Patents Assigned to BBY Solutions
  • Integrated networking equipment and diversity antenna in light bulb
    Patent number: 10020833
    Abstract: A light bulb or other lamp device incorporating improved antenna configurations and integrated networking equipment is described herein. In one example, a LED light bulb is arranged to include a wireless transceiver and related wireless network processing circuitry, and is coupled to multiple antennas configured to receive and transmit signals using spatial diversity, beamforming, multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), or other multi-antenna techniques. The heat sink in the light bulb may be purposed to provide one or more of the multiple antennas, such as use of respective heat sink structures to serve as a diversity antenna. The wireless network processing circuitry may be used for control of the light bulb or for operability with wireless and non-wireless networks. For example, the network processing circuitry may operate as a wireless network access point, repeater, relay, bridge, or like function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Farhad Nourbakhsh
  • Touchscreen with Three-Handed Gestures System and Method
    Publication number: 20180157407
    Abstract: A user interface verification device and a method of use is presented for recognizing a three-hand gesture on a touchscreen of the device. The gesture is recognized by detecting a plurality of contact points in at least two, disparate touching zones, and simultaneously detecting additional contact points in a third, disparate touching zone. In one embodiment, the device displays content in a review mode that can be reviewed in a normal manner. In the execution mode, the device requires a signature, a touch, or another sign of acceptance involving a touch within the third touching zone. The device can ensure that a customer directly provides consent by requiring that the two, multi-point touching zones are tactilely engaged by both hands of a presenter while in the execution mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Jonathan R. Buettner
  • Retail location robotic wall system
    Patent number: 9990658
    Abstract: A robotic retail wall is presented allowing for the dispensing of merchandise within a retail location. The robotic wall includes commodity products and robotics that pick and deliver products to consumers in response to input at a kiosk. The robotics and products are separated from a retail space by a transparent barrier, allowing consumers in the retail space to view the actions of the robotics in retrieving a product. Behind the robotic wall is a product stocking area, where commodity products can be added to the robotic wall with assistance from the robotics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Chad Stiernagle
  • Video Rotation System and Method
    Publication number: 20180109738
    Abstract: A video recording device is described having an orientation sensor. The recording device rotates video data received from an image sensor according to signals received from the orientation sensor. The rotation occurs before the video data is compressed according to a video codec and stored on a tangible storage device. By rotating the video data before compression, the need for intensive, post-capture video rotation on the compressed video file is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Farhad Nourbakhsh, Steven Brown
  • Display component activation
    Patent number: 9930394
    Abstract: A device configuration for determining whether to send an activation notification based on whether a signal can be decoded by a tuner or codec are described herein. For example, a device may include a tuner, activated in response to receiving the user indication, to attempt to decode a signal corresponding to a channel, and a processor to execute instructions that: detect, prior to a start of a delay period, that the tuner is required to decode the signal, determine, during the delay period, whether the signal can be decoded by the tuner, deactivate the tuner after the delay period without sending a tuner activation notification, in response to a determination that the signal cannot be decoded by the tuner, and send the tuner activation notification to a remote server after the delay period, in response to a determination that the signal can be decoded by the tuner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Mahmood Majid
  • Movie mode and content awarding system and method
    Patent number: 9921804
    Abstract: A system and method is presented for awarding content to users of mobile devices for attending events, appearing at locations, or viewing audiovisual content. One embodiment also automatically alters the configuration of mobile devices, which is particularly useful in movie theaters. An application on the device recognizes an audible signal provided at the location or in the audiovisual content. The signal can also be used to unlock content. In this way, desired content is available only when the user has attended an event such as an event sponsored by the content creator. The content can relate to the event, and can be synchronized to the event. The signal can also trigger an application or unlock content at a store location. For example, a scavenger hunt can be guided by an application on the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald N. Pierce, Jaclyn Knapp, Dan Fox, Ken Slater, Tony Tung, Heather Look, Stacy Anderson, William Don Wortley, Carrie Barclay, Justin Ebert
