Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 1 of 18 PageID #: 1088
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 1 of 18 PagelD #: 1088
`
`EXHIBIT 3
`
`EXHIBIT 3
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 2 of 18 PageID #: 1089
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 2 of 18 PagelD #: 1089
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`www.uspto.gov
`
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE AND FEE(S) DUE
`
`26211
`7590
`08/16/2012
`FISH & RICHARDSONP.C. (NY)
`P.O. BOX 1022
`MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440-1022
`
`HEFFINGTON, JOHN M
`
`2172
`
`DATE MAILED: 08/16/2012
`
`David Strober
`09/26/2011
`13/245,001
`TITLE OF INVENTION: PLAY CONTROL OF CONTENT ON A DISPLAY DEVICE
`
`30160-0002002
`
`4575
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`APPLN. TYPE PUBLICATION FEE DUE|PREV. PAID ISSUE FEESMALL ENTITY ISSUE FEE DUE TOTAL FEE(S) DUE DATE DUE
`
`
`
`
`
`nonprovisional
`
`YES
`
`$870
`
`$0
`
`$0
`
`$870
`
`11/16/2012
`
`THE APPLICATION IDENTIFIED ABOVE HAS BEEN EXAMINED AND IS ALLOWED FOR ISSUANCE AS A PATENT.
`PROSECUTION ON THE MERITS IS CLOSED. THIS NOTICE OF ALLOWANCEIS NOT A GRANT OF PATENT RIGHTS.
`THIS APPLICATION IS SUBJECT TO WITHDRAWAL FROM ISSUE AT THE INITIATIVE OF THE OFFICE OR UPON
`PETITION BY THE APPLICANT. SEE 37 CFR 1.313 AND MPEP 1308.
`
`THE ISSUE FEE AND PUBLICATION FEE (IF REQUIRED) MUST BE PAID WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE
`MAILING DATE OF THIS NOTICE OR THIS APPLICATION SHALL BE REGARDED AS ABANDONED.
`THIS
`STATUTORY PERIOD CANNOT BE EXTENDED.
`SEE 35 U.S.C. 151. THE ISSUE FEE DUE INDICATED ABOVE DOES
`NOT REFLECT A CREDIT FOR ANY PREVIOUSLY PAID ISSUE FEE IN THIS APPLICATION.
`IF AN ISSUE FEE HAS
`PREVIOUSLY BEEN PAID IN THIS APPLICATION (AS SHOWN ABOVE), THE RETURN OF PART B OF THIS FORM
`WILL BE CONSIDERED A REQUEST TO REAPPLY THE PREVIOUSLY PAID ISSUE FEE TOWARD THE ISSUE FEE NOW
`DUE.
`
`HOW TO REPLYTO THIS NOTICE:
`
`I. Review the SMALL ENTITYstatus shown above.
`
`If the SMALL ENTITYis shown as YES, verify your current
`SMALLENTITYstatus:
`
`If the SMALL ENTITYis shown as NO:
`
`A. If the status is the same, pay the TOTAL FEE(S) DUE shown
`above.
`
`A. Pay TOTAL FEE(S) DUE shownabove, or
`
`B. If the status above is to be removed, check box 5b on Part B -
`Fee(s) Transmittal and pay the PUBLICATION FEE (if required)
`and twice the amount of the ISSUE FEE shown above,or
`
`B. If applicant claimed SMALL ENTITYstatus before, or is now
`claiming SMALL ENTITYstatus, check box 5a on Part B - Fee(s)
`Transmittal and pay the PUBLICATION FEE (if required) and 1/2
`the ISSUE FEE shownabove.
`
`II. PART B - FEE(S) TRANSMITTAL,orits equivalent, must be completed and returned to the United States Patent and Trademark Office
`(USPTO) with your ISSUE FEE and PUBLICATION FEE(if required). If you are charging the fee(s) to your deposit account, section "4b"
`of Part B - Fee(s) Transmittal should be completed and an extra copy of the form should be submitted. If an equivalent of Part B isfiled, a
`request to reapply a previously paid issue fee must be clearly made, and delays in processing may occur due to the difficulty in recognizing
`the paper as an equivalentof Part B.
