Based On Genre, Theme, Or Category Patents (Class 725/45)
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Publication number: 20120030710Abstract: A landline telephone circuit is provided within a TV chassis or in a set-back box connectable to the TV processor to enable a user to place and receive calls through the TV. The telephone feature is integrated with the UI of the TV so that telephone features appear alongside other TV features. The telephone feature is controlled by the TV remote control, and has a microphone and computer storage for audio and database information.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventor: ANDY NGUYEN
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Patent number: 8104061Abstract: An EPG displays programming information in a variety of ways including using 3-D images, alphanumeric text, and video data. A presentation engine allows viewers and/or programmers to select between varying programming worlds. In addition, non-EPG objects, such as interaction objects, may be conflated with the presentation of the world and with the program schedule information.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: JLB Ventures LLCInventors: Dan Kikinis, Yavok Kamen
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Patent number: 8095953Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a receiver which receives a broadcasting signal of a program corresponding to at least one of a plurality of categories; a UI generator which generates a UI having at least one of a plurality of attributes and capable of being displayed for the program; an image processing unit which performs image processing for the received broadcasting signal; and a controlling unit which controls the UI generator so that the attribute of the program can correspond to the category of the program.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ki-joo Hong, Duk-jin Kang
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Patent number: 8095954Abstract: A method includes associating a first channel identifier of an electronic programming guide with a first multimedia channel from a first content source and associating a second channel identifier of the electronic programming guide with a second multimedia channel from a second content source. The second content source is different from the first content source. A computer readable medium embodies a set of executable instructions that manipulate a processor to generate an electronic programming guide. The electronic programming guide includes a first set of one or more channel identifiers and a second set of one or more channel identifiers. Each channel identifier in the first set is associated with one or more multimedia channels of a cable television transmission and each channel identifier in the second set is associated with a multimedia channel of a packet-based network transmission.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, L.P.Inventors: Edward Walter, Steven M Wollmershauser, Yolius Diroo
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Patent number: 8087049Abstract: A network-based device allows customers to receive television programming and to view summaries of the programming. A method of providing the summaries comprises: dividing a received program into program segments each identified by index marks, summarizing each program segment into summary segments identified by similar index marks, generating metadata files for delimiting a beginning and an end of summary segments and program segments, storing the summary segments and accessing the summary segments to supply the summary segments in lieu of program segments upon demand.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Vijay K. Bhagavath, Robert Edward Markowitz, Joseph Thomas O'Neil
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Patent number: 8086091Abstract: A data recording system includes a data acquiring apparatus that acquires data externally and a data recording apparatus that is communicably connected to the data acquiring apparatus via a network, and records data transmitted from the data acquiring apparatus. The data acquiring apparatus includes a data acquiring unit, a temporary storage unit, a transmitting-receiving unit, a communication-band management unit, and a control unit. The data recording apparatus includes a transmitting-receiving unit, a recording unit, and a control unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Pioneer CorporationInventor: Toshihiro Sotomaru
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Patent number: 8081682Abstract: In some embodiments, encoding modes for a video image block are enabled according to similarity measures of the block with respect to multiple content categories. Content categories may identify potentially overlapping content types such as sky, water, grass, skin, and red content. In a priority mode, the encoding modes specified by a priority content category (e.g. a red category) are selectively enabled for the block, regardless of the block's similarity to other (non-priority) content categories, provided the block is sufficiently similar to the priority category. In a dominant mode, the encoding modes enabled by a maximum-similarity content category are enabled for the block. In an all-inclusive mode, any mode enabled by any sufficiently-similar content category is enabled for the block. Enabled encoding modes may be further evaluated for selection for the block. Encoding modes may include inter/intra modes, macroblock partition sizes, and intra-prediction directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventors: Ilie Carbacea, Lulin Chen, Jose R. Alvarez
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Patent number: 8073115Abstract: Detection devices (1) for controlling storage devices (20) for receiving and storing video signals for a plurality of subscribers are provided with memories (2, 3) for storing subscriber's profiles and detectors (4, 5) for detecting video signals comprising content according to the subscriber's profiles. Indication transmitters (6, 7) transmit indications with respect to the video signal to indication receivers (26, 27) of the storage devices (20) for in response to receptions of the indications storing the video signals or to indication receivers (71) of subscriber devices (70) for in response to receptions of the indications informing the subscribers. Switches (8, 9) activate/deactivate the detection devices (1) in response to un-availabilities/availabilities of the subscribers to check the video signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: André Marcel Moreau, Taner Gungor
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Patent number: 8069460Abstract: Screen (10) for a user interface of a television schedule system and process consists of an array (24) of irregular cells (26), which vary in length, corresponding to different television program lengths of one half hour to one-and-one half hours or more. The array is arranged as three columns (28) of one-half hour in duration, and twelve rows (30) of program listings. Some of the program listings overlap two or more of the columns (28) because of their length. Because of the widely varying length of the cells (26), if a conventional cursor used to select a cell location were to simply step from one cell to another, the result would be abrupt changes in the screen (10) as the cursor moved from a cell (26) of several hours length to an adjacent cell in the same row. An effective way of taming the motion is to assume that behind every array (24) is an underlying array of regular cells. By restricting cursor movements to the regular cells, abrupt screen changes will be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Starsight Telecast, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Young, John H. Roop, Alan R. Ebright, Michael W. Faber, David Anderson
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Patent number: 8056100Abstract: A system and method for scheduling the receipt of desired movies and other forms of data from a network which simultaneously distributes many sources of such data to many customers, as in a cable television system. Customer profiles are developed for the recipient describing how important certain characteristics of the broadcast video program, movie or other data are to each customer. From these profiles, an “agreement matrix” is calculated by comparing the recipient's profiles to the actual profiles of the characteristics of the available video programs, movies, or other data. The agreement matrix thus characterizes the attractiveness of each video program, movie, or other data to each prospective customer. “Virtual” channels are generated from the agreement matrix to produce a series of video or data programming which will provide the greatest satisfaction to each customer.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Pinpoint, IncorporatedInventors: Frederick Herz, Lyle Ungar, Jian Zhang, David Wachob
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Patent number: 8050652Abstract: A network-enabled audio device that provides a display device that allows the user to select playlists of music much like a jukebox is disclosed. The user can compose playlists from disk files, CD's, Internet streaming audio broadcasts, online music sites, and other audio sources. The user can also select a desired Web broadcast from a list of available Web broadcasts. In addition, the user can play standard audio CD's and MP3 encoded CD's and have access to local AM/FM stations. Further, the software, the user controls, and the display in the network-enabled audio device are operably configured and connected such that the user can listen to playlists that include CD's and other audio sources just as the user would choose a playlist in a jukebox. The user accesses a server site via a PC and the Internet. From the server site, the user obtains a list of the devices in his or her Internet Personal Audio Network (IPAN) and what songs are on those devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Horsham Enterprises, LLCInventors: Safi Qureshey, Daniel D. Sheppard
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Patent number: 8051146Abstract: A personalized audio system and method that overcomes many of the broadcast-type disadvantages associated with conventional radio stations.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Music ChoiceInventors: Jeremy Rosenberg, Ronald Yurman
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Patent number: 8045952Abstract: A network-enabled audio device that provides a display device that allows the user to select playlists of music much like a jukebox is disclosed. The user can compose playlists from disk files, CD's, Internet streaming audio broadcasts, online music sites, and other audio sources. The user can also select a desired Web broadcast from a list of available Web broadcasts. In addition, the user can play standard audio CD's and MP3 encoded CD's and have access to local AM/FM stations. Further, the software, the user controls, and the display in the network-enabled audio device are operably configured and connected such that the user can listen to playlists that include CD's and other audio sources just as the user would choose a playlist in a jukebox. The user accesses a server site via a PC and the Internet. From the server site, the user obtains a list of the devices in his or her Internet Personal Audio Network (IPAN) and what songs are on those devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Horsham Enterprises, LLCInventors: Safi Qureshey, Daniel D. Sheppard
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Patent number: 8042131Abstract: A method and system whereby conventional television advertisements (i.e., those delivered to viewers while they watch television programming) can be delivered in conjunction with and correlated with advertisements that are presented to viewers in the Interactive Program Guide (IPG). Moreover, the invention described herein provides for delivering highly targeted ads to viewers in both conventional programming avails and in the IPG, and for linking the targeted ads in these two media to provide for enhanced and highly effective advertising campaigns.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Prime Research Alliance E, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Flickinger
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Patent number: 8042135Abstract: A method of controlling an apparatus for receiving an electronic program guide (EPG), and an EPG receiver using the same, enable preferred broadcast programs to be displayed and viewed using a reserved recording function, without performing specific searching or playback operations, by employing a user channel to simulate reception of real-time television broadcasting to enable a sequential display and viewing of at least one broadcast program via the user channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Eun Hyung Cho
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Patent number: 8042134Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a managing module configured to manage pieces of image information corresponding to types of applications; a determination module configured to determine whether a present time satisfies a preset temporal condition; an image selecting module configured to select first image information corresponding to a type of an activated application, and second image information corresponding to the type of the activated application when the present time satisfies the temporal condition; and a display module configured to generate a first image based on the first image information to be displayed on a display device when the image selecting module selects the first image information. The display module generates a second image based on the second image information to be displayed on the display device in place of the first image when the image selecting module selects the second image information.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Atsushi Hirota, Shinich Ooi, Osamu Yoshida, Michihiro Fukushima
