Wireless Patents (Class 340/4.42)
  • Patent number: 11620103
    Abstract: A method includes receiving data indicating a current media playback state of an external media playback device. The method includes, in response to receiving the data and in accordance with a determination that a set of external media playback device control criteria are met, displaying, via the display generation component, a user interface for controlling media playback at the external media playback device that includes one or more selectable user interface objects based on whether the data indicates that the external media playback device is currently performing a media playback operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David Chance Graham, Taylor G. Carrigan, Patrick L. Coffman
  • Patent number: 11474775
    Abstract: A sound effect adjustment method, device, electronic device, and storage medium are provided. The sound effect adjustment method can be applied to an electronic device. The method includes: detecting whether at least one target application is running on a current electronic device, wherein the current electronic device is capable of outputting audio sounds when the target application runs; determining at least one reference electronic device corresponding to the current electronic device when running the target application; obtaining sound effect parameters configured by the reference electronic device when running the target application; and adjusting, based on the sound effect parameters, output sound effects of the current electronic device when running the target application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Yajun Li, Wenhua Leng, Zhaoan Xu
  • Patent number: 11153617
    Abstract: A playback device may be communicatively connected to a network device at a demonstration location. After connecting to the network device, the playback device may receive from the network device, a message indicating media content for playback by the playback device. In response to receiving the message, the playback device may play the media content, where playing the media content comprises modifying a default configuration of a demonstration mode. After receiving the message, the playback device may be disconnected from the network device. After disconnecting from the network device, the playback device may return to the default configuration of the demonstration mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon Reilly, Jason Heffernan, Andrej Sarkic, Zivthan Dubrovsky, Luis Vega-Zayas, Nicholas Salzman, Adrian Eiben
  • Patent number: 10523983
    Abstract: A playback device may be communicatively connected to a network device at a demonstration location. After connecting to the network device, the playback device may receive from the network device, a message indicating media content for playback by the playback device. In response to receiving the message, the playback device may play the media content, where playing the media content comprises modifying a default configuration of a demonstration mode. After receiving the message, the playback device may be disconnected from the network device. After disconnecting from the network device, the playback device may return to the default configuration of the demonstration mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon Reilly, Jason Heffernan, Andrej Sarkic, Zivthan Dubrovsky, Luis Vega-Zayas, Nicholas Salzman, Adrian Eiben
  • Patent number: 10415276
    Abstract: A gesture access and object impact avoidance system for a motor vehicle, includes a radar signal assembly configured to be mounted to the motor vehicle and to transmit radar signals and detect reflected radar signals, and a processor to operate in (i) a gesture access mode, when the motor vehicle is not moving or is disabled from moving, by controlling an access closure actuator to lock, unlock, open or close an access closure of the motor vehicle if an object is within a sensing region of the radar signal assembly and exhibits a predefined gesture, and (ii) an object impact avoidance mode, when the motor vehicle is moving or enabled to move, by activating a warning device or controlling an impact avoidance device actuator if an object is within a predefined distance of the radar signal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ADAC Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Bussis, Anne Adamczyk, James Jetton
  • Patent number: 10163094
    Abstract: A system including the use of beacon technology to track and better serve users/customers through the use of a mobile application. This allows a venue location the ability to balance user/customer wait times at their location and provide marketing, processing, and information to the user/customer. The system is used to locate users/customers and process user payments thereby reducing wait lines at venues to a fraction of the time compared to normal processes, which may allow venues to drive more sales during peak times. As the user/customer walks about a venue location, information such as where the user/customer is located and what products and services are available at that venue location is displayed on the user's client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventor: Nathaniel D. Smith
  • Patent number: 9665082
    Abstract: Method of configuring equipment in a home automation installation, each item of equipment being identified thanks to an identifier recorded in memory and duplicated on an accessible medium so as to be visible, the configuring method using a configuring tool comprising an inputting means, a signal transmission means and at least a first memory and a second memory, the method comprising several iterations of the following steps: the step of generating, in the configuring tool, a message comprising the content of the first memory intended for receiving, after an input, the identifier of an item of equipment and the content of the second memory intended for receiving, after an input, information of a first type; the step of transmitting, by the radio signal transmission means, the message in the form of an electromagnetic signal; and the step of carrying out, in the item of equipment, an action at least partially determined by the information of the first type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventors: Norbert Dupielet, Michel Fournet, Frédéric Maraval, Serge Neuman
  • Patent number: 9532153
