Patents by Inventor Eric S. Roberts

Eric S. Roberts 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).

  • Patent number: 11432053
    Abstract: A URL personalization system allowing a television service provider to dynamically associate multiple URLs with the video content item being viewed by the customer is provided. The associated URLs point to additional content that may be of interest to different customer demographics. A generic URL linking to the associated URLs may be inserted into the video content item. The system may personalize the generic URL by replacing or modifying the generic URL with a personalized URL based on information specific to the customer viewing the content before streaming the content or when additional content is requested. The customer is redirected to the personalized URL to obtain the additional content. This allows the television service provider to send a single video content item to all customers or large groups of customers while providing individual customers with an enhanced interactive television viewing experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11280098
    Abstract: A device for assisting to secure a bridge support bracket to a beam, the device comprising: a support frame, a hook to secure the support frame to the beam, a clamp to grasp and hold the bracket, and a pivot axle to pivotally connect the clamp to the support frame. When attaching at least two spaced apart such devices to the beam, then clamping a support bracket in each of the at least two spaced apart devices, both support brackets can be pivoted to a position where wood boards attached to the top of the support brackets are held in a not horizontal position. By then placing a wood stud in a position where it spans the two support brackets and attaching the wood stud to the respective bracket wood boards, a workman can then further pivot the support brackets to where the wood boards extend horizontally away from the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventor: Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11252484
    Abstract: Dynamic uniform resource locator (URL) transmission may be provided for allowing a user to view a non-linear video content item along with additional content in order to provide a richer and deeper viewing experience giving more control to the user during video viewing. An indication may be provided to the user indicating the availability of additional interactive content associated with the non-linear video in a variety of different ways. Upon user request, the content associated with the URL may be updated or historic content presented to the user in order to present the non-linear video content combined with the additional content in a hybrid fashion. The transmitted URL may be static, or the URL may be dynamically updated based on one or more factors, such as time of day or action by the user or content provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20200407985
    Abstract: A device for assisting to secure a bridge support bracket to a beam, the device comprising: a support frame, a hook to secure the support frame to the beam, a clamp to grasp and hold the bracket, and a pivot axle to pivotally connect the clamp to the support frame. When attaching at least two spaced apart such devices to the beam, then clamping a support bracket in each of the at least two spaced apart devices, both support brackets can be pivoted to a position where wood boards attached to the top of the support brackets are held in a not horizontal position. By then placing a wood stud in a position where it spans the two support brackets and attaching the wood stud to the respective bracket wood boards, a workman can then further pivot the support brackets to where the wood boards extend horizontally away from the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Eric S. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20200112773
    Abstract: Dynamic uniform resource locator (URL) transmission may be provided for allowing a user to view a non-linear video content item along with additional content in order to provide a richer and deeper viewing experience giving more control to the user during video viewing. An indication may be provided to the user indicating the availability of additional interactive content associated with the non-linear video in a variety of different ways. Upon user request, the content associated with the URL may be updated or historic content presented to the user in order to present the non-linear video content combined with the additional content in a hybrid fashion. The transmitted URL may be static, or the URL may be dynamically updated based on one or more factors, such as time of day or action by the user or content provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10506305
    Abstract: Dynamic uniform resource locator (URL) transmission may be provided for allowing a user to view a non-linear video content item along with additional content in order to provide a richer and deeper viewing experience giving more control to the user during video viewing. An indication may be provided to the user indicating the availability of additional interactive content associated with the non-linear video in a variety of different ways. Upon user request, the content associated with the URL may be updated or historic content presented to the user in order to present the non-linear video content combined with the additional content in a hybrid fashion. The transmitted URL may be static, or the URL may be dynamically updated based on one or more factors, such as time of day or action by the user or content provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10448080
    Abstract: Pairing between mobile devices and set-top boxes of the same household may be provided such that set-top box may be automatically configured to the mobile user's preferences. This enables seamless sharing of content between various devices and personalized user experience. When a mobile device is identified as entering the household or use location, the set-top box sends a signal which may then be broadcasted. The mobile device may then pick up the signal when it is in close proximity of the set-top box and start the pairing and provide personalized user experience. Once the mobile device has been paired with the set-top box, every time the user of that mobile device comes close to the paired set-top box, it may seamlessly be paired again to provide personalized user experience. Targeted/personalized advertising may also be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10390105
    Abstract: Dynamic uniform resource locator (URL) insertion may be provided for allowing a user to view a linear video content item along with additional content in order to provide a richer and deeper viewing experience giving more control to the user during video viewing. An indication may be provided to the user indicating the availability of additional interactive content associated with the linear video in a variety of different ways, for example, display of an icon overlaid on a viewing guide user interface, a menu option, etc. Upon request, the content associated with the URL may be presented to the user in order to present the linear video content combined with the additional content in a hybrid fashion. The inserted URL may be static, or the URL may be dynamically updated based on one or more factors, such as time of day, content or action by the user or content provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10057636
    Abstract: Automatically performing an action within a video service based on an identified relationship between a content object and a video content item is provided. A content object is an electronic communication associated with a subscriber and comprises text or an image or a link to text or an image related to the video content item. A content identifier engine receives the object and parses the object against a data system storing information related to video content items. When a video content item matching or related to the object is identified, the object manager searches on demand content items and a video programming lineup available to the subscriber for the identified video content item. The video service provider performs or allocates resources to perform one or more automatic actions related to the video content item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9736541
    Abstract: Embodiments are configured in part to pair or associate a portable or personal computing device with a set-top box (STB) to enable use of the paired device with an associated STB. Processing of a displayed visual code can be used to establish a pairing relationship and allow a paired STB to process navigation, control, and/or other commands from a paired device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, Jay Paul Langa, James Alan Strothmann, Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9374630
    Abstract: Links are provided in association with video content that reference and allow navigation to additional content related to the video content. Links may be embedded in the video content metadata or sent separately and synchronized with the video content via time stamps. Selection of the links allows a user to view the additional content or to view the video content item along with the additional content to provide a richer and deeper personalized viewing experience. The video content may be analyzed to determine whether additional content may be available. If additional content is identified, the video content item may include the additional content or the video content may receive links to the additional content. Additional content that is relevant to the user based on the user's viewing history, viewing patterns, viewing behavior, demographic profile, etc. may be identified for association with a given video content item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9357277
    Abstract: A URL personalization system allowing a television service provider to dynamically associate multiple URLs with the video content item being viewed by the customer is provided. The associated URLs point to additional content that may be of interest to different customer demographics. A generic URL linking to the associated URLs may be inserted into the video content item. The system may personalize the generic URL by replacing or modifying the generic URL with a personalized URL based on information specific to the customer viewing the content before streaming the content or when additional content is requested. The customer is redirected to the personalized URL to obtain the additional content. This allows the television service provider to send a single video content item to all customers or large groups of customers while providing individual customers with an enhanced interactive television viewing experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9277257
    Abstract: An affinity mapping service system allowing a video service provider to perform one or more automatic actions related to a video content item (e.g., automatically recording the video content item, recommending similar video content, automatically tuning to a channel airing the video content item, providing a notification when the video content item is airing, etc.) based on an affinity selection made by a user for a content object related to the video content item is provided. The user is enabled to selectively pair a social networking service identifier (e.g., username, handle, etc.) with a video service account. An affinity selection made by the user via a social networking service in association with a video content item is communicated to the video service provider and mapped to an automatic action for the video service provider to take based on action preferences selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yousef Wasef Nijim, James Alan Strothmann, Jay Paul Langa, Eric S. Roberts