Patents Examined by Phung-Hoang J Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10477161
    Abstract: In a battery-powered audio/video recording and communication device having a camera, the length of a preset interval (the interval between instances of the device sending a request to a network to check whether any user requests to access the camera have been received) may be adjusted upward or downward in order to balance the competing interests of reducing latency (e.g. reducing the delay that the user may experience when trying to access the camera) and conserving battery life. The present embodiments advantageously balance these competing interests by initially setting the length of the preset interval to be relatively short to reduce latency, but automatically increasing the length of the preset interval as the battery charge is depleted, thereby extending battery life. The present embodiments also advantageously enable the length of the preset interval to be increased after the battery is recharged, thereby reducing latency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Modestine, Joshua Roth
  • Patent number: 10462421
    Abstract: A projection unit has a rotating capture module and a rotating projection module. The capture module has at least one color camera, at least one microphone and at least one depth camera and is configured to capture images of an environment. The rotating projection module is configured to project images onto at least one surface in the environment. The projection unit has a processor configured to use data captured by the rotating capture module to select the at least one surface in the environment, the selection being dependent on a field of view of at least one user in the environment and dependent on characteristics of surfaces in the environment. The processor is configured to control rotation of the rotating capture module such that the data captured by the rotating capture module is suitable for computing field of view the user, and for determining characteristics of the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Sean Lloyd Rintel, Matthew Alastair Johnson
  • Patent number: 10447947
    Abstract: A multi-purpose imaging and display system includes a display; a detector coupled to the display and having a field of view; and a filter communicating with the detector. The field of view is imaged by the detector through the filter, the filter configured to be sensitive to a first frequency spectrum, so the detector displays only objects within the field of view on the detector that emit one or more frequencies within the first frequency spectrum. The detector and filter can work together in different operational states or modes for acquiring image data of a target object under investigation. A computing device can be included to process acquired image data, and communication interfaces can be employed to achieve networking of multiple systems. A peripheral interface allows a plurality of peripheral devices to be selectively added to tailor the data acquisition and display capabilities of the imaging and display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventor: Yang Liu
  • Patent number: 10448086
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sharing of video footage from audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices to smart television (TV) devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one embodiment, a method for playing back video footage captured by A/V recording and communication devices located in a plurality of neighborhoods, using a smart TV, is provided, the method comprising: connecting the smart TV to a neighborhood subscriber channel; subscribing to a first channel of the neighborhood subscriber channel, wherein the first channel is associated with a first neighborhood of the plurality of neighborhoods; receiving a list of available content shared with the first neighborhood, wherein the available content shared with the first neighborhood includes first image data captured using a camera of a first A/V recording and communication device; and selecting and playing back, on the smart TV, the first image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergei Kazantsev, Quinton Choice Nixon, Crystal Pope
  • Patent number: 10447968
    Abstract: Video communications of residents of a controlled-environment facility are monitored to detect instances of non-verbal communications within the video, such as the display of written messages and hand signals. Residents may participate in live video visitation sessions with non-residents. Video recordings are generated for each video feed of the live video visitation. During the live video visitation, indications of non-verbal communications displayed in the live video are detected. If indications of non-verbal communications are detected in the live video, the recorded video is annotated to specify the locations of the detected indications in the recording. Upon completion of the video visitation session, post-processing of the recorded video detects additional indications of displayed non-verbal communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Passe, Luke Keiser
  • Patent number: 10440071
