Patents by Inventor Matthew J. Thompson

Matthew J. Thompson 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: 9351040
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a user receiving device includes a head end associating a first user device with a user account having first user settings. A first user device communicates a device identifier associated with the user receiving device to the head end. The head end communicates the first user settings associated with the user account to the user receiving device. The user receiving device operates with the first user settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuriacose Joseph, Scott D. Casavant, Sean S. Lee, Phillip T. Wang, Matthew J. Thompson, Brady C. Tsurutani, David N. Schlacht, Johnny Shum
  • Patent number: 9282290
    Abstract: An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream. The interactive mosaic channel is displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cell reporting data related to the video feed, and a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Eric Shanks, Matthew J. Thompson, Mark A. Shurgot, David E. Feldstein, Edgar C. Camacho, Craig Le, Ilan Tirer
  • Patent number: 9143836
    Abstract: A mosaic video channel displayed on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time. A mosaic video channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell, and a receiver, coupled to the monitor and receiving the plurality of video feeds and mosaic video channel, wherein a blackout criteria is dynamically programmed into the receiver such that when at least one of the video cells is selected by the cursor, the receiver tunes to a channel other than the individual video feed associated with that video cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Feldstein, Jon M. Dean, Mark A. Shurgot, Edgar C. Camacho, Matthew J. Thompson, David E. Shanks
  • Patent number: 9015772
    Abstract: An interactive gaming channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of transponders being used to present the games available at a given time. Such a channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a game selection screen, comprising a genre selection area and a game selection area, related to the genre selection area, wherein a viewer of the monitor selects a game to be played from a plurality of games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Thompson, Richard F. Purpura, Eric W. Adams, Andrew K. Shiozaki
  • Patent number: 8973439
    Abstract: A sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate and at least two proof masses. The sensor also includes a flexible coupling between the at least two proof masses and the substrate. The at least two coupling proof masses move in an anti-phase direction normal to a plane of the substrate in response to acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: InvenSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonardo Baldasarre, Matthew J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8959564
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for creating an overlay application for use within a broadcast communications system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises collecting image data from a computer network, generating at least one selectable area within the image data, associating a function with the at least one selectable area, and selectively displaying the image data on a monitor simultaneously with a broadcast data stream, wherein selection of the at least one selectable area executes the associated function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Thompson, Edgar C. Camacho, Manohar S. Gandla, Surya P. Dasi, Floyd Smith
  • Patent number: 8949895
    Abstract: An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Shanks, Matthew J. Thompson, Mark A. Shurgot, David E. Feldstein, Richard F. Purpura
  • Publication number: 20140289772
    Abstract: A mosaic video channel displayed on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time. A mosaic video channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell, and a receiver, coupled to the monitor and receiving the plurality of video feeds and mosaic video channel, wherein a blackout criteria is dynamically programmed into the receiver such that when at least one of the video cells is selected by the cursor, the receiver tunes to a channel other than the individual video feed associated with that video cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: David E. Feldstein, Jon M. Dean, Mark A. Shurgot, Edgar C. Camacho, Matthew J. Thompson, David E. Shanks
  • Publication number: 20140282749
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a user receiving device includes a head end associating a first user device with a user account having first user settings. A first user device communicates a device identifier associated with the user receiving device to the head end. The head end communicates the first user settings associated with the user account to the user receiving device. The user receiving device operates with the first user settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Kuriacose Joseph, Scott D. Casavant, Sean S. Lee, Phillip T. Wang, Matthew J. Thompson, Brady C. Tsurutani, David N. Schlacht, Johnny Shum
  • Patent number: 8832738
    Abstract: An interactive matrixed video channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time. An interactive matrixed video channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, and a text box, wherein statistical data is displayed within at least one of the group comprising the plurality of video cells and the text box, the statistical data generated from outside of the interactive matrixed video channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David E Shanks, David E. Feldstein, Richard F. Purpura, Matthew J. Thompson, Mark A. Shurgot, Craig Le