`
`IH. All communications regarding this application must give the application number. Please direct all communications prior to issuance to
`Mail Stop ISSUE FEE unless advisedto the contrary.
`
`IMPORTANT REMINDER: Utility patents issuing on applications filed on or after Dec. 12, 1980 may require payment of
`maintenancefees. It is patentee's responsibility to ensure timely payment of maintenance fees when due.
`
`PTOL-85 (Rev. 02/11)
`
`Page | of 3
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 3 of 18 PageID #: 1090
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG DOGURE® 4978SPHRANSMEPTAL Page 3 of 18 PagelD #: 1090
`
`Complete and send this form, together with applicable fee(s), to: Mail Mail Stop ISSUE FEE
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1
`Alecandria Virginia 22313-1450
`
`or Fax (571)-273-2885
`
`INSTRUCTIONS: This form should be used for transmitting the ISSUE FEE and PUBLICATION FEE(if required). Blocks 1
`through 5 should be completed where
`appropriate. All further correspondence including the Patent, advance orders and notification of maintenance fees will be mailed to the current correspondence address as
`icated unless corrected below or directed otherwise in Block 1, by (a) specifying a new correspondence address; and/or (b) indicating a separate "FEE ADDRESS" for
`maintenance fee notifications.
`CURRENT CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS(Note: Use Block 1 for any changeof address)
`
`can only be used for domestic mailings of the
`Note: A certificate of mailing
`Fee(s) Transmittal. This certificate cannot be used for any other accompanying
`papers. Each additional paper, such as an assignment or formal drawing, must
`ave its own certificate of mailing or transmission.
`
`26211
`7590
`08/16/2012
`FISH & RICHARDSONP.C. (NY)
`P.O. BOX 1022
`a
`MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440-1022
`
`Certificate of Mailing or Transmission
`I hereby certify that this Fee(s) Transmittal is being deposited with the United
`States Postal Service with sufficient postage for first class mail in an envelope
`addressed to the Mail Stop ISSUE FEE address above, or being facsimile
`transmitted to the USPTO (S71) 273-2885, on the date indicated below.
`(Depositor's name)
`(Signature)
`(ate)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`David Strober
`09/26/2011
`13/245,001
`TITLE OF INVENTION: PLAY CONTROL OF CONTENT ON A DISPLAY DEVICE
`
`30160-0002002
`
`4575
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`APPLN. TYPE PUBLICATION FEE DUE|PREV. PAID ISSUE FEESMALL ENTITY ISSUE FEE DUE TOTAL FEE(S) DUE DATE DUE
`
`
`
`
`
`nonprovisional
`
`HEFFINGTON, JOHN M
`
`$870
`
`2172
`
`1. Change of correspondence address or indication of "Fee Address" (37
`CFR 1.363).
`Lj Change of correspondence address (or Change of Correspondence
`Address form PTO/SB/122) attached.
`LI "Fee Address" indication (or "Fee Address” Indication form
`PTO/SB/47; Rev 03-02 or more recent) attached. Use of a Customer
`Numberis required.
`
`
`
`
`
`$870
`
`11/16/2012
`
`715-740000
`
`2. For printing on the patent front page,list
`(1) the names of up to 3 registered patent attorneys
`or agents OR,alternatively,
`(2) the name ofa single firm (having as a member a
`registered attorney or agent) and the namesof up to
`2 registered patent attorneys or agents. If nonameis
`listed, no namewill be printed.
`
`2
`
`43
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`3. ASSIGNEE NAME AND RESIDENCE DATA TO BE PRINTED ON THE PATENT(printor type)
`If an assignee is identified below, the document has been filed for
`PLEASE NOTE: Unless an assignee is identified below, no assignee data will appear on the patent.
`recordation as set forth in 37 CFR 3.11. Completion of this form is NOT a substitute for filing an assignment.
`(A) NAME OF ASSIGNEE
`(B) RESIDENCE:(CITY and STATE OR COUNTRY)
`
`Please check the appropriate assignee category or categories (will not be printed on the patent) :
`
`LV individual LJ Corporation or other private group entity (J Government
`
`4a. The following fee(s) are submitted:
`L] Issue Fee
`_] Publication Fee (No small entity discount permitted)
`LT Advance Order - # of Copies
`
`
`
`4b. Paymentof Fee(s): (Please first reapply any previously paid issue fee shown above)
`LIA checkis enclosed.
`Lj Paymentby credit card. Form PTO-2038 is attached.
`[_J The Directoris hereby authorized to charge the required fee(s), any deficiency, or credit any
`overpayment, to Deposit Account Number
`(enclose an extra copy ofthis form).
`
`
`
`5. Change in Entity Status (from status indicated above)
`LI b. Applicant is no longer claiming SMALL ENTITYstatus. See 37 CFR 1.27(g)(2).
`LY a. Applicant claims SMALL ENTITYstatus. See 37 CFR 1.27.
`NOTE: The Issue Fee and Publication Fee (if required) will not be accepted from anyone otherthan the applicant; a registered attorney or agent; or the assignee or other party in
`interest as shown bythe records of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
`
`Authorized Signature
`
`Typed or printed name
`
`
`
`Date
`
`Registration No.
`
`
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.311. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public whichis to file (and by the USPTOto process)
`an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR Li14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to complete, including gathering,preparing, and
`submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Timewill v.
`epending uponthe individual case. Any comments on the amountof time you require to complete
`this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent ReeChief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O.
`Box 1450, ‘Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450,
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450.
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respondto a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMBcontrol number.
`
`PTOL-85 (Rev. 02/11) Approved for use through 08/31/2013.
`
`OMB 0651-0033
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 4 of 18 PageID #: 1091
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 4 of 18 PagelD #: 1091
`
`
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`APPLICATION NO.
`
`FILING DATE
`
`
`
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`www.uspto.gov
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKETNO.
`
`CONFIRMATION NO.
`
`13/245,001
`
`09/26/2011
`
`David Strober
`
`30160-0002002
`
`4575
`
`26211
`7590
`08/16/2012
`FISH & RICHARDSONP.C. (NY)
`P.O. BOX 1022
`MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440-1022
`
`HEFFINGTON, JOHN M
`
`2172
`
`DATE MAILED: 08/16/2012
`
`Determination of Patent Term Adjustment under 35 U.S.C. 154 (b)
`(application filed on or after May 29, 2000)
`
`The Patent Term Adjustment to date is 4 day(s). If the issue fee is paid on the date that is three months after the
`mailing date of this notice and the patent issues on the Tuesday before the date that is 28 weeks (six and a half
`months) after the mailing date of this notice, the Patent Term Adjustmentwill be 4 day(s).
`
`If a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) was filed in the above-identified application, the filing date that
`determines Patent Term Adjustmentis the filing date of the most recent CPA.
`
`Applicant will be able to obtain more detailed information by accessing the Patent Application Information Retrieval
`(PAIR) WEBsite (http://pair-uspto.gov).
`
`Any questions regarding the Patent Term Extension or Adjustment determination should be directed to the Office of
`Patent Legal Administration at (571)-272-7702. Questions relating to issue and publication fee payments should be
`directed to the Customer Service Center of the Office of Patent Publication at 1-(888)-786-0101 or (571)-272-4200.
`
`PTOL-85 (Rev. 02/11)
`
`Page 3 of 3
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 5 of 18 PageID #: 1092
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 5 of 18 PagelD #: 1092
`
`Privacy Act Statement
`
`The Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579) requires that you be given certain information in connection with
`your submission of the attached form related to a patent application or patent. Accordingly, pursuant to
`the requirements of the Act, please be advised that: (1) the general authority for the collection of this
`information is 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); (2) furnishing of the information solicited is voluntary; and (3) the
`principal purpose for which the information is used by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is to process
`and/or examine your submission related to a patent application or patent. If you do not furnish the
`requested information, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office may not be able to process and/or examine
`your submission, which may result in termination of proceedings or abandonmentof the application or
`expiration of the patent.