    Abstract: Technologies for audiovisual communication include an audiovisual server and a number of audiovisual client devices, including a presenter device and a number of audience devices. Each audience device captures an audiovisual stream and transmits the audiovisual stream to the audiovisual server. Each audience device also captures sensor input data such as eye tracking data or facial expression data and transmits abstracted sensor input data to the audiovisual server. The abstracted sensor input data may be based on the captured audiovisual stream. The audiovisual server determines an interestingness rating associated with each audience device based on the sensor input data, and selects one or more audiovisual streams based on the interestingness ratings. The audiovisual server transmits the selected audiovisual streams to the presenter device. The audiovisual server may update the interestingness rating algorithm based on feedback from the presenter device or the audience devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Sigal Louchheim, Omer Ben-Shalom
  • Patent number: 10440002
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system and method, an information processing terminal and method, and an information processing device and method which enable simple and secure restricted access. When a PDA 11 is brought close, a reader 2 of a personal computer 1 reads a device ID form an IC tag 12. The personal computer 1 registers device IDs on a connection permission list, and permits only devices registered on the list to connect. When being instructed to perform accessing, the PDA 11 controls a communication unit to access the personal computer 1 and to transmits its device ID. The personal computer 1 determines whether or not the transmitted ID is registered on the connection permission list, and permits the connection when determining that the ID is registered. The present invention can be applied to various information processing devices such as a personal computer and a PDA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Ayatsuka, Haruo Oba
  • Patent number: 10440322
    Abstract: A system that automatically configures the behavior of the display devices of a video conference endpoint. The controller may detect, at a microphone array having a predetermined physical relationship with respect to a camera, audio emitted from one or more loudspeakers, each loudspeaker having a predetermined physical relationship with respect to at least one of one or more display devices in a conference room. The controller may then generate data representing a spatial relationship between the one or more display devices and the camera based on the detected audio. Finally, the controller may assign video sources received by the endpoint to each of the one or more display devices based on the data representing the spatial relationship and the content of each received video source, and may also assign outputs from multiple video cameras to an outgoing video stream based on the on the data representing the spatial relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn R. G. Aarrestad, Lennart Burenius, Jochen Christof Schirdewahn, Johan Ludvig Nielsen
  • Patent number: 10440320
    Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method to manage incoming communications is described. An incoming call may be received on a landline. One or more devices may be located within a predetermined area based at least in part on the receipt of the incoming call. The incoming call may be forwarded to the one or more devices based at least in part on the locating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Rein
  • Patent number: 10440306
    Abstract: An online system customizes video conversations between users of the online system. During a video conversation, the online system presents a composite view to the participating users. The composite view may include visual representations of the users, a background graphic, or other types of graphics such as masks and props that the users can wear or interact with in the environment of the video conversation. The visual representations may be generated based on a live video feed of the users or include avatars of the users. The online system can determine the graphics based on information about the users. For instance, the online system determines a background graphic showing a location that the users have each visited. Upon viewing the background graphic, the users may be encouraged to interact with the background graphic or other graphics included in the composite view, which can promote an engaging video conversation experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Duane Clark, Brendan Benjamin Aronoff, Stephane Taine
  • Patent number: 10425518
    Abstract: An expandable or all-in-one telephone system is designed for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia as well as other cognitively challenged individuals. The features and settings are managed by their caregivers through a web browser or a smartphone application. This phone system provides caregivers with peace of mind and care-receivers with an easy-to-use safe system customized to fit their individual abilities and adaptable as their needs change. Accordingly, the system may help seniors retain dignity and independence, while reducing daily stress points for caregivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: TeleCalm, Inc.
