Patents by Inventor Theresa A. Alba

Theresa A. Alba 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: 9681174
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcia A. Casement, William De Stein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160295274
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcia A. Casement, William De Stein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160295289
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel, at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcia A. Casement, William De Stein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9402102
    Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Theresa A. Alba, Molly K. King
  • Publication number: 20160142786
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcia A. Casement, William De Stein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9191715
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcia A. Casement, William De Stein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150201241
    Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Theresa A. Alba, Molly K. King
  • Patent number: 8955013
    Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, David P. Warden, Molly K. King, Theresa A. Alba, Robert E. Russman
  • Patent number: 8925018
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: StarSight Telecast, Inc.
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcia A. Casement, William De Stein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8918809
    Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Starsight Telecast, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith Hunwick, Theresa Alba, Molly K. King
  • Patent number: 8893182
    Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Starsight Telecast, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, David P. Warden, Molly K. King, Theresa A. Alba, Robert E. Russman
  • Publication number: 20140150027
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: STARSIGHT TELECAST, INC.
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcia A. Casement, William De Stein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140137157
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: STARSIGHT TELECAST, INC.
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcia A. Casement, William De Stein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140101698
    Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: STARSIGHT TELECAST, INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, David P. Warden, Molly K. King, Theresa A. Alba, Robert E. Russman
  • Patent number: 8578414
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Starsight Telecast, Inc.
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcy A. Casement, William DeStein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8522282
    Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Starsight Telecast, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, David P. Warden, Molly K. King, Theresa A. Alba, Robert E. Russman
  • Patent number: 8453174
    Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Starsight Telecast, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith Hunwick, Theresa Alba, Molly K. King
  • Patent number: 8181200
    Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Starsight Telecast, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith Hunwick, Theresa Alba, Molly K. King
  • Publication number: 20110314499
    Abstract: An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Starsight Telecast, Inc.
    Inventors: Theresa A. Alba, Marcia A. Casement, William De Stein, David Folker, Keith W. Hunwick, Kenneth D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110185386
    Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: STARSIGHT TELECAST, INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. Schein, James J. Leftwich, David M. Folker, Keith Hunwick, Theresa Alba, Molly K. King