Patents by Inventor Max Muller

Max Muller 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: 20110060776
    Abstract: A system and method for submission of digital assets to a digital asset submission system are disclosed. The digital asset submission system can manage submissions of digital assets to a network-based distribution system. Submission of digital assets to the digital asset submission system can be performed over a network in a controlled manner such that the digital assets can be validated prior to transmission of the digital assets to the digital asset submission system. Advantageously, digital assets to be submitted for distribution can be substantially validated before the digital assets are transmitted to the digital asset submission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Jason Robert Suitts, David Makower, Ricardo D. Cortes, Max Muller, Juan Carlos Jimenez, Jeremy Brown, Jason Fosback
  • Publication number: 20110040658
    Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based purchase and distribution of media are disclosed. The purchase and distribution of media by these methods and systems are not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to media within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server and/or client. For example, a potential purchaser can search and browse through numerous media items on-line that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can thereafter purchase one or more media items on-line with great ease. Upon purchasing a media item, the content for the media item can be downloaded over the network to the purchaser. The content for the media item is then encrypted for the purchaser's use and stored on the purchaser's machine. Thereafter, the purchaser can make use of the media item (e.g., play the media item). Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing numerous media items are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Patrice Gautier, Max Muller, Thomas Burkholder, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Dave Heller, Thomas Dowdy, Mike Wiese
  • Publication number: 20110035508
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting media content data over a network to a media submission system are disclosed. A client media submission program may be provided that supports media submission to the media submission system using a plurality of transport mechanisms. One of the transport mechanisms to be utilized for the media submission may be determined based at least in part on configuration criteria. The media content data may be submitted over the network to the media submission system using the determined one of the transport mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Jason Robert Fosback, Ricardo D. Cortes, Max Muller
  • Publication number: 20110004594
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the submission of media content to a media distribution system and the generation of media items from the media content. The media items may include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, a package for use in generating a downloadable digital media content asset includes metadata content that describes how the media content in a plurality of data files including media content can be processed to generate a downloadable digital media content asset, where the package includes information identifying the plurality of data files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jason Robert Suitts, Jonathan James Currey, Max Muller, III
  • Patent number: 7853893
    Abstract: Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing media items are also disclosed. The methods and graphical user interfaces are particularly useful for a system that provides purchase and distribution of media in a client-server environment. The graphical user interfaces can be presented to a user at a client (client machine). In one embodiment, the methods and graphical user interfaces can assist users in locating media to be browsed, previewed or purchased. The media can, for example, be audio, video and/or image data. The methods and graphical user interfaces are particularly useful for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing classical music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Max Muller, Mike Wiese, David Heller, Bruno Posokhow, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Patrice Gautier
  • Patent number: 7844548
    Abstract: Methods and systems for submitting media to a media distribution site are disclosed. The submission of media to the media distribution site is able to be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted media can then be encoded in a largely automated manner at the media distribution site into a suitable digital form and then made available for online purchase and distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Robbin, David Heller, Max Muller
  • Publication number: 20100299219
    Abstract: An improved system and method for configuring, submitting, distributing and/or managing add-ons for digital products previously submitted to a product distribution site are disclosed. The add-ons for digital products can be managed and made available for online purchase and distribution at the product distribution site. An add-on for a digital product can subsequently be offered to and acquired by an interested person that previously purchased the associated digital product through use of the digital product itself, which can interact with a product distribution site. The product distribution site can also be referred to as an online product hosting site. In one embodiment, the digital products are computer program products (e.g., computer software programs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Ricardo D. Cortes, Max Muller, Aloke Bhatnagar, Jonathan B. Leffert, Jeffrey Allen Clites
  • Patent number: 7827162
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the submission of media content to a media distribution system and the generation of media items from the media content. The media items may include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, a package for use in generating a downloadable digital media content asset includes metadata content that describes how the media content in a plurality of data files including media content can be processed to generate a downloadable digital media content asset, where the package includes information identifying the plurality of data files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Suitts, Jonathan James Currey, Max Muller, III
  • Patent number: 7797242
    Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based purchase and distribution of media are disclosed. The purchase and distribution of media by these methods and systems are not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to media within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server and/or client. For example, a potential purchaser can search and browse through numerous media items on-line that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can thereafter purchase one or more media items on-line with great ease. Upon purchasing a media item, the content for the media item can be downloaded over the network to the purchaser. The content for the media item is then encrypted for the purchaser's use and stored on the purchaser's machine. Thereafter, the purchaser can make use of the media item (e.g., play the media item). Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing numerous media items are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrice Gautier, Max Muller, Thomas Burkholder, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Dave Heller, Thomas Dowdy, Mike Wiese
  • Publication number: 20100223649
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automating assessment of defects in digital videos are disclosed. Digital video content submitted to a digital video distribution system is encoded (e.g., transcoded) for distribution in a compact format. Portions of the encoded digital video content, referred to as video segments, that have perceived defects (e.g., transcoding artifacts) can be identified. An electronic record of the perceived defects for each of the identified segments can be created and used to automatically create a condensed defect review video that facilitates convenient and efficient assessment of the perceived defects by others. In one embodiment, the defect review video can provide for direct “side-by-side” comparison of displayed segments of the compact format and corresponding segments of the originally submitted format. Direct comparison of appearance of the perceived defects using the condensed defect review video provides for efficient assessment and disposition of perceived defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Jason Robert Suitts, Max Muller
