Patents by Inventor Mark Andrew Ross
Mark Andrew Ross 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: 9665236Abstract: A user configurable interface view can be generated for a media device or other information handling system that is independent of any interface views defined by media content providers. Generating the user configurable interface view includes identifying content data streams that are included in user interface views defined by the media content providers and then selecting a desired subset of the data content streams. The selected data content streams are then aggregated and the user configurable interface view is generated. The resulting user interface view will be independent of any interface views defined by the media content providers.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Arthur Anthonie van Hoff, Mark Andrew Ross, Timothy Bucher
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Patent number: 9043270Abstract: Discovering content on a device. Content stored on a device can be examined or searched based on the programming of channels that are available to the device. The content can be searched using other rules related to user preferences. Based on the results of the examination of the content, playlists are generated. Each playlist includes content from the device that matches or partially matches the content associated with one of the channels. Using the playlists, a user can load content from their device that has a theme consistent with a particular channel. The playlists can also be used to tune to the channels associated with the playlists and thereby discover the content on those channels.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Timothy C. Nichols, Mark Andrew Ross, Clare Lawson, Arthur Anthonie van Hoff
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Patent number: 9009808Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating a media device or other information handling system so as to be able to receive content from one or more media content providers. Authenticating the device includes determining what authentication information the media content providers require for access and then to generating and providing to the media device an authentication token that includes the required information. In some embodiments this may be accomplished by a service center, which removes the need for additional authentication steps to be performed by the media device or the media content providers. In addition, the service center may also determine when changes are made to the authentication information and may then ensure that the authentication token is changed or updated to reflect these changes. This ensures that the media device is at least partially immune to changes to authentication.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Mark Andrew Ross, Timothy Bucher
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Publication number: 20150033124Abstract: A user configurable interface view can be generated for a media device or other information handling system that is independent of any interface views defined by media content providers. Generating the user configurable interface view includes identifying content data streams that are included in user interface views defined by the media content providers and then selecting a desired subset of the data content streams. The selected data content streams are then aggregated and the user configurable interface view is generated. The resulting user interface view will be independent of any interface views defined by the media content providers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Arthur Anthonie van Hoff, Mark Andrew Ross, Timothy Bucher
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Publication number: 20140379759Abstract: Discovering content on a device. Content stored on a device can be examined or searched based on the programming of channels that are available to the device. The content can be searched using other rules related to user preferences. Based on the results of the examination of the content, playlists are generated. Each playlist includes content from the device that matches or partially matches the content associated with one of the channels. Using the playlists, a user can load content from their device that has a theme consistent with a particular channel. The playlists can also be used to tune to the channels associated with the playlists and thereby discover the content on those channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Timothy C. Nichols, Mark Andrew Ross, Clare Lawson, Arthur Anthonie van Hoff
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Patent number: 8892760Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for generating a user configurable interface view for a media device or other information handling system that is independent of any interface views defined by media content providers. Generating the user configurable interface view includes identifying content data streams that are included in user interface views defined by the media content providers and then selecting a desired subset of the data content streams. The selected data content streams are then aggregated and the user configurable interface view is generated. The resulting user interface view will be independent of any interface views defined by the media content providers.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Arthur Anthonie van Hoff, Mark Andrew Ross, Timothy Bucher
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Patent number: 8868547Abstract: Discovering content on a device. Content stored on a device can be examined or searched based on the programming of channels that are available to the device. The content can be searched using other rules related to user preferences. Based on the results of the examination of the content, playlists are generated. Each playlist includes content from the device that matches or partially matches the content associated with one of the channels. Using the playlists, a user can load content from their device that has a theme consistent with a particular channel. The playlists can also be used to tune to the channels associated with the playlists and thereby discover the content on those channels.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Timothy C. Nichols, Mark Andrew Ross, Clare Lawson, Arthur Anthonie van Hoff
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Publication number: 20140143890Abstract: A device for playing digital media comprises a connection for receiving content over a network and a digital rights management (“DRM”) module that identifies rights for the received content by accessing a DRM data structure. The DRM data structure can be a temporal cache. The device receives content and the DRM module identifies identifiers associated with the content and/or the device. The DRM module uses the identifiers to access the DRM data structure and identify rights associated with the content. The identified rights are applied to the content to prevent and/or permit activities with respect to the content. Permitted activities for the content may be presented in a display of the device and can be updated as the content changes and/or as rights associated with content change. Content providers and other authorized entities can change the rights associated with particular content by updating the DRM data structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Timothy Bucher, Timothy T. Sullivan, Mark Andrew Ross
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Publication number: 20140143848Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating a media device or other information handling system so as to be able to receive content from one or more media content providers. Authenticating the device includes determining what authentication information the media content providers require for access and then to generating and providing to the media device an authentication token that includes the required information. In some embodiments this may be accomplished by a service center, which removes the need for additional authentication steps to be performed by the media device or the media content providers. In addition, the service center may also determine when changes are made to the authentication information and may then ensure that the authentication token is changed or updated to reflect these changes. This ensures that the media device is at least partially immune to changes to authentication.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Mark Andrew Ross, Timothy Bucher
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Patent number: 8694611Abstract: A system for providing simplified access to podcasts to a user includes one or more personal audio devices, a podcast directory service and one or more podcast sources. Each personal audio device can include a media player configured to play podcasts, a memory source capable of storing podcasts, a podcast directory of available podcasts and a podcast directory module configured to interface with the podcast directory service to receive podcasts for storage or delete podcasts from memory. The podcast directory service includes a mass storage device and a podcast upload module. The mass storage device can store podcasts, directories of podcasts available on the mass storage device or accessible podcasts sources, and a user profile. The podcast upload module is configured to interface with the personal audio device to coordinate the upload or deletion of podcasts from the personal audio device.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Timothy Bucher, Mark Andrew Ross
