Patents by Inventor Nicholas Colsey
Nicholas Colsey 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: 11778282Abstract: Automatically setting a display mode of a display device, including: receiving a content selection of a content item through a user interface; sending the content selection to a content server; receiving content data from the content server; receiving settings metadata from the content server, wherein the settings metadata indicates a metadata display setting; processing the settings metadata to determine the metadata display settings, wherein the settings metadata is processed to be at least one of: stored in a memory unit of the display device; received with the content data to be processed and used to update the metadata display settings; and associated with at least one application running on the display device; setting a display mode of a display device according to the metadata display setting; and displaying the media content through the display device according to the set display mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignees: Sony Group Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Colsey, Don Charles Eklund, II
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Publication number: 20200037042Abstract: Automatically setting a display mode of a display device, including: receiving a content selection of a content item through a user interface; sending the content selection to a content server; receiving content data from the content server; receiving settings metadata from the content server, wherein the settings metadata indicates a metadata display setting; processing the settings metadata to determine the metadata display settings, wherein the settings metadata is processed to be at least one of: stored in a memory unit of the display device; received with the content data to be processed and used to update the metadata display settings; and associated with at least one application running on the display device; setting a display mode of a display device according to the metadata display setting; and displaying the media content through the display device according to the set display mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Nicholas Colsey, Don Charles Eklund, II
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Patent number: 8104066Abstract: In certain implementations, a method of automatically changing an attribute defining operation of a television system involves determining that a plurality of short range radio frequency (RF) transceiver devices have entered RF range of the television system, the television system having a short range RF transceiver compatible with that of the short range RF transceiver device; binding the short range RF transceiver devices to the television set to establish an identity (ID) for the short range RF transceiver devices; determining a priority of each of the plurality of identified short range RF devices; at the television system, looking up a functional attribute associated with the identity having the highest priority; and setting the television parameter according to an attribute associated with a short range RF device having highest priority. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Colsey, Thomas Patrick Dawson, Klaus Hofrichter, William Schupp, David Thiele
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Publication number: 20100103316Abstract: In certain implementations, a method of automatically changing an attribute defining operation of a television system involves determining that a plurality of short range radio frequency (RF) transceiver devices have entered RF range of the television system, the television system having a short range RF transceiver compatible with that of the short range RF transceiver device; binding the short range RF transceiver devices to the television set to establish an identity (ID) for the short range RF transceiver devices; determining a priority of each of the plurality of identified short range RF devices; at the television system, looking up a functional attribute associated with the identity having the highest priority; and setting the television parameter according to an attribute associated with a short range RF device having highest priority. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventors: Nicholas Colsey, Thomas Patrick Dawson, Klaus Hofrichter, William Schupp, David Thiele
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Patent number: 7116644Abstract: A data sharing methodology and structure for communication between users of digital Internet-accessible devices, such as set-top boxes, is described. Users of Internet-accessible devices can establish connections between trusted users of other Internet-accessible devices and transfer personal information using either the Internet or the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some examples of the type of information that may be transferred include IP addresses, e-mail, multimedia objects, and voice data. Once personal identification information has been exchanged, future communications may be easily re-established and maintained.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Mark Kenneth Eyer, Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K. L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20050076092Abstract: A system for sharing media content between peers over a communication medium. Content is authenticated prior to being downloaded, or stored, so that only content from designated peers, or based on other user selected criteria, reaches the user. Typically, content is stored at the destination site on a fixed or removable media prior to user content playback. Users are notified of content receipt, such as by an entry within a programming guide through which convenient user access of content may occur without the need to log onto the Internet or other service. The media content is then played back over a virtual channel that is selected by the user. The functionality of the system may be embodied within a separate unit or incorporated within set-top boxes, television sets, audio systems, gaming systems, personal computer system, or other interconnected electronic devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2004Publication date: April 7, 2005Inventors: Matthew Chang, Frederick Zustak, Andrew Proehl, Nicholas Colsey, Peter Shintani, Mark Eyer
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Patent number: 6789106Abstract: A method and structure that allows a user who has access to an audio/visual object to cause an interactive control element of an interactive multimedia system to grab and store off for future retrieval the audio/visual object by simply activating a selection mechanism of the interactive multimedia system.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Mark Kenneth Eyer, Aditya Krishnan, Fred J. Zustak, Matthew S. Chang, Andrew M. Proehl, Brant L. Candelore, Nicholas Colsey, David K. L. Yang, Dayan Ivy Golden, Peter Rae Shintani
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Publication number: 20040039648Abstract: A method, apparatus computer program, and storage medium for storing the computer program for downloading a data program to a computing device are provided. The method comprises the steps of designating a data program; receiving the designated program at a set top box; and transferring the received data program from the set top box to the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicants: SONY CORPORATION, SONY ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Matthew Chang, Nicholas Colsey, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Dayan Ivy Golden, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, Peter Rae Shintani, David K. L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak
