Remote Event Setting (e.g., Phone Line, E-mail, Etc.) Patents (Class 386/299)
  • Patent number: 11589131
    Abstract: A method implemented by a computer system is provided. The method includes receiving one or more event state indicators corresponding to an event state of a content stream, the content stream comprising digital streaming content of a live event. The method also includes determining a state change of the event state based at least in part on one or more confidence level values of the one or more event state indicators. The method also includes ascertaining a risk quotient of the state change, based at least in part on a state change type of the state change, and, based at least in part on the risk quotient, implementing the state change at least in part by storing the state change in a data store in communication with the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Kurtz, Rohan Kadam, Samuel Jacob Vercauteren, Eric B Aschner, Mani Madhukar Bansal
  • Patent number: 10715858
    Abstract: When a user inputs an operation of recording a broadcast program into a broadcast reception device, the broadcast reception device outputs, by a display video output unit of the broadcast reception device, a recording setting screen selecting a first recording method of recording program related information and not recording a video content of a broadcast program or a second recording method of recording the program related information and a video content of the broadcast program about a first program. When the first recording method is selected, the program related information is recorded and the video content of the broadcast program is not recorded. When the user inputs an operation of playing back the first program into the broadcast reception device, the broadcast reception device communicates with the server, receives the video content of the first program from the server, and outputs the video content by the display video output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: MAXELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yoshizawa, Nobuo Masuoka, Motoyuki Suzuki, Hiroshi Shimizu, Yasunobu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10552470
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a system for implementation the method are provided. The method includes receiving user activity data for a first set of users of a streaming media system, in which the first set of users having access to a first catalog. Additional user activity data for a second set of users is received. The second set of users has access to a second catalog, which includes media items also present in the first catalog. The second catalog further includes an exclusive media item that is not included in the first catalog. A probability that a user of the first set of users would play the exclusive media item if presented by the streaming media system with the exclusive media item is determined. Information is provided to a user of the second set of users as a recommendation to play the exclusive media item based on the probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Netflix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Todd, Ehtsham Elahi, Aish Fenton, Carlos Gomez Uribe
  • Patent number: 9654832
    Abstract: Providing a notification of an upcoming live media program to a user including determining that the upcoming live media program is scheduled to start within a predefined amount of time that serves as an indication that the upcoming live media program is about to start, where the upcoming live media program has been automatically determined to be of interest to the user. A client device of the user is determined to be not connected to a service providing playback of the upcoming live media program and the program is not currently scheduled to be recorded for the user. Responsive to determining that the upcoming live media program is not currently scheduled to be recorded for the user, a notification is transmitted to the user that indicates that the upcoming live media program is about to start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventor: Vasanth Arunachalam
  • Patent number: 9264784
    Abstract: Method, device, and non-transitory storage medium to obtain program historical data and social network data associated with users that receive one or more programs via one or more channels; calculate a social similarity value; calculate a channel-interest similarity value; calculate a similarity index value based on the social similarity value and the channel-interest similarity value; calculate a program weight value for each program; calculate a stay-time, for each channel, that indicates a time period each of the users remained on each channel; calculate based on each program weight value, each stay-time, and each similarity index value, a channel weight for each channel; and select based on each channel weight, one or more channels to recommend to at least one of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Ming Chen, Yong Liu, Guibin Tian, Dahai Ren
  • Patent number: 9094724
    Abstract: A system and method for time-shifted viewing of broadcast television programs is disclosed. Simultaneous recording and playback are provided by using buffer storage as the source and destination of compressed or uncompressed digital video/audio programs. Full VCR-like control is provided for all playback within the buffer storage. Playback and control of recorded programs may be initiated by the user at any time after initiation of the broadcast program with simultaneous continuous recording of the ongoing live broadcast. Larger archival storage and removable is also provided for storing and building a library of programs. Viewer playback control data may be stored as part of the program or used as edit points prior to archival. Numerous options are provided for features such as continuous automatic recording in a circular buffer fashion, program archival, editing, Internet interfaces, multiple-channel recording and more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Lang, Eric H. Walters
  • Patent number: 9031386
    Abstract: A recording system includes a receiving apparatus and a recording apparatus. The receiving apparatus includes a creation section and a reservation control section. The recording apparatus includes a recording section and a recording control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Morihiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9020330
