Patent 9055254

Prior art

Earlier patents, publications, and products that may anticipate or render the claims unpatentable.

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Prior art

Earlier patents, publications, and products that may anticipate or render the claims unpatentable.

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The US patent 9055254, titled "On screen method and system for changing television channels," was granted on June 9, 2015, from an application filed on August 16, 2013, by Flextronics AP LLC (later assigned to Multimedia Technologies Pte Ltd). The inventor is Mohammed Selim. This patent generally describes an on-screen channel changer for a television that includes electronic program guide (EPG) information and a number input bar comprising digits. A key aspect involves receiving channel selections based on these on-screen digits using a remote control that may lack physical numeric keys, instead relying on non-numeric keys (e.g., arrow keys and a select button) for digit input. The system can also feature a thumbnail preview with EPG information and a graphical image that updates as a user navigates.

The following prior art documents were cited against US9055254:

References Cited for US9055254

  1. US6240552B1

    • Full Citation: US6240552B1, "Method of automatically tuning to a user-selected channel on a digital television receiver," Inventors: K. W. G. Huijsmans, C. A. M. Huizer; Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted May 29, 2001 (Filed Sep 29, 1997).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a method for automatically tuning a digital television receiver to a user-selected channel. It involves displaying a channel menu, allowing a user to select a channel from the menu, and then automatically tuning to that channel.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent broadly anticipates elements of changing a programming channel after a user selection (Claims 1, 13, 20). However, it does not explicitly disclose the specific "on screen channel changer comprising electronic program guide ('EPG') information and a number input bar comprising digits" or the use of "non-numeric keys" for digit entry as defined in US9055254's independent claims.

  2. US6760925B2

    • Full Citation: US6760925B2, "Method for displaying program information on a display device," Inventors: R. W. L. M. Van Lammeren, J. C. M. Van Der Heijden; Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted Jul 6, 2004 (Filed Dec 11, 2000).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes displaying program information for a selected channel in an overlay window on the television picture, along with a list of alternative channels. The information in the window updates as the user navigates the alternative channels.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates aspects related to displaying EPG-like information (Claims 6, 7), displaying information in a window/thumbnail (Claims 8, 9), and updating this information upon navigation (Claims 12, 19). It lacks the specific "number input bar comprising digits" for direct channel entry and the "non-numeric keys" interaction described in US9055254's independent claims.

  3. US7100188B2

    • Full Citation: US7100188B2, "On-screen display of a program guide with video window," Inventor: W. T. Freeman; Assignee: Thomson Licensing.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted Aug 29, 2006 (Filed Sep 26, 2002).
    • Brief Description: This patent discloses an on-screen program guide featuring a video window that displays either the current program or a preview of another program as the user navigates the guide.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference strongly anticipates claims related to an on-screen guide with a video window/thumbnail preview displaying program-related graphical content (Claims 8, 9, 10, 18) and the dynamic updating of this content (Claims 12, 19). Similar to US6760925B2, it does not detail the specific numeric input bar using non-numeric keys.

  4. US7139999B1

    • Full Citation: US7139999B1, "System and method for operating an electronic program guide," Inventors: R. M. Blasko, J. A. Miller, R. S. Blasko; Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted Nov 21, 2006 (Filed Oct 26, 2000).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an EPG system for accessing and managing programming information, including displaying various EPG views and responding to user navigation.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This broadly covers displaying EPG information (Claims 6, 7) and selection within an EPG (Claims 1, 13, 20). However, it does not specifically describe the numeric input bar or the method of digit entry via non-numeric keys.

  5. US7330219B2

    • Full Citation: US7330219B2, "Graphical display for TV tuning," Inventor: G. B. Davis; Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted Feb 12, 2008 (Filed Sep 20, 2002).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a graphical user interface (GUI) for selecting television channels, featuring a channel list and a preview window for content before tuning.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference anticipates displaying a channel list with a preview window, similar to EPG and thumbnail preview elements (Claims 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20). The specific mechanism of a number input bar for digit entry via non-numeric keys is not highlighted.

  6. US7613998B2

    • Full Citation: US7613998B2, "Graphical user interface with preview channel," Inventors: A. H. Chen, P. I. Gutta, T. M. K. Lo, T. A. Tsui, A. P. Zdepski; Assignee: [[Samsung Electronics Co.](/litigations/by-defendant/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.), Ltd.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.%2C%20Ltd.)
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted Nov 3, 2009 (Filed Apr 30, 2004).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a GUI for a television system that includes a preview window to display video of a channel different from the main channel, allowing users to see other content while remaining on the current program.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This strongly anticipates the "thumbnail preview containing EPG information... and a graphical image" (Claims 8, 9, 10, 18) and the updating of this information as focus changes (Claims 12, 19). The emphasis is on the preview aspect, not the specific number input bar or non-numeric key input.