`
`The information provided by youin this form will be subject to the following routine uses:
`
`1. The information on this form will be treated confidentially to the extent allowed under the Freedom
`of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C 552a). Records from this system of
`records may be disclosed to the Department of Justice to determine whether disclosure of these
`records is required by the Freedom of Information Act.
`2. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, in the course of presenting
`evidence to a court, magistrate, or administrative tribunal, including disclosures to opposing counsel
`in the course of setthement negotiations.
`3. A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Member of Congress
`submitting a request involving an individual, to whom the record pertains, when the individual has
`requested assistance from the Member with respect to the subject matter of the record.
`4. A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a contractor of the Agency
`having need for the information in order to perform a contract. Recipients of information shall be
`required to comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, pursuant to 5
`U.S.C. 552a(m).
`5. A record related to an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in this
`system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the International Bureau of the World
`Intellectual Property Organization, pursuant to the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
`6. A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to another federal agency for
`purposes of National Security review (35 U.S.C. 181) and for review pursuant to the Atomic Energy
`Act (42 U.S.C. 218(c)).
`to the Administrator,
`7. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use,
`General Services, or his/her designee, during an inspection of records conducted by GSAaspart of
`that agency's responsibility to recommend improvements in records management practices and
`programs, under authority of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906. Such disclosure shall be made in accordance
`with the GSA regulations governing inspection of records for this purpose, and any other relevant
`(i.e., GSA or Commerce) directive. Such disclosure shall not be used to make determinations about
`individuals.
`8. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the public after either
`publication of the application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 122(b) or issuance of a patent pursuant to 35
`U.S.C. 151. Further, a record may be disclosed, subject to the limitations of 37 CFR 1.14, as a
`routine use, to the public if the record was filed in an application which became abandonedor in
`which the proceedings were terminated and which application is referenced by either a published
`application, an application open to public inspection or an issued patent.
`9. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Federal, State, or local
`law enforcementagency, if the USPTO becomes aware of a violation or potential violation of law or
`regulation.
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 6 of 18 PageID #: 1093
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 6 of 18 PagelD #: 1093
`
`
`Notice of Allowability
`
`Application No.
`
`Applicant(s)
`
`13/245,001
`Examiner
`
`STROBER, DAVID
`Art Unit
`
`JOHN HEFFINGTON
`
`2172
`
`.
`
`-- The MAILING DATEof this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address--
`All claims being allowable, PROSECUTION ON THE MERITS IS (OR REMAINS) CLOSED in this application.
`If not included
`herewith (or previously mailed), a Notice of Allowance (PTOL-85) or other appropriate communication will be mailed in due course. THIS
`NOTICE OF ALLOWABILITY IS NOT A GRANT OF PATENT RIGHTS.This application is subject to withdrawal from issue at the initiative
`of the Office or upon petition by the applicant. See 37 CFR 1.313 and MPEP 1308.
`
`1. K This communication is responsive to proposed claim amendments dated 30 July 2012..
`
`2. (1 Anelection was madebythe applicant in responseto a restriction requirementset forth during the interview on
`the restriction requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.
`
`3. X] The allowed claim(s)is/are 1-4, 6-27.
`
`4. F] Acknowledgmentis madeof a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d)or (f).
`a) All c)[]None_of the:=b)(1Some*
`
`
`1. 1 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2. 1 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No.
`3. [1 Copiesofthe certified copies of the priority documents have been receivedin this national stage application from the
`International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
`
`“ Certified copies not received:
`
`Applicant has THREE MONTHS FROM THE “MAILING DATE”of this communication to file a reply complying with the requirements
`noted below. Failure to timely comply will result in ABANDONMENT ofthis application.
