Patents by Inventor Steven Michael Cormie
Steven Michael Cormie 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: 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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Patent number: 11785291Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes identifying a group of multiple content-presentation devices that are tuned to the same channel and that are each scheduled to perform, at a modification start-time, a respective content-modification operation that comprises modifying a modifiable content-segment in connection with an upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel. The method also includes determining that, after the modification start-time, at least a subgroup of the group of content-presentation devices have detected a mismatch between reference fingerprint data representing the modifiable content-segment and query fingerprint data representing content received by at least the subgroup of content-presentation devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2022Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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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: 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: 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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Publication number: 20230064828Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes identifying a group of multiple content-presentation devices that are tuned to the same channel and that are each scheduled to perform, at a modification start-time, a respective content-modification operation that comprises modifying a modifiable content-segment in connection with an upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel. The method also includes determining that, after the modification start-time, at least a subgroup of the group of content-presentation devices have detected a mismatch between reference fingerprint data representing the modifiable content-segment and query fingerprint data representing content received by at least the subgroup of content-presentation devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Applicant: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Steven Michael CORMIE, Brian Patrick JENTZ, Stefanos Christakis LIASSIDES
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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: 11575963Abstract: In one aspect, a method is performed by a computing system that is in communication with a content-presentation device, where the content-presentation device is scheduled to perform, at a modification start-time, a content-modification operation that comprises modifying a modifiable content-segment that the content-presentation device is scheduled to receive. The method includes determining that the content-presentation device has detected, within a predefined time period after the modification start-time and during performance of the content-modification operation, a mismatch between reference fingerprint data representing the modifiable content-segment and query fingerprint data representing content received by the content-presentation device from a tuner device connected to the content-presentation device.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: ROKU, INC.Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Patent number: 11533533Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes identifying a group of multiple content-presentation devices that are tuned to the same channel and that are each scheduled to perform, at a modification start-time, a respective content-modification operation that comprises modifying a modifiable content-segment in connection with an upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel. The method also includes determining that, after the modification start-time, at least a subgroup of the group of content-presentation devices have detected a mismatch between reference fingerprint data representing the modifiable content-segment and query fingerprint data representing content received by at least the subgroup of content-presentation devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, 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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Patent number: 11470386Abstract: In one aspect, a method is performed by a computing system that is in communication with a content-presentation device, where the content-presentation device is scheduled to perform, at a modification start-time, a content-modification operation that comprises modifying a modifiable content-segment that the content-presentation device is scheduled to receive. The method includes determining that the content-presentation device has detected, within a predefined time period after the modification start-time and during performance of the content-modification operation, a mismatch between reference fingerprint data representing the modifiable content-segment and query fingerprint data representing content received by the content-presentation device from a tuner device connected to the content-presentation device.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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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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Patent number: 11418826Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Publication number: 20220248075Abstract: 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: April 21, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Patent number: 11386696Abstract: 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 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
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Patent number: 11381864Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Roku, Inc.Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Steven Michael Cormie