    Abstract: A method and system for providing information to a user positioned in a room with two independent listening areas where, in one area, an audio signal is output compensating for the sound from the other area, and where a position between the two areas is indicated to a user. When the user moves about, the position and size of one listening area may change, and the user may be made aware of any conflict with the other listening area. The areas may be defined by boundaries where a compensation quality is at a threshold quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BANG & OLUFSEN A/S
    Inventors: Martin Olsen, Martin Bo Møller, Søren Borup Jensen
  • Patent number: 9213422
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for automatically moving a cursor within a map viewport. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods that determine a location of various objects within a 3D scene displayed within a map viewport and determining a location of a 3D cursor within the 3D scene. When a distance between an object location and the 3D cursor location is less than a threshold distance, the geometric shape data of the 3D cursor is automatically modified to at least partially surround the object. The location of the object may be determined based on data representative of the 3D scene. The location of the 3D cursor may be determined based on data representative of the 3D cursor location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Ofstad, Su Chuin Leong
  • Patent number: 9195256
    Abstract: A hand-held controller includes a controller body having right and left grips. The controller body defines a left control zone adjacent the left grip and a right control zone adjacent the right grip. A first set of input devices disposed in the left control zone includes a first analog joystick, a 4-way directional control adjacent the first analog joystick, and a left rocker control located adjacent the 4-way directional control. A second set of input devices disposed in the right control zone includes a second analog joystick, an array of at least four buttons adjacent the second analog joystick, and a right rocker control adjacent the button array. The hand-held controller also includes a display disposed on the controller body adjacent the left and right control zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Robbins, Samuel H. Kenyon, Roger Gerson, Travis Woodbury, Melissa N. Ledoux
  • Patent number: 9035743
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer readable media, for determining, using a pressure sensor, pressure data comprising a pressure indication and a time indication. A first mood is determined based upon the pressure data and one or more songs are selected based upon the determined first mood. A playlist is modified based upon the selected one or more songs, wherein the modified playlist comprises the selected one or more songs and the modified playlist is played. Song data, based upon the modified playlist, is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventors: Mohammed Yaseer Omar, Abdel Razzaq Sami Alsharif, Ramesh Jagannathan
  • Patent number: 8994509
    Abstract: Method for connecting wireless electric actuating devices (2) to a medical appliance (1) via a wireless communication channel, having the steps of initiating the connection operation for a wireless electric actuating device (2) to a medical appliance (1) and performing a connection procedure, in which the actuating device (2) is assigned to the medical appliance (1), characterized in that the initiation of the connection operation is carried out from the medical appliance (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventor: Joachim Gottlich
  • Publication number: 20150042448
    Abstract: Method and apparatus of operating an electronic device for playback of a multilayered media file are provided. The method includes receiving device data from a triggering device via a wireless protocol, the device data related to a plurality of triggers of the triggering device, each of the triggers is associated with a distinct layer of a plurality of layers of the multilayered media file. The method further includes controlling playback of the plurality of layers of media associated with the multilayered media file based on the device data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Beamz Interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Bardia Dejban, Shannon Dejban, Gary Bencar, Dave Sandler, Charles Mollo
  • Publication number: 20150015361
    Abstract: A convenient electronic sound producing device is an electronic sound producing device that is physically configured to be easy to use in the field. A control module faces the use while the sound is projected away from the user. A pistol grip can be used to ease holding and using the call. A remote can further ease operation and allow control from a distance. A timer allows for nearly autonomous operation. Control modules can be fixed to a firearm, bow, crossbow, or camera to minimize the user's movement while simultaneously calling and preparing for a shot. A pinning hole or a stake can allow for reliably fixing the sound producing device to a surface, to vegetation, or to other objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Edward J. Sceery, Richard H. Krukar
  • Patent number: 8896414
    Abstract: The invention relates to synchronizing settings in a home control system such as settings for lighting scenes in a lighting system with a plurality of light units. A basic idea of the invention is to synchronize settings such as lighting scene settings in a home control system with a network of devices such as light units and multiple control devices for controlling the network devices. An embodiment of the invention provides a device (Sync) for synchronizing settings in a home control system comprising a memory (12) for storing settings of one or more of devices (L1-L9) of the home control system, a communication unit (14) for receiving signals (16) from and transmitting signals (18) to control devices (RC3-RC 4) of the home control system, and a processor (10) for synchronizing stored settings in the home control system upon receipt of a signal (16) from a control device (RC3, RC4) of the home control system by transmitting a synchronization signal (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Lucius Theodorus Vinkenvleugel, James Joseph Anthony McCormack, Ay Ling De Goederen-Oei, Nathalie Dorothee Pieternel Leurs, Diane Lutters
  • Publication number: 20140327515
