Patents by Inventor Andrew Laurence Ashbacher
Andrew Laurence Ashbacher has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11961171Abstract: In one aspect, an example method can be used with a system comprising a set of domain specific language (DSL)-compatible modules. The method can include: (i) designing a template for an interactive media object, wherein the template includes one or more fixed portions and one or more variable portions; (ii) curating the designed template by at least using received input to modify the one or more variable portions of the designed template; (iii) modifying the curated template by replacing a content placeholder of the curated template with a corresponding content item, thereby automatically converting the curated template into an interactive media object definition file; and (iv) using the interactive media object definition file to render and present, via a media selection menu of a presentation device, an interactive media object defined by the interactive media object definition file.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Mehul Sanghavi, Rachel Elise Bailin, Thomas Paul DeGarmo, Jr., Prajit Jose Madan, David Anthony Webb, Andrew Laurence Ashbacher
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Patent number: 11900719Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving query fingerprint data representing content received by a content-presentation device. The method also includes identifying a geographic area of the content-presentation device. The method also includes using at least the identified geographic area as a basis to select, from among a plurality of reference fingerprint data sets, a reference fingerprint data set that corresponds with the identified geographic area. The method also includes detecting a match between the query fingerprint data and at least a portion of reference fingerprint data in the selected reference fingerprint data set. The method also includes responsive to detecting the match, performing an action.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III
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Publication number: 20230308703Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes identifying an upcoming content-modification opportunity on a channel, where the upcoming content-modification opportunity relates to a modifiable content-segment transmitted by a content-distribution system on the channel, and where the modifiable content-segment includes an overlay content portion and a non-overlay content portion. The method also includes responsive to identifying the upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel, identifying a content-presentation device tuned to the channel. The method also includes determining location data associated with the overlay content portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Markus Kurt Peter Cremer, Shashank Merchant, Andreas Schmidt
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Patent number: 11770593Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving first query fingerprint data representing first content channeled through a portion of a content-distribution system. The method also includes detecting a first match between the received first query fingerprint data and first reference fingerprint data representing a modifiable content-segment. The method also includes responsive to detecting the first match, performing a first action. The method also includes receiving second query fingerprint data representing content received by a content-presentation device. The method also includes detecting a second match between the received second query fingerprint data and second reference fingerprint data representing second content transmitted by the content-distribution system, where the second content is a modified version of the first content. The method also includes responsive to detecting the second match, performing a second action that is different from the first action.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L. Haynes, III, Stefan Matthijs Maris
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Patent number: 11736742Abstract: In one aspect, a method is for use in connection with a content-modification system that includes a content-distribution system and a content-presentation device.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III
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Patent number: 11711574Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes: (i) determining a baseline input-to-output delay, which represents a time period between when content is input into a first input buffer and output by an output buffer; (ii) establishing a synchronous lock between (a) first fingerprint data representing content in the first input buffer and (b) second fingerprint data representing content in the output buffer; (iii) determining an instruction time-point at which a content-presentation device is instructed to switch from using content in the first input buffer to populate the output buffer, to using content in the second input buffer to populate the output buffer; (iv) determining a loss of synchronous lock time-point; (v) using the determined baseline input-to-output delay, the determined instruction time-point, and the determined loss of synchronous lock time-point to determine an input-buffer switching delay; and (vi) using the determined input-buffer switching delay to facilitate performing a content-modification operationType: GrantFiled: June 14, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, John L. Haynes, III
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Patent number: 11700423Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes determining a content-transmission delay between a content-distribution system and a content-presentation device. The method also includes using at least the determined content-transmission delay as a basis to select, from among a plurality of reference fingerprint data sets, a reference fingerprint data set that corresponds with the determined content-transmission delay. The method also includes transmitting to the content-presentation device, the selected reference fingerprint data set that corresponds with the determined content-transmission delay to facilitate the content-presentation device detecting a match between query fingerprint data representing content received by the content-presentation device and at least a portion of reference fingerprint data in the transmitted reference fingerprint data set.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2022Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, John L. Haynes, III, Shuheng Li, Stefan Matthijs Maris
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Patent number: 11657645Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving query fingerprint data representing content received by a content-presentation device. The method also includes comparing at least a first portion of the query fingerprint data with at least one first reference fingerprint data set, where each first reference fingerprint data set corresponds with a respective channel. The method also includes determining that the query fingerprint data does not match any of the at least one first reference fingerprint data sets. The method also includes responsive to the determining, comparing at least a second portion of the query fingerprint data with second reference fingerprint data representing a modifiable content-segment. The method also includes detecting a match between at least the second portion of the query fingerprint data and the second reference fingerprint data.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Patent number: 11653037Abstract: In one aspect, a method is for use in connection with a content-modification system that includes a content-distribution system and a content-presentation device.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III
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Patent number: 11645866Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving a first portion of query fingerprint data representing content transmitted by a content-distribution system. The method also includes detecting a match between the first portion of the query fingerprint data and a first portion of reference fingerprint data representing a modifiable content-segment. The method also includes after detecting the match: (i) receiving a second portion of the query fingerprint data, wherein the second portion of the query fingerprint data is different from the first portion of the query fingerprint data; and (ii) detecting a mismatch between the second portion of the query fingerprint data and a second portion of the reference fingerprint data representing the modifiable content-segment, wherein the second portion of the reference fingerprint data is different from the first portion of the reference fingerprint data. The method also includes responsive to detecting the mismatch, performing an action.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: David Edward Armstrong, Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, John L. Haynes, III
