Patents by Inventor Timothy B. Demers
Timothy B. Demers 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: 10051299Abstract: A system having an adaptive browse feature and an adaptive flip feature is provided. The adaptative browse and flip features may be selected to receive program viewing suggestions. The system may provide a suggestion by displaying an adaptive browse region or adaptative flip region including a program suggestion. The system identifies programs to suggest based on a user=s viewing activity. The system uses different algorithms that are user-selectable and user-adjustable identify program suggestions. The system may query a program guide database to build a list of programs having attributes similar to the attributes of the current program or the last viewed program. The system may use an adaptive learning algorithm such as a neural network. The neural network may be trained by the program guide by monitoring user-viewing activity. Each algorithm may be personalized for multiple users.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: ROVI GUIDES, INC.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
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Publication number: 20170366831Abstract: A system having an adaptive browse feature and an adaptive flip feature is provided. The adaptative browse and flip features may be selected to receive program viewing suggestions. The system may provide a suggestion by displaying an adaptive browse region or adaptative flip region including a program suggestion. The system identifies programs to suggest based on a user=s viewing activity. The system uses different algorithms that are user-selectable and user-adjustable to identify program suggestions. The system may query a program guide database to build a list of programs having attributes similar to the attributes of the current program or the last viewed program. The system may use an adaptive learning algorithm such as a neural network. The neural network may be trained by the program guide by monitoring user-viewing activity. Each algorithm may be personalized for multiple users.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
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Patent number: 9820001Abstract: An on-line scheduling application allows users to personalize how television-related, entertainment-related, and social event related information is provided. Users may select one or more sources from which the information is obtained. Users may set up a date book that is also uses as a source. Users may select one or more delivery schemes that the application used to provide the information. One or more of the personalization features of the scheduling application may be incorporated into an on-line television programming guide.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: ROVI GUIDES, INC.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Mark A. Regouby, Timothy B. Demers
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Patent number: 9788030Abstract: A system having an adaptive browse feature and an adaptive flip feature is provided. The adaptive browse and flip features may be selected to receive program viewing suggestions. The system may provide a suggestion by displaying an adaptive browse region or adaptive flip region including a program suggestion. The system identifies programs to suggest based on a user=s viewing activity. The system uses different algorithms that are user-selectable and user-adjustable to identify program suggestions. The system may query a program guide database to build a list of programs having attributes similar to the attributes of the current program or the last viewed program. The system may use an adaptive learning algorithm such as a neural network. The neural network may be trained by the program guide by monitoring user-viewing activity. Each algorithm may be personalized for multiple users.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
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Publication number: 20160192002Abstract: An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access television program listings containing embedded real-time data over an Internet communications link. The television program listing may be for a sporting event that is currently being broadcast and the real-time data may be the current score of the event, the current weather where the event is taking place, or any other suitable real-time information on the event. The real-time data may be presented in the form of video stills, video clips, textual information, audio clips, or suitable combinations of such media. The user can perform database searches on the program guide listings to search for a desired program. If desired, the user can obtain additional information on a selected program by accessing an associated web page.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
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Patent number: 9197858Abstract: Multimedia distribution and broadcast systems and related processes are provided for transmitting multimedia contents and control information from a central uplink facility to a remote downlink via a satellite. The system is preferably implemented in order to generate sequences of multimedia that are broadcast from the remote downlink facility to viewers. The display arrangements of the multimedia sequences are varied and customized by each downlink facility using the control information in order to better inform and entertain viewers.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. McCoy, Edward R. Andes, David M. Berezowski, Bruce A. Blackwell, Franklin E. Boyer, Jon R. Braunsma, James T. Buckley, Eric Cockrell, Timothy B. Demers, Harlan Ford, Donald C. Kern, Pamela S. Klich, Terry J. Kroh, Randall C. Lievsay, Douglas E. Naufel, Steven P. Reiser, Alan K. Roper, Ronald R. Russell, Robert A. Wallis
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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: 20140298387Abstract: A system having an adaptive browse feature and an adaptive flip feature is provided. The adaptive browse and flip features may be selected to receive program viewing suggestions. The system may provide a suggestion by displaying an adaptive browse region or adaptive flip region including a program suggestion. The system identifies programs to suggest based on a user=s viewing activity. The system uses different algorithms that are user-selectable and user-adjustable to identify program suggestions. The system may query a program guide database to build a list of programs having attributes similar to the attributes of the current program or the last viewed program. The system may use an adaptive learning algorithm such as a neural network. The neural network may be trained by the program guide by monitoring user-viewing activity. Each algorithm may be personalized for multiple users.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
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Publication number: 20140250458Abstract: An Internet television program guide electronic-mail (e-mail) reminder system is provided. The system allows a user at a multimedia system to order and receive e-mail message reminders of scheduled television events over the Internet. The user can order e-mail reminders after selecting a program from the program listings or by supplying [a program title directly] specific user program preferences without having to consult the program listings. The user can specify when and how often the reminders will be generated and received. If desired, the user can view a list of all currently requested e-mail reminders. Entries can be added to the list or the user can cancel a previously ordered reminder. The user can order e-mail reminders for scheduled pay-per-view programs using the system. The user can also have reminder information periodically updated and available directly on the user's multimedia system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers, Bruce A. Blackwell