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus for sending received contents to a recording apparatus and for getting the recording apparatus to record the contents in accordance with preset recording reservations, the receiving apparatus including: a recording ready time information acquisition section configured to acquire from the recording apparatus information about a recording ready time; a continuous recording determination section configured to determine whether two chronologically successive broadcast contents are reserved for recording based on the preset recording reservations; and an end time setting section configured such that if the two chronologically successive broadcast contents are found reserved for recording, then the end time setting section sets the time at which to end processing for recording the earlier of the two contents based on a broadcast start time of the latter of the two contents and on the acquired information about the recording ready time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sato
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8867904
    Abstract: Automated personal video recording, including recording, for a group comprising a number of members, a show having a storage space requirement, in which each of the members has allocated storage space on a personal video recorder (“PVR”) optionally including free space, and apportioning the show's storage space requirement, including apportioning to each member an apportioned amount of the show's storage space requirement. When a member's apportioned amount of the show's storage space requirement exceeds the member's free space by a deficit amount: selecting, in dependence upon the deficit amount, one or more lenders; borrowing, in dependence upon the deficit amount, from the lenders for the group, at least one loan amount of storage space; and apportioning the loan amount among the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Boston, Michael Wayne Brown, Andrew Douglas Hately, Michael A. Paolini
  • Patent number: 8861938
    Abstract: A method and a system for replacement of programs on a video recorder based on preferences and size constraints of a video recorder. The video recorder compares recorded programs in the computer readable storage media and a schedule of programs to be recorded to a plurality of global preferences and program specific preferences specifying preferred recording quality. For each recorded program whose quality does not match a global preference or program specific preference, a listing of future programs is examined for alternate versions of the program which do match a global preference or program specific preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Amsterdam, Kulvir S. Bhogal, Gregory J. Boss, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20140270717
    Abstract: A method of scheduling a digital video recording via a remote device, comprising providing a digital video recorder comprising one or more tuners and a recording database stored on a storage device within the digital video recorder, the recording database being configured to store one or more recording schedules that describe programming events to be recorded by the digital video recorder, receiving a message over a data network connection from a remote device, the message describing instructions to add a new recording schedule about a particular programming event to the recording database, comprising a program identifier, a program name, a program icon URL, a channel identifier, a start time, an end time, a deletion priority, and a recording type, processing the message to add the new recording schedule to the recording database, and transmitting an error message to the remote device when the new recording schedule conflicts with another recording schedule already stored in the recording database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuang M. Chen, William P. Franks, Paul Moroney
  • Publication number: 20140270716
    Abstract: A mobile device running a mobile application accesses a remote content receiver to request the remote content receiver to retrieve a particular recording timer, and upon receiving the recording timer from the remote content receiver, establishes a radio communication link with a second mobile device and transfers the recording timer to the second mobile device over the established radio communication link. The radio communication link is preferably the Near Field Communication (NFC) link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christofer Hardy, Thomas Allan Yarborough
  • Patent number: 8837915
    Abstract: Personalized recordings may be provided. A first request to record an asset may be received. The first request may be associated with a first user and may include at least one first option. Next, a second request to record the asset may be received. The second request may be associated with a second user and may include at least one second option. Then the asset may be recorded consistent with the at least one first option and the least one second option. Next, a “my recordings list” associated with the first user may be displayed. In response to the displayed “my recordings” list associated with the first user, a request to play the asset may then be received. Next, in response to the received request to play the asset, the asset may be played consistent with the at least one first option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa A. Pickelsimer, Yousef Wasef Nijim, Anant Patil
  • Patent number: 8805168
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows a user to preset a desired TV program for unattended recording by use of a PDA. A PDA acquires from a TV program information service provider TV program information by which to preset a desired TV program to be recorded unattended. When the user selects relevant TV information about the desired program, the PDA sends to a personal computer the information for presetting the TV program of interest for subsequent unattended recording. Based on the preset information sent from the PDA, the personal computer presets the specified TV program to be recorded unattended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kunii, Masaki Takase, Hiroyuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8798445
