Patents by Inventor James Siminoff

James Siminoff 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: 11039520
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an electronic device that is capable of coordinating the control of various types of lights. For example, the electronic device may receive data indicating conditions for activating the light emitters. The electronic device may then obtain sensor data generated by various sensors, such as motion sensors, light sensors, or a timer. Using the sensor data, the electronic device may determine that the conditions are satisfied and, in response, cause the light emitters to activate. To activate a first type of light emitters, the electronic device may cause power to be provided to the first type of emitters via connectors. Additionally, to activate additional types of light emitters, the electronic device may transmit signals to the additional types of light emitters that include commands to activate. The additional types of light emitters may be powered by the electronic device or external power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Ryan David Hruska, David Brett Levine, Michael Recker
  • Patent number: 11024138
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device includes a camera. A method sets a first operational mode for the A/V device. The method determines whether a registered user of the A/V device is within a predetermined proximity of the A/V device. Upon determining that the registered user of the A/V device is not within the predetermined proximity of the A/V device, the method sets a second operational mode for the A/V device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Elliott Lemberger, James Siminoff
  • Patent number: 11006083
    Abstract: A device for communicating including a housing including a camera, a microphone, a speaker, a button, a battery, a sensor, non-volatile memory, a processor, and a wireless communications module, wherein the non-volatile memory stores code operable by the processor for switching the processor from low-power mode to active mode in response to an activation trigger, receiving, from the one of the microphone and the camera, outbound audio and video signals, then sending a signal to a server via the wireless communications module during active mode, the signal including one or more of an alert signal, a signal based on the outbound audio signal, and a signal based on the outbound video signal, receiving from the server an inbound audio signal and outputting a signal based on the inbound audio signal via the speaker, and switching the processor from active mode to low-power mode in response to a deactivation trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Mark Siminoff
  • Patent number: 10999503
    Abstract: A pre-roll image capture method implemented by a power-limited security device includes a step of, in response to initialization, or when no motion is detected within an area monitored by the device for at least a duration, capturing a first plurality of images of the monitored area at a first image-capture frequency. The method also includes storing the first plurality of images in a cyclic buffer of the device. The method also includes, in response to detected motion within the monitored area, capturing a second plurality of images of the monitored area at a second image-capture frequency that exceeds the first frequency. The method also includes storing the second plurality of images at the device and, after storing of the second plurality of images, transmitting the first plurality of images from the cyclic buffer and the second plurality of images to a client device associated with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Siminoff
  • Patent number: 10999505
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) recording and communication doorbell, including a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a power manager, a battery, an AC/DC rectifier, and a DC/DC converter. The doorbell is configured for connection to an external AC power source through the AC/DC rectifier and the DC/DC converter. The power manager is configured to draw power, up to a threshold power, from the AC power source and to draw supplemental power from the battery such that the power drawn from the AC power source never exceeds the threshold power. The present A/V recording and communication doorbell can thus be connected to an existing household AC power supply and an existing doorbell signaling device without causing inadvertent sounding of the signaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Changsoo Jeong, John Modestine, Trevor Phillips, Mark Siminoff, Robert Tso, Stuart Westerman
  • Patent number: 10992910
    Abstract: Direction control of audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices in network communication with additional cameras is provided. In one embodiment, an A/V recording and communication device comprises: a first camera configured to capture first image data, wherein the first camera is pointed in a first direction; a communication module; and a processing module comprising: a processor; and a camera application that configures the processor to: maintain the first camera in a low-power state; receive a power-up command signal from the backend server based on an output signal from a second camera; receive an orientation signal from the backend server based on the output signal from the second camera; point the first camera in a second direction in response to the orientation signal; power up the first camera in response to the power-up command signal; and capture the first image data in response to the power-up command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Mark Siminoff, Elliott Lemberger
  • Patent number: 10984640
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device includes a camera, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, and a light sensor. A method receives a PIR sensor output signal from the PIR sensor, receives image data from the camera, and receives a light sensor output signal from the light sensor. The method determines, using the light sensor output signal and at least one of the PIR sensor output signal and the image data whether to activate recording of the image data, and upon determining to activate recording of the image data, generates an alert. The method transmits the alert to a client device associated with the A/V recording and communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Siminoff
  • Patent number: 10984641
    Abstract: Parcel theft deterrence for audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices, such as video doorbells and security cameras. When an A/V recording and communication device captures image data that includes a parcel, a parcel boundary may be created for monitoring the parcel within. In various embodiments, when the parcel is removed from the parcel boundary, a user alert may be generated to notify a user of a client device associated with the A/V recording and communication device that the parcel has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Modestine, Elliott Lemberger, James Siminoff, Joshua Roth
  • Patent number: 10979668
    Abstract: Audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices in network communication with additional cameras in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one embodiment, an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device is provided comprising: a first camera configured to capture image data at a first resolution; a communication module; and a processing module operatively connected to the first camera and the communication module, wherein the processing module is in network communication with a backend server, the processing module comprising: a processor; and a camera application that configures the processor to: maintain the first camera in a low-power state; receive a power-up command signal from the backend server based on an output signal from a second camera; power up the first camera in response to the power-up command signal; and capture image data using the first camera in response to the power-up command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Elliott Lemberger
  • Patent number: 10979636
