Patents by Inventor Thomas Lemmons
Thomas Lemmons 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: 10387920Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for offering and billing advertisement opportunities are provided. In example embodiments, an advertisement opportunity in media to be communicated to a user device associated with a viewer is identified. Attributes of the advertisement opportunity are determined. Based on these attributes, a value to assign to the advertisement opportunity is determined. The advertisement opportunity is offered to a potential advertiser based on the assigned value determined using the attributes of the advertisement opportunity.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: John Tinsman, Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni
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Patent number: 10387949Abstract: In example embodiments, a system and method for providing interactive advertisement is provided. In some embodiments, a component causes a video program having an interactive advertisement to be displayed to a user on a display screen. The interactive advertisement includes an enhanced content activator. In response to activation of the enhanced content activator by the user, enhanced advertisement information including at least one trigger is provisioned. The enhanced advertisement information is then caused to be displayed with the video program and the interactive advertisement. A selection by the user of the at least one trigger associated with the enhanced advertisement information is monitored. In response to selection of the at least one trigger, access to further content associated with the enhanced content information is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni, Debra Hensgen
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Patent number: 10032192Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for automatic localization of advertisements is provided. In example embodiments, a transmission signal is received. A portion of the transmission signal is identified. A determination of whether localized advertisement data corresponds to the identified portion is performed. Localized advertisement data that correspond to the identified portion of the transmission signal is retrieved. The localized advertisement data is then inserted into the identified portion of the transmission signal to generate an altered signal. The altered signal is transmitted to a user device.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: John Tinsman, Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni
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Publication number: 20180158136Abstract: In example embodiments, a system and method for providing interactive advertisement is provided. In some embodiments, a component causes a video program having an interactive advertisement to be displayed to a user on a display screen. The interactive advertisement includes an enhanced content activator. In response to activation of the enhanced content activator by the user, enhanced advertisement information including at least one trigger is provisioned. The enhanced advertisement information is then caused to be displayed with the video program and the interactive advertisement. A selection by the user of the at least one trigger associated with the enhanced advertisement information is monitored. In response to selection of the at least one trigger, access to further content associated with the enhanced content information is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni, Debra Hensgen
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Patent number: 9865017Abstract: In example embodiments, a system and method for providing interactive advertisement is provided. In some embodiments, a component causes a video program having an interactive advertisement to be displayed to a user on a display screen. The interactive advertisement includes an enhanced content activator. In response to activation of the enhanced content activator by the user, enhanced advertisement information including at least one trigger is provisioned. The enhanced advertisement information is then caused to be displayed with the video program and the interactive advertisement. A selection by the user of the at least one trigger associated with the enhanced advertisement information is monitored. In response to selection of the at least one trigger, access to further content associated with the enhanced content information is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: OPENTV, INC.Inventors: Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni, Debra Hensgen
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Patent number: 9432630Abstract: Disclosed is a system that optimizes transmission of content. Requests for a content type and an element within the content type is received Most frequently requested content types and most frequently requested elements within each of the most frequently requested content types are determined. A transmit rate for each of the frequently requested content types is determined, wherein the frequently requested content types with a higher request count receive a higher transmit rate than frequently requested content types with a lower request count. The most frequently requested elements within each of the most frequently requested content types are transmitted at the determined transmit rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: Brian Sedlak, Thomas Lemmons, Gary Rasmussen, Ian Zenoni, Thomas Huber
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Patent number: 9154852Abstract: Disclosed is a process for an advertising bidding system in which advertisers can bid on advertising time slots or enhanced ads that can be inserted in either prerecorded or live television programming. A high degree of flexibility is provided by allowing embedded ads to be purchased and displayed in a very short time period. This allows TV broadcasters to increase revenues and allows advertisers to have more flexibility in advertising. Objects can be inserted in the display video broadcast using enhancements such as by using mark-up language overlay pages or by video combination techniques. The effect of these ads can be evaluated for advertising campaigns.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni
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Publication number: 20150244988Abstract: Disclosed is a system that optimizes transmission of content. Requests for a content type and an element within the content type is received. Most frequently requested content types and most frequently requested elements within each of the most frequently requested content types are determined. A transmit rate for each of the frequently requested content types is determined, wherein the frequently requested content types with a higher request count receive a higher transmit rate than frequently requested content types with a lower request count. The most frequently requested elements within each of the most frequently requested content types are transmitted at the determined transmit rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2015Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventors: Brian Sedlak, Thomas Lemmons, Gary Rasmussen, Ian Zenoni, Thomas Huber
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Patent number: 9032088Abstract: Disclosed is a system that optimizes transmission bandwidth of a broadband transmission system such as a cable television, satellite system, or wireless information service. Requests for content items from users are employed to add or delete content items from a list. Content items in the list are ranked relative to the number of requests received or by rate of request. Package groups are created with most requested content items being broadcast more frequently than less requested content items. Transmit groups are produced from package groups and placed in a broadcast queue. A transmit process transmits groups retrieved from the queue.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: Brian Sedlak, Thomas Lemmons, Gary Rasmussen, Ian Zenoni, Thomas Huber