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing and displaying enhanced banners and other objects on a communication device. The banner file may comprise ancillary data, such as calendar appointment details, other event details, or contact details, embedded within the file itself, or comprised in an envelope wrapping the banner file. When the banner is displayed on the communication device, the user may invoke a context menu to create an event, such as a calendar event, on the device using the embedded ancillary data. In other embodiments, the communication device uses geolocation services to determine whether the user is likely to be in attendance at an event, and if not, to issue alerts or initiate a further action, such as initiating recording of a television program the user is about to miss, over the network. In other embodiments, the banner file's ancillary data includes recommendation data, identifying a banner as being recommended by a contact of the user's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Bradley Michael Marks
  • Patent number: 8780164
    Abstract: Two different communication terminals share a broadcast content received through a mobile broadcast service. If a mobile broadcast-sharing mode for sharing a broadcast content with a specific communication terminal is set, a mobile broadcast terminal extracts broadcast video data and broadcast audio data from a mobile broadcast signal being received. The mobile broadcast terminal converts a codec of the broadcast video data and the broadcast audio data into a codec used in video communication, and delivers at least one of the converted broadcast video data and the converted broadcast audio data through video communication formed to the communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun-Mi Kim, Jin-Woo Jeon, Young-Jip Kim
  • Patent number: 8781300
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a digital video recorder (DVR) having a controller to record video content supplied by a media communication system, establish a threshold for utilization of a memory resource of the DVR, detect a utilization of the memory resource that exceeds the threshold, generate a notice describing the utilization of the memory resource at or after the time the threshold was exceeded, identify a communication identifier associated with a portable communication device, transmit the notice to the portable communication device according to the identified communication identifier, and receive a response message from the portable communication device that includes one or more instructions to manage the memory resource of the DVR. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Mary McCarthy, Robert Coldwell
  • Patent number: 8761566
    Abstract: A mobile terminal device includes a recording setting unit configured to set a programmed recording based on an input of programmed-recording information that is used for performing programmed recording of a broadcast program, a reception-state checking unit configured to start a tuner at a predetermined time before a recording start time set by the recording setting unit and continuously checking a reception state of broadcast radio waves until the recording start time, a notifying unit configured to notify, if the reception-state checking unit determines that the reception state of the broadcast radio waves is not a desired reception state, a notification indicating so, and a recording starting unit configured to start recording processing of the broadcast program if the reception-state checking unit determines that the reception state of the broadcast radio waves is the desired reception state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Mobile Communications Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Ichinose
  • Patent number: 8761584
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gemstar Development Corporation
    Inventor: Roy J Mankovitz
  • Patent number: 8755674
    Abstract: New content is recorded onto a recording medium. Whether the current free recording capacity of the recording medium is sufficient to record the new content is determined. When the current free recording capacity of the recording medium is sufficient, the new content onto the recording medium is recorded. When the current free recording capacity of the recording medium is insufficient, a notification regarding the current free recording capacity of the recording medium is sent over a network to an information processing terminal, an instruction transmitted over the network by the information processing terminal is received, and at least a portion of prior content recorded on the recording medium is processed based on the instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Nakajima, Susumu Masukane
  • Patent number: 8750687
    Abstract: An approach is provided for managing digital video recorders. One or more parameters related to a digital video recorder are retrieved. A configuration message is generated, at a set-top box, for transmission over a data network to a data repository. The set-top box is coupled to the digital video recorder. The configuration message specifies the one or more parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hubner, Scott J. Hoover
  • Patent number: 8744245
    Abstract: A system and a method for summary collection and playing of scenes and a recording medium thereof are provided. The system includes media supply equipment, a scene description server, a scene server, and an end device. The media supply equipment supplies media data. The scene description server supplies scene description information of a scene segment corresponding to the media data, where each piece of scene description information records a playing content of the scene segment corresponding thereto. The scene server obtains the media data and a summary collect command supplied by the end device, and retrieves a plurality of partial scene segments from the media data according to an analysis result of the summary collect command and the playing content recorded by each piece of scene description information, so as to form media summary data and output the media summary data to the end device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Institute for Information Industry
    Inventors: Chia-Hsiang Chang, Emery Jou, Jing-Fung Chen, Pei-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 8737818
    Abstract: A scene segment playing system, a scene segment playing method and a recording medium thereof are provided. The system includes media supply equipment, a description generating server, a scene server, and an end device. The media supply equipment is used for supplying media data. Upon receiving the media data, the scene server supplies scene description data corresponding to the media data. The scene server acquires the media data and interval information supplied by the end device, and retrieves scene segment data from the media data according to a comparison result of the interval information and the scene description data, and outputs the scene segment data to the end device for playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Institute for Information Industry