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Patent number: 8042137Abstract: A continuous selection graph can be displayed as a graphical user interface, where the continuous selection graph includes a similarity continuum to indicate media content that is progressively similar, and includes an axis of identifying criteria for the media content. The axis of identifying criteria for the media content associates the media content along the similarity continuum, where the axis of identifying criteria is displayed perpendicular to the similarity continuum.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Ronald A. Morris
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Patent number: 8037493Abstract: Techniques are described to customize the functional capabilities of a remote control device with one or more modular hardware components. In an implementation, a modular hardware component coupled to a remote control device is identified. A user interface is configured according to the identified modular hardware component and/or the functional capabilities of the identified modular hardware component. The configured user interface corresponds to the modular hardware component and is operable via inputs or data provided through user manipulation of the modular hardware component.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Charles J. Migos
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Patent number: 8037494Abstract: According to the invention, a method for generating a personalized menu promoting other video programs available from a video content delivery system is disclosed. The video content delivery system provides a plurality of channels of video content simultaneously. In one step, it is determined that a triggering event has occurred with a video content delivery conduit. First information about one or more users is gathered. The one or more users are associated with an account with the video content delivery system. Alternative video programs are determined and personalized for the one or more users based, at least in part, upon the first information. The context for the triggering event is analyzed to produce second information. A configuration of the personalized menu is determined based, at least in part, upon the second information. The personalized menu is formulated for presentment to the one or more users. The personalized menu comprises links to the alternative video programs.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Starz Entertainment, LLCInventors: John J. Sie, Mark G. Bauman, John C. Beyler, Gregory R. DePrez
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Patent number: 8028313Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to provide at least a portion of a linear program guide to a display for presentation to a user. The linear program guide includes a list of media content carriers and associated media content instances, and an endpoint located at one end of the list. The media content carriers and the endpoint are navigable by the user, and the endpoint is associated with at least one selectable navigation tool for navigating within the linear program guide. In certain embodiments, the selectable navigation tool includes a selectable shortcut to a predefined location within the linear program guide.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Heath Stallings, Brian Roberts, Don Relyea
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Patent number: 8024754Abstract: To add new additional content to the reproduction schedule on the basis of reference content scheduled in a time slot in the reproduction schedule, a digital television in accordance with the present invention includes: an additional content extracting section for identifying, as the additional content, content associated with content information which meets conditions determined on the basis of content information of the reference content; and a placement position determining section for determining, based on time slot determining procedure information based on which a time slot is determined for the additional content related to the reference content, a time slot for the additional content identified by the additional content identifying means. The digital television therefore produces an optimal reproduction schedule to the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takayuki Nagamatsu
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Patent number: 8018611Abstract: A classification information setting method for classifying contents into series comprises: a similarity determination step for determining a similarity between first contents classified into a series and second contents unclassified yet; and a classification setting step for setting, in case the similarity exists, classification information related to the first contents, as classification information for the second contents. At the similarity determination step, the similarity is determined by comparing text data contained in the first contents and text data contained in the second contents.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Matsubayashi, Yoshikazu Shibamiya
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Patent number: 8020191Abstract: A method for determining similarity of two policies includes providing a first policy with n rules and a second policy with m rules, wherein each rule is structured into a plurality of identifiable elements, categorizing the rules in each policy based on an action, for each pair of rules finding those predicates whose attribute names match, computing an attribute similarity score for the attribute values, summing the attribute similarity scores for all pairs to obtain an element similarity score, and computing a rule similarity score for the pair of rules from a weighted sum of said element similarity scores.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Elisa Bertino, Dan Lin, Jorge Lobo, Prathima Rama Rao
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Patent number: 8001568Abstract: In a content distribution system, in which broadcast content is distributed and provided to a television viewer, a method and apparatus for providing a compact guide display of a plurality of television show or program recommendations, optionally with descriptions, which are available and selectable for viewing by a viewer without interrupting the presently-viewed content.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: Nathaniel Thurston, Devin Hosea
