Patents by Inventor Thomas Dowdy
Thomas Dowdy 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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Publication number: 20120284422Abstract: Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Anne JONES, Thomas DOWDY, Jeffrey ROBBIN, Mike WIESE, Stephen DAVIS
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Patent number: 8306918Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for distributing content over a network. The method distributes a single media storage structure to a device (e.g., a computer, portable player, etc.) that connects to the network. The media storage structure includes first and second pieces of encrypted content. Based on whether the device is allowed to access the first piece of content, the second piece of content, or both, the method provides the device with a set of keys for decrypting the pieces of the content that the device is able to access. The provided set of keys might include one or more keys for decrypting only one of the two encrypted pieces of content. Alternatively, it might include one or more keys for decrypting both encrypted pieces of content. For instance, the selected set of keys might include a first key for decrypting the first encrypted piece and a second key for decrypting the second encrypted piece.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Augustin J. Farrugia, Thomas Dowdy, Gianpaolo Fasoli
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Patent number: 8296656Abstract: Methods and systems that improve the way media is played, sorted, modified, stored and cataloged are disclosed. One aspect relates to a browse window that allows a user to navigate through and select images that are related to media items. Another aspect relates to a graphical user interface of a media management program that utilizes multiple browse windows. Another aspect relates to simultaneously displayed media browse windows whose operations are integrated together so that the content shown therein is automatically synched when selections are made. Another aspect relates to resetting browsed content to the currently playing media.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Thomas Dowdy, David Heller, Anne Jones
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Patent number: 8245924Abstract: Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anne Jones, Thomas Dowdy, Jeffrey Robbin, Mike Wiese, Stephen Davis
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Patent number: 8200629Abstract: Methods and system for transferring images between devices is disclosed. For example, differently scaled images by a host device may automatically and/or selectively be transferred to a media player for display. In turn, appropriately scaled images may be transferred automatically and/or selectively to another display device for example a TV, camera or printer. The selectivity may occur either at the host level or at the player level.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Greg Marriott, Jesse Boettcher, Thomas Dowdy, David Heller, Jeff Miller, Jeffrey L. Robbin
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Publication number: 20120117372Abstract: Improved techniques and graphical user interfaces that enable users to shuffle a group of media items in accordance with categories associated with the media items are disclosed. According to one aspect, techniques can operate to categorically shuffle media items having categories associated therewith. According to another aspect, a user interface control can be graphically presented to a user to assist the user in selecting a shuffle setting. The shuffle setting provided by the user affects the nature of the shuffle. For example, the shuffle setting can impact the likelihood that two adjacent media items in the group of media items will be from the same one or more categories following the shuffle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Richard Crandall, Thomas Dowdy
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Patent number: 8099591Abstract: Improved techniques and graphical user interfaces that enable users to shuffle a group of media items in accordance with categories associated with the media items are disclosed. According to one aspect, techniques can operate to categorically shuffle media items having categories associated therewith. According to another aspect, a user interface control can be graphically presented to a user to assist the user in selecting a shuffle setting. The shuffle setting provided by the user affects the nature of the shuffle. For example, the shuffle setting can impact the likelihood that two adjacent media items in the group of media items will be from the same one or more categories following the shuffle.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard Crandall, Thomas Dowdy
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Publication number: 20120011227Abstract: Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Anne JONES, Thomas DOWDY, Jeffrey ROBBIN, Mike WIESE, Stephen DAVIS
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Patent number: 8020762Abstract: Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anne Jones, Thomas Dowdy, Jeffrey Robbin, Mike Wiese, Stephen Davis
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Publication number: 20110126006Abstract: A method and system for network-based distribution of content are disclosed. The distribution of content is not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to content within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server or client. In one embodiment, each media file is encrypted with a different, randomly generated key. The control over the distribution of the media file can serve to limit the subsequent distribution of media files from clients to other clients. In another embodiment, the control can permit media files to be shared on a limited number of different clients affiliated with the same user. The clients can vary with application but generally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, the clients are personal computers or other computing devices that are capable of storing and presenting content to their users.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Thomas Dowdy, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Guy L. Tribble, David Heller
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Publication number: 20110125650Abstract: A method and system for network-based distribution of content are disclosed. The distribution of content is not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to content within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server or client. In one embodiment, each media file is encrypted with a different, randomly generated key. The control over the distribution of the media file can serve to limit the subsequent distribution of media files from clients to other clients. In another embodiment, the control can permit media files to be shared on a limited number of different clients affiliated with the same user. The clients can vary with application but generally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, the clients are personal computers or other computing devices that are capable of storing and presenting content to their users.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Thomas Dowdy, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Guy L. Tribble, David Heller