    Inventors: Chia-Hsiang Chang, Emery Jou, Jing-Fung Chen, Pei-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 8705937
    Abstract: A captured image data management method is disclosed. Coverage direction data are input to a recorder-built-in type image capturing apparatus, and the coverage direction data are recorded to a nonvolatile memory and a record medium. The captured image data are obtained as files. A name of the file recorded on the record medium is automatically assigned based on title information contained in the coverage direction data, and the assigned file name is recorded to the nonvolatile memory and the record medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Kotaka, Takayoshi Kawamura, Takuji Moriya, Hisao Kimura
  • Patent number: 8707021
    Abstract: A data recording device is provided to record and redistribute stream data such as TV programs without imposing loads proportional to the number of users. Stream data of a distributed program is collated by a recording range judging section 4 with data already recorded of a stream data recording section 6 and, based on results from the collation, only newly distributed data is appended to the stream data recording section. Recording demand information representing a range of stream data of a program that a user makes a request for recording is recorded in a range recording section 5 and a user identifier to identify the user is recorded in a manner to be associated with the above recording demand range information. Stream data only in a range corresponding to the above recording demand range information of the user recorded by the above demand range recording processing is read out by a redistributing section 7 from the stream data recording section 6 and is redistributed to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Ochiai
  • Patent number: 8655153
    Abstract: A system, method, and service of managing data comprises establishing a computerized user profile guideline corresponding to selected television programming interests of a user; instructing a processor to manage data based on the computerized user profile guideline, wherein the data is received from a television programming broadcaster; and managing access to specified television programming when the computerized user profile guideline corresponding to the selected television programming interests of the user is satisfied. The process of managing access may comprise alerting the user with information pertaining to the specified television programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Newport Media, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Ben-Romdhane, Mohy F. Abdelgany
  • Patent number: 8644687
    Abstract: In a recording apparatus (camcorders, optical disc recorders, etc.), the operator presses down priority designating buttons for designating priorities when recording input image data. An additional information generating section records and holds, in a storage section, additional information indicating priorities of data to be recorded (e.g., “low”, “intermediate”, “high”, or “highest”) which are set, depending on what priority designating button has been pressed down. If recordable remaining space in the storage section detected by the remaining amount detecting section falls below a predetermined value before the start of or during recording of data, a control section overwrites regions in order of priority of data which is stored therein, the lowest first, with data which is about to be recorded or is being recorded, based on the additional information generated by the additional information generating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kitagawa, Masaru Iwasa, Takeshi Yado
  • Patent number: 8644688
    Abstract: A community-based recommendation engine is provided. In one example embodiment, a system to provide community-based recommendation engine comprises a recommendation detector and a decision module. The recommendation detector is configured to receive, at a viewer's system, a recommendation for a content item from a contact of a viewer. The decision module may be configured to determine an action to be performed at the viewer's system, based on the recommendation and on one or more rules, accept the recommendation as an instruction to perform the action, and initiate the action at the viewer's system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: OpenTV, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Fishman, Crx K. Chai
  • Patent number: 8615164
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided according to one embodiment. The method includes receiving a request to record a television program; determining an amount of available storage space on each of at least two recording devices; and selecting one of the recording devices to store a representation of the television program on a computer readable medium associated with the respective recording device based on the determined amounts of available storage space on each of the at least two recording devices, wherein the selected recording device stores the representation of the television program. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Dominic M. Kotab
  • Patent number: 8588590
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided according to one embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Dominic M. Kotab
  • Publication number: 20130272684
    Abstract: A network system including: a terminal unit; one or more recording devices; a service server; and a controller is disclosed. The controller includes: a resource status acquiring unit that, upon receiving a resource status acquisition request to request acquisition of information on resource status of the one or more recording devices, the resource status acquisition request being transmitted from the service server that received the remote recording reservation request from the terminal unit, transmits a resource status acquisition instruction to the one or more recording devices via the local area network and receives a result of determination on remote recording reservation depending on the resource status, as the resource status information, from the one or more recording devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Akihiko KINOSHITA, Takashi Kanao, Hiroyuki Chiba, Tsuyoshi Homma, Hirofumi Kouda
