Patents by Inventor Steven D. Scherf
Steven D. Scherf 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: 20200021789Abstract: In one aspect, an example method includes (i) providing, by a playback device, replacement media content for display; (ii) determining, by the playback device, that a remote control transmitted to the playback device an instruction configured to cause a modification to operation of the playback device while the playback device displays the replacement media content; (iii) determining, by the playback device based on the instruction, an overlay that the playback device is configured to provide for display in conjunction with the modification; (iv) determining, by the playback device, a region within a display of the playback device corresponding to the overlay; and (v) modifying, by the playback device, a transparency of the region such that the overlay is visible through the replacement media content when the playback device provides the overlay for display.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Kurt R. Thielen, Shashank Merchant, Peter Dunker, Markus K. Cremer, Chungwon Seo, Seunghyeong Lee, Steven D. Scherf
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Patent number: 10506275Abstract: A computing system identifies a media stream being received by a client, based on fingerprint matching conducted with query fingerprints generated by the client at a frame rate. The computing system then causes the client to increase the frame rate, in order to facilitate establishment by the computing system of synchronous lock between true time within the media stream and client time according to an clock of the client. The computing system then uses the established synchronous lock as a basis to map a true-time point at which a content revision should be performed in the media stream to a client-time point at which the client should perform the content revision. And the computing system causes the client to perform the content revision at the determined client-time point.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Gracenote, Inc.Inventors: Kurt R. Thielen, Shashank C. Merchant, Peter Dunker, Markus K. Cremer, Steven D. Scherf
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Patent number: 10412447Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template indicating a semi-transparent overlay. Based on the video input stream matching the template, a video output stream is generated and caused to be presented on a display. In some example embodiments, the analysis is performed while the client device is replacing video content received from a content source via the intermediate device. For example, commercials transmitted from a national content provider to a smart TV via a set-top box may be replaced with targeted commercials. During the replacement, semi-transparent menus generated by the set-top box may be detected and the replacement video altered by the smart TV to include the menus.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Gracenote, Inc.Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20190132641Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template indicating a change of speed. In some example embodiments, the analysis is performed while the client device is generating a video output stream that replaces video content received from a content source via the intermediate device. Based on the video input stream matching the template, the client device modifies the video output stream to show the change of speed. For example, commercials transmitted from a national content provider to a smart TV via a set-top box may be replaced with targeted commercials. During the replacement, fast-forwarding of the commercial may be detected by matching a template with the video input stream. While the video input stream is being fast-forwarded, the smart TV fast-forwards the targeted commercial.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Patent number: 10185718Abstract: A machine can compress an entry of an index, starting with accessing first data that corresponds to a segment of content and is expressed in a first number of bits. The machine classifies the content into a first class or a second class and generates second data that is expressed in a fewer, second number of bits. To generate an upper portion of the second data, the machine selects and executes one of two algorithms based on the class of the content. The machine then assigns the generated second data to the segment. To decompress the second data and thereby recover the first data, the machine parses upper and lower portions of the second data, determines the class of the content, and recovers upper and lower portions of the first data. The upper portion is recovered via one of two algorithms based on the class of the content.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLCInventors: Matthew James Wilkinson, Steven D. Scherf, Andreas Schmidt, Jeffrey Scott
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Patent number: 10142680Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template indicating a change of speed. In some example embodiments, the analysis is performed while the client device is generating a video output stream that replaces video content received from a content source via the intermediate device. Based on the video input stream matching the template, the client device modifies the video output stream to show the change of speed. For example, commercials transmitted from a national content provider to a smart TV via a set-top box may be replaced with targeted commercials. During the replacement, fast-forwarding of the commercial may be detected by matching a template with the video input stream. While the video input stream is being fast-forwarded, the smart TV fast-forwards the targeted commercial.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Gracenote, Inc.Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Patent number: 10136183Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template indicating a change of content source. The analysis is performed while the client device is generating a video output stream that replaces video content received from a content source via the intermediate device. Based on the video input stream matching the template, the client device ceases replacement of the video input stream. The client device continues to analyze the video input stream and determines that the video input stream matches a second template indicating a return to the original content source. Based on the video input stream matching the second template, the client device resumes replacement of the video input stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Gracenote, Inc.Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Patent number: 10123073Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template indicating a portion of the video input stream that is created by the intermediate device. Based on the video input stream matching the template, a video output stream generated by the client device is modified to include the portion of the video input stream generated by the intermediate device. For example, commercials transmitted from a national content provider to a smart TV via a set-top box may be replaced with targeted commercials. During the replacement, informational messages or menus generated by the set-top box may be detected and the replacement video altered by the smart TV to include the messages or menus generated by the set-top box.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Gracenote, Inc.Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Patent number: 9959345Abstract: Methods and systems for searching for and retrieving video content via fingerprint matching are described. In some example embodiments, the methods and systems access an index of reference fingerprints, such as quantized values associated with multiple values calculated from patches of a frame, that are associated with sequential frames of known video content. The methods and systems may receive a search query that includes a group of query fingerprints associated with sequential frames of video content presented at a client device, access the index, compare the group of query fingerprints to reference fingerprints of the index, determine that the group of query fingerprints match the reference fingerprints of the index, and identify the video content presented at the client device based on the determined match.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Gracenote, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Scherf, Wilson Harron