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Patent number: 11632598Abstract: In one aspect, a method is for use in connection with a content-modification system that includes a content-distribution system and a content-presentation device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, John L. Haynes, III, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Patent number: 11617001Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes identifying an upcoming content-modification opportunity on a channel, where the upcoming content-modification opportunity relates to a modifiable content-segment transmitted by a content-distribution system on the channel, and where the modifiable content-segment includes an overlay content portion and a non-overlay content portion. The method also includes responsive to identifying the upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel, identifying a content-presentation device tuned to the channel. The method also includes determining location data associated with the overlay content portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Markus Kurt Peter Cremer, Shashank Merchant, Andreas Schmidt
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Patent number: 11589108Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving first content at a content-presentation device and presenting the first content, the first content comprising a first audio-content component. The content-presentation device may receive second content comprising a second audio-content component. The content-presentation device may determine a switch time at which to switch from presenting the first content to presenting the second content. During a first time interval prior to the switch time and ending at the switch time, the volume of the first audio-content component may be decreased to zero. At the switch time, the content-presentation device may switch from presenting the first content to presenting the second content. During a second time interval beginning at the switch time and ending at a second time after the switch time, the volume of the second audio-content component may be increased from zero to a non-zero volume level.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Matthew George Grover, Matthew Simon Pearce
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Patent number: 11570526Abstract: In one aspect, a method is for use in connection with a content-modification system that includes a content-distribution system and a content-presentation device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, John L. Haynes, III, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Publication number: 20220385957Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving first query fingerprint data representing first content channeled through a portion of a content-distribution system. The method also includes detecting a first match between the received first query fingerprint data and first reference fingerprint data representing a modifiable content-segment. The method also includes responsive to detecting the first match, performing a first action. The method also includes receiving second query fingerprint data representing content received by a content-presentation device. The method also includes detecting a second match between the received second query fingerprint data and second reference fingerprint data representing second content transmitted by the content-distribution system, where the second content is a modified version of the first content. The method also includes responsive to detecting the second match, performing a second action that is different from the first action.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L. Haynes, III, Stefan Matthijs Maris
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Publication number: 20220312068Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes: (i) determining a baseline input-to-output delay, which represents a time period between when content is input into a first input buffer and output by an output buffer; (ii) establishing a synchronous lock between (a) first fingerprint data representing content in the first input buffer and (b) second fingerprint data representing content in the output buffer; (iii) determining an instruction time-point at which a content-presentation device is instructed to switch from using content in the first input buffer to populate the output buffer, to using content in the second input buffer to populate the output buffer; (iv) determining a loss of synchronous lock time-point; (v) using the determined baseline input-to-output delay, the determined instruction time-point, and the determined loss of synchronous lock time-point to determine an input-buffer switching delay; and (vi) using the determined input-buffer switching delay to facilitate performing a content-modification operationType: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, John L. Haynes, III
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Patent number: 11450110Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving first query fingerprint data representing first content channeled through a portion of a content-distribution system. The method also includes detecting a first match between the received first query fingerprint data and first reference fingerprint data representing a modifiable content-segment. The method also includes responsive to detecting the first match, performing a first action. The method also includes receiving second query fingerprint data representing content received by a content-presentation device. The method also includes detecting a second match between the received second query fingerprint data and second reference fingerprint data representing second content transmitted by the content-distribution system, where the second content is a modified version of the first content. The method also includes responsive to detecting the second match, performing a second action that is different from the first action.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L. Haynes, III, Stefan Matthijs Maris
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Publication number: 20220292872Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving query fingerprint data representing content received by a content-presentation device. The method also includes comparing at least a first portion of the query fingerprint data with at least one first reference fingerprint data set, where each first reference fingerprint data set corresponds with a respective channel. The method also includes determining that the query fingerprint data does not match any of the at least one first reference fingerprint data sets. The method also includes responsive to the determining, comparing at least a second portion of the query fingerprint data with second reference fingerprint data representing a modifiable content-segment. The method also includes detecting a match between at least the second portion of the query fingerprint data and the second reference fingerprint data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Publication number: 20220284729Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving a first portion of query fingerprint data representing content transmitted by a content-distribution system. The method also includes detecting a match between the first portion of the query fingerprint data and a first portion of reference fingerprint data representing a modifiable content-segment. The method also includes after detecting the match: (i) receiving a second portion of the query fingerprint data, wherein the second portion of the query fingerprint data is different from the first portion of the query fingerprint data; and (ii) detecting a mismatch between the second portion of the query fingerprint data and a second portion of the reference fingerprint data representing the modifiable content-segment, wherein the second portion of the reference fingerprint data is different from the first portion of the reference fingerprint data. The method also includes responsive to detecting the mismatch, performing an action.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: David Edward Armstrong, Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, John L. Haynes
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Publication number: 20220239982Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes determining a content-transmission delay between a content-distribution system and a content-presentation device. The method also includes using at least the determined content-transmission delay as a basis to select, from among a plurality of reference fingerprint data sets, a reference fingerprint data set that corresponds with the determined content-transmission delay. The method also includes transmitting to the content-presentation device, the selected reference fingerprint data set that corresponds with the determined content-transmission delay to facilitate the content-presentation device detecting a match between query fingerprint data representing content received by the content-presentation device and at least a portion of reference fingerprint data in the transmitted reference fingerprint data set.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, John L. Haynes, III, Shuheng Li, Stefan Matthijs Maris