Patents by Inventor Kevin B. Easterbrook

Kevin B. Easterbrook 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).

  • Publication number: 20140040938
    Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, Kevin B. Easterbrook, M. Scott Reichardt, Robert A. Knee
  • Patent number: 8584184
    Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, Kevin B. Easterbrook, M. Scott Reichardt, Robert A. Knee
  • Publication number: 20130268970
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
  • Patent number: 8479233
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
  • Publication number: 20130014186
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the distribution of on-demand media in an interactive television application are provided. An interactive television application may receive a request for on-demand media from a user. The interactive television application may provide an option to the user for the transmission of the on-demand media. Such options may include, for example, an option to request a reduced-bandwidth version of the on-demand media, an option to schedule a future time for presentation of the on-demand media, an option to download the on-demand media to a recording device, and an option to check the availability of the on-demand media. A reduced price for transmission of the on-demand media may be provided to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, David M. Berezowski, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joseph P. Baumgartner, W. Benjamin Herrington
  • Publication number: 20130007808
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may inform a program guide of the user's interests. Information on the user's interests may be stored in a preference profile. There may be more than one preference profile, each for a different user. Each preference profile contains a number of preference attributes (program titles, genres, viewing times, channels, broadcast characteristics, etc.). A preference level (e.g., strong or weak like, strong or weak dislike, illegal, mandatory, don't care, etc.) that is indicative of the user's level of interest is associated with each preference attribute. Preference profiles may be used to restrict the programs that are listed in various program listings display screens and may be used to limit the channels to which the program guide allows the user to tune.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Joel G. Hassell, Robert A. Knee, Kevin B. Easterbrook
  • Publication number: 20120324518
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing supplemental content with on-demand media in an interactive television application are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, David M. Berezowski, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joseph P. Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 8291461
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the distribution of on-demand media in an interactive television application are provided. An interactive television application may receive a request for on-demand media from a user. The interactive television application may provide an option to the user for the transmission of the on-demand media. Such options may include, for example, an option to request a reduced-bandwidth version of the on-demand media, an option to schedule a future time for presentation of the on-demand media, an option to download the on-demand media to a recording device, and an option to check the availability of the on-demand media. A reduced price for transmission of the on-demand media may be provided to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, David M. Berezowski, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joseph P. Baumgartner, W. Benjamin Herrington
  • Publication number: 20110225613
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
  • Publication number: 20110209180
    Abstract: A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide application and non-program-guide applications are at least partially implemented on user television equipment. A program guide program application interface is provided that is used to maintain a consistent user interface between the program guide application and the non-program-guide applications. Non-program-guide applications may be launched by the program guide application. The user may select certain non-program-guide applications as favorites and may set parental controls for certain non-program-guide applications. The program guide application may run in the background while a non-program-guide application operates. While the non-program-guide application operates, the program guide may check for events that require immediate attention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Kevin B. Easterbrook
  • Publication number: 20110131607
    Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, Kevin B. Easterbrook, M. Scott Reichardt, Robert A. Knee
  • Patent number: 7930719
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
  • Patent number: 7917933
    Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, Kevin B. Easterbrook, M. Scott Reichardt, Robert A. Knee
  • Publication number: 20100186025
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the distribution of on-demand media in an interactive television application are provided. An interactive television application may receive a request for on-demand media from a user. The interactive television application may provide an option to the user for the transmission of the on-demand media. Such options may include, for example, an option to request a reduced-bandwidth version of the on-demand media, an option to schedule a future time for presentation of the on-demand media, an option to download the on-demand media to a recording device, and an option to check the availability of the on-demand media. A reduced price for transmission of the on-demand media may be provided to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, David M. Berezowski, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joseph P. Baumgartner, W. Benjamin Herrington
  • Patent number: 7650621
    Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, Kevin B. Easterbrook, M. Scott Reichardt, Robert A. Knee
  • Publication number: 20090158347
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
  • Publication number: 20090138922
    Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, Kevin B. Easterbrook, M. Scott Reichardt, Robert A. Knee
  • Publication number: 20090070817
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may inform a program guide of the user's interests. Information on the user's interests may be stored in a preference profile. There may be more than one preference profile, each for a different user. Each preference profile contains a number of preference attributes (program titles, genres, viewing times, channels, broadcast characteristics, etc.). A preference level (e.g., strong or weak like, strong or weak dislike, illegal, mandatory, don't care, etc.) that is indicative of the user's level of interest is associated with each preference attribute. Preference profiles may be used to restrict the programs that are listed in various program listings display screens and may be used to limit the channels to which the program guide allows the user to tune.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: TV Guide Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Joel G. Hassell, Robert A. Knee, Kevin B. Easterbrook
  • Patent number: 7487527
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C Williamson, Kevin B Easterbrook, Joshua A Rosenthol, David M Rudnick
  • Publication number: 20080209465
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing supplemental content with on-demand media in an interactive television application are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Thomas, Michael D. Ellis, David M. Berezowski, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joseph P. Baumgartner