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Publication number: 20030105679Abstract: A television set-top box used as a point of sale terminal at a retail establishment such as a department store or kiosk. The television set-top box may include a swipe card reader and is coupled to a television display, an input device and a printer. The customer accesses a catalog database of merchandise and inventory using a user interface to point of sale software. The customer may also enter an order using order entry software forming a part of the point of sale software. The catalog database is situated on a disc drive within the set-top box and can be updated from a catalog server as required to maintain accurate inventory and merchandise information in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the set-top box operates in a client mode to access information from the catalog server.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2001Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Aditya Krishnan, Matthew S. Chang, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Fred J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20030093812Abstract: The present invention includes a system for enabling a user to download information displayed on a display screen of a television receiver. The system includes a device coupled to said television receiver to access information to be displayed on the display screen and a portable data device adapted to download the information from the device. The device includes a set-top box and the portable data device may be a smart card which may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip having information stored therein. The set-top box includes a back-channel for outputting information and the portable data device is coupled to the device by way of a smart card reader. The portable data device includes a display, a processor, a memory, navigation buttons and a remind button. The portable data device may communicate to the device using the ISO7816 Protocol, USB Protocol, a Serial Parallel Interface, Sony Memory Stick Protocol, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20030090515Abstract: An adaptive user interface and method thereof for simplifying the use of new electronic devices, such as set top boxes, by adapting the user interface on the basis of usage history. The adaptive user interface monitors input commands to the user interface and tracks usage statistics for use in determining whether to add or remove features from the interface. A ramp-up embodiment of the invention automatically adds user interface features as the user becomes more proficient with a device. A ramp-down embodiment of the invention automatically removes seldom used interface features. By tracking users' actions, the user interface can more accurately be modified to fit actual use habits of each user, rather than relying on user perception of what functionality is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Applicant: Sony Corporation and Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Chang, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20030093808Abstract: A data sharing methodology and structure for communication between users of digital Internet-accessible devices, such as set-top boxes, is described. Users of Internet-accessible devices can establish connections between trusted users of other Internet-accessible devices and transfer personal information using either the Internet or the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some examples of the type of information that may be transferred include IP addresses, e-mail, multimedia objects, and voice data. Once personal identification information has been exchanged, future communications may be easily re-established and maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Mark Kenneth Eyer, Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20030093804Abstract: An apparatus and method to increase effective data connection bandwidth by splitting/allocating data streams seamlessly and simultaneously across multiple connections. The apparatus providing for multi-tasking and switching of data between a plurality of bi-directional and/or download-only bandwidth channels for use by a plurality of end-user devices. The apparatus having decision-making means for allocating the various bandwidth channels to the appropriate data transfer tasks thereby maximizing the use of all available channels. This improves over the current prevailing scenario whereby each device has a single dedicated connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Matthew S. Chang, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20030005429Abstract: A method an apparatus for providing a video preview as part of an electronic program guide in a Set-Top Box or other television receiver device. A listing of television programs is presented to a viewer, for example, in the form of a grid showing television programming as a function of time. When a command is transmitted by the viewer from a remote commander to initiate a preview of a specified program, the program is mapped to a video file containing a preview of the specified program. The video file may be stored in a local disc drive or at a service provider head end. The video file can then be played in a window of the electronic program guide to provide a preview of the specified program to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Nicholas Colsey
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Publication number: 20020199208Abstract: A kiosk that can be placed at any convenient location for providing a user with the ability to upload information stored in portable compact memory storage media and to forward the information to a network destination thereby freeing the portable compact memory storage media for storing additional information.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20020194619Abstract: A set top box includes a designation function that provides a user with the ability to designate and store music video clips that the user is currently viewing while watching a video music channel. The user can instantly select a viewed video for storage in its entirety even after it has begun. The videos may be stored on a hard disk drive of the set top box, and may be indexed or organized by titles, artists, genre, or the like. Additionally, a user may be listening to an audio program on an audio cable channel, a radio channel, a digital or analog stereo (e.g., playback from a CD), and upon selection of a particular song, a corresponding video is downloaded to the user's designated set top box.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20020174424Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing indications of items such as a television program or programs watched by user, television program or programs to be watched by the user, an activity or activities in which the user has participated, and an activity or activities the user is scheduled to participated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20020152458Abstract: An information network, such as an interactive set-top box, is provided to a subscriber. Through interaction with the set-top box, a subscriber may indicate his or her interest in a specific television or video program to be offered by a service provider and the price he or she would be willing to pay for it. This information is communicated to the service provider over a communications link, such as the Internet. The service provider uses the information to determine the offer price of the television or video program.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Mark Kenneth Eyer, Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Fred J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20020133413Abstract: A method and system for enabling a user to purchase an item displayed on a display screen of a television receiver which may be located in the user's home or office. The system may include a set-top box having a processor and a back-channel and adapted to receive television signals representative of a number of items offered for sale and provide the received television signals to the television receiver so as to enable the item or items offered for sale to be displayed on the display screen, and a credit card reader adapted to read information from a credit card when the credit card is provided thereto by the user and forward the read information to the set-top box. The set-top box may process the information received from the credit card reader and supply the same to an external destination such as a store, a credit card company, a manufacturer or the like so as to enable payment for a desired item without necessarily storing such information in the STB.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20020129362Abstract: A technique for displaying a television commercial on end user equipment includes providing a plurality of commercials available to be played on the end user equipment while tuned to a television channel, e.g., by pre-storing the audio/video of those commercials on a storage medium of the user equipment. The onset of a commercial time slot on the television channel is detected; and a selection is made, at the end user equipment, of one of the plurality of commercials. The selected commercial is played during the detected commercial slot as a substitute for the commercial broadcast on the television channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K. L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden