Patents by Inventor Aaron Cunningham
Aaron Cunningham 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: 11232776Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, covers for electronic devices. For instance, a portion of a cover may attach to a portion of an electronic device. In some instances, the portion of the electronic device is associated with receiving sound. The cover may include one or more speakers that are configured to output sound towards one or more microphones of the electronic device. By outputting the sound towards the one or more microphones, the one or more microphones may receive more of the sound than sound (e.g., user speech) located in an environment that includes the electronic device. The cover may also include one or more microphones for generating audio data representing commands. For example, the commands may cause the cover to output the sound using the one or more speakers and/or cease outputting the sound using the one or more speakers.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Inventor: Aaron Cunningham
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Patent number: 10939310Abstract: Methods and apparatus in a wireless network that allow devices, such as client devices and access points (APs), having software defined radios (SDRs) to change operating behavior depending on network RF environment conditions are disclosed. The devices may be instructed to operate according to differently defined behavior profiles that may be chosen based on RF environment conditions. The profiles may be stored in a database. A particular profile may be obtained from the database for one or more devices based on an interference level within an RF environment of the devices. The profiles may be implemented to change device operating behavior so that interference is reduced or minimized in higher levels of interference. The profiles may also be implemented to change device behavior so that interference is reduced in lower levels of interference while also freeing up resources for more efficient use in the network during lower levels of interference.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Amer Hassan, Paul Mitchell, Aaron Cunningham, Mitesh Desai
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Patent number: 10930259Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, soundproof covers for voice-controlled devices. For instance, a first portion of a soundproof cover may include a soundproof material that does not allow outside sound to travel to microphone(s) of a voice-controlled device. A second portion of the soundproof cover may include a material and/or openings that allows interior sound output by speaker(s) of the voice-controlled device to travel outside of the soundproof cover. In some instances, such as when the voice-controlled device includes a display, a third portion of the soundproof cover may include material and/or an opening that allows the display to be visible.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Inventor: Aaron Cunningham
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Publication number: 20200380944Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, covers for electronic devices. For instance, a portion of a cover may attach to a portion of an electronic device. In some instances, the portion of the electronic device is associated with receiving sound. The cover may include one or more speakers that are configured to output sound towards one or more microphones of the electronic device. By outputting the sound towards the one or more microphones, the one or more microphones may receive more of the sound than sound (e.g., user speech) located in an environment that includes the electronic device. The cover may also include one or more microphones for generating audio data representing commands. For example, the commands may cause the cover to output the sound using the one or more speakers and/or cease outputting the sound using the one or more speakers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventor: Aaron Cunningham
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Publication number: 20200342841Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, soundproof covers for voice-controlled devices. For instance, a first portion of a soundproof cover may include a soundproof material that does not allow outside sound to travel to microphone(s) of a voice-controlled device. A second portion of the soundproof cover may include a material and/or openings that allows interior sound output by speaker(s) of the voice-controlled device to travel outside of the soundproof cover. In some instances, such as when the voice-controlled device includes a display, a third portion of the soundproof cover may include material and/or an opening that allows the display to be visible.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2019Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventor: Aaron Cunningham
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Publication number: 20200342842Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, soundproof covers for voice-controlled devices. For instance, a first portion of a soundproof cover may include a soundproof material that does not allow outside sound to travel to microphone(s) of a voice-controlled device. A second portion of the soundproof cover may include a material and/or openings that allows interior sound output by speaker(s) of the voice-controlled device to travel outside of the soundproof cover. In some instances, such as when the voice-controlled device includes a display, a third portion of the soundproof cover may include material and/or an opening that allows the display to be visible.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2019Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Aaron Cunningham, Robert Hust
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Publication number: 20200169900Abstract: Methods and apparatus in a wireless network that allow devices, such as client devices and access points (APs), having software defined radios (SDRs) to change operating behavior depending on network RF environment conditions are disclosed. The devices may be instructed to operate according to differently defined behavior profiles that may be chosen based on RF environment conditions. The profiles may be stored in a database. A particular profile may be obtained from the database for one or more devices based on an interference level within an RF environment of the devices. The profiles may be implemented to change device operating behavior so that interference is reduced or minimized in higher levels of interference. The profiles may also be implemented to change device behavior so that interference is reduced in lower levels of interference while also freeing up resources for more efficient use in the network during lower levels of interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2019Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Amer HASSAN, Paul MITCHELL, Aaron CUNNINGHAM, Mitesh DESAI
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Patent number: 10593316Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, soundproof covers for voice-controlled devices. For instance, a first portion of a soundproof cover may include a soundproof material that does not allow outside sound to travel to microphone(s) of a voice-controlled device. A second portion of the soundproof cover may include a material and/or openings that allows interior sound output by speaker(s) of the voice-controlled device to travel outside of the soundproof cover. In some instances, such as when the voice-controlled device includes a display, a third portion of the soundproof cover may include material and/or an opening that allows the display to be visible.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Inventor: Aaron Cunningham
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Patent number: 10499260Abstract: Methods and apparatus in a wireless network that allow devices, such as client devices and access points (APs), having software defined radios (SDRs) to change operating behavior depending on network RF environment conditions are disclosed. The devices may be instructed to operate according to differently defined behavior profiles that may be chosen based on RF environment conditions. The profiles may be stored in a database. A particular profile may be obtained from the database for one or more devices based on an interference level within an RF environment of the devices. The profiles may be implemented to change device operating behavior so that interference is reduced or minimized in higher levels of interference. The profiles may also be implemented to change device behavior so that interference is reduced in lower levels of interference while also freeing up resources for more efficient use in network during lower levels of interference.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Amer Hassan, Paul Mitchell, Aaron Cunningham, Mitesh Desai
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Patent number: 10468007Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, soundproof covers for voice-controlled devices. For instance, a first portion of a soundproof cover may include a soundproof material that does not allow outside sound to travel to microphone(s) of a voice-controlled device. A second portion of the soundproof cover may include a material and/or openings that allows interior sound output by speaker(s) of the voice-controlled device to travel outside of the soundproof cover. In some instances, such as when the voice-controlled device includes a display, a third portion of the soundproof cover may include material and/or an opening that allows the display to be visible.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2019Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Inventor: Aaron Cunningham
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Patent number: 10057910Abstract: Multiplexed unequal error protection for wireless networks is disclosed. A device may determine reliability associated with a first subcarrier of a channel including the first subcarrier and at least one second subcarrier. The reliability of the first subcarrier may be determined based on the position of the first subcarrier relative to each at least one second subcarrier. High priority data may be assigned to the first subcarrier for transmission if the first subcarrier is determined to have a higher reliability than the at least one second subcarrier. For example, the channel may be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) channel and higher reliability may be associated with a first subcarrier that is in a middle position of the plurality of subcarriers within the OFDM channel. In another example, higher reliability may be associated with a first OFDM subcarrier that is adjacent to an unused OFDM channel bandwidth.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Amer Hassan, Aaron Cunningham
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Patent number: 9924391Abstract: In one example, a Wi-Fi client device may streamline a dynamic frequency selection check using a channel baseline measurement. The Wi-Fi client device may select a sampling size for a dynamic frequency selection check based on a channel baseline measurement for a dynamic frequency selection Wi-Fi channel. The Wi-Fi client device may execute the dynamic frequency selection check using the sampling size on the dynamic frequency selection Wi-Fi channel. The Wi-Fi client device may establish a Wi-Fi Direct connection based on the dynamic frequency selection check.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Billy Anders, Yatharth Gupta, Aaron Cunningham, Amer Hassan
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Patent number: 9883456Abstract: Application specific internet access for synchronizing over a tethered network connection is disclosed. When a first device enters a tethering state the first device sends a wakeup message to a second device that is in sleep mode. The second device receives the wake-up message and determines at least one application that is to be synchronized over the tethered network connection provided by the first device. The at least one application is then synchronized and the second device returns to sleep mode. The second device to which the wakeup message is sent may comprise a device that was previously paired with the first device. The at least one application to be synchronized may be determined from a database stored on the second device that indicates a subset of applications of a plurality of applications on the second device to be synchronized on entering wakeup mode in response to the wake-up message.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC.Inventors: Amer Hassan, Aaron Cunningham, Billy Anders
