Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Lemmons
Thomas R. 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: 8464296Abstract: An interactive media guidance system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. Options may be provided that allow the user to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all or selected channels for some or all episodes including reruns, new episodes, network or syndicated episodes, on all or only on selected days.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Kevin D. Satterfield, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Publication number: 20130097640Abstract: Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Thomas R. Lemmons, Donald W. Allison, Jerry D. Henshaw, Connie T. Marshall
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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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Patent number: 8392948Abstract: Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Thomas R. Lemmons, Donald W. Allison, Jerry D. Henshaw, Connie T. Marshall
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Publication number: 20130024893Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Thomas R. Lemmons
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Publication number: 20130007808Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may inform a program guide of the user's interests. Information on the user's interests may be stored in a preference profile. There may be more than one preference profile, each for a different user. Each preference profile contains a number of preference attributes (program titles, genres, viewing times, channels, broadcast characteristics, etc.). A preference level (e.g., strong or weak like, strong or weak dislike, illegal, mandatory, don't care, etc.) that is indicative of the user's level of interest is associated with each preference attribute. Preference profiles may be used to restrict the programs that are listed in various program listings display screens and may be used to limit the channels to which the program guide allows the user to tune.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Edward B. Knudson, Thomas R. Lemmons, Joel G. Hassell, Robert A. Knee, Kevin B. Easterbrook
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Patent number: 8296802Abstract: Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Thomas R Lemmons, Donald W Allison, Jerry D Henshaw, Connie T Marshall
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Publication number: 20120266193Abstract: An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. The operation of applications such as web browser applications, home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Thomas R. Lemmons
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Patent number: 8272019Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Thomas R. Lemmons
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Patent number: 8266662Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Thomas R. Lemmons
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Publication number: 20120148217Abstract: A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Thomas R. Lemmons, William L. Thomas
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Publication number: 20120151526Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Thomas R. Lemmons, Connie T. Marshall, Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis
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Publication number: 20120148212Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Thomas R. Lemmons, Connie T. Marshall, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20120148211Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, Thomas R. Lemmons, Connie T. Marshall, Donald W. Allison
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Publication number: 20120131613Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Thomas R. Lemmons
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Patent number: 8176521Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Thomas R. Lemmons
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Publication number: 20120093488Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Thomas R. Lemmons
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Publication number: 20120079525Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Joel G. Hassell, Thomas R. Lemmons, David M. Berezowski, Robert A. Knee, Robert H. McCoy
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Publication number: 20120066719Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Joel G. Hassell, Thomas R. Lemmons, David M. Berezowski, Robert A. Knee, Robert H. McCoy
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Publication number: 20120060189Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Joel G. Hassell, Thomas R. Lemmons, David M. Berezowski, Robert A. Knee, Robert H. McCoy