Patents by Inventor George A. Grover
George A. Grover 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: 11190825Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving from content presentation devices a request for supplemental content. Each content presentation device is configured to present program content received from a content distribution system. The program content is associated with a program schedule that specifies an advertisement start time. The computing system determines a supplemental content processing time that corresponds to an amount of time required by a particular content presentation device to receive the supplemental content to facilitate presentation of the supplemental content. The computing system schedules the content presentation devices to receive requested supplemental content according to corresponding supplemental content processing times and advertisement start times.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2021Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventor: Matthew George Grover
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Publication number: 20210360305Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes a content-presentation device determining first and second intervals during which presentation of received content is modifiable, and transmitting first and second requests for first and second supplemental content. A link to content in a playlist may be received, the playlist including first supplemental content followed immediately by second supplemental content. The link may be used to retrieve the first supplemental content, which may be presented in a first modification operation during the first interval. Before completing the first modification operation, the content-presentation device may use the link to start retrieving the second supplemental content for a second modification operation scheduled immediately following the first modification operation, and may determine that while less than a threshold portion of the first modification operation remains incomplete, retrieval of the second supplemental content is also incomplete.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventor: Matthew George Grover
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Patent number: 11134305Abstract: 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: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Matthew George Grover, Matthew Simon Pearce
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Patent number: 11109088Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes a content-presentation device determining first and second intervals during which presentation of received content is modifiable, and transmitting first and second requests for first and second supplemental content. A link to content in a playlist may be received, the playlist including first supplemental content followed immediately by second supplemental content. The link may be used to retrieve the first supplemental content, which may be presented in a first modification operation during the first interval. Before completing the first modification operation, the content-presentation device may use the link to start retrieving the second supplemental content for a second modification operation scheduled immediately following the first modification operation, and may determine that while less than a threshold portion of the first modification operation remains incomplete, retrieval of the second supplemental content is also incomplete.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventor: Matthew George Grover
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Patent number: 10986382Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes identifying an upcoming content modification opportunity on a channel. The method also includes responsive to identifying the upcoming content modification opportunity on the channel, identifying a group of multiple content-presentation devices tuned to the channel. The method also includes using, at least in part, an amount of content-presentation devices in the identified group as a basis to determine an amount of system resources to request. The method also includes requesting the determined amount of system resources for use in performing actions that facilitate at least a portion of the content-presentation devices in the identified group performing respective content-modification operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2020Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLCInventor: Matthew George Grover
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Publication number: 20210029398Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes (i) receiving query fingerprint data representing content transmitted by a content-distribution system on a channel; (ii) comparing the received query fingerprint data with multiple reference fingerprint data sets, wherein each of the multiple reference fingerprint data sets corresponds with a different respective content segment; (iii) based on the comparing, detecting a respective match between the received query fingerprint data and reference fingerprint data in each of the multiple reference fingerprint data sets; (iv) accessing broadcast-schedule data associated with the channel; (v) using the accessed broadcast-schedule data to identify which one of the different respective content segments is being transmitted by the content-distribution system on the channel, thereby identifying a corresponding upcoming content modification opportunity on the channel; and (vi) performing an action to facilitate performing a content modification operation related to the identified upcomType: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2020Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Publication number: 20210029399Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes (i) accessing broadcast-schedule data associated with a channel; (ii) using the accessed broadcast-schedule data to identify an upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel; and (iii) responsive to identifying the upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel, performing an action to facilitate performing a content-modification operation related to the identified upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel, wherein performing the action comprises causing in-band message data to be inserted into at least a portion of a content segment that is being transmitted by a content-distribution system on the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2020Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Steven Michael Cormie
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Publication number: 20200389684Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes identifying an upcoming content modification opportunity on a channel. The method also includes responsive to identifying the upcoming content modification opportunity on the channel, identifying a group of multiple content-presentation devices tuned to the channel. The method also includes for each content-presentation device in the identified group, determining a respective probability of that content-presentation device successfully performing a respective content-modification operation in connection with the identified upcoming content modification opportunity on the channel. The method also includes using at least the determined probabilities as a basis to select, from among the content-presentation devices in the identified group, a subgroup of content-presentation devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventor: Matthew George Grover
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Publication number: 20200389695Abstract: In one aspect, a method is disclosed. The method includes identifying, by a content-presentation device, an upcoming content modification opportunity on an identified channel, where the identified upcoming content modification opportunity relates to a modifiable content-segment. The method also includes receiving, by the content-presentation device, the modifiable content-segment. The method further includes performing, by the content-presentation device, a set of operations to prepare the content-presentation device to perform a content-modification operation in connection with the identified upcoming content modification opportunity on the identified channel. The method additionally includes receiving, by the content-presentation device, an instruction to operate in a test mode. The method also includes responsive to receiving the instruction, outputting, by the content-presentation device, for presentation the modifiable content-segment without a modification that relates to supplemental content.