    Inventor: Tavis Dion Schriefer
  • Patent number: 10419719
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for enhanced conference management. According to some embodiments, a conference management server for enhanced conference management is provided. The conference management server comprises a memory storing a set of instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: receive, from a user device, conference information including a conference subject and an identification of at least one participant; determine, based on the received conference information, a degree of formality for a conference; and send a conference notification to one or more devices or participants identified based on the conference information, the conference notification including information reflecting the degree of formality for the conference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: RingCentral, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Van Rensburg, Vlad Vendrow
  • Patent number: 10419727
    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: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Mark Siminoff, Elliott Lemberger
  • Patent number: 10412487
    Abstract: Methods for a speaker device in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one embodiment, a method for a speaker device is provided, the method comprising transmitting a first provisioning beacon signal using the communication module; receiving, in response to the provisioning beacon signal, at least one credential signal from a network device configured to provide an access point, wherein the at least one credential signal includes credential data; storing the credential data in the non-volatile memory; attempting to connect to the access point using the credential data; determining whether the attempt to connect to the access point was successful; and playing a first audio prompt, using the speaker, upon determining an unsuccessful connection to the access point, wherein the first audio prompt comprises a statement indicating that the connection to the access point was unsuccessful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmad Shahamat, Ajay M. Raval, Elliott Lemberger, Joshua Yoon
  • Patent number: 10397298
    Abstract: An endpoint optimizes bandwidth by initiating a peer-to-peer conference with a plurality of remote devices, generating a first quality list comprising a first device of the plurality of remote devices from which to receive a first data stream at a first quality level, transmit a request to the first device to receive the first data stream at the first quality level, determining that a second device of the plurality of remote devices is not a member of the first quality list, and in response to determining that the second device of the plurality of remote devices is not a member of the first quality list, transmitting a request to the second device to receive a second data stream at a second quality level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventor: Deep S. Pai
  • Patent number: 10397409
    Abstract: An object is to provide an incoming-call number notification apparatus capable of notifying a user of the number of incoming calls at the present moment by using simpler equipment. An incoming-call number notification apparatus according to the present invention includes a control unit (14, 15) configured to, when there is an incoming call to a plurality of telephones (20) accommodated in an exchange (10), determine a display color according to the number of incoming calls at the present moment, and instruct the plurality of telephones to blink or light up an incoming-call lamp of its own telephone in the determined display color (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: NEC Platforms, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kotaro Miyata, Sakae Kamimura
  • Patent number: 10397518
    Abstract: Techniques are described by which multiple, independently encoded video streams may be combined into a single decodable video stream. These techniques take advantage of existing features of commonly used video codecs that support the independent encoding of different regions of an image frame (e.g., H.264 slices or HEVC tiles). Instead of including different parts of the same image, each region corresponds to the encoded image data of the frames of one of the independent video streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yongjun Wu, Charles Benjamin Franklin Waggoner, Patrik Schnell
  • Patent number: 10382497
    Abstract: A system is described for setting up videoconferencing between a user 1, 3, 5 and an agent 13, 23, 33 with little or no downloads and configuration. A director 500, 1500, 2500 receives requests from users 1, 3, 5 on computing devices 200, 400, 700 for videoconferences through a website. A connection ID device 520 receives input from the user 1, 3, 5 as to which connection application 210, 220, 410, 710, 720 the user 1, 3, 5 is using. A platform selection device 530 then uses lookup device 531 to find compatible videoconferencing format of the connection application 210, 220, 410, 710, 720 in a compatibility table 533 and determines which video hosting platform 7, 9, 11, 12 employs this compatible videoconferencing format. A linking device 540 then sends a link to the video hosting platform 7, 9, 11, 12 to the user's computing device 200, 400, 700 and agent's computing device 300, 600 to connect and videoconference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: The Florey Insurance Agency, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Florey, Hector A. De La Cruz
  • Patent number: 10382721
    Abstract: A communication terminal includes circuitry to accept designation of an attribute, receive attribute information of a plurality of destination candidates and presence information of the plurality of destination candidates, and transmit a first request to a first destination candidate. The first destination candidate is one or more of the plurality of destination candidates whose attribute information indicates the accepted attribute and whose presence information indicates a first presence. In response to receiving attribute information and presence information of a second destination candidate of the plurality of destination candidates after transmission of the first request, the circuitry further transmits a second request to the second destination candidate, based on a determination that the attribute information of the second destination candidate indicates the accepted attribute, and the presence information of the second destination candidate indicates the first presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 10375125
    Abstract: The present technology allow for a user's portable device to automatically join a videoconference without any action by a user. A collaboration service can be aware of portable devices in a conference room that is an endpoint for a video conference, and learn of identities associated with the portable devices present in the conference room. After the video conference is initiated in the conference room, all devices that are in communication with the collaboration service can also be automatically joined to the conference. Since all conference participants in the conference room have their own portable device that is joined to the conference the portable devices in the conference room act as a second screen available to the video conference. As such video from the conference can be directed to a common conference room display, while conference materials can be displayed separately on the portable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Rosenberg, Amit Barave