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: 11354323
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes identifying a geographic area of a 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 transmitting to the content-presentation device, the selected reference fingerprint data set that corresponds with the identified geographic area to facilitate the content-presentation device detecting a match between query fingerprint data representing content received by the content-presentation device and at least a portion of reference fingerprint data in the transmitted reference fingerprint data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L. Haynes, III, Stefan Matthijs Maris
  • Patent number: 11343565
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method is performed by a content-presentation device that 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 receiving reference fingerprint data representing the modifiable content-segment. The method also includes making a comparison of the reference fingerprint data with query fingerprint data representing content received by the content-presentation device from a tuner device connected to the content-presentation device. The method also includes based on the comparison, detecting, within a predefined time period after the modification start-time and during performance of the content-modification operation, a mismatch between the reference fingerprint data and the query fingerprint data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Publication number: 20210392397
    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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Matthew George Grover, Matthew Simon Pearce
  • Publication number: 20210377585
    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: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Markus Kurt Peter Cremer, Shashank Merchant, Andreas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20210321155
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method is performed by a content-presentation device that 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 receiving reference fingerprint data representing the modifiable content-segment. The method also includes making a comparison of the reference fingerprint data with query fingerprint data representing content received by the content-presentation device from a tuner device connected to the content-presentation device. The method also includes based on the comparison, detecting, within a predefined time period after the modification start-time and during performance of the content-modification operation, a mismatch between the reference fingerprint data and the query fingerprint data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Publication number: 20210321154
    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: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Publication number: 20210321160
    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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Brian Patrick Jentz, Stafanos Christakis Liassides
  • Patent number: 11134292
    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: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Markus Kurt Peter Cremer, Shashank Merchant, Andreas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11134305
    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: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Matthew George Grover, Matthew Simon Pearce
  • Patent number: 11095944
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes (i) accessing, by a computing system, broadcast-schedule data associated with a channel; (ii) using, by the computing system, the accessed broadcast-schedule data to identify an upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel; (iii) determining, by the computing system, that a content-presentation device is receiving content on the channel; (iv) determining, by the computing system, a content-transmission delay associated with the content-presentation device and the channel; and (v) causing, by the computing system, the content-presentation device to perform an action to facilitate the content-presentation device performing, during a time-period that accounts for the determined content-transmission delay, a content-modification operation related to the identified upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L Haynes, III, Shashank Merchant, Benjamin J. Ropke, Markus Kurt Peter Cremer
  • Publication number: 20210058674
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes (i) accessing, by a computing system, broadcast-schedule data associated with a channel; (ii) using, by the computing system, the accessed broadcast-schedule data to identify an upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel; (iii) determining, by the computing system, that a content-presentation device is receiving content on the channel; (iv) determining, by the computing system, a content-transmission delay associated with the content-presentation device and the channel; and (v) causing, by the computing system, the content-presentation device to perform an action to facilitate the content-presentation device performing, during a time-period that accounts for the determined content-transmission delay, a content-modification operation related to the identified upcoming content-modification opportunity on the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L Haynes, III, Shashank Merchant, Benjamin J. Ropke, Markus Kurt Peter Cremer
  • Publication number: 20210029399
    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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides, Steven Michael Cormie
  • Publication number: 20210027042
    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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III
  • Publication number: 20200389685
    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: April 22, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Markus Kurt Peter Cremer, Shashank Merchant, Andreas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20200389689
    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: May 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cormie, Matthew George Grover, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Publication number: 20200372256
    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 14, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, John L. Haynes, III, Stefan Matthijs Maris
  • Patent number: 10846506
    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: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III
  • Publication number: 20200356755
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III
  • Publication number: 20200356759
    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 8, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Stefanos Christakis Liassides
  • Publication number: 20200359065
    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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Ashbacher, Steven Michael Cormie, Joel Michael Curl, John L. Haynes, III