Patent US6848002B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6848002B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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System and method for optimal selection and presentation of streaming media types
Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America Inc
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Filing: 1999-12-01
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Granted: 2005-01-25
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Expires: 2019-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A method and interface for providing media content to users across a network. The method includes the steps of presenting a media interface to the user that indicates the content provider for the media receiver and buffering adjacent content providers to allow the user to change providers without any delays. The selection of the content providers can be done in an initial set up step with user inputs, or automatically from the last settings on the interface of from defaults. The content provider information and locations are maintained in a registry with which the interface interacts if necessary. The interface includes a prompt for user inputs, the interface with the registry, a display for the user and a control that allows the user to select content providers.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Detlef
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:48
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L67/00; H04L67/50; H04L67/52; H04L9/00; H04L9/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of providing media content to receivers, the method comprising: receiving initial user inputs from a user including a mode of organization of content providers; accessing a registry of content providers and associated content provider information based upon said initial user inputs; presenting a media interface to the user having markers to identify content providers, the user interface operable to allow the user to select one of several content providers identified in the registry; providing content directly from a selected one of the several content providers; identifying adjacent content providers having markers adjacent to a marker for the selected one, identification being based upon the mode of organization, wherein the mode of organization is one of geographical preference, type of desired content, and format of the content providers: and buffering the adjacent content providers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of providing media content to receivers, the method comprising: receiving initial user inputs from a user including a mode of organization of content providers; accessing a registry of content providers and associated content provider information based upon said initial user inputs; presenting a media interface to the user having markers to identify content providers, the user interface operable to allow the user to select one of several content providers identified in the registry; providing content directly from a selected one of the several content providers; identifying adjacent content providers having markers adjacent to a marker for the selected one, identification being based upon the mode of organization, wherein the mode of organization is one of geographical preference, type of desired content, and format of the content providers: and buffering the adjacent content providers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein how the content providers are organized is by geographical preference.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein how the content providers are organized is by a type of desired content.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein how the content providers are organized is by a format of the content providers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the media interface is presented to the user on a stand-alone device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the media interface is presented to the user on a personal computer.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of providing media content to receivers, the method comprising: determining content provider settings for a media receiver; presenting a media interface to the user, wherein the user interface provides a marker indicating the content provider for the media receiver; providing content to the user directly from the content provider; identifying adjacent content providers having markers adjacent the marker for the content provider, identification being based upon how the content providers are organized, wherein how the content providers are organized is by one of geographical preference, type of content desired, and format of the content providers; and buffering adjacent content providers.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of providing media content to receivers, the method comprising: determining content provider settings for a media receiver; presenting a media interface to the user, wherein the user interface provides a marker indicating the content provider for the media receiver; providing content to the user directly from the content provider; identifying adjacent content providers having markers adjacent the marker for the content provider, identification being based upon how the content providers are organized, wherein how the content providers are organized is by one of geographical preference, type of content desired, and format of the content providers; and buffering adjacent content providers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the content provider settings are determined from final settings on the interface prior to power down.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the content provider settings are determined from default settings designated by the user.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim- 7 , wherein determining content provider setting includes confirming information for the content provider.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 , wherein determining content provider setting includes updating information for the content provider, wherein updating information includes at least one of changing information for existing providers, removing off-air providers, and adding new providers.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-01-25 | 2008-07-26 | 2009-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-01-25 | 2012-07-26 | 2013-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-01-25 | 2016-07-26 | 2017-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |