Patents by Inventor Robert J. Snyder
Robert J. Snyder 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: 10360944Abstract: A production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio and the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio. Moreover, the product system can product a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect operates by producing a first show including multiple stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the system produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The product system can include a media manager that interacts with a server that may be integrated with the production system. The media manager automatically assigns channels/ports of the server when accessing material stored in the server.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: GVBB HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.Inventors: Alex Holtz, Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, William H. Couch, Marcel Larocque, Charles M. Hoeppner, Keith Gregory Tingle, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Patent number: 10210903Abstract: A production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio and the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio. Moreover, the product system can product a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect operates by producing a first show including multiple stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the system produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The product system can include a media manager that interacts with a server that may be integrated with the production system. The media manager automatically assigns channels/ports of the server when accessing material stored in the server.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: GVBB HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.Inventors: Alex Holtz, Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, William H. Couch, Marcel Larocque, Charles M. Hoeppner, Keith Gregory Tingle, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Publication number: 20180358051Abstract: A production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio and the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio. Moreover, the product system can product a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect operates by producing a first show including multiple stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the system produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The product system can include a media manager that interacts with a server that may be integrated with the production system. The media manager automatically assigns channels/ports of the server when accessing material stored in the server.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Alex HOLTZ, Robert J. SNYDER, John R. BENSON, William H. COUCH, Marcel LAROCQUE, Charles M. HOEPPNER, Keith Gregory TINGLE, Richard TODD, Maurice SMITH
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Patent number: 10056111Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: GVBB HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.Inventors: Alex Holtz, Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, William H. Couch, Marcel LaRocque, Charles M. Hoeppner, Keith Gregory Tingle, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Patent number: 9711180Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: GVBB HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.Inventors: Alex Holtz, Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, William H. Couch, Marcel Larocque, Charles M. Hoeppner, Keith Gregory Tingle, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Patent number: 9558786Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: GVBB HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.Inventors: Alex Holtz, Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, William H. Couch, Marcel Larocque, Charles M. Hoeppner, Keith Gregory Tingle, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Publication number: 20160118081Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Alex HOLTZ, Robert J. SNYDER, John R. BENSON, William H. COUCH, Marcel LAROCQUE, Charles M. HOEPPNER, Keith Gregory TINGLE, Richard TODD, Maurice SMITH
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Publication number: 20160118082Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Alex Holtz, Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, William H. Couch, Marcel Larocque, Charles M. Hoeppner, Keith Gregory Tingle, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Patent number: 9123380Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: GVBB HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.Inventors: Alex Holtz, Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, William H. Couch, Marcel LaRocque, Charles M. Hoeppner, Keith Gregory Tingle, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Publication number: 20150063787Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Alex HOLTZ, Robert J. SNYDER, John R. BENSON, William H. COUCH, Marcel LAROCQUE, Charles M. HOEPPNER, Keith Gregory TINGLE, Richard TODD, Maurice SMITH
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Patent number: 8726187Abstract: A macro element template is replicated to build a macro element library. A macro element is associated with executable instructions for controlling a plurality of production devices to produce a special effect or segment of a media production. One or more automation control objects are positioned onto a control interface to build a macro element template. Build information is associated with each automation control object to assign a variable name, device type, property page field(s), and variable naming table. A replicator control interface allows a range of sources to be assigned to the macro element template, and is associated with executable instructions for building the macro element library. The macro element library includes user-defined filenames that enables a director to quickly search and select a desired macro element. Changes in production values ripple throughout the macro element library to dynamically update the macro elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, Kevin K. Morrow, Alex Holtz, William H. Couch, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Patent number: 8661366Abstract: A macro element template is replicated to build a macro element library. A macro element is associated with executable instructions for controlling a plurality of production devices to produce a special effect or segment of a media production. One or more automation control objects are positioned onto a control interface to build a macro element template. Build information is associated with each automation control object to assign a variable name, device type, property page field(s), and variable naming table. A replicator control interface allows a range of sources to be assigned to the macro element template, and is associated with executable instructions for building the macro element library. The macro element library includes user-defined filenames that enables a director to quickly search and select a desired macro element. Changes in production values ripple throughout the macro element library to dynamically update the macro elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, Kevin K. Morrow, Alex Holtz, William H. Couch, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Patent number: 8560951Abstract: A production system automates the control of production devices used to produce and broadcast a show. The system automation allows a video director to pre-produce, preview, and produce the live show from a single user interface. In an embodiment, a processing unit displays graphical controls for the production devices. A video director interacts with the graphical controls to thereby remotely control the production devices from one location. In an embodiment, a video director defines a set of production commands or instructions (i.e., “transition macro”). Upon execution, each production command directs the processing unit to transmit in series and/or parallel one or more control commands to one or more of the production devices. Production commands can be included to enable the show to be broadcast live or recorded for on-demand access. Live and/or on-demand productions are distributed over traditional television mediums and/or a computer network, including the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Robert J. Snyder, Alex Holtz, David E. Buehnemann, Gilberto Fres, Harrison T. Hickenlooper, III, Charles M. Hoeppner, Kevin K. Morrow, Bradley E. Neider, Loren J. Nordin, III, Todd D. Parker
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Patent number: 8006184Abstract: A video production system provides a director with-control over video production devices used in producing a show. The video production system allows the director to pre-produce a show, review the show in advance of “air time.” and then, with a touch of a button, produce the live show. The video production system includes a processing unit in communication with the video production devices. The processing unit displays controls for controlling the video production devices. The director uses a keyboard and mouse to remotely control the video production devices. The director pre-produces the show, defines a set of video production commands (hereafter “transition macro”) executed by the processing unit. By activating a control button, the director instructs the processing unit to execute the transition macro-to control one or more of the video production devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Alex Holtz, David E Buehnemann, Gilberto Fres, Harrison T Hickenlooper, III, Charles M Hoeppner, Kevin K Morrow, Bradley E Neider, Loren J Nordin, III, Todd D Parker, Robert J Snyder
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Patent number: 7835920Abstract: A director control interface is provided to extract production information from a newsroom information management system and populate a production control system. The director control interface enables the director to build a show, but mitigate errors and check for conflicts during the building process. In an embodiment, the director control interface automatically selects macro elements, which are executed on the production control system. The director can override the selection process and choose the macro elements. The director control interface monitors the newsroom information management system for rundown changes, evaluates the changes, and updates the production control system either automatically or with approval from the director. The director control interface is compatible with any type of newsroom information management system as long as it can extract the requisite information.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Robert J. Snyder, Alex Holtz, John R. Benson, William H. Couch, Marcel Larocque, Richard Todd, Charles M. Hoeppner, Keith Gregory Tingle, Kevin K. Morrow
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Publication number: 20090292991Abstract: A macro element template is replicated to build a macro element library. A macro element is associated with executable instructions for controlling a plurality of production devices to produce a special effect or segment of a media production. One or more automation control objects are positioned onto a control interface to build a macro element template. Build information is associated with each automation control object to assign a variable name, device type, property page field(s), and variable naming table. A replicator control interface allows a range of sources to be assigned to the macro element template, and is associated with executable instructions for building the macro element library. The macro element library includes user-defined filenames that enables a director to quickly search and select a desired macro element. Changes in production values ripple throughout the macro element library to dynamically update the macro elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, Kevin K. Morrow, Alex Holtz, William H. Couch, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Publication number: 20090288008Abstract: A macro element template is replicated to build a macro element library. A macro element is associated with executable instructions for controlling a plurality of production devices to produce a special effect or segment of a media production. One or more automation control objects are positioned onto a control interface to build a macro element template. Build information is associated with each automation control object to assign a variable name, device type, property page field(s), and variable naming table. A replicator control interface allows a range of sources to be assigned to the macro element template, and is associated with executable instructions for building the macro element library. The macro element library includes user-defined filenames that enables a director to quickly search and select a desired macro element. Changes in production values ripple throughout the macro element library to dynamically update the macro elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, Kevin K. Morrow, Alex Holtz, William H. Couch, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Patent number: 7549128Abstract: A macro element template is replicated to build a macro element library. A macro element is associated with executable instructions for controlling a plurality of production devices to produce a special effect or segment of a media production. One or more automation control objects are positioned onto a control interface to build a macro element template. Build information is associated with each automation control object to assign a variable name, device type, property page field(s), and variable naming table. A replicator control interface allows a range of sources to be assigned to the macro element template, and is associated with executable instructions for building the macro element library. The macro element library includes user-defined filenames that enables a director to quickly search and select a desired macro element. Changes in production values ripple throughout the macro element library to dynamically update the macro elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Robert J. Snyder, John R. Benson, Kevin K. Morrow, Alex Holtz, William H. Couch, Richard Todd, Maurice Smith
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Publication number: 20080316986Abstract: A center access point (34) is connected to a wired local network. One or more remote access points (36, 38) communicate with the center access point (34) via associated cables (62, 64, 66, 68). A plurality of mobile wireless units (121, 122, . . . , 12n) is located within an access point network (14) of the wireless local area network (10), each mobile wireless unit (121, 122, . . . , 12n) is configured to transceive with at least one of the center access point and one of the remote access points (36, 38).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.Inventor: Robert J. Snyder
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Patent number: 7302644Abstract: An integrated, fully automated video production system that provides a video director with total control over all of the video production devices used in producing a show. Such devices include, but are not limited to, cameras, robotic pan/tilt heads, video tape players and recorders (VTRs), video servers and virtual recorders, character generators, still stores, digital video disk players (DVDs), audio mixers, digital video effects (DVE), video switchers, and teleprompting systems. The video production system provides an automation capability that allows the video director to pre-produce a show, review the show in advance of “air time,” and then, with a touch of a button, produce the live show. In one embodiment, the invention provides a video production system having a processing unit in communication with one or more of the video production devices mentioned above.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Alex Holtz, David E Buehnemann, Gilberto Fres, Harrison T Hickenlooper, III, Charles M Hoeppner, Kevin K Morrow, Bradley E Neider, Loren J Nordin, III, Todd D Parker, Robert J Snyder