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Patent number: 7987484Abstract: Self-organizing media content is described. In embodiment(s), a self-organizing map can be applied to metadata that corresponds to television media content. A media content array of television media content choices can then be generated based on the mapped metadata where the media content array is organized to include n-dimensions that are each based on a different attribute of the metadata. The media content array can then be displayed on a user interface that facilitates dynamic traversal of the media content array for viewer selection of the television media content choices.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: David H. Sloo
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Patent number: 7987480Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which an interactive television program guide is implemented on user television equipment containing a memory. The system allocates the memory among different categories of program guide data used by the program guide. When new channels are added to the channel line-up, the program guide adjusts its memory allocation accordingly. When it is desired to install a new non-program-guide application on the user television equipment in addition to the program guide, memory can be reallocated to accommodate the new application.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: United Video Properties,Inc.Inventors: Michael D Ellis, Daniel C Hagenbuch
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Patent number: 7984468Abstract: An interactive television program guide application is provided that queries a user regarding the user's interest in television programs and suggests television programs to the user based on the user's responses. The interactive television program guide application identifies a television program that is potentially of interest to the user. The interactive television program guide application then queries the user regarding the user's interest using questions that are formulated based on attributes associated with the identified television program. Using the user's responses to the questions, the interactive television program guide application identifies and suggests one or more television programs to the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.Inventor: Thomas E. Westberg
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Patent number: 7971217Abstract: Meta data about content is converted into characteristic values. Each characteristic value is associated with one or more content segments of content. The content can be audio, video, or other data or combinations of data. Importance levels for content segments are determined from content scores. Content scores are generally an indication of how one person would rate a particular characteristic value. The content scores may be estimated by using previously determined scores of similar content segments. The similarity is preferably determined by a particular metric. A user may also supply his or her own content scores for content segments. The user profile content scores can be combined with the determined content scores or completely supplant these scores. Based on the importance levels for content scores for content segments, content segments may be packaged into a content digest that a user may view.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ken Masumitsu, Tomio Echigo, Takaaki Murao, Masayoshi Teraguchi
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Patent number: 7966632Abstract: A system, method and various user interfaces enable visually browsing multiple groups of video recommendations. A group of video recommendations includes a central video and a set of related videos displayed at its corresponding display distance from the central video and from each other. The corresponding display distance of a video is calculated as a function of the video's recommendation score and correlation with other videos of the group. The recommendation score is generated based on a weighted covisitation measure. Visually presenting recommended videos to a user provides a quick and intuitive way to find videos of interest and visualize the browsing of the recommended videos.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Yu Pan, Jasson Schrock
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Publication number: 20110145864Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Mark T. CORL
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Patent number: 7962938Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) is enhanced to have entries that enable access to one or more images. When an image-related entry is selected by a user, a television-based device presents the one or more images that are associated with the selected entry. In a described search-related implementation, portions of the EPG, such as actors and actresses names, are presented as links. Selection of a link effectuates a search of a group of files and is followed by the visual presentation of a slide show of images resulting from the search. In a described email-related implementation, a third party can email images to an email address that is associated with the television-based device. In response to the emailed images, an image entry is added to the channel lineup of the EPG. Selection of the image entry causes the device to visually present the emailed images in a slide show.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Peter T. Barrett
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Patent number: 7958528Abstract: A user interface allows for blending of television program choices from which a viewer may select, the blending representing options for linear and non-linear programming presented together within a single hierarchy of a designated category. The blending may further include managed content relevant to the designated category, where desired. Such designated categories may include television programming categories and/or content categories. The options for linear and non-linear programming may be presented together within a single screen of the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: TVWorks, LLCInventors: Samuel Moreau, Donald Ahrens, Georgia Gibbs, John Carney, David de Andrade
