Patents by Inventor Jeff Littlejohn

Jeff Littlejohn 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: 12003557
    Abstract: A method for use in a processing system includes receiving information regarding a work, where the information does not include a valid unified numbering system identifier that identifies a particular work of a plurality of works, and where the information includes one or more received attributes associated with the work. The method further includes obtaining a plurality of sets of attributes from one or more databases, which include a set of attributes associated with each work of the plurality of works. The method further includes determining whether a threshold number for a set of attributes of the plurality of sets of attributes matches corresponding ones of the one or more received attributes. When the threshold number does not match, the method further includes assigning a new unified numbering system identifier associated with the work and storing the new unified numbering system identifier in a database of the processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11563786
    Abstract: A server stores an association between a unique identifier and a first media work in a database, and stores an association between a media type indicator and the unique identifier. The media type indicator has a first value when the first media work is a first type of media work, and a second value when the first media work is a second type of media work. A message including information identifying a broadcast media work is received from a broadcast station. Based on information included in the message, the server determines whether the broadcast media work is an instance of the first media work. If so, the server determines that the broadcast media work is associated with the unique identifier, and further determines, based on the media type indicator, what type of media work the broadcast media work is. The unique identifier is stored in a data structure based on the type of media work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220174105
    Abstract: A server stores an association between a unique identifier and a first media work in a database, and stores an association between a media type indicator and the unique identifier. The media type indicator has a first value when the first media work is a first type of media work, and a second value when the first media work is a second type of media work. A message including information identifying a broadcast media work is received from a broadcast station. Based on information included in the message, the server determines whether the broadcast media work is an instance of the first media work. If so, the server determines that the broadcast media work is associated with the unique identifier, and further determines, based on the media type indicator, what type of media work the broadcast media work is. The unique identifier is stored in a data structure based on the type of media work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11277458
    Abstract: A server receives, from a broadcast station, a message including a station identifier and a list of media-works scheduled for broadcast. The media-works are identified by identifying attributes. The server attempts a first-level match between identifying attributes associated with a first media-work and unique identifiers included in a database. The unique identifiers link content attributes of different media-works to different unique identifiers. The first-level match includes comparing the identifying attributes to the unique identifiers to determine whether an identifying attribute matches any of the unique identifiers stored in the database. If not, a second-level match compares the identifying attributes to content attributes of different media-works to identify content attributes that match the identifying attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210185104
    Abstract: A server receives, from a broadcast station, a message including a station identifier and a list of media-works scheduled for broadcast. The media-works are identified by identifying attributes. The server attempts a first-level match between identifying attributes associated with a first media-work and unique identifiers included in a database. The unique identifiers link content attributes of different media-works to different unique identifiers. The first-level match includes comparing the identifying attributes to the unique identifiers to determine whether an identifying attribute matches any of the unique identifiers stored in the database. If not, a second-level match compares the identifying attributes to content attributes of different media-works to identify content attributes that match the identifying attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10938874
    Abstract: A server receives a message from a subscriber. The message includes a subscriber identifier and one or more one or more first identifying attributes associated with a first media-work played-out by the subscriber. The server performs a first-level match between the first identifying attributes and unique identifiers included in a database. In response to the first-level match indicating that the first identifying attributes do not include any of unique identifiers, the server performs a second-level match, which compares the first identifying attributes to content attributes of different media-works linked to the unique identifiers. In response to the second-level match identifying one or more matching first identifying attributes to the content attributes that are linked to a particular unique identifier included in the database, the server selects enhanced content based on the particular unique identifier, and delivers that enhanced content to the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10819466
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine that transmission data indicates that first data was transmitted via a digital radio channel and that reception data indicates that second data was received via the digital radio channel. The first data is transmitted concurrently with transmission of an analog signal. The processor is configured to detect an error in transmission of the first data based on a comparison of adjacent portions of the first data to non-adjacent portions of the second data. The processor is configured to, in response to detecting the error, initiate display of a default image concurrently with output of an audio signal that is based on the analog signal and to initiate retransmission of the first data to cause second particular data to be output subsequent to the output of the default image. The second particular data corresponds to the retransmitted first data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Abineshraj Rajagopal, Amit Deshpande, Alan W. Jurison, Charles E. Kirkendall, III
  • Publication number: 20200314160
    Abstract: A server receives a message from a subscriber. The message includes a subscriber identifier and one or more one or more first identifying attributes associated with a first media-work played-out by the subscriber. The server performs a first-level match between the first identifying attributes and unique identifiers included in a database. In response to the first-level match indicating that the first identifying attributes do not include any of unique identifiers, the server performs a second-level match, which compares the first identifying attributes to content attributes of different media-works linked to the unique identifiers. In response to the second-level match identifying one or more matching first identifying attributes to the content attributes that are linked to a particular unique identifier included in the database, the server selects enhanced content based on the particular unique identifier, and delivers that enhanced content to the subscriber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10693931
    Abstract: A processing system, which including a processor and associated memory, provides broadcast content to a broadcaster via a communications network. The broadcast content includes multiple broadcast media items. Subsequent to the broadcast content being broadcast, the processing system receives, via the communications network, an information transfer initiated by an end-user device. The information transfer includes tag information indicating a selected broadcast media item previously marked by a user of the end-user device during a period of time the end-user device was disconnected from the processing system. In response to the information transfer, the processing system identifies content related to the selected broadcast media item based on the tag information, and uploads the identified content to the end-user device via the communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190149264
