Patents by Inventor Paul V. Hainsworth
Paul V. Hainsworth 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: 11909588Abstract: A first computing device is configured to (i) detect a triggering event that causes the first computing device to transmit a first set of one or more messages collectively indicating that the first computing device is available for setup, (ii) establish an initial wireless communication path with a second computing device, (iii) receive, from the second computing device via the initial wireless communication path, a second set of one or more messages including security information for a secure wireless network that is defined by one or more network devices, where the initial wireless communication path with the second computing device does not traverse any of the one or more network devices, (iv) use the security information to connect to the secure wireless network, and (v) transition from communicating with the second computing device via the initial wireless communication path to communicating with the second computing device via the secure wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 11894975Abstract: An example playback device is configured to (i) detect a triggering event that causes the playback device to transmit a first message indicating the playback device is available for setup, (ii) establish an initial communication path with a computing device, (iii) process one or more second messages received from the computing device via the initial communication path collectively containing network configuration parameters for a secure wireless network defined by one or more network devices, where the initial communication path with the computing device does not traverse any of the one or more network devices, and where the network configuration parameters include an identifier of, and security information for, the secure wireless network, (iv) use the network configuration parameters to connect to the secure wireless network, and (v) transition from communicating with the computing device via the initial communication path to communicating with the computing device via the secure wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Publication number: 20230269133Abstract: A first computing device is configured to (i) detect a triggering event that causes the first computing device to transmit a first set of one or more messages collectively indicating that the first computing device is available for setup, (ii) establish an initial wireless communication path with a second computing device, (iii) receive, from the second computing device via the initial wireless communication path, a second set of one or more messages including security information for a secure wireless network that is defined by one or more network devices, where the initial wireless communication path with the second computing device does not traverse any of the one or more network devices, (iv) use the security information to connect to the secure wireless network, and (v) transition from communicating with the second computing device via the initial wireless communication path to communicating with the second computing device via the secure wireless network.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Inventors: Nicholas A.J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Publication number: 20230080082Abstract: An example playback device is configured to (i) detect a triggering event that causes the playback device to transmit a first message indicating the playback device is available for setup, (ii) establish an initial communication path with a computing device, (iii) process one or more second messages received from the computing device via the initial communication path collectively containing network configuration parameters for a secure wireless network defined by one or more network devices, where the initial communication path with the computing device does not traverse any of the one or more network devices, and where the network configuration parameters include an identifier of, and security information for, the secure wireless network, (iv) use the network configuration parameters to connect to the secure wireless network, and (v) transition from communicating with the computing device via the initial communication path to communicating with the computing device via the secure wireless network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Nicholas A.J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 11456928Abstract: Techniques for automatically configuring necessary parameters of a device to be coupled to a network with minimum human intervention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wired and/or wireless Ad-hoc network is established to facilitate communications among a group of devices. When a new device is added to the network, a rudimentary communication path is initially established between one of the devices in the network and the new device such that necessary parameters (e.g., SSID, WEP security, channel frequency) can be exchanged for the new device to function properly in the network. To ensure the parameters are exchanged in a secure fashion, an additional public security procedure can be used between the two devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 11418408Abstract: Techniques for automatically configuring necessary parameters of a device to be coupled to a network with minimum human intervention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wired and/or wireless Ad-hoc network is established to facilitate communications among a group of devices. When a new device is added to the network, a rudimentary communication path is initially established between one of the devices in the network and the new device such that necessary parameters (e.g., SSID, WEP security, channel frequency) can be exchanged for the new device to function properly in the network. To ensure the parameters are exchanged in a secure fashion, an additional public security procedure can be used between the two devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Publication number: 20210359917Abstract: Techniques for automatically configuring necessary parameters of a device to be coupled to a network with minimum human intervention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wired and/or wireless Ad-hoc network is established to facilitate communications among a group of devices. When a new device is added to the network, a rudimentary communication path is initially established between one of the devices in the network and the new device such that necessary parameters (e.g., SSID, WEP security, channel frequency) can be exchanged for the new device to function properly in the network. To ensure the parameters are exchanged in a secure fashion, an additional public security procedure can be used between the two devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Nicholas A.J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 11025509Abstract: An example playback device includes programming to perform functions including detecting a triggering event that causes the playback device to transmit a first message indicating the playback device is available for setup and establishing an initial communication path with a computing device. The functions also include processing a second message received from the computing device via the initial communication path containing network configuration parameters for a secure WLAN defined by one or more network devices, wherein the initial communication path with the computing device does not traverse any of the one or more network devices, and wherein the network configuration parameters include an identifier of, and security information for, the secure WLAN.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2020Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 10979310Abstract: Techniques for automatically configuring necessary parameters of a device to be coupled to a network with minimum human intervention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wired and/or wireless Ad-hoc network is established to facilitate communications among a group of devices. When a new device is added to the network, a rudimentary communication path is initially established between one of the devices in the network and the new device such that necessary parameters (e.g., SSID, WEP security, channel frequency) can be exchanged for the new device to function properly in the network. To ensure the parameters are exchanged in a secure fashion, an additional public security procedure can be used between the two devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 10965545Abstract: An example playback device includes programming to perform functions including detecting a triggering event that causes the playback device to transmit a first message indicating that the playback device is available for setup. The functions also include receiving a response to the first message that facilitates establishing an initial communication path with a computing device operating on a secure wireless local area network (WLAN), where the initial communication path is outside of the secure WLAN. The functions also include receiving, from the computing device via the initial communication path, a second message containing network configuration parameters for the secure WLAN including an identifier of, and a security key for, the secure WLAN. The functions also include using the network configuration parameters to connect to the secure WLAN and transitioning from communicating with the computing device via the initial communication path to communicating with the computing device via the secure WLAN.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 10911322Abstract: Techniques for automatically configuring necessary parameters of a device to be coupled to a network with minimum human intervention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wired and/or wireless Ad-hoc network is established to facilitate communications among a group of devices. When a new device is added to the network, a rudimentary communication path is initially established between one of the devices in the network and the new device such that necessary parameters (e.g., SSID, WEP security, channel frequency) can be exchanged for the new device to function properly in the network. To ensure the parameters are exchanged in a secure fashion, an additional public security procedure can be used between the two devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 10911325Abstract: An example playback device includes programming to perform functions including detecting a triggering event that causes the playback device to transmit a first message indicating that the playback device is available for setup. The functions also include receiving a response to the first message that facilitates establishing an initial communication path with a computing device operating on a secure wireless local area network (WLAN), where the initial communication path is outside of the secure WLAN. The functions also include receiving, from the computing device via the initial communication path, a second message containing network configuration parameters for the secure WLAN including an identifier of, and a security key for, the secure WLAN. The functions also include using the network configuration parameters to connect to the secure WLAN and transitioning from communicating with the computing device via the initial communication path to communicating with the computing device via the secure WLAN.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Publication number: 20210006474Abstract: An example playback device includes programming to perform functions including detecting a triggering event that causes the playback device to transmit a first message indicating the playback device is available for setup and establishing an initial communication path with a computing device. The functions also include processing a second message received from the computing device via the initial communication path containing network configuration parameters for a secure WLAN defined by one or more network devices, wherein the initial communication path with the computing device does not traverse any of the one or more network devices, and wherein the network configuration parameters include an identifier of, and security information for, the secure WLAN.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Nicholas A.J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Publication number: 20200153705Abstract: An example playback device includes programming to perform functions including detecting a triggering event that causes the playback device to transmit a first message indicating that the playback device is available for setup. The functions also include receiving a response to the first message that facilitates establishing an initial communication path with a computing device operating on a secure wireless local area network (WLAN), where the initial communication path is outside of the secure WLAN. The functions also include receiving, from the computing device via the initial communication path, a second message containing network configuration parameters for the secure WLAN including an identifier of, and a security key for, the secure WLAN. The functions also include using the network configuration parameters to connect to the secure WLAN and transitioning from communicating with the computing device via the initial communication path to communicating with the computing device via the secure WLAN.