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).
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Publication number: 20210297747Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
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Patent number: 10992990Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: TIVO SOLUTIONS INC.Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
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Publication number: 20160241918Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
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Patent number: 9363564Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
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Patent number: 9332314Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
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Patent number: 9326031Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
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Patent number: 9088826Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
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Patent number: 9036981Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
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Publication number: 20140250463Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: TIVO INC.Inventors: JAMES BARTON, PAUL STEVENS, DAVID SANDFORD, ROBIN HAYES, MARGRET SCHMIDT, BRUCE KLEIN
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Publication number: 20130318552Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: TiVo Inc.Inventors: James Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
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Publication number: 20120328263Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
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Patent number: 8261300Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
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Publication number: 20070300261Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt
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Publication number: 20070300263Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventors: James M. Barton, Paul Stevens, David Sandford, Robin Hayes, Margret Schmidt, Bruce Klein
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Publication number: 20070041101Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2005Publication date: February 22, 2007Inventors: William Goosey, John Border, David Sandford