Alfred A Bonner from 7513 White Oak Rd, Fairfield, AL 35064, age 73, Phone: 2054705820

Us Patents

Reprogrammable Terminal For Suggesting Programs Offered On A Television Program Delivery System
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US Patent:

6408437, Jun 18, 2002
Filed:

Aug 5, 1997
Appl. No.:

08/906469
Inventors:

John S. Hendricks - Potomac MD
Alfred E. Bonner - Bethesda MD
Richard E. Wunderlich - Alpharetta GA
Assignee:

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Bethesda MD
International Classification:

H04N 7173
US Classification:

725132, 725134
Abstract:

A novel reprogrammable set top terminal for a television program delivery system which suggests programs for viewing is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for reprogramming set top terminals, and selecting and displaying programs to suggest to subscribers for viewing. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems with hundreds of channels of programming, a menu driven program selection system, and a program control information signal which carries data and identifies the available program choices. Specifically, the invention relates to remote reprogramming of terminal memory and the gathering and analysis of data for selecting programs to suggest to a subscriber. The invention is a terminal which includes a means for receiving incoming signals, a processor, memory, and a means to generate menu screens for display on a TV or monitor. Various data gathering and analysis techniques are used to customize selection of programs for display on a menu.

Targeted Advertisement Using Television Delivery Systems
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US Patent:

6463585, Oct 8, 2002
Filed:

Apr 3, 1998
Appl. No.:

09/054419
Inventors:

John S. Hendricks - Potomac MD
Alfred E. Bonner - Bethesda MD
John S. McCoskey - Derwood MD
Michael L. Asmussen - Herndon VA
Assignee:

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Bethesda MD
International Classification:

H04N 710
US Classification:

725 35, 725 9, 725116, 725134
Abstract:

A novel multiple channel architecture is designed to allow targeted advertising directed to television terminals connected to an operations center or a cable headend. Program channels carry television programs. During commercial breaks in the television programs, advertisements, which are also broadcast on the program channel, are displayed. However, additional feeder channels carry alternate advertising that may be better suited for certain viewing audiences. The operations center or the cable headend generate a group assignment plan that assigns the television terminals to groups, based on factors such as area of dominant influence and household income. A switching plan is then generated that instructs the television terminals to remain with the program channel or to switch to one of the alternate feeder channels during the program breaks. The television terminals record which channels were viewed during the program breaks, and report this information to the cable headends and the operations center. The reported information is used to generate billing for commercial advertisers, and to analyze viewer watching habits.

Set Top Terminal For Television Delivery System
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US Patent:

6515680, Feb 4, 2003
Filed:

Sep 12, 1997
Appl. No.:

08/928630
Inventors:

John S. Hendricks - Potomac MD
Alfred E. Bonner - Bethesda MD
Eric C. Berkobin - Woodstock GA
Assignee:

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Bethesda MD
International Classification:

G09G 500
US Classification:

345716, 725 39, 725 40, 725 42
Abstract:

A viewer interface for a television program delivery system is described. The innovation relates to methods and devices for viewer pathways to television programs. Specifically, the interface involves hardware and software used in conjunction with a television at the viewer home to create a user friendly menu based approach to television program access. The device is particularly useful in a program delivery system with hundreds of programs and a data signal carrying program information. The disclosure describes menu generation and menu selection of television programs.

Operations Center For A Television Program Packaging And Delivery System
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US Patent:

6539548, Mar 25, 2003
Filed:

Aug 15, 1997
Appl. No.:

08/912934
Inventors:

John S. Hendricks - Potomac MD
Alfred E. Bonner - Bethesda MD
Assignee:

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Bethesda MD
International Classification:

H04N 7173
US Classification:

725109, 725 37, 725 91
Abstract:

An Operations Center for television entertainment systems that provide television programming to consumer homes is disclosed. The Operations Center organizes and packages television programming and program information for delivery to and from consumer homes. The Operations Center includes a computerized packaging system for creating a program control information signal.

Method And Apparatus For Targeted Advertising
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US Patent:

6738978, May 18, 2004
Filed:

Oct 23, 1996
Appl. No.:

08/735549
Inventors:

John S. Hendricks - Potomac MD
Alfred E. Bonner - Bethesda MD
Assignee:

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Bethesda MD
International Classification:

H04N 7173
US Classification:

725 35, 725 36, 725 9, 725116
Abstract:

A novel network controller for use with a digital cable headend capable of monitoring and controlling set top terminals in a television program delivery system is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for a network controller that manages a configuration of set top terminals in a program delivery system. The invention is particularly useful in program delivery systems with hundreds of channels of programming, a menu driven program selection system, and a program control information signal that carries data and identifies available program choices. Specifically, the invention modifies a program control information signal at the cable headend before the modified signal is transmitted to each set top terminal. This signal is used with polling methods to receive upstream data from the set top terminals. The invention initiates such upstream data retrieval, gathers all data received and compiles viewer demographics information and programs watched information.

Set Top Terminal That Stores Programs Locally And Generates Menus
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US Patent:

6828993, Dec 7, 2004
Filed:

Aug 23, 2000
Appl. No.:

09/643722
Inventors:

John S. Hendricks - Potomac MD
Alfred E. Bonner - Bethesda MD
Eric C. Berkobin - Woodstock GA
Assignee:

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Silver Spring MD
International Classification:

G09G 500
US Classification:

345819, 345820, 345829, 345838, 345840, 345841, 345851, 725 36, 725 42, 725 43, 725 49, 725 52, 725 56, 725 61
Abstract:

A viewer interface for a television program delivery system is described. The innovation relates to methods and devices for viewer pathways to television programs. Specifically, the interface involves hardware and software used in conjunction with a television at the viewer home to create a user friendly menu based approach to television program access. The device is particularly useful in a program delivery system with hundreds of programs and a data signal carrying program information. The disclosure describes menu generation and menu selection of television programs.

Method And Apparatus For Interactive Program Suggestion
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US Patent:

7013478, Mar 14, 2006
Filed:

May 28, 1999
Appl. No.:

09/321569
Inventors:

John S. Hendricks - Potomac MD, US
Alfred E. Bonner - Bethesda MD, US
Richard E. Wunderlich - Alpharetta GA, US
Assignee:

Sedna Patent Services, LLC - Philadelphia PA
International Classification:

H04N 7/10
H04N 7/25
US Classification:

725 46, 725 39
Abstract:

A method and an apparatus suggests programs for viewing by a subscriber. Terminals installed at a subscriber's home and at central locations, such as bookstores, video rental stores and libraries, provide responsive or intelligent search functions to suggest programs for viewing according to a subscriber's viewing preferences. Responsive searching includes posing questions to and receiving answers from the subscribers. Intelligent searching includes gathering historical data, such as the subscriber's history of programs watched. The programs include videotapes, videodiscs, television programs and electronic books. Subscribers indicate their selection and order the programs using a menu system. An automated billing system tracks the programs ordered.

Audio Program Reception Terminal For Television Delivery System
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US Patent:

7017178, Mar 21, 2006
Filed:

Sep 30, 1998
Appl. No.:

09/162768
Inventors:

John S. Hendricks - Potomac MD, US
Alfred E. Bonner - Bethesda MD, US
Richard E. Wunderlich - Alpharetta GA, US
Eric C. Berkobin - Woodstock GA, US
Assignee:

Sedna Patent Services, LLC - Philadelphia PA
International Classification:

H04N 7/16
US Classification:

725152, 725 24, 725 60
Abstract:

The invention relates to apparatus and methods for upgrading a set top terminal for use with a cable television program delivery system. A hardware upgrade or expansion card is connected to a set top terminal to enhance the functionality of the set top terminal and to allow the set top terminal to receive digital audio programs. The hardware upgrade includes audio signal processing circuitry such as a tuner, demodulator, demultiplexor, decryptor, and decompressor. A microprocessor in the hardware upgrade enables the upgrade to accept subscriber inputs so as to select a particular digital audio program for listening. Subscriber inputs may be generated from a remote control and a menu system of the set top terminal.