  • Protective container for a flat screen monitor
    Patent number: 9908678
    Abstract: The invention is a protective container for transporting an enclosed object such as a flat screen television or other flat screen monitor. The protective covering includes two flaps and a base having soft padding material on their inner surfaces. An open configuration is essentially flat, allowing a monitor to be easily positioned on the covering. The flaps fold up to transform the protective container into a closed configuration, with straps or other connectors holding the flaps in place. The protective container has various features making it convenient to move manually and to transport in a delivery truck. The protective container is more convenient to use than the prior art, and can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: James R. Hanson, Kevin Florence, Nathan Omann, Fredrick Larson, Bryan Skaudis
  • Body weight scale with visual notification system and method
    Patent number: 9891096
    Abstract: An interactive body weight scale is presented. The body weight scale may have computing and data communication ability to track a user's weight by connecting to a number of different electronic devices. The body weight scale is capable of recording an audio message, converting the audio message to message text, and transmitting the message to a remote social network. The scale may also receive message responses from the remote network and play the messages back based on whether a particular message is a positive message. A scale use indicator provides a reminder for a user to use the body weight scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Anshuman Sharma
  • Video rotation system and method
    Patent number: 9883116
    Abstract: A video recording device is described having an orientation sensor. The recording device rotates video data received from an image sensor according to signals received from the orientation sensor. The rotation occurs before the video data is compressed according to a video codec and stored on a tangible storage device. By rotating the video data before compression, the need for intensive, post-capture video rotation on the compressed video file is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Farhad Nourbakhsh, Steven Brown
  • Cable with an Integrated Coiling and Reinforcing Wrapper
    Publication number: 20170338012
    Abstract: The present invention is a cable, which carries signal, having an integrated coiling and reinforcing wrapper. The cable has a segment near an end that is stiffer than the cable generally. This segment can be bent by hand, and once bent, will retain its bent shape. If the flexible part of the cable is wrapped into a coil, or otherwise gathered together, then the stiffer portion can be bent around the gathered portion to secure it in its gathered form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Hess, Joseph Tseng, Kris Verstockt, Hui-Hsiu Hsu, Daowu Ye
  • Random-access robotic inventory dispensary: operation prioritization
    Patent number: 9821464
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored in an inventory storage unit (ISU), one item per bin. Controller logic allows items to be stored in, and retrieved from, arbitrarily-assigned storage locations. The bins hang on rails within drawers. Upon a request from a consumer (or other user) in a fulfillment operation, the robot retrieves a bin holding the first item from the ISU. Upon a request from an operator (or other user) in a replenishment operation, the robot transfers an empty bin to an operator station (such as a replenishing unit). The controller logic allows the fulfillment operations to be prioritized over the replenishment operations, in addition to the implementation of other prioritizations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Stiernagle, Glendon T. Kraetsch, Dean R. LaValle, Cameron P. Sheikholeslami
  • Mobile device case with integrated adaptor
    Patent number: 9800701
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a case and analog port adaptor for use with a phone. The case includes a body configured to be engaged around the perimeter of a phone. The case includes an electronic package that has an analog port for receipt of a TRS plug of an electronic accessory such as headphones. The electronics package also includes an electronic plug and an electronic pathway. The electronic plug interfaces with an electronic port of the phone. The electronic pathway provides the mechanism for power and data communication between the phone and the analog port via the interface of the case's electronic plug to the electronic port of the phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Newton Guillen
  • Random-access robotic inventory dispensary: variable bin height
    Patent number: 9790028
    Abstract: The present invention is a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored in an inventory storage unit (ISU), one item per bin. Controller logic allows items to be stored in, and retrieved from, arbitrarily-assigned storage locations. The bins hang on rails within drawers. Configuration of the rails facilitates bins of variable height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Stiernagle, Glendon T. Kraetsch, Dean R. LaValle, Cameron P. Sheikholeslami
  • USB-A Slide Port
    Publication number: 20170294734
