Patents by Inventor David S. Byrne
David S. Byrne 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: 8051450Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) organizes and presents programming information to the viewer and allows for creation of queries to facilitate both simple and complex searches of the programming information. The EPG is configured to automatically identify programs that a viewer is likely to prefer. The EPG collects viewing preferences of a viewer and, using these preferences; automatically develops queries for identifying programs that the viewer is likely to watch. The EPG also enables multiple viewers to merge their individual queries into one composite query or to run queries in background to periodically check for programs and notify the viewer when a program is identified. Queries are saved in an EPG database in a hierarchic structure with directories and sub-directories to make it easy for a viewer for organizing and retrieval. Also the EPG creates queries for a channel, network name or program using a 10-key keypad. The EPG is configured to interpret the data as representing all possible choices.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: James O. Robarts, David S. Byrne, Steve Fluegel, Gabe Newell, Dan Newell, Kenneth Abbott
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Patent number: 7665109Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) resides in a user interface unit memory and is executable on the processor of the user interface unit to organize programming information that is descriptive of the programs supplied over an interactive entertainment system. The EPG supports a user interface (UI) which visually correlates programs titles to scheduled viewing times. A hyperlink browser also resides in memory and is executable on the processor. One or more hyperlinks, which reference target resources containing interactive content related to the video programs, are integrated as part of the EPG UI. When a viewer activates a hyperlink within the EPG, the user interface unit launches the browser to activate the target resource specified by the hyperlink. The instruction might cause the visual display unit to tune to the program or channel represented by the particular label, or to initiate procedures to record the program when it begins playing, or to jump to a related target resource, such as a Web site.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Joseph H. Matthews, III, Frank Lawler, James O. Robarts, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: 6973050Abstract: In a broadcast system in which computer data and other content are delivered from multiple content servers to multiple clients at least partly over a broadcast network, a transmission announcement system announces upcoming broadcast transmissions and instructs the clients on how to receive the broadcast transmissions. Announcement servers (which may or may not be the same as the content servers which serve the data for the broadcast transmissions) generate announcements containing information specifying how associated upcoming transmissions are to be delivered over the broadcast network. The announcement server makes the announcements available to the clients over the broadcast network or over a secondary link other than the broadcast network.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth J. Birdwell, Brian Moran, James Randall Sargent, Carl R. Witty, David S. Byrne
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Publication number: 20040139465Abstract: An interactive entertainment system has a program provider which distributes video content programs to multiple subscribers over a distribution network. Each subscriber has a user interface unit which receives the digital video program and converts it for display on a television, monitor, or other display unit. The user interface unit has a processor and memory. An electronic programming guide (EPG) resides in the memory and is executable on the processor to organize programming information that is descriptive of the programs supplied over the interactive entertainment system. The EPG supports a user interface (UI) which visually correlates programs titles to scheduled viewing times. A hyperlink browser also resides in memory and is executable on the processor. One or more hyperlinks, which reference target resources containing interactive content related to the video programs, are integrated as part of the EPG UI.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Joseph H. Matthews, Frank Lawler, James O. Robarts, David S. Byrne
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Publication number: 20040027996Abstract: In a broadcast system in which computer data and other content are delivered from multiple content servers to multiple clients at least partly over a broadcast network, a transmission announcement system announces upcoming broadcast transmissions and instructs the clients on how to receive the broadcast transmissions. Announcement servers (which may or may not be the same as the content servers which serve the data for the broadcast transmissions) generate announcements containing information specifying how associated upcoming transmissions are to be delivered over the broadcast network. The announcement server makes the announcements available to the clients over the broadcast network or over a secondary link other than the broadcast network.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Kenneth J. Birdwell, Brian Moran, James Randal Sargent, Carl R. Witty, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: 6631523Abstract: An interactive entertainment system has a program provider which distributes video content programs to multiple subscribers over a distribution network. Each subscriber has a user interface unit which receives the digital video program and converts it for display on a television, monitor, or other display unit. The user interface unit has a processor and memory. An electronic programming guide (EPG) resides in the memory and is executable on the processor to organize programming information that is descriptive of the programs supplied over the interactive entertainment system. The EPG supports a user interface (UI) which visually correlates programs titles to scheduled viewing times. A hyperlink browser also resides in memory and is executable on the processor. One or more hyperlinks, which reference target resources containing interactive content related to the video programs, are integrated as part of the EPG UI.