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Patent number: 9769143Abstract: Example methods and systems for content-based association of a device to a user are presented. In an example method, data corresponding to each of a plurality of items of content stored within a user device are accessed. A device identifier for the user device is generated based on the data. The device identifier is transmitted from the user device to a service device to associate the user device with a user.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Gracenote, Inc.Inventors: Michael Jeffrey, Steven D. Scherf, Markus K. Cremer
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Publication number: 20170180795Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template indicating a portion of the video input stream that is created by the intermediate device. Based on the video input stream matching the template, a video output stream generated by the client device is modified to include the portion of the video input stream generated by the intermediate device. For example, commercials transmitted from a national content provider to a smart TV via a set-top box may be replaced with targeted commercials. During the replacement, informational messages or menus generated by the set-top box may be detected and the replacement video altered by the smart TV to include the messages or menus generated by the set-top box.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20170180792Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template corresponding to a screen portion. Based on the video input stream matching the template, a video output stream is generated and caused to be presented on a display. In some example embodiments, the analysis is performed while the client device is replacing video content received from a content source via the intermediate device. For example, commercials transmitted from a national content provider to a smart TV via a set-top box may be replaced with targeted commercials. During the replacement, menus generated by the set-top box may be detected and the replacement video altered by the smart TV to include the menus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20170180793Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template indicating a semi-transparent overlay. Based on the video input stream matching the template, a video output stream is generated and caused to be presented on a display. In some example embodiments, the analysis is performed while the client device is replacing video content received from a content source via the intermediate device. For example, commercials transmitted from a national content provider to a smart TV via a set-top box may be replaced with targeted commercials. During the replacement, semi-transparent menus generated by the set-top box may be detected and the replacement video altered by the smart TV to include the menus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20170180794Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template indicating a change of content source. The analysis is performed while the client device is generating a video output stream that replaces video content received from a content source via the intermediate device. Based on the video input stream matching the template, the client device ceases replacement of the video input stream. The client device continues to analyze the video input stream and determines that the video input stream matches a second template indicating a return to the original content source. Based on the video input stream matching the second template, the client device resumes replacement of the video input stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20170150213Abstract: A client device accesses a video input stream from an intermediate device for display. The client device analyzes the video input stream to determine that the video input stream matches a template indicating a change of speed. In some example embodiments, the analysis is performed while the client device is generating a video output stream that replaces video content received from a content source via the intermediate device. Based on the video input stream matching the template, the client device modifies the video output stream to show the change of speed. For example, commercials transmitted from a national content provider to a smart TV via a set-top box may be replaced with targeted commercials. During the replacement, fast-forwarding of the commercial may be detected by matching a template with the video input stream. While the video input stream is being fast-forwarded, the smart TV fast-forwards the targeted commercial.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Markus K. Cremer, Peter Dunker, Steven D. Scherf, David Henry Pearce, Sherman Ling Fung Li, Wilson Harron, Konstantinos Antonios Dimitriou, Dewey Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20160241540Abstract: Example methods and systems for content-based association of a device to a user are presented. In an example method, data corresponding to each of a plurality of items of content stored within a user device are accessed. A device identifier for the user device is generated based on the data. The device identifier is transmitted from the user device to a service device to associate the user device with a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Michael Jeffrey, Steven D. Scherf, Markus K. Cremer
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Patent number: 9356914Abstract: Example methods and systems for content-based association of a device to a user are presented. In an example method, data corresponding to each of a plurality of items of content stored within a user device are accessed. A device identifier for the user device is generated based on the data. The device identifier is transmitted from the user device to a service device to associate the user device with a user.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Gracenote, Inc.Inventors: Michael Jeffrey, Steven D. Scherf, Markus K. Cremer
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Publication number: 20160036782Abstract: Example methods and systems for content-based association of a device to a user are presented. In an example method, data corresponding to each of a plurality of items of content stored within a user device are accessed. A device identifier for the user device is generated based on the data. The device identifier is transmitted from the user device to a service device to associate the user device with a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Michael Jeffrey, Steven D. Scherf, Markus K. Cremer
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Publication number: 20150356178Abstract: Methods and systems for searching for and retrieving video content via fingerprint matching are described. In some example embodiments, the methods and systems access an index of reference fingerprints, such as quantized values associated with multiple values calculated from patches of a frame, that are associated with sequential frames of known video content. The methods and systems may receive a search query that includes a group of query fingerprints associated with sequential frames of video content presented at a client device, access the index, compare the group of query fingerprints to reference fingerprints of the index, determine that the group of query fingerprints match the reference fingerprints of the index, and identify the video content presented at the client device based on the determined match.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Steven D. Scherf, Wilson Harron
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Patent number: 9146990Abstract: Methods and systems for searching for and retrieving video content via fingerprint matching are described. In some example embodiments, the methods and systems access an index of reference fingerprints, such as quantized values associated with multiple values calculated from patches of a frame, that are associated with sequential frames of known video content. The methods and systems may receive a search query that includes a group of query fingerprints associated with sequential frames of video content presented at a client device, access the index, compare the group of query fingerprints to reference fingerprints of the index, determine that the group of query fingerprints match the reference fingerprints of the index, and identify the video content presented at the client device based on the determined match.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Gracenote, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Scherf, Wilson Harron