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Patent number: 8676713Abstract: A device for playing digital media comprises a connection for receiving content over a network and a digital rights management (“DRM”) module that identifies rights for the received content by accessing a DRM data structure. The DRM data structure can be a temporal cache. The device receives content and the DRM module identifies identifiers associated with the content and/or the device. The DRM module uses the identifiers to access the DRM data structure and identify rights associated with the content. The identified rights are applied to the content to prevent and/or permit activities with respect to the content. Permitted activities for the content may be presented in a display of the device and can be updated as the content changes and/or as rights associated with content change. Content providers and other authorized entities can change the rights associated with particular content by updating the DRM data structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Timothy Bucher, Timothy T. Sullivan, Mark Andrew Ross
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Patent number: 8671274Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating a media device or other information handling system so as to be able to receive content from one or more media content providers. Authenticating the device includes determining what authentication information the media content providers require for access and then to generating and providing to the media device an authentication token that includes the required information. In some embodiments this may be accomplished by a service center, which removes the need for additional authentication steps to be performed by the media device or the media content providers. In addition, the service center may also determine when changes are made to the authentication information and may then ensure that the authentication token is changed or updated to reflect these changes. This ensures that the media device is at least partially immune to changes to authentication.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Mark Andrew Ross, Timothy Bucher
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Patent number: 8346924Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-configuring a media device or other information handling system so as to be authorized to gain access to one or more destination networks. Pre-configuring the device includes determining what admission requirements the destination network providers require for access and then generating and providing to the media device a network admission coupon that includes the required information. In some embodiments this may be accomplished by a service center, which removes the need for additional authentication steps to be performed by the media device or the destination network providers.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Timothy Bucher, Mark Andrew Ross, Arthur Anthonie van Hoff
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Patent number: 8215541Abstract: Systems and methods for inputting configuration and network authorization information into a media device such that the media device may interface with media content providers and wireless networks. A service center collects configuration and network authorization information for a media device and generates a configuration module based thereon. The configuration module is then converted into the form of barcode which is provided to a media device capable of reading a barcode. The media device decodes the barcode and extracts the configuration module. The extracted configuration module is installed on the media device, configuring the device to access predetermined media content providers and/or wireless networks.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.Inventors: Timothy Bucher, Mark Andrew Ross, Arthur Anthonie van Hoff
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Patent number: 8213857Abstract: Providing content to a device. Content stored on a device can be examined or searched based on the programming of channels that are available to the device over various networks. The content can be searched using other rules related to user preferences or content characteristics. Based on the results of the examination of the content, playlists are generated. Each playlist includes content from the device that matches or partially matches the content associated with one of the channels. Using the playlists, a user can load content from their device that has a theme consistent with a particular channel. When signal loss is detected for a given channel, the playlist associated with that channel can be loaded and played by the device. The device can resume playing the channel when the signal is again adequately detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Timothy C. Nichols, Mark Andrew Ross, Clare Lawson, Arthur Anthonie van Hoff
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Patent number: 8170931Abstract: Systems and methods for managing one or more aspects of a user's relationship with one or more media devices or other information handling systems and one or more media content providers. In some embodiments, a service center functions as a central management point and includes various modules configured to provide the management services.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Mark Andrew Ross, Timothy Bucher
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Patent number: 7827289Abstract: A personal media device transmits media content to one or more nearby personal media devices so that users can dynamically and easily share content. The method includes, on a first media player device having or having access to selected media content, playing the selected media content such that it can be listened to on a first user's headphones. The selected media content is also transmitted such that it can be received and simultaneously played by one or more authorized media player devices associated with additional users. The transmitted content is preferable secure so that only authorized users can access it. The media player devices receiving the transmitted content can be wireless headsets configured to receive and simultaneously play the content.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.Inventors: Timothy Bucher, Mark Andrew Ross
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Patent number: 7822874Abstract: A method and system for interfacing between a portable media device and one or more media content providers. The method may be practiced, for example, in a system including the portable media device that receives content from one or more media content providers. The method can include identifying a first data format employed by the portable media device and a second data format employed by a selected media content provider. A data stream is received from the selected media content provider. The data received from the selected media content provider can be modified to be compatible with the first data format. Alternately or additionally, the data stream can be filtered to eliminate content that is unnecessary for the portable media device. The method further includes communicating the formatted data to the portable media device.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Timothy Nichols, Mark Andrew Ross, Timothy Bucher
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Patent number: 7778591Abstract: An interactive radio system includes a broadcast radio station and an interactive radio device wherein the interactive radio device sends feedback data to the broadcaster. In various embodiments, the broadcast radio station can broadcast an enhanced radio signal that includes control data to instruct the interactive radio device on how to collect feedback data. The feedback data can be collected directly by posing input requests to a listener or indirectly by transparently monitoring the listener's activities. Feedback is provided back to the broadcaster over a backchannel by which data can be sent from a listener back to the broadcast station or another data gathering source. Backchannel routes can be provided by any of a host of communications technologies such as the Internet and/or wireless networks such as cellular networks, Bluetooth, 802.11 networks, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Arthur Anthonie Van Hoff, Mark Andrew Ross
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Publication number: 20100163613Abstract: Systems and methods for inputting configuration and network authorization information into a media device such that the media device may interface with media content providers and wireless networks. A service center collects configuration and network authorization information for a media device and generates a configuration module based thereon. The configuration module is then converted into the form of barcode which is provided to a media device capable of reading a barcode. The media device decodes the barcode and extracts the configuration module. The extracted configuration module is installed on the media device, configuring the device to access predetermined media content providers and/or wireless networks.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.Inventors: Timothy Bucher, Mark Andrew Ross, Arthur Anthonie van Hoff