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine that transmission data indicates that first data was transmitted via a digital radio channel and that reception data indicates that second data was received via the digital radio channel. The first data is transmitted concurrently with transmission of an analog signal. The processor is configured to detect an error in transmission of the first data based on a comparison of adjacent portions of the first data to non-adjacent portions of the second data. The processor is configured to, in response to detecting the error, initiate display of a default image concurrently with output of an audio signal that is based on the analog signal and to initiate retransmission of the first data to cause second particular data to be output subsequent to the output of the default image. The second particular data corresponds to the retransmitted first data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Abineshraj Rajagopal, Amit Deshpande, Alan W. Jurison, Charles E. Kirkendall, III
  • Patent number: 10200150
    Abstract: A method includes determining, at a device, that transmission data indicates that first data was transmitted via a digital radio channel. The method also includes determining, at the device, that reception data indicates that second data was received via the digital radio channel. The first data has a first size that is less than a second size of the second data. The method also includes determining, at the device, whether an error occurred in transmission of the first data based on determining whether each of a plurality of portions of the first data is included at least once in the second data. Other aspects are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Abineshraj Rajagopal, Amit Deshpande, Alan W. Jurison, Charles E. Kirkendall, III
  • Publication number: 20180359300
    Abstract: A processing system, which including a processor and associated memory, provides broadcast content to a broadcaster via a communications network. The broadcast content includes multiple broadcast media items. Subsequent to the broadcast content being broadcast, the processing system receives, via the communications network, an information transfer initiated by an end-user device. The information transfer includes tag information indicating a selected broadcast media item previously marked by a user of the end-user device during a period of time the end-user device was disconnected from the processing system. In response to the information transfer, the processing system identifies content related to the selected broadcast media item based on the tag information, and uploads the identified content to the end-user device via the communications network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10063607
    Abstract: A processing system provides works associated with a unified number system (UNS) identifier, and the UNS identifier itself, for broadcast. The system receives a request for content associated with a broadcast work, where the request includes the UNS identifier included in the broadcast. In response to the request, the system obtains the requested content using the UNS identifier included in the request, and delivers the requested content to an end user associated with the end-user device. The type of requested content can be identified based on previously obtained user preferences, so that even if two user-devices send requests including the same UNS identifier, the content provided to each end user or end-user device can be different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Seervices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180205492
    Abstract: A method includes determining, at a device, that transmission data indicates that first data was transmitted via a digital radio channel. The method also includes determining, at the device, that reception data indicates that second data was received via the digital radio channel. The first data has a first size that is less than a second size of the second data. The method also includes determining, at the device, whether an error occurred in transmission of the first data based on determining whether each of a plurality of portions of the first data is included at least once in the second data. Other aspects are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Abineshraj Rajagopal, Amit Deshpande, Alan W. Jurison, Charles E. Kirkendall, III
  • Patent number: 10009130
    Abstract: A system includes a first source interface, a second source interface, a content mixer, a first communication interface (CI), and a second CI. The first source interface and the second source interface are configured to receive a first audio signal (FS) and a second audio signal (SS), respectively. The content mixer is configured to generate a portion of a terrestrial broadcast stream (TBS portion) that includes the FS and the SS. A first segment of the FS overlaps a second segment of the SS. The content mixer is configured to generate a portion of an internet radio stream (IR portion) corresponding to the TBS portion. The IR portion includes the first segment and omits the SS. The first CI is configured to send the TBS portion to a terrestrial radio station. The second CI is configured to send the IR portion to a content replacer. Other aspects are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Littlejohn
  • Publication number: 20170302713
    Abstract: A processing system provides works associated with a unified number system (UNS) identifier, and the UNS identifier itself, for broadcast. The system receives a request for content associated with a broadcast work, where the request includes the UNS identifier included in the broadcast. In response to the request, the system obtains the requested content using the UNS identifier included in the request, and delivers the requested content to an end user associated with the end-user device. The type of requested content can be identified based on previously obtained user preferences, so that even if two user-devices send requests including the same UNS identifier, the content provided to each end user or end-user device can be different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Patent number: 9729597
    Abstract: A preference related to the broadcast of a work, for example a song, advertisement, or enhanced content associated with the work can be obtained from an end user. The work is associated with one of a plurality of unique identifiers, such as a unified numbering system (UNS) identifier, and the UNS identifier can be used to associate enhanced content associated with the work. The UNS identifier and the user's preference for enhanced content can be used to select and deliver appropriate enhanced content to end users or other subscribers. A system can notify a broadcaster users request particular enhanced content, and the broadcaster can request the system to provide additional enhanced content for broadcast in response to that notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170019442
    Abstract: A preference related to the broadcast of a work, for example a song, advertisement, or enhanced content associated with the work can be obtained from an end user. The work is associated with one of a plurality of unique identifiers, such as a unified numbering system (UNS) identifier, and the UNS identifier can be used to associate enhanced content associated with the work. The UNS identifier and the user's preference for enhanced content can be used to select and deliver appropriate enhanced content to end users or other subscribers. A system can notify a broadcaster users request particular enhanced content, and the broadcaster can request the system to provide additional enhanced content for broadcast in response to that notification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Patent number: 9462023
    Abstract: A preference related to the broadcast of a work, for example a song, advertisement, or enhanced content associated with the work can be obtained from an end user. The work is associated with one of a plurality of unique identifiers, such as a unified numbering system (UNS) identifier, and the UNS identifier can be used to associate enhanced content associated with the work. The UNS identifier and the user's preference for enhanced content can be used to select and deliver appropriate enhanced content to end users or other subscribers. The enhanced content can be delivered to an end user's device to coincide with the broadcast of the work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150254730
    Abstract: Identifiers for works indexed using different content identification schemes can be received, and associated with respective unique identifiers in a Unified Numbering System (UNS) database. The UNS identifiers can be used to track public performances of the works, even if the public performance of the work is reported using disparate content identification schemes. UNS identifiers can also be used to associate enhancement information with works indexed using different content identification schemes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Littlejohn, Bobbi Denise Schuster, Keyin Hsu, Jennifer Perez