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Joseph H. Matthews, III, Frank Lawler, James O. Robarts, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: 6628625Abstract: In a broadcast system in which computer data and other content are delivered from multiple content servers to multiple clients at least partly over a broadcast network, a transmission announcement system announces upcoming broadcast transmissions and instructs the clients on how to receive the broadcast transmissions. Announcement servers (which may or may not be the same as the content servers which serve the data for the broadcast transmissions) generate announcements containing information specifying how associated upcoming transmissions are to be delivered over the broadcast network. The announcement server makes the announcements available to the clients over the broadcast network or over a secondary link other than the broadcast network.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth J. Birdwell, Brian Moran, James Randall Sargent, Carl R. Witty, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: 6108706Abstract: In a broadcast system in which computer data and other content are delivered from multiple content servers to multiple clients at least partly over a broadcast network, a transmission announcement system announces upcoming broadcast transmissions and instructs the clients on how to receive the broadcast transmissions. Announcement servers (which may or may not be the same as the content servers which serve the data for the broadcast transmissions) generate announcements containing information specifying how associated upcoming transmissions are to be delivered over the broadcast network. The announcement server makes the announcements available to the clients over the broadcast network or over a secondary link other than the broadcast network.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth J. Birdwell, Brian Moran, James Randall Sargent, Carl R. Witty, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: 6025837Abstract: An interactive entertainment system has a program provider which distributes video content programs to multiple subscribers over a distribution network. Each subscriber has a user interface unit which receives the digital video program and converts it for display on a television, monitor, or other display unit. The user interface unit has a processor and memory. An electronic programming guide (EPG) resides in the memory and is executable on the processor to organize programming information that is descriptive of the programs supplied over the interactive entertainment system. The EPG supports a user interface (UI) which visually correlates programs titles to scheduled viewing times. A hyperlink browser also resides in memory and is executable on the processor. One or more hyperlinks, which reference target resources containing interactive content related to the video programs, are integrated as part of the EPG UI.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Micrsoft CorporationInventors: Joseph H. Matthews, III, Frank Lawler, James O. Robarts, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: 5990883Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for selecting content from a plurality of different physical sources and from a variety of content sources that are available from the physical sources. In one example, physical sources comprise different signal sources or types, such as terrestrially broadcast signals and cable television signals. Content sources comprise different channels or network sources. The method includes a step of displaying an integrated listing of content entries for selection by a user, wherein each content entry is associated with both a content source and a physical source from which particular content is available. The system accepts a selection from the user of a single content entry, and in response renders the content source associated with the selected single content entry from the physical source that is also associated with the selected single content entry.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David S. Byrne, Sean McDowell
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Patent number: 4555030Abstract: A wall bracket device or rack for receiving, containing and stacking a plurality of disposable wet shaving razors where each razor is removable individually for use.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1984Date of Patent: November 26, 1985Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventors: David S. Byrne, Evan N. Chen
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Patent number: 4535537Abstract: A low-cost plastic disposable razor having a plurality of paths for purging the razor of shaving debris.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1984Date of Patent: August 20, 1985Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventors: Frank A. Ferraro, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: 4476630Abstract: A low cost razor for wet shaving having a permanently attached sliding blade cover and a cooperating cover actuating button connected to the cover by a flexible element.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1981Date of Patent: October 16, 1984Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventor: David S. Byrne
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Patent number: D271531Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1982Date of Patent: November 22, 1983Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventor: David S. Byrne
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Patent number: D274752Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1983Date of Patent: July 17, 1984Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventor: David S. Byrne
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Patent number: D275789Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1983Date of Patent: October 2, 1984Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventor: David S. Byrne
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Patent number: D307333Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1987Date of Patent: April 17, 1990Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventors: Frank A. Ferraro, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: D307334Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1987Date of Patent: April 17, 1990Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventors: Frank A. Ferraro, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: D313175Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1988Date of Patent: December 25, 1990Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventors: Vincent C. Motta, David S. Byrne
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Patent number: D327550Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1990Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: Warner-Lambert CompanyInventors: Evan N. Chen, Frank A. Ferraro, David S. Byrne