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Nicholas A.J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 10541883Abstract: An example playback device includes programming to perform functions including detecting a triggering event that causes the playback device to transmit a first message indicating that the playback device is available for setup. The functions also include receiving a response to the first message that facilitates establishing an initial communication path with a computing device operating on a secure wireless local area network (WLAN), where the initial communication path is outside of the secure WLAN. The functions also include receiving, from the computing device via the initial communication path, a second message containing network configuration parameters for the secure WLAN including an identifier of, and a security key for, the secure WLAN. The functions also include using the network configuration parameters to connect to the secure WLAN and transitioning from communicating with the computing device via the initial communication path to communicating with the computing device via the secure WLAN.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 10439896Abstract: An example computing device includes programming to perform functions including, while operating on a secure WLAN, (a) receiving user input indicating that a user wishes to set up a playback device to operate on the secure WLAN and (b) receiving a first message indicating that a given playback device is available for setup, then transmitting a response to the first message that facilitates establishing an initial communication path with the given playback device outside of the secure WLAN. The functions also include transmitting, to the given playback device via the initial communication path, a second message containing network configuration parameters including an identifier of, and a security key for, the secure WLAN, then detecting an indication that the given playback device has successfully received the network configuration parameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Publication number: 20190207825Abstract: An example computing device includes programming to perform functions including, while operating on a secure WLAN, (a) receiving user input indicating that a user wishes to set up a playback device to operate on the secure WLAN and (b) receiving a first message indicating that a given playback device is available for setup, then transmitting a response to the first message that facilitates establishing an initial communication path with the given playback device outside of the secure WLAN. The functions also include transmitting, to the given playback device via the initial communication path, a second message containing network configuration parameters including an identifier of, and a security key for, the secure WLAN, then detecting an indication that the given playback device has successfully received the network configuration parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Nicholas A.J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Publication number: 20190207824Abstract: An example playback device includes programming to perform functions including detecting a triggering event that causes the playback device to transmit a first message indicating that the playback device is available for setup. The functions also include receiving a response to the first message that facilitates establishing an initial communication path with a computing device operating on a secure wireless local area network (WLAN), where the initial communication path is outside of the secure WLAN. The functions also include receiving, from the computing device via the initial communication path, a second message containing network configuration parameters for the secure WLAN including an identifier of, and a security key for, the secure WLAN. The functions also include using the network configuration parameters to connect to the secure WLAN and transitioning from communicating with the computing device via the initial communication path to communicating with the computing device via the secure WLAN.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Nicholas A.J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 10097423Abstract: An example method includes receiving an input initiating an automatic configuration process to configure a playback network setting of a computing device; responsive to the input, activating by the computing device, a listen mode; while in the listen mode, receiving a first message that indicates a playback device is available; subsequently, receiving a second message indicating network information associated with the playback device; determining, based on the second message, that the playback device is not configured for a secure playback network; based on the determination, generating network parameters for a playback network, the network parameters comprising one or more of a household identification and a network security parameter; transmitting to the playback device, a third message to cause the playback device to join the playback network based on the network parameters; and configuring the network setting of the computing device based on the household identification and the network security parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth
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Patent number: 9960969Abstract: Techniques for automatically configuring necessary parameters of a device to be coupled to a network with minimum human intervention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wired and/or wireless Ad-hoc network is established to facilitate communications among a group of devices. When a new device is added to the network, a rudimentary communication path is initially established between one of the devices in the network and the new device such that necessary parameters (e.g., SSID, WEP security, channel frequency) can be exchanged for the new device to function properly in the network. To ensure the parameters are exchanged in a secure fashion, an additional public security procedure can be used between the two devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Paul V. Hainsworth