  • Patent number: 8554049
    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 so 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: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Thomas S. Woods, Michael R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 8554059
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a broadcast signal processing system and a method for searching a storage device thereof. One of the embodiments of the present invention includes a receiving unit configured to receive a broadcast signal, a decoding unit configured to decode the broadcast signal received by the receiver, a display unit configured to display broadcast content according to the broadcast signal decoded by the decoder, an interface unit configured to communicate with the storage device through a wired network or a wireless network, and a control unit configured to control access to the storage device through the interface unit using one of connection information as to the storage device connected by the interface unit and search information as to the storage device searched through the network by the interface unit, and to control storage of the broadcast signal decoded by the decoder in the storage device or playback of content stored in the storage device by the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyong Jo Jung, Sang Yong Lim, Ho Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20130177298
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed to facilitates programming of a recording device. A client system is operatively coupled with the recording device, which, for example, is programmed and/or configured to record selected audio and/or visual broadcast programming. The client system receives a message, such as in the form of electronic mail (email) or another suitable form, from a remotely located computer. One or more tokens are associated with the message for providing program criteria indicative of selected audio and/or visual programming, which may be employed to program the recording device for recording broadcast programming based on the token.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Microsoft Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130170818
    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 so 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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Thomas S. Woods, Michael R. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20130170819
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely managing recording settings based on a geographical location of a user are provided. A determination is made that the user, associated with a user equipment device, is currently attending a live event. A video associated with the live event accessible by the user equipment device is identified. In response to identifying, an option for the user to select a recording setting of the user equipment device is generated for display on the mobile device. The user equipment device is caused to be programmed based on the user selection of the displayed option.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Dykeman, Eric W. Grab
  • Patent number: 8478113
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video server includes a plurality of processors and a log data integration unit. Each of the plurality of processors includes a generation module, a storage module, and a transmission module. The generation module generates the log data including at least an event occurrence time. The storage module stores the log data. The transmission module transmits the log data stored in the storage module to the log data integration unit via the common bus. The log data integration unit includes a reception module and an integration module. The reception module receives the log data from the plurality of processors via the common bus. The integration module integrates the received log data in an occurrence time order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshiki Mori, Shuichi Yamaguchi, Toshio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8479232
    Abstract: A display apparatus and a method for scheduling a broadcast using the same. The broadcast scheduling method includes generating a program information table, in which broadcast information is arranged, if a broadcast program selected by a user in the program information table is moved into an area adjacent to an icon, displaying the broadcast program being added to an item folder, and scheduling the broadcast program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-il Kim, Yong-hwan Kwon, Joon-hwan Kim, Heui-jin Kwon, Chang-soo Lee, Jeong-yeon Lee, Victor Szilagyi
  • Patent number: 8385721
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for easily creating playlists of media programs to be played sequentially, where each program on a playlist either is played in real time, i.e., when broadcast, or is played time-shifted when the program temporally conflicts with one or more other programs on the playlist. When a playlist is played, a user can pause viewing at any time, in which case the methods and apparatus recompute the program sequence of the playlist and schedules program recordings as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Michael Huber, Johan Kwarnmark, Johan Svedberg, Ola Andersson
  • Patent number: 8375411
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic program guide system comprising: receiving means for receiving at least one electronic program guide corresponding to a broadcast program; selecting means for selecting a desired program from said electronic program guide; notification means for creating a notification for the program selected from said electronic program guide; communication means for access to a communications network; transmission means for transmitting a notification of the program selected from said electronic program guide to at least one remote electronic program guide system using said communications network; and reception means for receiving a notification from a remote electronic program guide system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Karin Axelsson, Marcus Bernhardson, Conny Forsander, Fredrik Paulsson
  • Patent number: 8320746
