Patents by Inventor J. Thomas Ngo
J. Thomas Ngo 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: 10108751Abstract: An iterative method and system for performing the method are described that implement a technique to fit irregularly shaped items into a defined space. In particular, one example may take the form of a method including predetermining one or more layouts for a defined space. Each layout has a plurality of shapes. The method also includes receiving a set having a plurality of items and determining one or more configurations formed by assigning to each shape in the layout an item from the set. The items match the shapes to which they are assigned. Additionally, the method includes scoring each configuration and selecting one configuration based at least in part upon the scoring.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Michael Tschanz, Patrick McNaull, Bryant Boyle, J. Thomas Ngo
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Patent number: 8930990Abstract: A method for displaying interactive advertisements on a television having a controller connected thereto and configured for receiving input from a viewer of the television is disclosed. The controller has a receiver operable to receive advertisements and a processor operable to modify the advertisements. The method generally comprises requesting action by the viewer of the television, modifying an advertisement based on the action of the viewer, and displaying the modified advertisement on the television.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Interval Licensing LLCInventors: Malcolm Slaney, Bonnie M. Johnson, Annarosa Tomasi, Steven E. Saunders, J. Thomas Ngo, Gavin Miller, Michele M. Covell, Paul A. Freiberger
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Publication number: 20140350898Abstract: An iterative method and system for performing the method are described that implement a technique to fit irregularly shaped items into a defined space. In particular, one example may take the form of a method including predetermining one or more layouts for a defined space. Each layout has a plurality of shapes. The method also includes receiving a set having a plurality of items and determining one or more configurations formed by assigning to each shape in the layout an item from the set. The items match the shapes to which they are assigned. Additionally, the method includes scoring each configuration and selecting one configuration based at least in part upon the scoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Michael Tschanz, Patrick McNaull, Bryant Boyle, J. Thomas Ngo
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Patent number: 8868230Abstract: An iterative method and system for performing the method are described that implement a technique to fit irregularly shaped items into a defined space. In particular, one example may take the form of a method including predetermining one or more layouts for a defined space. Each layout has a plurality of shapes. The method also includes receiving a set having a plurality of items and determining one or more configurations formed by assigning to each shape in the layout an item from the set. The items match the shapes to which they are assigned. Additionally, the method includes scoring each configuration and selecting one configuration based at least in part upon the scoring.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Michael Tschanz, Patrick McNaull, Bryant Boyle, J. Thomas Ngo
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Publication number: 20140245370Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Interval Licensing LLCInventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Steven E. Saunders, Owen Rubin
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Patent number: 8726331Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Interval Licensing LLCInventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Steven E. Saunders, Owen Rubin
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Publication number: 20130290220Abstract: An iterative method and system for performing the method are described that implement a technique to fit irregularly shaped items into a defined space. In particular, one example may take the form of a method including predetermining one or more layouts for a defined space. Each layout has a plurality of shapes. The method also includes receiving a set having a plurality of items and determining one or more configurations formed by assigning to each shape in the layout an item from the set. The items match the shapes to which they are assigned. Additionally, the method includes scoring each configuration and selecting one configuration based at least in part upon the scoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Michael TSCHANZ, Patrick McNaull, Bryant Boyle, J. Thomas Ngo
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Patent number: 8522274Abstract: A method for displaying interactive advertisements on a television having a controller connected thereto and configured for receiving input from a viewer of the television is disclosed. The controller has a receiver operable to receive advertisements and a processor operable to modify the advertisements. The method generally comprises requesting action by the viewer of the television, modifying an advertisement based on the action of the viewer, and displaying the modified advertisement on the television.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Interval Licensing LLCInventors: Malcolm Slaney, Bonnie M. Johnson, Annarosa Tomasai, Steven E. Saunders, J. Thomas Ngo, Gavin Miller, Michele M. Covell, Paul A. Freiberger
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Publication number: 20130086276Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: Interval Licensing LLCInventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Steven E. Saunders, Owen Rubin
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Patent number: 8341688Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Interval Licensing LLCInventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Steven E. Saunders, Owen Rubin
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Patent number: 8185923Abstract: A method for displaying interactive advertisements on a television having a controller connected thereto and configured for receiving input from a viewer of the television is disclosed. The controller has a receiver operable to receive advertisements and a processor operable to modify the advertisements. The method generally comprises requesting action by the viewer of the television, modifying an advertisement based on the action of the viewer, and displaying the modified advertisement on the television.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Interval Licensing LLCInventors: Malcolm Slaney, Bonnie M. Johnson, Annarosa Tomasi, Steven E. Saunders, J. Thomas Ngo, Gavin Miller, Michele M. Covell, Paul A. Freiberger
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Publication number: 20120011268Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Steven E. Saunders, Owen Rubin
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Patent number: 8046818Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Interval Licensing LLCInventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Steven E. Saunders, Owen Rubin
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Patent number: 7908247Abstract: A document management system enables multiple users to collaboratively contribute to the contents of a document via any suitable medium for transporting and storing documents, including email, shared drives, replicated work spaces and centralized storage systems. A tracking strategy is employed, in lieu of a central repository, that is based upon medium-independent versioning. Each version of a document that is created and saved by a user is given a unique identifier. The versions are submitted to a global service for ratification as the next authoritative version of a document. A submitted version that forms the next step in a linear sequence is ratified as the authoritative version of the document, whereas the version which does not meet this criterion becomes identified as a new document. Support is provided for users who create versions off-line, as well as users who are not subscribers to the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Nextpage, Inc.Inventors: J. Thomas Ngo, J. Todd Webb
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Publication number: 20090199248Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Steven E. Saunders, Owen Rubin
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Patent number: 7565681Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Vulcan Patents LLCInventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Steven E. Saunders, Owen Rubin
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Patent number: 7155735Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Vulcan Patents LLCInventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Steven E. Saunders, Owen Rubin
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Patent number: 7134132Abstract: A method and system for displaying advertisements. The advertisements are displayed on a television having a controlled connected thereto and configured for receiving commands from a viewer of the television. The method includes displaying a first advertisement on the television, receiving a command from the viewer of the television to display a second advertisement, the second advertisement being a variant of the first advertisement, and displaying the second advertisement on the television.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Interval Research CorporationInventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Malcolm Slaney
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Patent number: 7024429Abstract: In a data-replication system, multi-way synchronization of copies of the data at different devices is achieved by employing a non-destructive data model. In this model, each replicated data object is represented by a revision graph, and every operation that is performed on a data object, e.g. a revision of data content or deletion of the object, is represented by adding a node to a revision graph at the device where the change is made. Synchronization between multiple devices is achieved by applying a graph union operator. Since the union operator is commutative and associative, it avoids the limitations normally associated with the order in which updates occur. A synchronization enforcement mechanism restricts the situations in which the nodes of a graph can be deleted, to thereby ensure integrity of the data throughout its useful life cycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Nextpage,Inc.Inventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Russell Clark Barnett
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Publication number: 20030145020Abstract: In a data-replication system, multi-way synchronization of copies of the data at different devices is achieved by employing a non-destructive data model. In this model, each replicated data object is represented by a revision graph, and every operation that is performed on a data object, e.g. a revision of data content or deletion of the object, is represented by adding a node to a revision graph at the device where the change is made. Synchronization between multiple devices is achieved by applying a graph union operator. Since the union operator is commutative and associative, it avoids the limitations normally associated with the order in which updates occur. A synchronization enforcement mechanism restricts the situations in which the nodes of a graph can be deleted, to thereby ensure integrity of the data throughout its useful life cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: J. Thomas Ngo, Russell Clark Barnett