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Publication number: 20170238331Abstract: Multiplexed unequal error protection for wireless networks is disclosed. A device may determine reliability associated with a first subcarrier of a channel including the first subcarrier and at least one second subcarrier. The reliability of the first subcarrier may be determined based on the position of the first subcarrier relative to each at least one second subcarrier. High priority data may be assigned to the first subcarrier for transmission if the first subcarrier is determined to have a higher reliability than the at least one second subcarrier. For example, the channel may be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) channel and higher reliability may be associated with a first subcarrier that is in a middle position of the plurality of subcarriers within the OFDM channel. In another example, higher reliability may be associated with a first OFDM subcarrier that is adjacent to an unused OFDM channel bandwidth.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Amer Hassan, Aaron Cunningham
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Publication number: 20170215102Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed that provide a network that may determine the presence of it caused by an interfering system transmitting within the same frequency bands, or frequency bands closely adjacent to frequency bands, that the network is using, and initiate action to improve network performance in the presence of the interference. The presence of the interference may be determined by detecting that interference at a threshold level exists in the network, and determining that the detected interference is “aggressive” interference, i.e., caused by intentional transmissions from the interfering system in frequency bands in which the network is operating.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2016Publication date: July 27, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Amer Hassan, Paul Mitchell, Aaron Cunningham, Mitesh Desai
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Publication number: 20170201895Abstract: Methods and apparatus in a wireless network that allow devices, such as client devices and access points (APs), having software defined radios (SDRs) to change operating behavior depending on network RF environment conditions are disclosed. The devices may be instructed to operate according to differently defined behavior profiles that may be chosen based on RF environment conditions. The profiles may be stored in a database. A particular profile may be obtained from the database for one or more devices based on an interference level within an RF environment of the devices. The profiles may be implemented to change device operating behavior so that interference is reduced or minimized in higher levels of interference. The profiles may also be implemented to change device behavior so that interference is reduced in lower levels of interference while also freeing up resources for more efficient use in network during lower levels of interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2016Publication date: July 13, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Amer Hassan, Paul Mitchell, Aaron Cunningham, Mitesh Desai
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Publication number: 20170078962Abstract: Application specific internet access for synchronizing over a tethered network connection is disclosed. When a first device enters a tethering state the first device sends a wakeup message to a second device that is in sleep mode. The second device receives the wake-up message and determines at least one application that is to be synchronized over the tethered network connection provided by the first device. The at least one application is then synchronized and the second device returns to sleep mode. The second device to which the wakeup message is sent may comprise a device that was previously paired with the first device. The at least one application to be synchronized may be determined from a database stored on the second device that indicates a subset of applications of a plurality of applications on the second device to be synchronized on entering wakeup mode in response to the wake-up message.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Amer Hassan, Aaron Cunningham, Billy Anders
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Publication number: 20160242051Abstract: In one example, a Wi-Fi client device may streamline a dynamic frequency selection check using a channel baseline measurement. The Wi-Fi client device may select a sampling size for a dynamic frequency selection check based on a channel baseline measurement for a dynamic frequency selection Wi-Fi channel. The Wi-Fi client device may execute the dynamic frequency selection check using the sampling size on the dynamic frequency selection Wi-Fi channel. The Wi-Fi client device may establish a Wi-Fi Direct connection based on the dynamic frequency selection check.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2015Publication date: August 18, 2016Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Billy Anders, Yatharth Gupta, Aaron Cunningham, Amer Hassan
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Patent number: 9392067Abstract: An access point device is configured to improve usability of tethering, while improving battery life and managing data usage among and by the tethered devices. Both access point devices and client devices can remain in a low power state without a high power radio being powered until a shared network connection is to be used. To establish a connection to a network for the client device, the client device communicates with the access point device over a lower power communication device, such as a low power radio. The access point device activates its higher power radio. The two devices then connect over the high power radio, allowing the client device to then to use the access point device as a router to connect to a computer network.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Billy Anders, Amer Hassan, Aaron Cunningham, Yatharth Gupta, Jonathan Dahlke, Darene Lewis, Ulrich Mueller, Marco Piumatti, Ashraf Hamad
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Patent number: 8949936Abstract: A system and method of hosting a user interface of a network device are provided. A particular method includes receiving a request at a server to display a user interface of the network device, authenticating an end user device to validate an identity of a user, and communicating display information of the user interface of the network device to the end user device for display. The server hosted user interface permits monitoring and interactions with the network device by a user of the end user device.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David Roberts, Brian Larsen, Aaron Cunningham