`THIS THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS NOT EXTENDABLE.
`
`5. (] A SUBSTITUTE OATH OR DECLARATION must be submitted. Note the attached EXAMINER'S AMENDMENTor NOTICE OF
`INFORMAL PATENT APPLICATION (PTO-152) which gives reason(s) why the oath or declaration is deficient.
`
`6. [] CORRECTED DRAWINGS( as “replacement sheets”) must be submitted.
`(a) (J including changes required by the Notice of Draftsperson’s Patent Drawing Review ( PTO-948) attached
`1) [1] hereto or 2) [J to Paper No./Mail Date.
`(b) (J including changes required by the attached Examiner's Amendment / Comment or in the Office action of
`Paper No/Mail Date.
`Identifying indicia such as the application number (see 37 CFR 1.84(c)) should be written on the drawingsin the front (not the back) of
`each sheet. Replacement sheet(s) should be labeled as such in the header according to 37 CFR 1.121(d).
`
`7. CJ] DEPOSIT OF and/or INFORMATIONabout the deposit of BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL must be submitted. Note the
`attached Examiner’s comment regarding REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEPOSIT OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL.
`
`Attachment(s)
`1. X] Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`2. [1 Notice of Draftperson's Patent Drawing Review (PTO-948)
`
`3. [J Information Disclosure Statements (PTO/SB/08),
`Paper No./Mail Date
`4. (] Examiner's Comment Regarding Requirement for Deposit
`of Biological Material
`
`5. [J Notice of Informal Patent Application
`6. KX] Interview Summary (PTO-413),
`Paper No./Mail Date 20720728 .
`7. KJ Examiner's Amendment/Comment
`
`8. KJ Examiner's Statement of Reasonsfor Allowance
`
`9. [] Other
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`PTOL-37(Rev. 03-11)
`
`Notice of Allowability
`
`Part of Paper No./Mail Date 20120728
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 7 of 18 PageID #: 1094
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 7 of 18 PagelD #: 1094
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 2
`
`EXAMINER’S AMENDMENT
`
`1.
`
`An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes
`
`and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment maybefiled as provided
`
`by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be
`
`submitted no later than the paymentof the issue fee.
`
`Authorization for this examiner's amendment was given in a telephone interview
`
`with Samuel Borodach on 26 July 2012 and 30 July 2012.
`
`The application has been amendedasfollows:
`
`Claim 1. A machine-implemented method of controlling presentation of video content on
`
`a display device[[by a]] that loads any one of a plurality of different media player
`
`players, the method comprising:
`
`assigning, by a server system, a synchronization codeto thfe display device;
`
`receiving, in the server system, a message from a personal computing device
`
`that is separate from the server system and separate from the display device, wherein
`
`the message includes the synchronization code:
`
`storing, by the server system, a record establishing an association between the
`
`personal computing device and the display device based on the synchronization code;
`
`receiving, in [[a]] the server system, one or more signals from aremete the
`
`personal computing device, the one or more signals specifying a videofile to be acted
`
`upon and identifying a particular media player for playing the video content, the one or
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 8 of 18 PageID #: 1095
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 8 of 18 PagelD #: 1095
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 3
`
`more signals further including a universal playback control commandfor controlling
`
`playing of the video content on the display device by the particular media player,
`
`converting, by the server system, the universal playback control commandinto
`
`corresponding programming codeto control playing of the video content on the display
`
`device by the particular media player, wherein converting the universal playback control
`
`commandincludesselecting from amonga plurality of specific commands, eachof
`
`which represents a corresponding playback control commandfor a respective media
`
`player; and
`
`storing, in a database associated with the server system, amessage information
`
`for transmission to or retrieval by the display device, wherein the message information
`
`specifies the videofile to be acted upon, identifies the particular media player for playing
`
`the video content, and includes the corresponding programming code to control playing
`
`of the video content on the display device by the particular media player in accordance
`
`with the universal playback control command.