  • Patent number: 7756920
    Abstract: Methods and systems for submitting or resubmitting media to a media distribution site are disclosed. The submission or resubmission of media to the media distribution site can be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted or resubmitted media can then be processed in a largely automated manner at the media distribution site and then made available for online purchase and distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Max Muller, Ricardo Cortes, Charles Stephenson Spillar, Richard Todd Hunter, Gregory Robbin, Robert H. Kondrk
  • Publication number: 20100011415
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for processing a program with export compliance information, the method including in a process of ingesting a program from a developer to an online store, presenting a request to the developer to indicate if the program contains encryption, upon indication that the program contains encryption, presenting an interface for the developer to upload an appropriate export compliance form, blocking the program from the online store if the appropriate export compliance form is not received, and upon receipt of the appropriate export compliance form, receiving and ingesting the program from the developer into the online store. In one aspect, the method further presents an interface to the developer to upload one export compliance form associated with multiple programs. In another aspect, the export compliance form is bundled with the program for distribution in the online store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ricardo CORTES, Max MULLER, III, Jeffrey A. CLITES, Jonathan B. LEFFERT
  • Publication number: 20100011336
    Abstract: Improved approaches for rating a software program are disclosed. The rating can be automatically determined from a plurality of user characterizations. The user characterizations can be designated by a user (e.g., developer or publisher) with respect to a plurality of content descriptors. The user characterizations can be supplied by the user on submitting a software program to an online distribution system. Once a rating is determined and associated with a software program, the rating can be used to influence availability of the software program from an online distribution system. The rating (or how the rating influences availability) can be dependent on geographical region. The rating being determined can also be influenced by rating rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Max Muller, Ricardo D. Cortes, Aloke Bhatnagar
  • Publication number: 20090297126
    Abstract: A system and method of delivering a media package to an on-line downloading store are disclosed. The method includes receiving a media file into a compressor application in which at least one compression job is assigned for the media file. The method further includes receiving setting data and destination data for storing a media package associated with processing the media file. The method next includes retrieving pre-defined asset metadata based on user-submitted credential data and vendor identification data, receiving contract acceptance data based on a pre-existing contract associated with the media file and generating a media package configured for ingestion into the on-line media store for each at least one compression job assigned to the media file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Cortes, Max Muller, III, Jason Fosback
  • Publication number: 20090276433
    Abstract: An improved system and method for submitting, distributing and/or managing digital products with respect to a product distribution site are disclosed. The submission of digital products to the product distribution site is able to be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted digital products can then be managed in a largely automated manner and made available for online purchase and distribution at the product distribution site. Once a digital product is submitted, the user can access the status of the digital product submission to obtain information of whether the digital product has been approved or rejected. In one embodiment, the digital products are computer program products (e.g., computer software programs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Jason Robert Fosback, Ricardo D. Cortes, Max Muller
  • Publication number: 20090276333
    Abstract: An improved system and method for submitting, distributing and/or managing digital products with respect to a product distribution site are disclosed. The submission of digital products to the product distribution site is able to be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted digital products can then be managed in a largely automated manner and made available for online purchase and distribution at the product distribution site. Once a digital product is submitted, the user can access the status of the digital product submission to obtain information of whether the digital product has been approved or rejected. In one embodiment, the digital products are computer program products (e.g., computer software programs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Ricardo D. Cortes, Max Muller, Michael Howard Walker, David Alonzo Van Tassell, Aloke Bhatnagar, Ashish Agarwal, Lynne Allison Sandberg
  • Publication number: 20090259502
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and configurations for monitoring quality of digital media assets available from a network-based media distribution system, and taking action to make those digital media assets that have quality deficiencies unavailable from the network-based media distribution system. The network-based media distribution system can provide an online media store from which users can acquire those of the digital media assets that are deemed available. In one embodiment, digital media assets that have quality deficiencies can be rapidly discovered and automatically removed from being available at an online media store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel David Erlewine, Eric John Gray, Max Muller, Jonathan B. Leffert, Ricardo Cortes, Kate Wormington
  • Publication number: 20090138539
    Abstract: Methods and systems for submitting or resubmitting media to a media distribution site are disclosed. The submission or resubmission of media to the media distribution site can be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted or resubmitted media can then be processed in a largely automated manner at the media distribution site and then made available for online purchase and distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Max Muller, Ricardo Cortes, Charles Stephenson Spillar, Richard Todd Hunter, Gregory Robbin, Robert H. Kondrk
  • Publication number: 20080065691
    Abstract: Providing digital media content is disclosed. A metadata file and a plurality of data files are received. The metadata file is used to process the plurality of data files. The processing of the plurality of data files using the metadata file is performed without human intervention to provide a downloadable digital media content asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Jason Robert Suitts, James Felix Black, Jonathan James Currey, Max Muller
  • Publication number: 20080040379
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the submission of media content to a media distribution system and the generation of media items from the media content. The media items may include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, a package for use in generating a downloadable digital media content asset includes metadata content that describes how the media content in a plurality of data files including media content can be processed to generate a downloadable digital media content asset, where the package includes information identifying the plurality of data files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Jason Robert Suitts, Jonathan James Currey, Max Muller