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).

  • Patent number: 11900719
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III
  • Patent number: 11785291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Publication number: 20230308703
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Markus Kurt Peter Cremer, Shashank Merchant, Andreas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11770593
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: ROKU, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L. Haynes, III, Stefan Matthijs Maris
  • Patent number: 11736742
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III
  • Patent number: 11657645
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: ROKU, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Patent number: 11653037
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III
  • Patent number: 11617001
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: ROKU, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Markus Kurt Peter Cremer, Shashank Merchant, Andreas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20230064828
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael CORMIE, Brian Patrick JENTZ, Stefanos Christakis LIASSIDES
  • Patent number: 11589108
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ROKU, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Matthew George Grover, Matthew Simon Pearce
  • Patent number: 11575963
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: ROKU, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Patent number: 11533533
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Publication number: 20220385957
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L. Haynes, III, Stefan Matthijs Maris
  • Patent number: 11470386
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Patent number: 11450110
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L. Haynes, III, Stefan Matthijs Maris
  • Publication number: 20220292872
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Patent number: 11418826
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Publication number: 20220248075
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Patent number: 11386696
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Patent number: 11381864
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Steven Michael Cormie