`
`Claim 2. The method of claim 1 including:
`
`checking, in the server system, the identity of the media playeridentified in the
`
`one or moresignals from the personal computing device;
`
`loading an appropriate set of protocols or application programming interfaces
`
`from a library based on the identity of the media player; and
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 9 of 18 PageID #: 1096
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 9 of 18 PagelD #: 1096
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 4
`
`converting the commandfrom the personal computing deviceinto [[a]]
`
`corresponding davaSerpt code to control the media player.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Claim 9. The method of claim 1 includingacedefromintheserversystem,receiving
`
`the-persenal-computingdevice, wherein the synchronization code is uniquely
`
`associated with the display device on which the video content is to be played|[;]] aad
`
`
`
`Claim 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the synchronization codeis different from an
`
`IP address associated with the display device andis different from a MAC address
`
`associated with the display device.
`
`Claim 11. The method of claim 9 wherein assigning a synchronization code includes
`
`including assigning a randomly generated code to the display device each time the
`
`display device connects to the server system.
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 10 of 18 PageID #: 1097
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 10 of 18 PagelD #: 1097
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 5
`
`Claim 12. A system for controlling playing of video content on a display device[[by al]
`
`that loads any one of a plurality of different media player players, the system
`
`comprising:
`
`a server system;
`
`a first database storing a relationship between a personal computing device and
`
`the display device based on a synchronization code assignd by the server system to the
`
`display device and received by the server system in a message from the personal
`
`computing device, wherein the personal computing device is separate from the server
`
`system and separate from the display device; and
`
`a second database;
`
`wherein the server system is eperable configured to receive one or more signals
`
`from [[a]] theremete personal computing device, the one or more signals specifying a
`
`video file to be acted upon andidentifying a particular media playerfor playing the video
`
`content, the one or moresignals further including a universal playback control command
`
`for controlling playing of the video contenton the display device,
`
`one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that
`
`when executedby the server system, cause the server system to perform operations
`
`including converting the universal playback control command into corresponding
`
`programming codeto control playing of the video contentof the particular media player,
`
`wherein converting the universal playback control commandincludes selecting from
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 11 of 18 PageID #: 1098
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 11 of 18 PagelD #: 1098
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 6
`
`amonga plurality of specific commands, each of which represents a corresponding
`
`playback control commandfor a respective media player;
`
`the server system being further eperable configured to store in the second
`
`database amessage information for transmission to or retrieval by the display device,
`
`wherein the message information specifies the videofile to be acted upon, identifies the
`
`particular media player for playing the video content, and includes the corresponding
`
`programming codeto control playing of the video content on the display device by the
`
`particular media player in accordance with the universal playback control command.
`
`Claim 13. The system of claim 12 including:
`
`library storing protocols or application programming interfaces,
`
`wherein the server system is eperable configured to checkthe identity of the
`
`media player identified in the one or more signals from the personal computing device,
`
`load an appropriate set of protocols or application programming interfaces from the
`
`library based on the identity of the media player, and convert the commandfrom the
`
`personal computing device into a corresponding programming code usedby the display
`
`device to control the media player.
`
`Claim 14. The system of claim 12 including:
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 12 of 18 PageID #: 1099
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 12 of 18 PagelD #: 1099
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 7
`
`a look-up table storing a plurality of commands each of whichis for a particular
`
`type of media player,
`
`wherein the server system is eperable configured to convert the commandinto
`
`corresponding programming codeto control the media player based on information in
`
`the look-up table.
`
`16. The system of claim 15 the server system is eserable configured to convert the
`
`universal commandbyselecting from among theplurality of specific commands stored
`
`in the look-up table.
`
`
`
`Claim 20. The system of claim 12 whereinthe-serversystemis-operabletereceivea
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`cedefromthepersenalcemputingdevice wherein the synchronization codeis uniquely
`
`
`
`associated with the display device on which the video content is to be played, the-server
`
`
`
`Claim 21. The system of claim 20 wherein the synchronization codeis different from an
`
`IP address associated with the display device andis different from a MAC address
`
`associated with the display device.