    Abstract: Techniques associated with a combination speaker and light source responsive to states of an organism based on sensor data are described, including receiving state data from a wearable device configured to generate the state data using sensor data, generating light data using the state data, generating audio data using the state data, providing the light data and the audio data to a controller configured to generate one or more control signals using the light data and the audio data, the one or more control signals configured to adjust a light source and a speaker, the light source and the speaker implemented in a combination speaker and light source device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: AlipCom
    Inventors: Michael Edward Smith Luna, Scott Fullam, Patrick Alan Narron, Derek Barrentine, Sankalita Saha, Jeremiah Robison
  • Publication number: 20140285313
    Abstract: Mobile device speaker control may include: monitoring one or more devices coupled (e.g., wired or wirelessly) with a data network, receiving one or more data packets from each of the one or more devices, filtering received data packets by evaluating a received signal strength (e.g., RSSI) of the received packets. The received packets may be ordered in a priority based on a value, and comparing the received signal strength of each of the received packets to a threshold to determine whether the one or more devices are to perform an action; and/or detecting a device within a proximity of a speaker box coupled with a data network, filtering a data packet received from the device to determine a received signal strength associated with the device, comparing the received signal strength to a threshold, and determining whether an action is to be performed based on a result of the comparing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: ALIPHCOM
    Inventors: MICHAEL EDWARD SMITH LUNA, HAWK YIN PANG
  • Publication number: 20140285312
    Abstract: A method including determining location of at least one second device relative to a first device, where at least two of the devices are configured to play audio sounds based upon audio signals; and mixing at least two of the audio signals based, at least partially, upon the determined location(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Lasse Juhani LAAKSONEN, Olli Ali-Yrkko, Jari Hagqvist
  • Patent number: 8841986
    Abstract: A user-interactive music system is described. The system includes a web application in communication with an electronic device such as a mobile device. The web application receives an input from the electronic device, requesting a specific song or preference of songs be played on a music player at a remote location. The web application communicates with a music player, communicating the requests from the electronic device. The music player plays the requested songs or preference of songs on the music player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey T Holman
  • Publication number: 20140176299
    Abstract: Embodiments provided herein involve connected states between a mobile device and one or more zones in a network media system and different interactions between the mobile device and the network media system involving the connected states. The connected states may be established between the mobile device and the one or more zones such that further actions taken on media items identified in the playlist on the mobile device may also be taken on corresponding media items in a playback queue associated with the one or more zones. The interface on the mobile device may display various graphical representations to indicate the different interactions involving the connected states, including when a connected state is established, when a connected state is lost, and when a reconnected state is reestablished. The interface may further provide selectable icons to allow a user to navigate among the different media playback options involving the connected states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Andrew Schulert, Robert Andrew Lambourne, Arther L. Coburn, IV
  • Publication number: 20140176298
    Abstract: Embodiments provided herein involve connected states between a mobile device and one or more zones in a network media system and different interactions between the mobile device and the network media system involving the connected states. The connected states may be established between the mobile device and the one or more zones such that further actions taken on media items identified in the playlist on the mobile device may also be taken on corresponding media items in a playback queue associated with the one or more zones. The interface on the mobile device may display various graphical representations to indicate the different interactions involving the connected states, including when a connected state is established, when a connected state is lost, and when a reconnected state is reestablished. The interface may further provide selectable icons to allow a user to navigate among the different media playback options involving the connected states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Robert Andrew Lambourne
  • Patent number: 8723655
    Abstract: A remote control having a touch-sensitive control panel and a transmission unit for transmitting encoded signals which are produced on the basis of a direction of movement of contact with successive regions of the control panel, regardless of the location at which contact is made with the control panel. It is also possible to produce encoded signals on the basis of a movement by the remote control in combination with a motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: FM Marketing GmbH
    Inventor: Ferdinand Maier
  • Patent number: 8620287
    Abstract: A tracking system for food products includes labeled food product packages and labeled containers for transporting the labeled packages to harvest sites. A data-clearing center receives mobile phone communications from the harvest sites for uploading the container codes. Ancillary information collected from the mobile phone communications including the time, date, location, and phone identification is associated with the container codes for linking the labeled food product packages to details of their harvest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: WS Packaging Group, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Uland
  • Publication number: 20130147597
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer readable media, for determining, using a pressure sensor, pressure data comprising a pressure indication and a time indication. A first mood is determined based upon the pressure data and one or more songs are selected based upon the determined first mood. A playlist is modified based upon the selected one or more songs, wherein the modified playlist comprises the selected one or more songs and the modified playlist is played. Song data, based upon the modified playlist, is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: New York University