    Abstract: A device which is equipped with a USB connection, and which is configured to receive a male USB connector, includes a housing that defines a channel therein. A female USB connection is positioned at an end of the channel. A slideable panel is engaged to the channel, and is slideable between a covered position and an uncovered position. In the covered position, the female USB connection covered and protected. In the uncovered position the female USB connection is exposed for use. Alternatively, the device does not include the channel and the panel is made up of one or more leaf covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Chris McWethy
  • Foldable table
    Patent number: 9770097
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are foldable tables and methods for using the same. The foldable table can include at least one support member having a first and a second elongate support segments. The first support segment can be attachable to a platform. The second support segment can be slidably coupled to the first support segment along an elongate direction. The support member can be extendable between a contracted configuration and an extended configuration. In one example, at least one adjustable leg can be coupled to the support member and can be movable between a storage position and a support position. In one example, the foldable table includes a plurality of hingedly coupled tabletop panels. The first and second tabletop panels can be movable between a folded configuration and a deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason A. Ehrreich, Christopher M. Damm, David R. Leeder
  • Audio playlist system and method
    Patent number: 9747332
    Abstract: Information about desired songs is collected on a portable memory device in communication with a radio tuner. The radio tuner may receive signals from a terrestrial or satellite digital radio transmission, or from an analog radio transmission. These transmissions may include text data about the current song being played. Upon activation by a user, song data is stored on the memory device. The memory device is then connected to a computer system, which uses software to extract the song data and uniquely identify the song. The identified songs are stored on the computer system, and can be used to allow the user easy access to the identified song through prior art techniques. If no textual data is stored about a song, the song is identified by identifying the radio station that played the song and the time at which the user activated the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Nigel Waites
  • Cable with an integrated coiling and reinforcing wrapper
    Patent number: 9741473
    Abstract: The present invention is a cable, which carries signal, having an integrated coiling and reinforcing wrapper. The cable has a segment near an end that is stiffer than the cable generally. This segment can be bent by hand, and once bent, will retain its bent shape. If the flexible part of the cable is wrapped into a coil, or otherwise gathered together, then the stiffer portion can be bent around the gathered portion to secure it in its gathered form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Hess, Joseph Tseng, Kris Verstockt, Hui-Hsiu Hsu, Daowu Ye
  • USB-A slide port
    Patent number: 9722346
    Abstract: A device which is equipped with a USB connection, and which is configured to receive a USB connector, includes a housing that defines a channel therein. A USB connection is positioned at an end of the channel. A slideable panel is engaged to the channel, and is slideable between a covered position and an uncovered position. In the covered position USB connection covered and protected. In the uncovered position the USB connection is exposed for use. Alternatively, the device does not include the channel and the panel is made up of one or more leaf covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Chris McWethy
  • Multi-mode microphone
    Patent number: 9712904
    Abstract: A multi-mode microphone assembly includes a mono microphone, a stereo microphone, and a rotary switch contained within a housing. The mono microphone has a mono input/output mode and the stereo microphone has a stereo input/output mode. Only one input/output mode is active depending on the position of the rotary switch within the housing. When the rotary switch is in a first position only the mono input/output mode is activated and when the rotary switch is in a second position the mono input/output mode is deactivated and the stereo input/output mode is activated. The first position of the rotary switch corresponds to a first position of the housing. The second position of the rotary switch corresponds to a second position of the housing. The first and second positions of the housing are offset 180 degrees from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth Harden
  • Universal Smart Connection Pad
    Publication number: 20170199799
    Abstract: The present invention is a pad for connecting a host device to a slave device through a slave adapter. The host may provide services to the slave, including power and data connections. Pins in the pad magnetically align the slave adapter. The host and slave may collaborate on which pins are assigned to connections. The system handles various usage modifications including, for example, dislocation of the slave adapter, and changes in pin assignments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Chris McWethy