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).

  • Patent number: 10051299
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ROVI GUIDES, INC.
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
  • Publication number: 20170366831
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
  • Patent number: 9820001
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ROVI GUIDES, INC.
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Mark A. Regouby, Timothy B. Demers
  • Patent number: 9788030
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
  • Publication number: 20160192002
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
  • Patent number: 9197858
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 9003451
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20140298387
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
  • Publication number: 20140250458
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers, Bruce A. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8762492
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Frankin E Boyer, Timothy B Demers, Bruce A Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8732758
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
  • Publication number: 20140068671
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Mark A. Regouby, Timothy B. Demers
  • Patent number: 8539044
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Mark A. Regouby, Timothy B. Demers
  • Publication number: 20120272270
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20120240149
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8151297
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20110191808
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20110167450
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers
  • Publication number: 20110167120
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Franklin E. Boyer, Timothy B. Demers, Bruce A. Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20100211975
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    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