    Inventor: New York University
  • Patent number: 8332056
    Abstract: A communication control apparatus includes a first connection unit connecting to a power line, a second connection unit to which an external apparatus is connected, a power supply unit for supplying electric power to the external apparatus via the second connection unit, a communication unit for making the communication between a communication apparatus connected to the power line and the external apparatus via the first connection unit and the second connection unit, and a control unit for controlling the power supply unit to supply electric power to the external apparatus, based on information received from the external apparatus by the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8269663
    Abstract: A remote control system (1) comprises a plurality of controlled devices (100, 100a, etc.), a specifying means (101) for specifying one controlled device (100) that the user desires as a remote control target, and a control device (200) for remotely controlling the one controlled device according to first identification information for identifying the one controlled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Sotomaru
  • Patent number: 8218791
    Abstract: A disclosed set top box or other type of multimedia handling device (MHD) is configured to support a toggle volume feature that enables the end user to toggle between two or more substantially different audible volume settings using a single push of a single remote control button or other type of control, e.g., a touch screen control. In some embodiments, the MHD includes a processor, storage media accessible to and readable by the processor, a remote control interface in communication with the processor, a multimedia decoder, and an audio digital-to-analog converter. The remote control interface receives input from a remote control device. The multimedia decoder module receives and processes multimedia streams. The decoder generates a decoder audio output and a decoder video output. The DAC processes the decoder audio output and produces an audio signal having a particular volume level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven M. Wollmershauser, William Averill, William O. Sprague, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8159325
    Abstract: In response to continuous operation of an operation key on a remote control transmitter, the transmitter repetitively transmits a corresponding remote control signal with a predetermined cyclic period. The signal is received and analyzed by a remote control receiver and transmitted via a wired transmission path to a remote control re-transmitter. Then, the signal is re-transmitted by the re-transmitter via the wired transmission path. Due to a low transmission speed of the transmission path, the transmission path can not transmit all data of the remote control signal to the re-transmitter. Thus, until the next data are received from the transmission path, the re-transmitter interpolates the remote control signal based on the last data, and repetitively transmits the interpolated signal with the predetermined cyclic period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8146132
    Abstract: A method of managing a power state of devices in a home entertainment system using a wireless home entertainment hub comprises obtaining a registration of a plurality of devices, where the plurality of devices includes at least one sink device and at least one source device. A selection of one of the source devices is received for presentation of program content to a user in the home entertainment system. A subset of the at least one sink device is determined for presentation of the program content to the user based on the selection of the source device. Each sink device in the subset of the at least one sink device is ensured to be active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Porto Vinci Ltd. Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Patrick T. Igoe
  • Patent number: 8049595
    Abstract: An in-vehicle transmitter for wirelessly controlling a plurality of remote electronic systems is described. The transmitter includes a memory configured to store a plurality of wireless control code for the plurality of remote electronic systems. The plurality of wireless control code includes a first code to control the operation of a first remote electronic system and a second code different than the first code to control the operation of a second remote electronic system. The transmitter further includes a control circuit mounted to a vehicle interior element configured, in response to operator actuation of one switch, so that the transmitter provides a first wireless control signal having the first code and a second wireless control signal having the second code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Olson, Michael R. Benson, Thomas S. Wright, Steven L. Geerlings, David A. Blaker
  • Patent number: 8004450
    Abstract: A wireless AV transmitting set includes a remote controller main body having an internal memory device and an external connecting recess for stably holding a digital AV player therein, and a first pair of electric contacts, via which data is transmitted and power is supplied to the remote controller main body and the digital AV player in the connecting recess; a seat having a receiving recess for holding the remote controller main body and a second pair of electric contacts corresponding to the first pair of electric contacts for supplying an external power source to the remote controller main body received in the receiving recess; and a wireless transmitter provided on the remote controller main body for wirelessly transmitting AV data files stored in the digital AV player or the memory device to an external playing device for playing. Therefore, the remote controller main body has expanded functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: James Chu, Heng-Chun Ho
  • Publication number: 20110199180
    Abstract: A user-interactive music system is described. The system includes a web application in communication with an electronic device such as a mobile device. The web application receives an input from the electronic device, requesting a specific song or preference of songs be played on a music player at a remote location. The web application communicates with a music player, communicating the requests from the electronic device. The music player plays the requested songs or preference of songs on the music player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Holman