Patents by Inventor Mark Sheridan Westlake

Mark Sheridan Westlake 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: 7464393
    Abstract: A method and interface for linking terms in an electronic message to program information, are provided. The method of linking terms in an electronic mesage to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG) comprises the steps of receiving an electronic message, comparing terms in the electronic message to terms in the program information of the EPG, and displaying the electronic message so that any terms in the electronic message which have a match in the program information based on the step of comparing terms, are distinguishable from terms which have no such match. The electronic message interface is adapted to link terms in an electronic message to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG). The electronic message interface comprises a receiver, a comparison unit, and a display device. The receiver is adapted to receive an electronic message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Mark Sheridan Westlake, Robert Joseph Logan
  • Patent number: 7028326
    Abstract: The method of linking terms in an electronic message to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG) comprises the steps of receiving an electronic message, comparing terms in the electronic message to terms in the program information of the EPG, and displaying the electronic message so that any terms in the electronic message which have a match in the program information based on the step of comparing terms, are distinguishable from terms which have no such match. The electronic message interface is adapted to link terms in an electronic message to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Mark Sheridan Westlake, Robert Joseph Logan
  • Patent number: 6966064
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing programs indicated by the associated program description to be audio-only programs, including the following. A respective program description for programs is received. Upon user selection of a program, a determination is made as to whether the selected program is an audio-only program. If the selected program is an audio-only program, then preprogrammed on-screen display information is displayed while the selected audio-only program is played to provide additional visual entertainment for users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Schneidewend, Darrel Wayne Randall, Michael Joseph McLane, Megan Louise Brown, Mark Sheridan Westlake
  • Patent number: 6707508
    Abstract: A system and method for processing a channel entry is presented. In one embodiment, the receiving mode of an apparatus is first determined. A first channel entry format is then displayed, if it is determined that the apparatus in the first receiving mode. A second channel entry format is displayed, instead, if it is determined that the apparatus in the second receiving mode. Furthermore, the first channel entry format comprises a first and a second information portions and the second channel entry format comprises a third information portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Mark Gilmore Mears, Mark Sheridan Westlake, Aaron Hal Dinwiddie
  • Patent number: 6601238
    Abstract: A method and a system for displaying program information for a plurality of information sources on an electronic program guide (EPG) is described. A matched program and its respective program source is first determined. This first matched program from the respective program source is then highlighted in the EPG. Additionally, an icon for a respective program source is displayed indicating a future or a previously matched program from the respective program source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Hugh Boyd Morrison, Mark Sheridan Westlake
  • Patent number: 6591292
    Abstract: An interface and a method for incorporating program information into an electronic message are provided. According to the method, a menu of programs is generated by displaying program identifiers on a display device. At least one of the program identifiers representing a program of interest is selected. An electronic message display is generated with program text indicative of that program incorporated into a message portion of the electronic message display. The message portion is sent by electronic message to a recipient, with the program text in the message portion. Preferably, selection of the program text by a recipient of the electronic message causes the respective program to be implemented or causes certain choices on how to implement the program to be presented to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Hugh Boyd Morrison, Mark Sheridan Westlake, Robert Joseph Logan
  • Publication number: 20020073427
    Abstract: a method and a system for displaying program information for a plurality of information sources on an electronic program guide (EPG) is described. A matched program and its respective program source is first determined. This first matched program from the respective program source is then highlighted in the EPG. Additionally, an icon for a respective program source is displayed indicating a future or a previously matched program from the respective program source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: HUGH BOYD MORRISON, MARK SHERIDAN WESTLAKE