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Publication number: 20200389687Abstract: In an example, a method includes identifying an upcoming content-modification opportunity on a channel, identifying a first content-presentation device based on the first content-presentation device being tuned to the channel and having a first characteristic, and identifying a second content-presentation device based on the second content-presentation device being tuned to the channel and having a second, different characteristic. The method further includes before or without receiving a request for supplemental content from the first content-presentation device, causing first supplemental content to be transmitted to the first content-presentation device, to facilitate the first content-presentation device performing a first content-modification operation related to the upcoming opportunity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Publication number: 20200389689Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving from a content-presentation device a request for first supplemental content for presentation during first content-modification operation, and transmitting to the content-presentation device a link to a set of content items in a playlist including the first supplemental content. A request may be received from the content-presentation device for second supplemental content for presentation during a second content-modification operation. A determination may be made that the second content-modification operation is scheduled immediately after the first content-modification operation. Responsive to the determination, the playlist may be modified to include the second supplemental content positioned immediately after the first supplemental content.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Publication number: 20200389681Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes (i) accessing broadcast-schedule data associated with a channel; (ii) using the accessed broadcast-schedule data to identify an upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel; (iii) responsive to identifying the upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel, identifying a content-presentation device tuned to the channel; and (iv) causing supplemental content to be transmitted to the identified content-presentation device, to facilitate the identified content-presentation device performing a content-modification operation related to the identified upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Publication number: 20200389686Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes a content-presentation device determining first and second intervals during which presentation of received content is modifiable, and transmitting first and second requests for first and second supplemental content. A link to content in a playlist may be received, the playlist including first supplemental content followed immediately by second supplemental content. The link may be used to retrieve the first supplemental content, which may be presented in a first modification operation during the first interval. Before completing the first modification operation, the content-presentation device may use the link to start retrieving the second supplemental content for a second modification operation scheduled immediately following the first modification operation, and may determine that while less than a threshold portion of the first modification operation remains incomplete, retrieval of the second supplemental content is also incomplete.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventor: Matthew George Grover
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Publication number: 20200389680Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes identifying an upcoming content modification opportunity on a channel. The method also includes responsive to identifying the upcoming content modification opportunity on the channel, identifying a group of multiple content-presentation devices tuned to the channel. The method also includes using, at least in part, an amount of content-presentation devices in the identified group as a basis to determine an amount of system resources to request. The method also includes requesting the determined amount of system resources for use in performing actions that facilitate at least a portion of the content-presentation devices in the identified group performing respective content-modification operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventor: Matthew George Grover
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Publication number: 20200389688Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes (i) accessing in-band message data that was extracted from content being transmitted by a content-distribution system on a channel; (ii) using the accessed in-band message data to identify an upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel; (iii) responsive to identifying the upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel, identifying a content-presentation device tuned to the channel; and (iv) causing supplemental content to be transmitted to the identified content-presentation device, to facilitate the identified content-presentation device performing a content-modification operation related to the identified upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Publication number: 20200389694Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving, by a content-management system and from a content-presentation device, a request for supplemental content, such as a replacement advertisement. The content-management system may then determine a technical characteristic of the content-presentation device and select supplemental content based at least in part on at least the determined technical characteristic of the content-presentation device. The content-management system may then cause the selected supplemental content to be transmitted to the content-presentation device to facilitate the content-presentation device performing a content modification operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Matthew Simon Pearce
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Publication number: 20200359082Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Matthew George Grover, Matthew Simon Pearce
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Patent number: 5109483Abstract: Enhanced type 2.1 nodes for SNA networks provide network routing of information between non-adjacent network nodes and program-to-program linkage across the network. These nodes are called "advanced peer to peer networking" (abbreviated APPN) nodes. Network state information, describing the topology and resources of the network is disseminated betweeen APPN nodes by a first data link control exchange of identification (XID) information indicating node type (and thereby distinguishing APPN nodes from other nodes) and other exchanges conducted over a newly defined control point to control point (abbreviated CP--CP) session having a message architecture unique to APPN type nodes. The XID exchange is conducted whenever a link between nodes is activated, and when the exchanging nodes are both APPN, and if both are available to participate in as CP--CP session, they automatically engage in a second exchange of session binding signals which establish a pair of sessions between the nodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1987Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.Inventors: Alan E. Baratz, John E. Drake, Jr., George A. Grover, James P. Gray, Melinda R. Pollard, Diane P. Pozefsky, Lee M. Rafalow
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Patent number: 4926414Abstract: In a computer network a logical duplex session between control points of adjacent network nodes is comprised of two physical half duplex sessions. Each half duplex session includes the send session of one node and the receive session of the adjacent node. In the event of a session failure at either node, the session from the other node is also deactivated so the nodes may begin recovery in phase with each other. Unique messages are exchanged between the adjacent nodes to distinguish new from old messages, such that the nodes are resynchronized only when new messages are present on each session.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1987Date of Patent: May 15, 1990Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alan E. Baratz, George A. Grover
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Patent number: 4914571Abstract: A LOCATE search dynamically locates resources (e.g., logical units (LUs) and transaction program and files associated with LUs) in a computer network so that a session can be established between the origin and the destination of the search.In a network which includes end nodes associated with server nodes, a resource contained in any node is located by a requesting node. The requesting node initiates a search of the resources residing within itself. If the resource does not reside in the requesting node, the server node searches the resources known to the server node that reside anywhere in the nework. If the resource is not known by the server node, it searchers all resources that reside in its associated end nodes. If the resource does not reside in the associated end nodes, either a request is sent to a central directory if one exists or a search of all resources in the network is made.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1987Date of Patent: April 3, 1990Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alan E. Baratz, Inder S. Gopal, James P. Gray, George A. Grover, Jeffrey M. Jaffe, Jean A. Lorrain, Melinda R. Pollard, Diane P. Pozefsky, Mark Pozefsky, Lee M. Rafalow