Patents by Inventor Michael L. Asmussen
Michael L. Asmussen 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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Publication number: 20190272358Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for searching and delivering program content are described herein. A search request may be received from a first user device. After determining that a first search was unsuccessful, available content associated with the search request may be determined based on at least one change in at least one content source.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2018Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: John S. McCoskey, William D. Swart, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 10349096Abstract: A video and digital multimedia aggregator includes a content decoder, coder (codec) and formatter. The codec formatter receives coding and formatting requests that characterize input source content and desired output target content. Data conveyed about the source and target content may include parameters such as physical and/or logical addresses, coding and compression parameters, format descriptions, content size, description of auxiliary services, and other metadata elements that may be required for coding and formatting.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: William D. Swart, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 10140433Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for searching and delivering program content are described herein. A search request may be received from a first user device. One or more content sources in a distributed digital communication network may be searched for program content that satisfies the search criteria. Responsive to determining that the search was unsuccessful, the one or more content sources may be monitored for changes to determine whether at least one change satisfies the search criteria. Data indicative of the at least one matching result may be delivered to a second user device. A selection of a program content item associated with one of the at least one matching result may be received. According to one or more aspects, the selected program content item may be delivered to the second user device.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. McCoskey, William D. Swart, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 9813641Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The virtual objects may be targeted based on individual subscriber information or on information related to groups of subscribers. When a frame of a program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual object is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object may be interactive, and may be used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Publication number: 20160203298Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for searching and delivering program content are described herein. A search request may be received from a first user device. One or more content sources in a distributed digital communication network may be searched for program content that satisfies the search criteria. Responsive to determining that the search was unsuccessful, the one or more content sources may be monitored for changes to determine whether at least one change satisfies the search criteria. Data indicative of the at least one matching result may be delivered to a second user device. A selection of a program content item associated with one of the at least one matching result may be received. According to one or more aspects, the selected program content item may be delivered to the second user device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventors: John S. McCoskey, William D. Swart, Michael L. Asmussen
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Publication number: 20160078494Abstract: The invention, an electronic book selection and delivery system, supports the inclusion of advertisements targeted based on subscriber likes and dislikes text. The system includes a targeted advertising management system that compiles information about electronic book subscribers, electronic books, and advertisements and optimally selects advertisements to be placed in electronic books customized for an individual subscriber. The system contains an operations center, a distribution system, a home system, and a billing and collection system. The operations center, in conjunction with the targeted advertising management system performs the functions of manipulation of text data, security and coding of text, cataloging of electronic books, message center, advertising selection, insertion and delivery functions. The home system connects to a distribution system, generates menus and stores text, and transacts through communicating mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: John S. HENDRICKS, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 9286294Abstract: To allow a user to maximize use of a video and digital multimedia aggregator, a search suggestion engine and corresponding method may be used to provide suggestions of available content. The search suggestion engine starts by constructing a database of metadata elements or word items. The metadata element database may be constructed by using a crawler that periodically or continually crawls a content metadata database and extracts word items from the content metadata database. The word items are then processed according to a number of factors, including part-of-speech, entries in dictionaries and thesaurus and other factors. The thus-processed word items are indexed, and may be provided with a vector value. A subsequent search request submitted by the user may include search criteria that may be provided vector values. A processor within the search suggestion engine compares the vector values to determine if an indexed word item should be considered for retrieving the indexed word item's associated content.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: Michael L. Asmussen, John S. Mccoskey, William D. Swart
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Publication number: 20160070889Abstract: The invention, electronic book security and copyright protection system, provides for secure distribution of electronic text and graphics to subscribers and secure storage. The method may be executed at a content provider's site, at an operations center, over a video distribution system or over a variety of alternative distribution systems, at a home subsystem, and at a billing and collection system. The content provider or operations center and/or other distribution points perform the functions of manipulation and secure storage of text data, security encryption and coding of text, cataloging of books, message center, and secure delivery functions. The home subsystem connects to a secure video distribution system or variety of alternative secure distribution systems, generates menus and stores text, and transacts through communicating mechanisms. A portable book-shaped viewer is used for secure viewing of the text.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: John S. HENDRICKS, Michael L. ASMUSSEN, John S. MCCOSKEY