  7. US7647610B2

    • Full Citation: US7647610B2, "Methods and apparatus for presenting electronic program guide information with an alternate content window," Inventors: W. T. Freeman, C. J. B. K. Ng, K. I. Reisch; Assignee: Thomson Licensing.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted Jan 12, 2010 (Filed Sep 26, 2002).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes presenting EPG information alongside an "alternate content window" that can display video content related to the EPG selection or a different channel, enhancing the EPG experience.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US7100188B2 and US7613998B2, this patent anticipates the combination of EPG information with a video/graphical preview (Claims 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 18, 19). It does not, however, focus on the specific numeric input method of US9055254.

  8. US7712128B2

    • Full Citation: US7712128B2, "Graphical user interface," Inventors: J. C. M. Van Der Heijden, R. W. L. M. Van Lammeren; Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted May 4, 2010 (Filed Aug 29, 2003).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a GUI for a display device that presents information related to a current program and a list of alternative programs, allowing easy navigation.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This broadly covers displaying program information and allowing some form of channel selection (Claims 1, 6, 7, 13, 20). It does not detail the specific "number input bar comprising digits" or selection using "non-numeric keys."

  9. US7716686B2

    • Full Citation: US7716686B2, "Graphical user interface for television program selection," Inventors: T. Ma, K. Z. Chen; Assignee: Thomson Licensing.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted May 11, 2010 (Filed Oct 1, 2004).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a GUI for selecting television programs, particularly focusing on improving selection efficiency via a grid-based EPG.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This generally covers EPG display (Claims 6, 7) and program selection through a GUI (Claims 1, 13, 20). It does not specify the unique combination of a number input bar and non-numeric key digit entry.

  10. US7793310B2

    • Full Citation: US7793310B2, "Graphical user interface with channel selection by remote control and by voice," Inventor: H. Kim; Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted Sep 7, 2010 (Filed Feb 12, 2007).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a GUI for channel selection using both remote control input and voice commands.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While this patent mentions channel selection by remote control (Claims 1, 13, 20), it does not specify the distinctive "on screen channel changer" with a "number input bar comprising digits" and selection using "non-numeric keys" as central to US9055254.

  11. US8276182B2

    • Full Citation: US8276182B2, "Method and system for providing an electronic program guide," Inventors: D. S. Gutta, P. I. Gutta, T. M. K. Lo, A. P. Zdepski; Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted Sep 25, 2012 (Filed Sep 29, 2004).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for providing an EPG, allowing users to navigate and select programs, focusing on efficient display and updating of EPG data.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This generally covers EPG display and program selection (Claims 1, 6, 7, 13, 20) but lacks the specific numeric input bar and non-numeric key interaction of US9055254.

  12. US8291461B2

    • Full Citation: US8291461B2, "Electronic program guide with channel scan," Inventors: A. H. Chen, P. I. Gutta, T. M. K. Lo, T. A. Tsui, A. P. Zdepski; Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Granted Oct 16, 2012 (Filed Mar 22, 2005).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an EPG with a "channel scan" feature that allows quick previews of content from multiple channels, typically in a smaller window, as a user scans through.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference strongly anticipates the "thumbnail preview" with graphical images (Claims 8, 10, 18) and the dynamic updating of these previews during channel browsing (Claims 12, 19). It focuses on the preview aspect but not the numeric input bar with non-numeric keys.

  13. US20030097658A1

    • Full Citation: US20030097658A1, "Interactive television system and method of use thereof," Inventors: A. R. R. A. Faria et al.; Assignee: Portugal Telecom Inovacao, S.A.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published May 22, 2003 (Filed Nov 21, 2002).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes an interactive television system enabling user interaction with services and content via a GUI and remote control.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This broadly covers interactive TV and content selection (Claims 1, 13, 20). It lacks the specific combination of an on-screen channel changer with a number input bar and input via non-numeric keys.

  14. US20050188402A1

    • Full Citation: US20050188402A1, "Electronic program guide for displaying and storing programs," Inventor: W. R. Williams; Assignee: Voom, LLC.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published Aug 25, 2005 (Filed Feb 18, 2005).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes an EPG system for displaying and storing program information, including scheduling recordings and accessing on-demand content.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This covers EPG functionality (Claims 6, 7) and program selection (Claims 1, 13, 20). It does not describe the specific numeric input bar with non-numeric key control.

  15. US20080276274A1

    • Full Citation: US20080276274A1, "Television remote control device and television," Inventors: D. S. Kim, J. Y. Lee, H. S. Maeng; Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published Nov 6, 2008 (Filed May 1, 2008).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a television remote control device and a television that displays an on-screen menu or guide, focusing on the remote's interface and interaction with the TV display.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant to the remote control input mechanism, especially regarding the use of non-numeric keys to interact with on-screen elements. If it describes an on-screen numeric input that is manipulated by, for example, arrow keys and a select button on a remote lacking a full numeric keypad, it could potentially anticipate Claims 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17 related to digit selection using non-numeric keys and a remote without a numeric keypad.