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Publication number: 20150087419Abstract: An interactive system and method allows game participants to engage in a contest that is subsequently broadcast with a time delay to game observers. The broadcast signal may be for the purpose of a pure entertainment source or may be an enticement to play the shown or other interactive games. The games may be computer simulation games, role-playing games, strategy games, question and answer games, casino games, or other games as desired. The broadcast signals may show a specialized view of the game being played and may contain live commentary or other enhancements. The games may be played with set top boxes connected to a television, a broadcast network, and a server system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni, Thomas Huber, Steven O. Markel, Mark Margaretten, Steven Reynolds, Joel Hassell
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Patent number: 8932136Abstract: The present invention is an interactive system and method whereby participants may engage in a contest that is simultaneously or subsequently broadcast. The broadcast signal may be for the purpose of a pure entertainment source or may be an enticement to play the shown or other interactive games. The games may be computer simulation games, role-playing games, strategy games, question and answer games, casino games, or other games as desired. The broadcast signals may show a specialized view of the game being played and may contain live commentary or other enhancements. The games may be played with set top boxes connected to a television, a broadcast network, and a server system.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni, Thomas Huber, Steven O. Markel, Mark Margaretten, Steven Reynolds, Joel Hassell
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Patent number: 8613020Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Edward Knudson, Joel Hassell, Connie Marshall, Thomas Lemmons, Steven Reynolds, Robert Knee, Kenneth Carpenter, Jr., William Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven Williamson, Michael Ellis, Donald Allison
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Publication number: 20130312029Abstract: Disclosed is a process for an advertising bidding system in which advertisers can bid on advertising time slots or enhanced ads that can be inserted in either prerecorded or live television programming. A high degree of flexibility is provided by allowing embedded ads to be purchased and displayed in a very short time period. This allows TV broadcasters to increase revenues and allows advertisers to have more flexibility in advertising. Objects can be inserted in the display video broadcast using enhancements such as by using mark-up language overlay pages or by video combination techniques. The effect of these ads can be evaluated for advertising campaigns.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni
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Patent number: 8522273Abstract: Disclosed is a process for an advertising bidding system in which advertisers can bid on advertising time slots or enhanced ads that can be inserted in either prerecorded or live television programming. A high degree of flexibility is provided by allowing embedded ads to be purchased and displayed in a very short time period. This allows TV broadcasters to increase revenues and allows advertisers to have more flexibility in advertising. Objects can be inserted in the display video broadcast using enhancements such as by using mark-up language overlay pages or by video combination techniques. The effect of these ads can be evaluated for advertising campaigns.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni
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Publication number: 20130212635Abstract: Disclosed is a system that optimizes transmission bandwidth of a broadband transmission system such as a cable television, satellite system, or wireless information service. Requests for content items from users are employed to add or delete content items from a list. Content items in the list are ranked relative to the number of requests received or by rate of request. Package groups are created with most requested content items being broadcast more frequently than less requested content items. Transmit groups are produced from package groups and placed in a broadcast queue. A transmit process transmits groups retrieved from the queue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: Brian Sedlak, Thomas Lemmons, Gary Rasmussen, Ian Zenoni, Thomas Huber
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Patent number: 8429290Abstract: Disclosed is a system that optimizes transmission bandwidth of a broadband transmission system such as a cable television, satellite system, or wireless information service. Requests for content items from users are employed to add or delete content items from a list. Content items in the list are ranked relative to the number of requests received or by rate of request. Package groups are created with most requested content items being broadcast more frequently than less requested content items. Transmit groups are produced from package groups and placed in a broadcast queue. A transmit process transmits groups retrieved from the queue.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: Brian Sedlak, Thomas Lemmons, Gary Rasmussen, Ian Zenoni, Thomas Huber
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Publication number: 20130031582Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for automatic localization of advertisements is provided. In example embodiments, a transmission signal is received. A portion of the transmission signal is identified. A determination of whether localized advertisement data corresponds to the identified portion is performed. Localized advertisement data that correspond to the identified portion of the transmission signal is retrieved. The localized advertisement data is then inserted into the identified portion of the transmission signal to generate an altered signal. The altered signal is transmitted to a user device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: John Tinsman, Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni
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Publication number: 20130024293Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for offering and billing advertisement opportunities are provided. In example embodiments, an advertisement opportunity in media to be communicated to a user device associated with a viewer is identified. Attributes of the advertisement opportunity are determined. Based on these attributes, a value to assign to the advertisement opportunity is determined. The advertisement opportunity is offered to a potential advertiser based on the assigned value determined using the attributes of the advertisement opportunity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: John Tinsman, Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni
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Publication number: 20130019261Abstract: In example embodiments, a system and method for providing interactive advertisement is provided. In some embodiments, a component causes a video program having an interactive advertisement to be displayed to a user on a display screen. The interactive advertisement includes an enhanced content activator. In response to activation of the enhanced content activator by the user, enhanced advertisement information including at least one trigger is provisioned. The enhanced advertisement information is then caused to be displayed with the video program and the interactive advertisement. A selection by the user of the at least one trigger associated with the enhanced advertisement information is monitored. In response to selection of the at least one trigger, access to further content associated with the enhanced content information is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: OpenTV, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni, Debra Hensgen
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Publication number: 20110321087Abstract: Disclosed is a process for an advertising bidding system in which advertisers can bid on advertising time slots or enhanced ads that can be inserted in either prerecorded or live television programming. A high degree of flexibility is provided by allowing embedded ads to be purchased and displayed in a very short time period. This allows TV broadcasters to increase revenues and allows advertisers to have more flexibility in advertising. Objects can be inserted in the display video broadcast using enhancements such as by using mark-up language overlay pages or by video combination techniques. The effect of these ads can be evaluated for advertising campaigns.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Thomas Huber, Thomas Lemmons, Ian Zenoni