Patents by Inventor W. Benjamin Herrington
W. Benjamin Herrington 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: 10904630Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guidance to users for finding media are described. Such systems and methods may be provided in interactive media guides such as program guides, web browsers, or other suitable interactive media guides.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, David M. Berezowski, Robert A. Knee, Michael D. Ellis, Todd A. Walker, M. Scott Reichardt, L. Joe Hedges, Esq.
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Patent number: 10063909Abstract: 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: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Rovi Guides, 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: 9813772Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Publication number: 20170111704Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 9462351Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Publication number: 20160227270Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: 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: 9197943Abstract: A system for searching for programs is provided. The system may allow the user to indicate an interest in a given program and to request that the system locate programs related to the given program. The system may locate program listings related to the given program (e.g., based on attributes of the given program), display a list of located listings and allow the user to select listings from the list. For a program selected from the list, the system may tune to the program, may display an information display screen for the program, etc. The system may allow the user to configure and save search parameters, sort related program listings based on the attributes of the given program. For a saved search, the system may allow the user to retrieve the search to locate currently available program listings, receive automatic notifications of programs matching the search, modify the search, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: W. Benjamin Herrington, Michael D. Ellis
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Publication number: 20150334462Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guidance to users for finding media are described. Such systems and methods may be provided in interactive media guides such as program guides, web browsers, or other suitable interactive media guides.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2015Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, David M. Berezowski, Robert A. Knee, Michael D. Ellis, Todd A. Walker, M. Scott Reichardt, L. Joe Hedges, Esq.
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Patent number: 9191716Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guidance to users for finding media are described. Such systems and methods may be provided in interactive media guides such as program guides, web browsers, or other suitable interactive media guides.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, David M. Berezowski, Robert A. Knee, Michael D. Ellis, Todd A. Walker, M. Scott Reichardt, L. Joe Hedges
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Publication number: 20150264424Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: 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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Publication number: 20150256896Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 9118958Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced advertising and merchandising opportunities are described. Advertisements may be provided for passive programming such as television programs, commercials, pay-per-view programs, passive video products, or other suitable passive programming. Interactive advertisements may be provided in interactive applications such as interactive television program guides, web browsers, home shopping applications, operating systems, or other suitable interactive applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: M. Scott Reichardt, W. Benjamin Herrington
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Patent number: 9066128Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 9066147Abstract: 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: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, 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: 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: 20140259073Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: UNITED VIDEO PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Patent number: 8826338Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, W. Benjamin Herrington, Steven C. Williamson, Kevin B. Easterbrook, Joshua A. Rosenthol, David M. Rudnick
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Publication number: 20140208358Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guidance to users for finding media are described. Such systems and methods may be provided in interactive media guides such as program guides, web browsers, or other suitable interactive media guides.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, David M. Berezowski, Robert A. Knee, Michael D. Ellis, Todd A. Walker, M. Scott Reichardt, L. Joe Hedges, Esq.
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Patent number: 8732756Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guidance to users for finding media are described. Such systems and methods may be provided in interactive media guides such as program guides, web browsers, or other suitable interactive media guides.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventors: William L. Thomas, W. Benjamin Herrington, David M. Berezowski, Robert A. Knee, Michael D. Ellis, Todd A. Walker, M. Scott Reichardt, L. Joe Hedges
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Publication number: 20140068669Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: 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