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Patent number: 7945926Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for combining television broadcast programming content with customized or personalized information and educational or entertainment content. The system includes a set-top box capable of receiving data transmissions and locally rendering video animation for display with, instead of and/or synchronized with television broadcast programs in a way that the television viewer sees a coherent seamless merging of the television program content and supplemental content sources in an indistinguishable format. Preferably, the viewer may interact in real-time with the enhanced television programming to provide a higher level of engagement and customization potential.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Accenture Global Services LimitedInventors: Kelly L. Dempski, Ryan C. Horner, Dax A. Fohl
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Patent number: 7945927Abstract: A user preference information data structure which is capable of classifying and setting user's preference information regarding multi-media contents with multiple items to thereby provide users with user's request-based whole or partial multi-media information, and a method for providing multi-media information by using the user preference information data structure. The multiple item user preference information data structure for multi-media contents comprising: single item user preference information for single items related to the multi-media information; and multiple items user preference information for multiple items formed by combining the single items.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Sung Bae Jun, Kyoung Ro Yoon
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Patent number: 7941819Abstract: A graphical user interface (“GUI”) for a content management system is provided, such as to present information associated with various forms of multimedia content. In some situations, the GUI includes information presented simultaneously using at least first and second time scales, such as to provide relatively detailed information for content corresponding to a shorter time scale (e.g., to display content listings with details about content that corresponds to a time period at the shorter time scale) and to provide relatively limited information for content corresponding to a longer time scale (e.g., indications of other content of potential interest corresponding to times outside the time period of the shorter time scale). In addition, in some situations the relatively limited information for content corresponding to the longer time scale may be selectable by the user to provide various functionality related to that content.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Vulcan Inc.Inventors: Korina J. B. Stark, Daniel R. Sterling, Michael Stacie, Marcellino Tanumihardja
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Patent number: 7937671Abstract: A method for modifying a play list in an audio and/or video apparatus is proposed. This methods notably comprises the steps of: displaying available tracks in a first area, displaying the current play list in a second are, determining a track to be considered depending on a first user action, indicating the track to be considered by highlighting it in the first area, upon a second user action, removing, if existing, the last occurrence of the track to be considered in the play list displayed in the second area.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Valerie Liebhold, Lan Ying Tow
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Patent number: 7937730Abstract: A recording control apparatus for controlling execution of recording in a recording apparatus, comprising, a channel selection acceptance unit configured to accept a channel selection from a user, a display controller to control a display unit to display program data which is selected among received program data via broadcast signal and is corresponding to the accepted channel selection, an obtaining unit configured to obtain reserve-recording information to be executed, and a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the program displayed on the display unit corresponds to a program according to the reserve-recording information, wherein when the determination unit determines that the program displayed on the display unit corresponds to a program according to the reserve-recording information, the display controller controls the display unit to display a query screen to inquire of the user whether to erase recorded data corresponding to the reserve-recording information in the recording apparType: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoyuki Ohno, Yoshikazu Shibamiya
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Patent number: 7930385Abstract: A content-preference-score determining method includes the steps of detecting a feature point or feature value of content; detecting body motion of a user during playback of the content; and calculating a preference score of the user for the content according to a predefined formula using the detected feature point or feature value and the detected body motion.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Motoyuki Takai, Yasushi Miyajima, Kosei Yamashita, Yoichiro Sako
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Patent number: 7926081Abstract: A system and method includes an automation system and a scheduling system generating a schedule having a countdown time for a countdown clock assembly and communicating the schedule to an automation system. The system also includes a content repository storing promotional content and a clock background in the content repository. The automation system retrieves the promotional content and the clock background from the content repository, stores the promotional content and the clock background, forms a countdown clock assembly from the promotional content and the clock background and inserts the countdown clock assembly into a channel signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Mitch C. Jacobs
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Patent number: 7917926Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor; a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Mark T. Corl
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Publication number: 20110072464Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of selecting and providing content while reducing the load on a user are provided. A controlled device is determined based on content identification information. Control information corresponding to the determined controlled device is generated and output to, for example, a remote controller, and device control is performed based on a control signal from the remote controller. The user can output and view content without performing processing necessary to output the content, such as processing on a control device, a channel operation to the control device, and searching for the content storage location. Further, content cards recording content information are displayed as a card group and content information of a card at a position of a cursor is displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Osamu Watanabe, Tetsugo Inada, Hideshi Yamada, Yasuhiro Moriyama