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Patent number: 8762492Abstract: An Internet television program guide electronic-mail (e-mail) reminder system is provided. The system allows a user at a multimedia system to order and receive e-mail message reminders of scheduled television events over the Internet. The user can order e-mail reminders after selecting a program from the program listings or by supplying [a program title directly] specific user program preferences without having to consult the program listings. The user can specify when and how often the reminders will be generated and received. If desired, the user can view a list of all currently requested e-mail reminders. Entries can be added to the list or the user can cancel a previously ordered reminder. The user can order e-mail reminders for scheduled pay-per-view programs using the system. The user can also have reminder information periodically updated and available directly on the user's multimedia system.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Frankin E Boyer, Timothy B Demers, Bruce A Blackwell
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Patent number: 8732758Abstract: A system having an adaptive browse feature and an adaptive flip feature is provided. The adaptative browse and flip features may be selected to receive program viewing suggestions. The system may provide a suggestion by displaying an adaptive browse region or adaptative flip region including a program suggestion. The system identifies programs to suggest based on a user=s viewing activity. The system uses different algorithms that are user-selectable and user-adjustable to identify program suggestions. The system may query a program guide database to build a list of programs having attributes similar to the attributes of the current program or the last viewed program. The system may use an adaptive learning algorithm such as a neural network. The neural network may be trained by the program guide by monitoring user-viewing activity. Each algorithm may be personalized for multiple users.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
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Publication number: 20140068671Abstract: An on-line scheduling application allows users to personalize how television-related, entertainment-related, and social event related information is provided. Users may select one or more sources from which the information is obtained. Users may set up a date book that is also uses as a source. Users may select one or more delivery schemes that the application used to provide the information. One or more of the personalization features of the scheduling application stay be incorporated into an on-line television programming guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Mark A. Regouby, Timothy B. Demers
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Patent number: 8539044Abstract: An on-line scheduling application allows users to personalize how television-related, entertainment-related, and social event related information is provided. Users may select one or more sources from which the information is obtained. Users may set up a date book that is also uses as a source. Users may select one or more delivery schemes that the application uses to provide the information. One or more of the personalization features of the scheduling application may be incorporated into an on-line television programming guide.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Mark A. Regouby, Timothy B. Demers
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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: 20120240149Abstract: Multimedia distribution and broadcast systems and related processes are provided for transmitting multimedia contents and control information from a central uplink facility to a remote downlink via a satellite. The system is preferably implemented in order to generate sequences of multimedia that are broadcast from the remote downlink facility to viewers. The display arrangements of the multimedia sequences are varied and customized by each downlink facility using the control information in order to better inform and entertain viewers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Robert H. McCoy, Edward R. Andes, David M. Berezowski, Bruce A. Blackwell, Franklin E. Boyer, Jon R. Braunsma, James T. Buckley, Eric Cockrell, Timothy B. Demers, Harlan Ford, Donald C. Kern, Pamela S. Klich, Terry J. Kroh, Randall C. Lievsay, Douglas E. Naufel, Steven P. Reiser, Alan K. Roper, Ronald R. Russell, Robert A. Wallis
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Patent number: 8151297Abstract: Multimedia distribution and broadcast systems and related processes are provided for transmitting multimedia contents and control information from a central uplink facility to a remote downlink via a satellite. The system is preferably implemented in order to generate sequences of multimedia that are broadcast from the remote downlink facility to viewers. The display arrangements of the multimedia sequences are varied and customized by each downlink facility using the control information in order to better inform and entertain viewers.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. McCoy, Edward R. Andes, David M. Berezowski, Bruce A. Blackwell, Franklin E. Boyer, Jon R. Braunsma, James T. Buckley, Eric Cockrell, Timothy B. Demers, Harlan Ford, Donald C. Kern, Pamela S. Klich, Terry J. Kroh, Randall C. Lievsay, Douglas E. Naufel, Steven P. Reiser, Alan K. Roper, Ronald R. Russell, Robert A. Wallis
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Publication number: 20110191808Abstract: 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: April 13, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: 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: 20110167450Abstract: An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access television program listings containing embedded real-time data over an Internet communications link. The television program listing may be for a sporting event that is currently being broadcast and the real-time data may be the current score of the event, the current weather where the event is taking place, or any other suitable real-time information on the event. The real-time data may be presented in the form of video stills, video clips, textual information, audio clips, or suitable combinations of such media. The user can perform database searches on the program guide listings to search for a desired program. If desired, the user can obtain additional information on a selected program by accessing an associated web page.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
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Publication number: 20110167120Abstract: An Internet television program guide electronic-mail (e-mail) reminder system is provided. The system allows a user at a multimedia system to order and receive e-mail message reminders of scheduled television events over the Internet. The user can order e-mail reminders after selecting a program from the program listings or by supplying (a program title directly) specific user program preferences without having to consult the program listings. The user can specify when and how often the reminders will be generated and received. If desired, the user can view a list of all currently requested e-mail reminders. Entries can be added to the list or the user can cancel a previously ordered reminder. The user can order e-mail reminders for scheduled pay-per-view programs using the system. The user can also have reminder information periodically updated and available directly on the user's multimedia system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers, Bruce A. Blackwell
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Publication number: 20100211975Abstract: 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: April 30, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers, Donald W. Allison, Mark A. Regouby, Steven C. Williamson, Joanna L. Hensley, W. Benjamin Herrington, Paul N. Reddy