Patents
Multi-layered Online Calendaring and Purchasing
- US Patent: 7,174,517
- Filed: April 3, 2002
- Issued: February 6, 2007
- Assignee: America Online, Inc.
- Co-inventors: Anthony A. Espinoza, Vengpui Louis Lao, David C. Sobotka, Andrew W. Zaeske
- Related to: When.com
A computer-implemented method and system for generating and displaying a personalized, multi-layered online calendar containing user-selected events from various categories. Users subscribe to event categories (movies, sports, concerts, cultural events, TV, holidays), and each category acts as a "layer" that can be overlaid on a personal calendar. Users can selectively view any combination of layers simultaneously. Supports daily, weekly, and monthly views in grid and list formats. Calendars can be shared among selected users with varying access levels, and group calendars can be created. Events link directly to online purchasing for tickets and related products. Events are automatically imported from external data sources, eliminating manual entry.
Connection to the Podcast Description
In the 2015 Internet History Podcast, Ted described this exact layered calendar concept in detail: "You could say 'I want to follow Radiohead, the 49ers, the America's Cup' — whatever your interests are — and if events were happening in those categories they would just show up on your calendar as ideas, in addition to which you could make your own soccer schedule for the kids and work calendar. They'd all exist in like layers, and you could turn the layers on and off."
This patent captures the core When.com innovation: layered, personalized calendars with social sharing and commerce hooks — features that wouldn't become mainstream for years. The social calendar with interest-based subscriptions predated Google Calendar (2006), Facebook Events, and the modern concept of following event feeds.
Rear-Projected Animated Display Device
- US Patent: 11,061,304
- Filed: April 3, 2018
- Issued: July 13, 2021
- Assignee: SmartDeco LLC
- Co-inventor: Keith Kirby
- Related to: SmartDeco.ai
A system and method for projecting animated imagery onto the surface of a decorative enclosure (such as a hollow plastic pumpkin, snowman, or other shaped object). The system consists of a portable, self-contained, generally spherical enclosure with a translucent exterior wall defining a cavity inside. Within the cavity, a projector, mirror, projector support, and optionally a speaker and storage device are housed. The projector projects animated images rearwardly onto the mirror, which reflects light toward the interior surface of the enclosure wall, making the animation visible on the exterior — creating the appearance of animated features (e.g., a talking, singing jack-o-lantern face). The system can be interactive, incorporating sensors that detect user presence, motion, or sound, and a computing device that can receive and update animated content wirelessly via smartphone app or remote control.
This patent covers the core technology behind SmartDeco's three best-selling products: Jabberin Jack, Mr. Chill, and Fawny.