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Publication number: 20110072465Abstract: A method of processing EPG metadata in a network according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of performing a services discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider and processing an EPG metadata.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Joon Hui Lee, Gomer Thomas, So Young Kim, Hyeon Jae Lee, Joo Hwan Sul, Jae Hyung Song
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Patent number: 7908620Abstract: An information processing apparatus has the capability of making a registration for timer-controlled automatic viewing/recording not only in units of programs but also in units of sub-programs. The information processing apparatus includes a display control unit for displaying information on a display on the basis of the program information data such that when a program includes a plurality of sub-programs, sub-program information associated with sub-programs is displayed on the display, a processing unit for performing a specified process on sub-program content data of a sub-program included in the program content data received by the receiving means, and a timer-controlled automatic operation setting unit for specifying a sub-program indicated by the sub-program information displayed on the display and setting a timer-controlled automatic operation for the specified sub-program such that the specified process is to be performed on the specified sub-program at a specified time.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Eiichi Matsuzaki
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Patent number: 7900228Abstract: A graphical user interface (“GUI”) for a content management system is provided, such as to present television program information and/or information associated with other forms of multimedia content. In some situations, the GUI displays various types of information about multiple pieces of content that are currently appropriate for display, and one or more users may make various types of selections that affect the information being displayed. In addition, in some situations various techniques are employed to maintain a state of the GUI that is focused on one or more current selections as changes occur, such as to coordinate information display between multiple distinct information panes or other view areas of the GUI, to alter the information to be displayed in the GUI based on a selected piece of content, and/or to enable identification of a selected piece of content from within a large number of pieces of content.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Vulcan Inc.Inventors: Korina J. B. Stark, Daniel R. Sterling, Michael Stacie, Marcellino Tanumihardja
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Publication number: 20110047575Abstract: Provided are a method and display apparatus for providing a graphical user interface (GUI), the method includes: receiving program information; dividing the program information into a first main group having a first set of items of program information, and a second main group having a second set of items of program information, wherein the dividing is performed according to a property, and each of the first and second main groups corresponds to a unique value of the property; if a number of items in the first main group together with a number of items in the second main group is less than or equal to a maximum number, grouping the first set of items and the second set of items together into a sub-group; and displaying the GUI including at least one item of program information from the sub-group.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Won-il KIM, Yong-hwan KWON, Chang-seog KO, Ji-youn HAN
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Patent number: 7895624Abstract: 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: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: 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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Patent number: 7890976Abstract: The present invention relates to a video display device, and more particularly, to a digital television and channel setting method thereof that enables a setting of preferred channels according to genre by selecting a channel label.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2004Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: In Hoon Kim
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Publication number: 20110030011Abstract: A method and device for displaying a broadcasting program are disclosed. An electronic program guide (EPG) is newly generated according to user set option information and the EPG is displayed on a screen on user's request.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventor: Eun Hae Choi
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Publication number: 20110030010Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of category-based predefined channel lists. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a predefined channel list that includes multiple channels that carry related programming. The channel list includes an associated category and indicators of the multiple channels, the multiple channels each carrying at least some programming in the associated category. The EPG manager presents to a user at least some of the multiple channels in an electronic program guide. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.Inventor: Daniel Mark Overbaugh
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Publication number: 20110030012Abstract: A method of common addressing of video content on the Internet and corresponding on-demand TV program content on a TV services platform of a digital TV service provider includes enabling converting and uploading of video content from a video content provider on the Internet into a formatted on-demand TV program to be uploaded to the TV services platform with associated metadata for specifying position of its title in a hierarchically categorized ordering of the electronic program guide. The metadata is structured as a string of category and subcategory terms separated by delimiters which represent the position of the title on the electronic program guide. The corresponding video content is accessible on the Internet at a URL address containing the same string of category and subcategory terms separated by delimiters for the position of the title in the electronic program guide in a common addressing scheme with the on-demand TV program accessible on the electronic program guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventor: Milton DIAZ PEREZ