Patents by Inventor Roy J. Mankovitz
Roy J. Mankovitz 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: 9697714Abstract: The present disclosure relates to location and communication systems that can be utilized for locating people, pets and other objects with a software defined radio set. A personal electronic device (PED) such as a cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA) or other device that include a software defined radio set can be configured for operation as a locator device. The PED transmits a signal A transponder or micro-transponder (MT) that is tagged to an object is arranged to reply to a transmission received from the PED. The PED based locator is arranged to calculate a distance between the PED and the MT using the time-of-flight (TOF) between the transmission and the receipt of a reply. The absolute geographic position of the PED can be determined using satellite navigation information, while the position of the MT relative to the PED can be determined from the TOF information.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventors: Lawrence J. Karr, Roy J. Mankovitz
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Publication number: 20160321902Abstract: The present disclosure relates to location and communication systems that can be utilized for locating people, pets and other objects with a software defined radio set. A personal electronic device (PED) such as a cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA) or other device that include a software defined radio set can be configured for operation as a locator device. The PED transmits a signal A transponder or micro-transponder (MT) that is tagged to an object is arranged to reply to a transmission received from the PED. The PED based locator is arranged to calculate a distance between the PED and the MT using the time-of-flight (TOF) between the transmission and the receipt of a reply. The absolute geographic position of the PED can be determined using satellite navigation information, while the position of the MT relative to the PED can be determined from the TOF information.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Lawrence J. Karr, Roy J. Mankovitz
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Patent number: 9392413Abstract: The present disclosure relates to location and communication systems that can be utilized for locating people, pets and other objects with a software defined radio set. A personal electronic device (PED) such as a cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA) or other device that include a software defined radio set can be configured for operation as a locator device. The PED transmits a signal A transponder or micro-transponder (MT) that is tagged to an object is arranged to reply to a transmission received from the PED. The PED based locator is arranged to calculate a distance between the PED and the MT using the time-of-flight (TOF) between the transmission and the receipt of a reply. The absolute geographic position of the PED can be determined using satellite navigation information, while the position of the MT relative to the PED can be determined from the TOF information.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: SANTA MONICA SEMICONDUCTOR, LLCInventors: Lawrence J. Karr, Roy J. Mankovitz
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Patent number: 9392332Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control user interface that has different functions is provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining access to all the functions of the parental control user interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program. If a user, not in the master mode, attempts to watch or record a program that meets the blocking criterion and the program does not meet the overriding criterion, a prompt is provided to the user to enter the password. Upon entering a correct password, the program is unblocked.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Wing P. Leung, Roy J. Mankovitz, Henry C. Yuen
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Patent number: 9113122Abstract: A television system allows a viewer of a text-enhanced television program to pause the program at a particular frame, browse the enhancements at his or her leisure, and then resume viewing the program from that frame, without losing continuity of the video and enhancement portions of the program, or program content. This is accomplished by time-shifting the television program for later playback. Time-shifting is accomplished through the use of mass storage devices such as semiconductor memory, optical disks, magnetic storage and other FIFO data storage structures. Markers are available that allow the viewer to return to the program at the point that he stopped watching, replaying the program from that point. Text enhancements are provided through the VBI present in a conventional television broadcast signal, through an Internet connection, or by a wireless means such as a pager or cordless telephone.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventor: Roy J. Mankovitz
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Publication number: 20150201308Abstract: The present disclosure relates to location and communication systems that can be utilized for locating people, pets and other objects with a software defined radio set. A personal electronic device (PED) such as a cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA) or other device that include a software defined radio set can be configured for operation as a locator device. The PED transmits a signal A transponder or micro-transponder (MT) that is tagged to an object is arranged to reply to a transmission received from the PED. The PED based locator is arranged to calculate a distance between the PED and the MT using the time-of-flight (TOF) between the transmission and the receipt of a reply. The absolute geographic position of the PED can be determined using satellite navigation information, while the position of the MT relative to the PED can be determined from the TOF information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2014Publication date: July 16, 2015Applicant: Santa Monica Semiconductor, LLC.Inventors: Lawrence J. Karr, Roy J. Mankovitz
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Patent number: 9055341Abstract: A television system has a television viewing mode and a guide mode. The guide mode includes an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides the viewer program information for tuned programs, and a tape index guide (TIG), which provides information for programs recorded on a video cassette. In both guides, real time images of a program are displayed in a PIP window on the television screen and guide information is displayed in the background. In both guides, the viewer may switch between a currently telecast program or a recorded program. The viewer may access either guide from the television mode and vice versa. In the guide mode, the viewer may independently switch the guide information and the type of program, i.e., tuned or recorded, in the PIP window.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Patent number: 9042916Abstract: The present disclosure relates to location and communication systems that can be utilized for locating people, pets and other objects with a software defined radio set. A personal electronic device (PED) such as a cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA) or other device that include a software defined radio set can be configured for operation as a locator device. The PED transmits a signal A transponder or micro-transponder (MT) that is tagged to an object is arranged to reply to a transmission received from the PED. The PED based locator is arranged to calculate a distance between the PED and the MT using the time-of-flight (TOF) between the transmission and the receipt of a reply. The absolute geographic position of the PED can be determined using satellite navigation information, while the position of the MT relative to the PED can be determined from the TOF information.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: SANTA MONICA SEMICONDUCTOR, LLCInventors: Lawrence J. Karr, Roy J. Mankovitz