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Patent number: 7895661Abstract: A method and system for network-based distribution of content are disclosed. The distribution of content is not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to content within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server or client. In one embodiment, each media file is encrypted with a different, randomly generated key. The control over the distribution of the media file can serve to limit the subsequent distribution of media files from clients to other clients. In another embodiment, the control can permit media files to be shared on a limited number of different clients affiliated with the same user. The clients can vary with application but generally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, the clients are personal computers or other computing devices that are capable of storing and presenting content to their users.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Thomas Dowdy, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Guy L. Tribble, David Heller
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Publication number: 20110040658Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based purchase and distribution of media are disclosed. The purchase and distribution of media by these methods and systems are not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to media within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server and/or client. For example, a potential purchaser can search and browse through numerous media items on-line that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can thereafter purchase one or more media items on-line with great ease. Upon purchasing a media item, the content for the media item can be downloaded over the network to the purchaser. The content for the media item is then encrypted for the purchaser's use and stored on the purchaser's machine. Thereafter, the purchaser can make use of the media item (e.g., play the media item). Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing numerous media items are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Patrice Gautier, Max Muller, Thomas Burkholder, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Dave Heller, Thomas Dowdy, Mike Wiese
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Patent number: 7881564Abstract: Methods and system for transferring images between devices are disclosed. For example, differently scaled images by a host device may automatically and/or selectively be transferred to a media player for display. In turn, appropriately scaled images may be transferred automatically and/or selectively to another display device for example a TV, camera or printer. The selectivity may occur either at the host level or at the player level.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Greg Marriott, Jesse Boettcher, Thomas Dowdy, David Heller, Jeff Miller, Jeffrey L. Robbin
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Patent number: 7797242Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based purchase and distribution of media are disclosed. The purchase and distribution of media by these methods and systems are not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to media within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server and/or client. For example, a potential purchaser can search and browse through numerous media items on-line that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can thereafter purchase one or more media items on-line with great ease. Upon purchasing a media item, the content for the media item can be downloaded over the network to the purchaser. The content for the media item is then encrypted for the purchaser's use and stored on the purchaser's machine. Thereafter, the purchaser can make use of the media item (e.g., play the media item). Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing numerous media items are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Patrice Gautier, Max Muller, Thomas Burkholder, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Dave Heller, Thomas Dowdy, Mike Wiese
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Patent number: 7686215Abstract: Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anne Jones, Thomas Dowdy, Jeffrey Robbin, Mike Wiese, Stephen Davis
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Publication number: 20100054715Abstract: Methods and system for transferring images between devices are disclosed. For example, differently scaled images by a host device may automatically and/or selectively be transferred to a media player for display. In turn, appropriately scaled images may be transferred automatically and/or selectively to another display device for example a TV, camera or printer. The selectivity may occur either at the host level or at the player level.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Greg MARRIOTT, Jesse BOETTCHER, Thomas DOWDY, David HELLER, Jeff MILLER, Jeffrey L. ROBBIN
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Publication number: 20090319949Abstract: Methods and systems that improve the way media is played, sorted, modified, stored and cataloged are disclosed. One aspect relates to a browse window that allows a user to navigate through and select images that are related to media items. Another aspect relates to a graphical user interface of a media management program that utilizes multiple browse windows. Another aspect relates to simultaneously displayed media browse windows whose operations are integrated together so that the content shown therein is automatically synched when selections are made. Another aspect relates to resetting browsed content to the currently playing media.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Thomas Dowdy, David Heller, Anne Jones
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Patent number: 7623740Abstract: Methods and system for transferring images between devices are disclosed. For example, differently scaled images by a host device may automatically and/or selectively be transferred to a media player for display. In turn, appropriately scaled images may be transferred automatically and/or selectively to another display device for example a TV, camera or printer. The selectivity may occur either at the host level or at the player level.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Greg Marriott, Jesse Boettcher, Thomas Dowdy, David Heller, Jeff Miller, Jeffrey L. Robbin
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Publication number: 20090265750Abstract: Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Anne Jones, Thomas Dowdy, Jeffrey Robbin, Mike Wiese, Stephen Davis