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Publication number: 20150350563Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The virtual objects may be targeted based on individual subscriber information or on information related to groups of subscribers. When a frame of a program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual object is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object may be interactive, and may be used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Publication number: 20150332664Abstract: A method and system for providing text-to-audio conversion of an electronic book displayed on a viewer. A user selects a portion of displayed text and converts it into audio. The text-to-audio conversion may be performed via a header file and pre-recorded audio for each electronic book, via text-to-speech conversion, or other available means. The user may select manual or automatic text-to audio conversion. The automatic text-to-audio conversion may be performed by automatically turning the pages of the electronic book or by the user manually turning the pages. The user may also select to convert the entire electronic book, or portions of it, into audio. The user may also select an option to receive an audio definition of a particular word in the electronic book. The present invention allows a user to control the system by selecting options from a screen or by entering voice commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2015Publication date: November 19, 2015Applicant: ADREA, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 9106946Abstract: A device equipped with a camera and microphone includes the capability to send and receive video calls through a delivery system or other communications networks. In response to detection of the occurrence of a video call event or triggering event, a video program is automatically paused. In response to an incoming video phone call, message, web page, or other video communications information, the system pauses the video program and indicates the occurrence of the communications event. The system also buffers the video program while paused, providing a user with replay capability. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event in order to pause the video program. The device may also include features for caller identification of video calls and dual display of video programs and video calls (e.g., picture in picture). A hardware upgrade for adding video call functionality to a device is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventor: Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 9099097Abstract: A method and system for providing text-to-audio conversion of an electronic book displayed on a viewer. A user selects a portion of displayed text and converts it into audio. The text-to-audio conversion may be performed via a header file and pre-recorded audio for each electronic book, via text-to-speech conversion, or other available means. The user may select manual or automatic text-to audio conversion. The automatic text-to-audio conversion may be performed by automatically turning the pages of the electronic book or by the user manually turning the pages. The user may also select to convert the entire electronic book, or portions of it, into audio. The user may also select an option to receive an audio definition of a particular word in the electronic book. The present invention allows a user to control the system by selecting options from a screen or by entering voice commands.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: ADREA, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 9078014Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. Upstream data reception hardware, databases and processing hardware and software, and corresponding features in a user's terminal are used to accomplish these functions.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Alfred E. Bonner, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 9053640Abstract: An interactive electronic book provides a user access to interactive programming. The interactive programming may include interactive files that are linked to the electronic books using electronic links. The electronic links may be included in the text and graphics data of the electronic book. The interactive files may be located in the same file as the interactive electronic book, or may be located external to the interactive electronic book. External locations include an Internet web site, an electronic book viewer and other external locations. Access to the interactive file may be controlled by an operating program and a security program included with the interactive electronic book. The interactive file may include sample problems and quizzes associated with a college textbook, for example. The interactive files may also include accesses to Internet web sites, and other electronic files to complete purchase orders, answer questionnaires, and to receive other data.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: ADREA, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen
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Publication number: 20140229340Abstract: A viewer for displaying an electronic book and providing for electronic commerce. In conjunction with viewing an electronic book, a user can view information about products and services, view an on-line electronic catalog, and receive samples of products available for purchase. By entering a purchase request, the user can purchase products or services. In the case of a digital product, the user can download the purchased product directly into the viewer. The viewer also records statistics concerning purchase and information requests in order to recommend related products or services, or for directing particular types of advertisements to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventors: John S. HENDRICKS, Michael L. Asmussen, John S. McCoskey
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Publication number: 20140095491Abstract: The present invention utilizes an aggregator for searching, packaging and delivering content. The aggregator processes requests, searches, provides search results and acquires content. The aggregator, operating in a communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. McCoskey, William D. Swart, Michael L. Asmussen
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Publication number: 20140059619Abstract: A video and digital multimedia aggregator includes a content decoder, coder (codec) and formatter. The codec formatter receives coding and formatting requests that characterize input source content and desired output target content. Data conveyed about the source and target content may include parameters such as physical and/or logical addresses, coding and compression parameters, format descriptions, content size, description of auxiliary services, and other metadata elements that may be required for coding and formatting.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Comcast Cable Communications, LLCInventors: William D. Swart, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 8621521Abstract: The present invention utilizes an aggregator for searching, packaging and delivering content. The aggregator processes requests, searches, provides search results and acquires content. The aggregator, operating in a communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: John S. McCoskey, William D. Swart, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 8578410Abstract: A video and digital multimedia aggregator includes a content decoder, coder (codec) and formatter. The codec formatter receives coding and formatting requests that characterize input source content and desired output target content. Data conveyed about the source and target content may include parameters such as physical and/or logical addresses, coding and compression parameters, format descriptions, content size, description of auxiliary services, and other metadata elements that may be required for coding and formatting.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings, I, LLCInventors: William D. Swart, John S. McCoskey, Michael L. Asmussen
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Patent number: 8548813Abstract: A method and system for providing text-to-audio conversion of an electronic book displayed on a viewer. A user selects a portion of displayed text and converts it into audio. The text-to-audio conversion may be performed via a header file and pre-recorded audio for each electronic book, via text-to-speech conversion, or other available means. The user may select manual or automatic text-to audio conversion. The automatic text-to-audio conversion may be performed by automatically turning the pages of the electronic book or by the user manually turning the pages. The user may also select to convert the entire electronic book, or portions of it, into audio. The user may also select an option to receive an audio definition of a particular word in the electronic book. The present invention allows a user to control the system by selecting options from a screen or by entering voice commands.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Adrea, LLCInventors: John S. Hendricks, Michael L. Asmussen