • Publication number: 20150033245
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application configured to monitor attentiveness of a user based on the brain activity of the user. For example, a media guidance application may monitor brain activity associated with an attentiveness level of the user and in response to determining the attentiveness level of the user does not correspond to the threshold attentiveness level, perform an operation associated with a low attentiveness level of the user (e.g., performing a scan operation through various content providers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Michael R. Nichols, Camron Shimy, William Wagner, Yinghsueh Chen, Paul Stathacopoulos
  • Publication number: 20150020216
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing digital rights settings are provided. In some aspects, the systems and methods described include receiving user input including an order for obtaining access rights to a media asset. Control circuitry determines whether of media asset is associated with a first package of media assets. The control circuitry cross-references a database of user order history to determine whether the user has obtained access rights for each media asset in the first package of media assets. If the user has obtained access rights for each media asset in the first package of media assets, the control circuitry generates digital rights settings for each media asset in the first package of media assets to enable the user to create a mashup. The mashup includes portions of at least one media asset in the first package. The control circuitry generates a display based on the digital rights settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Amanda Mallardo, Matthew Pakulski, Jeffrey Gibson, Mycal Elliot, Michael R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 8903819
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sharing user profile information using tag clouds are provided in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. A first tag cloud may be generated from attributes stored in a first user profile and a second tag cloud may be generated from attributes stored in a second user profile. A user may drag-and-drop attributes between the two tag clouds and, in response, the underlying user profiles may be updated. Tag clouds may thus present a user's media preferences in an attractive and compelling visual arrangement that, in some embodiments, also functions as an intuitive interface for copying preferences between user profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20140350798
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for a guidance application capable of coordinating the interior features of a vehicle (e.g., the heating/cooling system, automatic windows, automatic seats, automatic sunroof, seat heaters, etc.) to produce the current environmental conditions (e.g., sunshine, heat, wind, etc.) displayed in a media asset being accessed in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Michael R. Nichols, Satinderpal S. Sikh