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Patent number: 8914828Abstract: A television system comprises an electronic program guide (EPG) including a picture-in-picture (PIP) window and means for returning to a last channel viewed full screen (LCF) in a television viewing mode prior to entering the guide mode. The EPG displays a program list including a listing for the LCF and text identifying it as such. This last channel listing is positioned at the top of a program list area in the guide. The viewer returns directly to the LCF in the television viewing mode by setting a cursor to the last channel listing prior to exiting the guide mode. In guides including listings for future programs, the last channel listing remains in a designated position of the program list area.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Henry C Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Publication number: 20140196074Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control user interface that has different functions is provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining access to all the functions of the parental control user interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program. If a user, not in the master mode, attempts to watch or record a program that meets the blocking criterion and the program does not meet the overriding criterion, a prompt is provided to the user to enter the password. Upon entering a correct password, the program is unblocked.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Gemstar Development CorporationInventors: Wing P. Leung, Roy J. Mankovitz, Henry C. Yuen
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Patent number: 8761584Abstract: Compressed codes of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information, identify single TV programs or a category of programs and are stored at a central location accessible over telephone lines through pay-per-use, toll free or regular toll numbers from remote locations. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time or to control viewing on a TV.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Gemstar Development CorporationInventor: Roy J Mankovitz
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Publication number: 20140038636Abstract: The present disclosure relates to location and communication systems that can be utilized for locating people, pets and other objects with a software defined radio set. A personal electronic device (PED) such as a cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA) or other device that include a software defined radio set can be configured for operation as a locator device. The PED transmits a signal A transponder or micro-transponder (MT) that is tagged to an object is arranged to reply to a transmission received from the PED. The PED based locator is arranged to calculate a distance between the PED and the MT using the time-of-flight (TOF) between the transmission and the receipt of a reply. The absolute geographic position of the PED can be determined using satellite navigation information, while the position of the MT relative to the PED can be determined from the TOF information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: ROUNDTRIP LLCInventors: Lawrence J. Karr, Roy J. Mankovitz
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Patent number: 8635642Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control user interface that has different functions is provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining access to all the functions of the parental control user interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program. If a user, not in the master mode, attempts to watch or record a program that meets the blocking criterion and the program does not meet the overriding criterion, a prompt is provided to the user to enter the password. Upon entering a correct password, the program is unblocked.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Gemstar Development CorporationInventors: Wing P. Leung, Roy J. Mankovitz, Henry C. Yuen
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Patent number: 8583145Abstract: The present disclosure relates to location and communication systems that can be utilized for locating people, pets and other objects with a software defined radio set. A personal electronic device (PED) such as a cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA) or other device that include a software defined radio set can be configured for operation as a locator device. The PED transmits a signal A transponder or micro-transponder (MT) that is tagged to an object is arranged to reply to a transmission received from the PED. The PED based locator is arranged to calculate a distance between the PED and the MT using the time-of-flight (TOF) between the transmission and the receipt of a reply. The absolute geographic position of the PED can be determined using satellite navigation information, while the position of the MT relative to the PED can be determined from the TOF information.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: RoundTrip LLCInventors: Lawrence J. Karr, Roy J. Mankovitz
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Publication number: 20130097639Abstract: A television system has a television viewing mode and a guide mode. The guide mode includes an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides the viewer program information for tuned programs, and a tape index guide (TIG), which provides information for programs recorded on a video cassette. In both guides, real time images of a program are displayed in a PIP window on the television screen and guide information is displayed in the background. In both guides, the viewer may switch between a currently telecast program or a recorded program. The viewer may access either guide from the television mode and vice versa. In the guide mode, the viewer may independently switch the guide information and the type of program, i.e., tuned or recorded, in the PIP window.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Publication number: 20130067507Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control user interface that has different functions is provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining access to all the functions of the parental control user interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program. If a user, not in the master mode, attempts to watch or record a program that meets the blocking criterion and the program does not meet the overriding criterion, a prompt is provided to the user to enter the password. Upon entering a correct password, the program is unblocked.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: GEMSTAR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Wing P. Leung, Roy J. Mankovitz, Henry C. Yuen
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Publication number: 20130014165Abstract: A television system has a television viewing mode and a guide mode. The guide mode includes an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides the viewer program information for tuned programs, and a tape index guide (TIG), which provides information for programs recorded on a video cassette. In both guides, real time images of a program are displayed in a PIP window on the television screen and guide information is displayed in the background. In both guides, the viewer may switch between a currently telecast program or a recorded program. The viewer may access either guide from the television mode and vice versa. In the guide mode, the viewer may independently switch the guide information and the type of program, i.e., tuned or recorded, in the PIP window.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Publication number: 20130014164Abstract: A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time or stored video clip images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: Gemstar Development CorporationInventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Publication number: 20120328674Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for prophylaxis and treatment of skin conditions. Topical compositions which protect the skin from UV radiation damage and treat UV radiation damage done to the skin are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include at least one cyanin derived from a plant and at least one additional agent selected from the group consisting of: a UV radiation reflector, a UV screening agent, niacinamide, and a combination of two or more thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Roy J. Mankovitz, Kathleen Barry Mankovitz
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Patent number: 8272011Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a system and method for simultaneously displaying advertisements with an electronic program guide (EPG). The system displays television schedule information in rows of schedule information items including the time and channel for least a portion of the displayed television schedule information items. An advertisement is selected for display from a plurality of advertisements, and the selected advertisement is displayed between two rows of the schedule information items simultaneously with the displayed television schedule information items.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung