Patents by Inventor Steven C. Williamson
Steven C. Williamson 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: 10063909Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Patent number: 9813772Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Publication number: 20170111704Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 9462351Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Publication number: 20160227270Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, JR., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20150264424Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, JR., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20150256896Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 9066128Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 9066147Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Patent number: 9003451Abstract: An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access information related to television programs over an Internet communications link. The user can view television program guide listings and related video stills and video clips. The user can perform database searches on the program guide listings (e.g., to search for a particular type of television program). The user can set a reminder message for a television program that is transmitted prior to the transmission time of the program. If desired, the user can select an option that directs the multimedia system to tune directly to a television channel for a selected program or to a related television program guide or movie guide service on a television channel. The user can order pay-per-view events using the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers, Donald W. Allison, Mark A. Regouby, Steven C. Williamson, Joanna L. Hensley, W. Benjamin Herrington, Paul N. Reddy
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Publication number: 20140259073Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 8826338Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Publication number: 20140068669Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed in program listings display regions on program guide screens. The program listings display regions may be browse displays or flip displays. The program guide screens contain video for the current channel to which the user is tuned. The program listings display regions containing the advertisements may be overlaid on top of the current channel. Alternatively, the video for the current channel may be provided in a reduced-size video window. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. Advertisements may be selectable. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20130268970Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 8479233Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 8397259Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Joel G. Hassell, Connie T. Marshall, Thomas R. Lemmons, Steven J. Reynolds, Robert A. Knee, Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr., William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Michael D. Ellis, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20120272270Abstract: An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access information related to television programs over an Internet communications link. The user can view television program guide listings and related video stills and video clips. The user can perform database searches on the program guide listings (e.g., to search for a particular type of television program). If desired, the user can select an option that directs the multimedia system to tune directly to a television channel for a selected program or to a related television program guide or movie guide service on a television channel. The user can order pay-per-view events using the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers, Donald W. Allison, Mark A. Regouby, Steven C. Williamson, Joanna L. Hensley, W. Benjamin Herrington, Paul N. Reddy
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Publication number: 20110258661Abstract: An interactive television program guide system and method is provided. Time separators are displayed within lists of program listings to allow users to more easily view the program listings. On-screen arrows have their display characteristics changed according to user actions. Similar program listings are displayed only once when using search program listings. Users are provided with an opportunity to view channel information before setting channels as favorites. Information from local information services is provided in program guide display screens that are configurable by a main facility. Users are provided with an opportunity to centrally lock and unlock programs, and to bypass locks when desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Rovi Technologies CorporationInventors: Edward B. Knudson, Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Pamela L. McKissick, William L. Thomas, David M. Berezowski, Kenneth F. Carpenter, JR., Jeffrey A. Ross, Daniel C. Hagenbuch, Steven J. Reynolds, David M. Rudnick
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Publication number: 20110225613Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 8001563Abstract: An interactive television program guide system and method is provided. Time separators are displayed within lists of program listings to allow users to more easily view the program listings. On-screen arrows have their display characteristics changed according to user actions. Similar program listings are displayed only once when using search program listings. Users are provided with an opportunity to view channel information before setting channels as favorites. Information from local information services is provided in program guide display screens that are configurable by a main facility. Users are provided with an opportunity to centrally lock and unlock programs, and to bypass locks when desired.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Pamela L. McKissick, William L. Thomas, David M. Berezowski, Kenneth F. Carpenter, Jr., Jeffrey Ross, Daniel C. Hagenbuch, Steven J. Reynolds, David M. Rudnick