  • Patent number: 8752089
    Abstract: A mosaic video channel displayed on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time. A mosaic video channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell, and a receiver, coupled to the monitor and receiving the plurality of video feeds and mosaic video channel, wherein a blackout criteria is dynamically programmed into the receiver such that when at least one of the video cells is selected by the cursor, the receiver tunes to a channel other than the individual video feed associated with that video cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Feldstein, Jon M Dean, Mark A. Shurgot, Edgar C. Camacho, Matthew J. Thompson, David Eric Shanks
  • Patent number: 8677403
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for administering a video channel comprising a plurality of video feeds. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises coupling a computer to a transmission station, the transmission station receiving the plurality of video feeds, arranging a plurality of icons on a monitor of the computer to emulate a video layout to be presented, associating a video feed of the plurality of video feeds with an icon of the plurality of icons, and enabling manipulation of the video feeds through the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Thompson, Mark A Shurgot, David E Feldstein, Edgar Camacho, Craig Le, Ilan Tirer
  • Patent number: 8458745
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a viewership rating system presented on a monitor. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of broadcast programs, each broadcast program in the plurality of broadcast programs given a rating, the rating based on a current viewership of the plurality of broadcast programs within a geographical area, and a control bar; displayed on the monitor, wherein a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for display on the monitor, the screen comprising information related to at least one of the ratings of the plurality of broadcast programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Shanks, Jon M. Dean, David E. Feldstein, Richard F. Purpura, Matthew J. Thompson, Mark A. Shurgot, Craig Le
  • Publication number: 20120042342
    Abstract: An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream. The interactive mosaic channel is displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cell reporting data related to the video feed, and a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Shanks, Matthew J. Thompson, Mark A. Shurgot, David E. Feldstein, Edgar Camacho, Craig Le, Ilan Tirer
  • Publication number: 20120019724
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for creating an overlay application for use within a broadcast communications system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises collecting image data from a computer network, generating at least one selectable area within the image data, associating a function with the at least one selectable area, and selectively displaying the image data on a monitor simultaneously with a broadcast data stream, wherein selection of the at least one selectable area executes the associated function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Thompson, Edgar C. Camacho, Manohar S. Gandla, Surya P. Dasi, Floyd Smith
  • Patent number: 8056099
    Abstract: An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream. The interactive mosaic channel is displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cell reporting data related to the video feed, and a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Shanks, Matthew J. Thompson, Mark A. Shurgot, David E. Feldstein, Edgar Camacho, Craig Le, Ilan Tirer
  • Publication number: 20090125950
    Abstract: A system and method includes a user device having a subscriber activation client application stored therein. The user device prompts entry of an ordering identifier and receives the ordering identifier through a user interface. A subscriber activation system is in communication with the user device through a secure network. The subscriber activation system receives the ordering identifier from the user device. The subscriber activation system verifies the ordering information and generates an activation signal from the order identifier. The subscriber activation system communicates the activation signal to the user device to activate the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Kapil Chaudhry, Alistair E. Jeffs, Jennifer S. Staggs, Matthew J. Thompson, Tom Y. Liang, James R. Butterworth, Gilbert Zaldivar, Thai Lam, Amy K. Tsao
  • Publication number: 20090073318
    Abstract: An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream. The interactive mosaic channel is displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cell reporting data related to the video feed, and a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Eric Shanks, Matthew J. Thompson, Mark A. Shurgot, David E. Feldstein, Edgar C. Camacho, Craig Le, Ilan Tirer
  • Publication number: 20080141326
    Abstract: An interactive gaming channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of transponders being used to present the games available at a given time. Such a channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a game selection screen, comprising a genre selection area and a game selection area, related to the genre selection area, wherein a viewer of the monitor selects a game to be played from a plurality of games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Thompson, Richard F. Purpura, Eric W. Adams, Andrew K. Shiozaki