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating in a network using share signals in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one embodiment, a method for communicating in a network may include receiving, from a first client device, a share signal including first image data captured by a camera of a first audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device and a command to share the first image data with a network of users; processing the share signal by comparing the first image data to second image data captured by a camera of a second A/V recording and communication device; and generating and transmitting an alert to a second client device associated with the second A/V recording and communication device when comparison of the first image data with the second image data indicates a person of interest is depicted in both the first image data and the second image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Mark Troughton, Jeff Zavala
  • Publication number: 20210097830
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, an audio/video (A/V) device that includes a first camera for generating first image data and one or more second cameras for both motion detection and generating second image data. For instance, the A/V device may generate and then store the second image data in one or more buffers. The A/V device may then detect an event, such as possible motion of an object. Based on detecting the event, A/V device may cause the one or more second cameras to cease generating the second image data and cause the first camera to begin generating the first image data. The A/V device may then process the second image data and send the processed second image data to a computing system. Next, the A/V device may process the first image data and send the processed first image data to the computing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew J. England, Ilya Vladimirovich Brailovskiy, Jason Gluckman, Spiro Sacre, James Siminoff, Mark Siminoff, Matthew Carter, Robert Macauley, Andrii Malivanchuk, Fernando Palomar, Vadym Tkachuk
  • Patent number: 10939120
    Abstract: A method of improved use of available bandwidth involves capturing, by a camera of an audio/video (A/V) device, live video of a scene that includes a plurality of frames. A first frame of the plurality of frames is a first amount of data. The method also includes determining a data bandwidth between a computing device and the A/V recording and communication device. The method further involves determining that a first portion of the first frame includes a first object, such as a human face, wherein the first frame includes a second portion that does not include the first portion. Additionally, the method involves modifying the first frame to reduce at least a quality of the second portion, wherein the size of the data of the modified frame does not exceed the data bandwidth. The method also involves transmitting the modified frame to the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Siminoff
  • Patent number: 10936655
    Abstract: Security video searching device, systems, and methods determine behavior associated with each of a plurality of video clips captured by security devices, find video clips that include behavior indicative of search characteristics, and send the found video clips to a user. A search engine analyzes each of the plurality of video clips to determine behavior associated with the video clip and finds ones of the plurality of video clips where the behavior matches the search characteristics defined by of the user. Previously determined behavioral patterns associated with motion signals generated by the security devices may also be used to determine behavior within the video clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Michael Jason Mitura
  • Patent number: 10939040
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) recording and communication doorbell, including a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a power manager, a battery, an AC/DC rectifier, and a DC/DC converter. The doorbell is configured for connection to an external AC power source through the AC/DC rectifier and the DC/DC converter. The power manager is configured to draw power, up to a threshold power, from the AC power source and to draw supplemental power from the battery such that the power drawn from the AC power source never exceeds the threshold power. The present A/V recording and communication doorbell can thus be connected to an existing household AC power supply and an existing doorbell signaling device without causing inadvertent sounding of the signaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Changsoo Jeong, John Modestine, Trevor Phillips, Mark Siminoff, Robert Tso, Stuart Westerman
  • Patent number: 10930126
    Abstract: This application is directed to an electronic device that uses at least a low-power computer vision component to determine whether to activate a camera. For instance, the electronic device may cause the camera to operate in a low-power mode, such as by turning the camera off. The electronic device may then detect motion of an object using a motion sensor. Additionally, the electronic device may generate first image data using the computer vision component, where the first image data represents the object. After generating the first image data, the electronic device may use the computer vision component to analyze the first the image data in order to determine that the object includes a type of object, such as a person. Based at least in part on the determination, the electronic device may activate the camera and generate second image data using the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Changsoo Jeong, James Siminoff
  • Patent number: 10922547
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an active fire is provided. The method receives a request from an authorized party for live audio/video (A/V) data from a geographical area of the fire. The method identifies a plurality of A/V recording and communication devices in the geographical area of the fire. The method sends an authorization request to a plurality of client devices that each is associated with at least one of the A/V recording and communication devices, the authorization request for accessing live A/V data generated by the A/V recording and communication devices. The method receives authorization from at least one of the client devices for accessing the live A/V data generated by at least one A/V recording and communication device associated with the at least one client device. The method provides the live A/V data generated by the at least one A/V recording and communication device to the authorized party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Elliott Lemberger, Jih-Sheng Liu
  • Patent number: 10917618
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating in a network using share signals in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one embodiment, a method for communicating in a network may include receiving, from a first client device, a share signal including image data captured by a camera of a first audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device; transmitting, to a second A/V recording and communication device, a secondary device state request signal; receiving, from the second A/V recording and communication device a secondary device update signal that includes a status of the at least one secondary device in network communication with the second A/V recording and communication device; and generating and transmitting an alert to a second client device associated with the second A/V recording and communication device, wherein the alert includes the image data and the status of the at least one secondary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Siminoff
  • Patent number: D909222
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Mark Siminoff, Ty Clark, Wen-Yo Lu, Andrew Louis Russell, Vinay Sao
  • Patent number: D914946
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Siminoff, Alexsandra M. Bowers, Ryan D. Hruska, Christopher Loew, James Siminoff
  • Patent number: D917757
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Loew, Maya Winfield, Alexsandra M. Bowers, Ryan David Hruska, Mark Siminoff, David Brett Levine, James Siminoff