    Abstract: Recorded programs ranked based on social networks is described. In embodiment(s), a content distributor maintains recorded on-demand assets that can be requested by client devices to render as television media content for viewing. For a Network Digital Video Recording (nDVR) system, the recorded on-demand assets are recorded when initially distributed to the client devices as scheduled television media content. The content distributor can form a social network of members based on association(s) of viewers that correspond to one or more of the client devices, and can determine recommended on-demand assets from different ones of the recorded on-demand assets for the members of the social network. The content distributor can then communicate a recommended on-demand asset to a client device that corresponds to a member of the social network where the recommended on-demand asset is communicated for viewing without receiving a viewer selection of the recommended on-demand asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Peter T Barrett, Ronald A Morris
  • Publication number: 20120263440
    Abstract: A web server presents a web page to a user. The web page dynamically presents information corresponding to a digital video recorder (DVR) associated with the user. The web server accepts input information to control the DVR. A delayed-job server accepts input from the web server and stores a job entry corresponding to the input in a message queue. The delayed-job server processes the job entry from the message queue and creates a function request representative of the web server input. An access server accepts the function request from the delayed-job server and bi-directionally communicates messages with the DVR. The access server communicates a response to the function request back to the delayed-job server. The delayed-job server communicates data from the response to the web server, wherein the web server is not blocked while waiting for the response from the delayed-job server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: David Malin, Robert Sosinski
  • Publication number: 20120257879
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and products are disclosed for recording media. An input is received via a user interface to record media. An entry is created in a recording schedule to record the media. The recording schedule is sent to a restoration server, such that the recording schedule is mirrored to the restoration server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. f/k/a BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy Weaver
  • Patent number: 8286208
    Abstract: A set top box determines DVR requests that the set top box is not able to record based on a number of scheduled DVR requests. The set top box provides the DVR request to a DVR management server. The DVR management server selects another set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request based on a number DVR requests the other set top box is scheduled to record. The DVR management server issues a command to the other set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request. The other set top box provides the recorded television content, associated with the DVR request, to the set top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc., Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Douglas M. Pasko, Carlos A. Cazanas, Brian Tims
  • Patent number: 8275245
    Abstract: A method and a system for replacement of programs on a video recorder based on preferences and size constraints of a video recorder. The video recorder compares recorded programs in the computer readable storage media and a schedule of programs to be recorded to a plurality of global preferences and program specific preferences specifying preferred recording quality. For each recorded program whose quality does not match a global preference or program specific preference, a listing of future programs is examined for alternate versions of the program which do match a global preference or program specific preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Amsterdam, Kulvir S. Bhogal, Gregory J. Boss, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20120237187
    Abstract: A recording system includes a receiving apparatus and a recording apparatus. The receiving apparatus includes a creation section and a reservation control section. The recording apparatus includes a recording section and a recording control section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Morihiko Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20120201507
    Abstract: A portable information terminal apparatus generates a first signal, based on the user's operation, that causes a recording/reproducing apparatus to acquire program information. A second signal based on the user's operation, causes the recording/reproducing apparatus to display the acquired program information. A third signal based on the user's operation causes the recording/reproducing apparatus to preset the program for unattended recording. A fourth signal based on the user's operation causes the recording/reproducing apparatus to convert the recorded program to video data in a predetermined file format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Koji KUNII, Masaki Takase, Hiroyuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8238724
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a mobile video program buffers program content received in real time when there is a considerable movement state change. After the movement state becomes stable, playing will be resumed. While playing is resumed, the buffered contents can be firstly played, including the playing manners such as skipping, fast forward, etc, and then a program content received in real time will be played after all the buffered contents have been processed. According to the mobile video playing method, both the user's requirement for the continuity of a program content and the user's viewing effect will not be influenced by a fierce change of movement state of the mobile video apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Sheng Jin
  • Patent number: 8233775
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows a user to preset a desired TV program for unattended recording by use of a PDA. A PDA acquires from a TV program information service provider TV program information by which to preset a desired TV program to be recorded unattended. When the user selects relevant TV information about the desired program, the PDA sends to a personal computer the information for presetting the TV program of interest for subsequent unattended recording. Based on the preset information sent from the PDA, the personal computer presets the specified TV program to be recorded unattended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kunii, Masaki Takase, Hiroyuki Shimizu