Patents by Inventor David Sandford

David Sandford 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).

  • Publication number: 20210297747
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting menus to DVR users and users of other media playback devices are described. After a DVR (or other media device) has finished playing a recorded television program (or other content), or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a menu. In addition to or in alternative to “save” and “delete” options, the menu comprises one or more options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play certain content on the user's television set. Additionally, or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually interact with content, such as an item that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
  • Patent number: 10992990
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting menus to DVR users and users of other media playback devices are described. After a DVR (or other media device) has finished playing a recorded television program (or other content), or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a menu. In addition to or in alternative to “save” and “delete” options, the menu comprises one or more options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play certain content on the user's television set. Additionally, or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually interact with content, such as an item that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: TIVO SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
  • Publication number: 20160241918
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting menus to DVR users and users of other media playback devices are described. After a DVR (or other media device) has finished playing a recorded television program (or other content), or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a menu. In addition to or in alternative to “save” and “delete” options, the menu comprises one or more options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play certain content on the user's television set. Additionally, or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually interact with content, such as an item that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
  • Patent number: 9363564
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9332314
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9326031
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
  • Patent number: 9088826
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
  • Patent number: 9036981
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140250463
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: TIVO INC.
    Inventors: JAMES BARTON, PAUL STEVENS, DAVID SANDFORD, ROBIN HAYES, MARGRET SCHMIDT, BRUCE KLEIN
  • Publication number: 20130318552
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120328263
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8261300
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: TiVo Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20070300261
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20070300263
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
  • Publication number: 20070041101
    Abstract: A multiple group variable focal length lens is provided. The lens has a first lens group including a variable power lens element and is positioned in a stationary manner along an optical axis. The lens also has a second lens group moveably positioned along the optical axis. The variable power lens element can be an electrically controllable liquid lens having a surface with a variable radius of curvature created by two liquids having distinct indices of refraction with one of the liquids having an index of refraction greater than 1.60. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the liquids used in the liquid lens can include nanoscale particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: William Goosey, John Border, David Sandford