  16. US20090293077A1

    • Full Citation: US20090293077A1, "System and method for electronic program guide (EPG) functionality," Inventors: H. D. Cho et al.; Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published Nov 26, 2009 (Filed May 20, 2009).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes an EPG system with various functionalities for displaying program information and user interaction.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This generally covers EPG display (Claims 6, 7) and interaction for channel selection, similar to other EPG patents. It does not explicitly focus on the specific numeric input bar with non-numeric keys.

  17. US20110004892A1

    • Full Citation: US20110004892A1, "Apparatus and methods for a remote controller for controlling a television," Inventors: C. H. Choi, K. G. Kim, Y. S. Park, H. W. Seo; Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published Jan 6, 2011 (Filed Jul 2, 2010).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a remote controller for a television that uses motion sensing or gestures for control, potentially including on-screen cursor control.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is relevant to the "non-numeric keys" aspect (Claims 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17) if motion/gesture control is used to select digits on an on-screen numeric input bar. The broader concept of a remote without physical numeric keys and using alternative input methods for digit selection is anticipated.

  18. US20110061073A1

    • Full Citation: US20110061073A1, "Dynamic display of content," Inventors: S. K. A. El-Hakim, K. W. G. Huijsmans; Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published Mar 10, 2011 (Filed Sep 8, 2010).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes systems and methods for dynamically displaying content, including interactive elements, based on user input or content context.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is very broad. While it might encompass aspects of an on-screen channel changer, it lacks the specificity regarding the numeric input bar and non-numeric key interaction of US9055254.

  19. US20110185390A1

    • Full Citation: US20110185390A1, "Integrated program guide, system and method," Inventors: J. D. Grasso, C. E. Grasso, C. T. Grasso; Assignee: Grasso Family Trust.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published Jul 28, 2011 (Filed Apr 21, 2011).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes an integrated program guide that combines various content sources (broadcast, internet, VOD) into a unified interface for discovery and access.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent addresses integrated EPGs and content selection (Claims 1, 6, 7, 13, 20) but does not focus on the specific on-screen numeric input mechanism with non-numeric keys.

  20. US20120198492A1

    • Full Citation: US20120198492A1, "Method and apparatus for controlling an intelligent TV using multi-point remote control," Inventors: C. S. Kim, D. J. Kim; Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published Aug 2, 2012 (Filed Jan 26, 2012).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes controlling an "intelligent TV" with a "multi-point remote control," implying advanced input methods like touch or gesture control.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant to the interaction method using a remote control for an intelligent TV. If the "multi-point remote control" is used to select digits on an on-screen number input bar via non-numeric means (e.g., pointing, touch, or gestures), it could potentially anticipate the method of receiving channel selection via digits using non-numeric keys (Claims 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17).

  21. US20120233636A1

    • Full Citation: US20120233636A1, "System and method for an intelligent television application framework," Inventor: M. Selim; Assignee: Flextronics AP LLC.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published Sep 13, 2012 (Filed Sep 22, 2011).
    • Brief Description: This patent application, from the same inventor and original assignee as US9055254, describes an application framework for an "intelligent television." It focuses on the software architecture for building various TV applications.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This document describes the underlying framework (Claim 13) upon which the invention of US9055254 could be built. While foundational, it does not explicitly detail the specific "on screen channel changer" or its unique input method, so it is less likely to directly anticipate the specific claims of US9055254, but rather sets the stage for such applications.

Most Relevant Prior Art for US9055254

Based on the analysis, the most relevant prior art references that potentially anticipate key aspects of US9055254 are:

  • For the "thumbnail preview with graphical image" features (Claims 8, 9, 10, 12, 18, 19):

    • US7100188B2 ("On-screen display of a program guide with video window")
    • US7613998B2 ("Graphical user interface with preview channel")
    • US7647610B2 ("Methods and apparatus for presenting electronic program guide information with an alternate content window")
    • US8291461B2 ("Electronic program guide with channel scan")
      These patents consistently describe displaying video previews or graphical content within an EPG or channel selection interface, often dynamically updating, which is a core component of US9055254's channel changer's visual feedback.

  • For the "receiving channel selection based on digits using non-numeric keys" aspects (Claims 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17):

    • US20080276274A1 ("Television remote control device and television")
    • US20110004892A1 ("Apparatus and methods for a remote controller for controlling a television")
    • US20120198492A1 ("Method and apparatus for controlling an intelligent TV using multi-point remote control")
      These patent applications address remote control design and interaction with on-screen interfaces, particularly the challenge of controlling a TV without a full numeric keypad or through alternative input methods. While they may not explicitly combine it with the "number input bar" and EPG in the exact manner of US9055254, they are highly pertinent to the specific input mechanism claimed. A deeper dive into their full specifications would be necessary to ascertain the precise extent of anticipation.

Generated 5/31/2026, 12:49:46 PM