Donald J Power

US Patent:

7000243, Feb 14, 2006

Filed:

Dec 31, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/224409

Inventors:

Donald W. Power - San Jose CA, US
Brian G. Barnett - Castro Valley CA, US
John T. Miner - San Jose CA, US

Assignee:

OnCommand Corporation - San Jose CA

International Classification:

H04N 7/18

US Classification:

725 74, 725 78, 725 80, 725 82, 725 86

Abstract:

A method and system for video distribution among a plurality of users uses a host computing device that allocates tasks among a number of audiovisual serving devices. A user can select between traditional video program material, such as scheduled special events and on-demand feature length films, as well as Internet access, video games and computer applications. Assignable Computing Devices (ACDs), one type of audiovisual serving device within the system, are used for a number of functions including providing Internet access to users, controlling the menu-driven process of selecting program material and providing computer applications to users. Other types of audiovisial serving devices provide program material such as on-demand feature length films and video games. The user communicates with the ACDs through an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) while selecting program material to view through a series of menus, which may be customized according to the preferences of an individual user.

US Patent:

7444663, Oct 28, 2008

Filed:

Dec 31, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/223875

Inventors:

Donald W. Power - San Jose CA, US
Brian G. Barnett - Castro Valley CA, US
John T. Miner - San Jose CA, US

Assignee:

LodgeNet Interactive Corporation - Sioux Falls SD

International Classification:

H04N 7/14
H04N 7/10
H04H 1/02

US Classification:

725 93, 725 61, 725116, 725 78

Abstract:

A menuing system for a video distribution system provides an interactive display to allow a user to select and control the delivery of program material. A central host computer processes initial request for service from users and maintains a database of currently available program materials and other system resources. In response to a user's request for service, the central host computer assigns one of a plurality of assignable computing devices (ACDs) to communicate with the user. The ACD reads the database and presents an interactive menu to the user on the user's audiovisual display monitor. Using a graphical user interface (GUI) the user may then respond to the menu by selecting an item for viewing. The menuing system may have a number of levels that the user may parse through to allow the user to select desired program material. Upon selection by the user, the ACD passes the request on for further programming.

US Patent:

20090119718, May 7, 2009

Filed:

Oct 28, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/259932

Inventors:

Donald W. Power - San Jose CA, US
Brian G. Barnett - Castro Valley CA, US
John T. Miner - San Jose CA, US

International Classification:

H04N 5/445

US Classification:

725 61

Abstract:

A menuing system for a video distribution system provides an interactive display to allow a user to select and control the delivery of program material. A central host computer processes initial request for service from users and maintains a database of currently available program materials and other system resources. In response to a user's request for service, the central host computer assigns one of a plurality of assignable computing devices (ACDs) to communicate with the user. The ACD reads the database and presents an interactive menu to the user on the user's audiovisual display monitor. Using a graphical user interface (GUI) the user may then respond to the menu by selecting an item for viewing. The menuing system may have a number of levels that the user may parse through to allow the user to select desired program material. Upon selection by the user, the ACD passes the request on for further programming.