Christopher Matthew Clark

US Patent:

20070088812, Apr 19, 2007

Filed:

Jun 7, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/422735

Inventors:

Christopher Clark - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

G06F 15/173

US Classification:

709223000

Abstract:

A media control computer system provides centralized access and distribution of digital media content. The system provides a user full control of multiple media sources from any television or video screen connected to the system. The system provides for storage and distribution of various types of media in practically any digital format, such as movies, television programs, music and video games. The system may be controlled wirelessly, such as using Bluetooth technology. The system may be expanded using expansion cards or chips that a user may install in one central location, thereby replacing the many “black boxes” of the typical home entertainment center. The system receives input from the Internet, cable/satellite television, peripheral devices and various types of media devices. Media output may be distributed to television screens and audio systems throughout a home, office or other location.

US Patent:

20070089137, Apr 19, 2007

Filed:

Oct 18, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/253195

Inventors:

Christopher Clark - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

H04N 5/445

US Classification:

725051000

Abstract:

A digital media interface system combines video information from two video information sources to form a combination video signal for display on a television display device. One of the video information sources may be a digital media content provider, such as a satellite or cable television service provider, and the other video information source may be a personal computer connected to the Internet. The system generates a window of graphics information, such as from an Internet webpage, and overlays the window on a television screen along with the digital video provided by the satellite or cable television provider.

US Patent:

20070089157, Apr 19, 2007

Filed:

Jan 10, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/328948

Inventors:

Christopher Clark - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

H04N 7/173
G06F 3/00
G06F 13/00
H04N 7/16
H04N 5/445

US Classification:

725135000, 725042000, 725112000, 725113000

Abstract:

Supplemental program information is provided to a television in conjunction with a television program, where the supplemental program information is related to the subject matter of the television program. The supplemental program information and an access number are embedded in a digital video data stream of the television program. The digital video data stream is transmitted and received, and the access number is extracted from the received data stream. Based on the extracted access number, a determination is made whether the supplemental program information will be provided to the television. The television program may be an advertisement, and the supplemental program information may be advertising information related to the subject matter of the advertisement. For example, the supplemental program information may be a URL pointing to a web page that describes features of an advertiser's product. Once activated by a valid access number, a graphic image is inserted into the advertisement indicating that further product information is available on the web page.

US Patent:

20070089158, Apr 19, 2007

Filed:

Nov 15, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/559922

Inventors:

Christopher Clark - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

H04N 7/16
H04N 7/173
H04N 7/18

US Classification:

725135000, 725136000, 725081000, 725112000

Abstract:

Apparatuses and methods are described for distributing associated data to media recipients that are experiencing a primary media event, such as a television or radio program, a movie or a live event. The associated data may be in the form of direct links that may be used by the media recipients to access supplemental information, such as a website accessible via the Internet, that is in some way associated with or related to the primary media event. Since the associated data leads the media recipients directly to the supplemental information, the media recipients do not need to search for the supplemental information on their own. In various embodiments, a direct link is transmitted wirelessly to a wireless communication device that uses the link to access the supplemental information. In some situations, the direct link is extracted or copied from the primary media data stream. Thus, associated data may be extracted from a one-way primary media data stream and used to interactively access supplemental information from a two-way information medium, such as the Internet or wireless communication networks.

US Patent:

20070265734, Nov 15, 2007

Filed:

Apr 7, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/278973

Inventors:

Christopher Clark - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

G05D 1/00
G05D 3/00
G06F 17/00
G06F 7/00

US Classification:

701001000

Abstract:

A traffic information system has a consumer component and a plurality of modules forming a network and for connecting to consumer components. The consumer component is disposed at a vehicle and is for receiving outside information and transmitting vehicle information. The consumer components have a component communication device, an interface, an output, and a power supply. The modules have a module communication device, a processor, a memory, and a power supply. A plurality of network stations forming a system receives outside information from an authority and transmits the outside information to the network of modules. The consumer components transmit vehicle information to the network of modules. The network communicates the information upstream and downstream along the network of modules an upstream notification distance and a downstream notification distance, respectively, each determined by an origin module. Each module receiving such information then transmits it to other vehicles.

US Patent:

20080288600, Nov 20, 2008

Filed:

Jul 11, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/171879

Inventors:

Christopher M. Clark - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

G06F 15/16

US Classification:

709206

Abstract:

Systems are described for distributing supplemental data to media recipients that are experiencing a primary media event, such as a television or radio program, a movie or a live event. One of the methods includes receiving a media data stream from a media data source, where the media data stream includes primary data and associated data. The primary data includes a primary media presentation, such as a television program or commercial, and the associated data indicates availability of supplemental information related to the program or commercial. As the primary media presentation is presented to the media recipient via a media presentation device, the associated data is accessed from the media data stream. Based on the associated data, an indication is provided to the media recipient indicating that supplemental information is available. This indication may be in the form of a graphic icon that appears on a television screen or other display device. If the media recipient is interested in receiving the supplemental information, the media recipient activates a button on a remote control or other device which causes generation of a request for delivery of the supplemental information. In response to the request, the supplemental information is sent in an email message to the media recipient's email address. For example, the supplemental information may be an audio or video file, a document, or a link to a website which provides more information about a product depicted in the primary media presentation.