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 13 of 18 PageID #: 1100
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 13 of 18 PagelD #: 1100
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 8
`
`Claim 22. The system of claim 20 wherein the server system is eperable configured to
`
`assign as the synchronization code a randomly generated code tethe-displaydeviee
`
`each time the display device connects to the server system.
`
`Claim 23. An automated machine-implemented method of presenting video content on a
`
`display device [[by a]] that loads any one of a plurality of different media player, the
`
`method comprising:
`
`displaying, by the display device, a synchronization code that was assigned to
`
`the display device by a server system, the server system subsequently storing, based
`
`on a message from a personal computing device that is separate from the server
`
`system and the display device, an association between the display device and the
`
`personal computing device, the message from the personal computing device including
`
`the synchronization code.
`
`retrieving, by the display device from a server system, first information that
`
`specifies a first video file to be acted upon, that identifies a first media player for playing
`
`the first video file, and that indicates corresponding programming codeto control playing
`
`of thefirst video file on the display device by the first media player in accordancewith a
`
`first playback control command, wherein the server system previously received, from
`
`the personal computing device, one or moresignals specifying the first videofile
`
`identifying the first media player and including the first playback control command;
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 14 of 18 PageID #: 1101
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 14 of 18 PagelD #: 1101
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 9
`
`obtaining, by the display device, over the Internetthe first media player for
`
`playing the first videofile;
`
`loading the first media playerin the display device;
`
`executing the first playback control command with respectto the first videofile
`
`using the first media player;
`
`subsequently retrieving, by the display device from the server system, second
`
`information that specifies a second videofile to be acted upon, that identifies a second
`
`media playerdifferent from the first media player for playing the second videofile, and
`
`that indicates corresponding programming codeto control playing of the second video
`
`file on the display device by the second media playerin accordance with a second
`
`playback control command, wherein the server system previously received, from the
`
`personal computing device, one or more signals specifying the second videofile,
`
`identifying the second media player and including the second playback control
`
`command;
`
`obtaining, by the display device, over the Internet the second media playerfor
`
`playing the second videofile;
`
`loading the second media player in the display device; and
`
`executing the second playback control command with respect to the second
`
`video file using the second media player.
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 15 of 18 PageID #: 1102
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 15 of 18 PagelD #: 1102
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 10
`
`Claim 27. The method of claim 23 wherein the display device checks whether the
`
`respective media player neededto play the particular one of the video fe files already
`
`is loaded in the display device before obtaining a copy of the media player over the
`
`Internet.
`
`Summaryof the Prior Art of Record
`
`Schwartz et al. (US 2011/0060998 A1) — Schwartz discloses A system and a method
`
`manage internet media content by identifying relevant media content associated with a
`
`webpage, generating a symbolic representation for the identified media and/or
`
`presenting the symbolic representation of the identified media to enable media
`
`management, organization, retrieval, consumption and/or redirection functionality to be
`
`integrated with a web browsing experience. The system and the method mayprovide
`
`enhanced multimedia functionality integrated with a web browsing experience using an
`
`application providing web browserfunctionality, a plug-in program for an existing web
`
`browser, and/or an application associated and/or in communication with a web browser.
`
`Hjelmeland Almaset al. (US 2008/0301737 A1) - A portable communication deviceis
`
`equipped with a content and/or channel recommendation function that is configured to
`
`provide a user with content recommendations for watching a television program. The
`
`portable communication device is used as a remote control to control various aspects of
`
`the television. In one embodiment, channel recommendations are made based upon the
`
`user's mobile activities. Such activities include: web browsing, web searching,
`
`

`

`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 16 of 18 PageID #: 1103
`Case 2:23-cv-00059-JRG Document 40-4 Filed 04/18/24 Page 16 of 18 PagelD #: 1103
`
`Application/Control Number: 13/245,001
`Art Unit: 2172
`
`Page 11
`
`multimedia content rendered and/or