Patents by Inventor Derin M. Zerr

Derin M. Zerr 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).

  • Publication number: 20200329278
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing user devices to selected output devices are provided. Pairing can include providing information identifying a user device to a system authority, such as a remote communication interface server. In response to verifying that a user associated with the identified user device is authorized to use a selected output device, the information identifying the user device and a local player connected to the selected output device is provided to a local controller or server. The local controller then creates and maintains an association between the user device and the local player, allowing a user of the user device to cast content to an output device associated with the paired local player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: SONIFI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, Joel Walter Zdepski, Shaun Eugene Marko, Andy Loren Anderson
  • Patent number: 10743075
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing user devices to selected output devices are provided. Pairing can include providing information identifying a user device to a system authority, such as a remote communication interface server. In response to verifying that a user associated with the identified user device is authorized to use a selected output device, the information identifying the user device and a local player connected to the selected output device is provided to a local controller or server. The local controller then creates and maintains an association between the user device and the local player, allowing a user of the user device to cast content to an output device associated with the paired local player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SONIFI SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, Joel Walter Zdepski, Shaun Eugene Marko, Andy Loren Anderson
  • Publication number: 20190273968
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing user devices to selected output devices are provided. Pairing can include providing information identifying a user device to a system authority, such as a remote communication interface server. In response to verifying that a user associated with the identified user device is authorized to use a selected output device, the information identifying the user device and a local player connected to the selected output device is provided to a local controller or server. The local controller then creates and maintains an association between the user device and the local player, allowing a user of the user device to cast content to an output device associated with the paired local player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: SONIFI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, Joel Walter Zdepski, Shaun Eugene Marko, Andy Loren Anderson
  • Patent number: 10327035
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing user devices to selected output devices are provided. Pairing can include providing information identifying a user device to a system authority, such as a remote communication interface server. In response to verifying that a user associated with the identified user device is authorized to use a selected output device, the information identifying the user device and a local player connected to the selected output device is provided to a local controller or server. The local controller then creates and maintains an association between the user device and the local player, allowing a user of the user device to cast content to an output device associated with the paired local player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: SONIFI SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, Joel Walter Zdepski, Shaun Eugene Marko, Andy Loren Anderson
  • Patent number: 10244375
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: SONIFI SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Publication number: 20180070200
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Patent number: 9854388
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SONIFI SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Publication number: 20170272819
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing user devices to selected output devices are provided. Pairing can include providing information identifying a user device to a system authority, such as a remote communication interface server. In response to verifying that a user associated with the identified user device is authorized to use a selected output device, the information identifying the user device and a local player connected to the selected output device is provided to a local controller or server. The local controller then creates and maintains an association between the user device and the local player, allowing a user of the user device to cast content to an output device associated with the paired local player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, Joel Walter Zdepski, Shaun Eugene Marko, Andy Loren Anderson
  • Publication number: 20160323433
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling a function based on identifying information for a mobile device are provided. The identifying information can include location information, and is provided from a communication device or identification tag. The mobile device provides the identifying information to a system authority. The mobile device can also provide additional identifying information to the system authority. The system authority can then authorize a command and control or a content delivery operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Andy Loren Anderson, Sridhar Guthula, Derin M. Zerr, Joel Walter Zdepski
  • Publication number: 20160285877
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling a function based on location information for a mobile device are provided. The location information is provided from a sensor device. The sensor device can have a known location, and can provide information identifying the mobile device to a system authority that enables the function. The mobile device can also provide additional identifying information to the system authority. Different communication channels established partially or entirely over different communication networks can be used to deliver the different identifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Andy Loren Anderson, Sridhar Guthula, Derin M. Zerr, Joel Walter Zdepski
  • Publication number: 20160255461
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Patent number: 9369829
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SONIFI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Patent number: 9107055
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SONIFI SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Publication number: 20150004915
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Patent number: 8903978
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sonifi Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Patent number: 8874716
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sonifi Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Patent number: 8370879
    Abstract: A connection interface allows individuals (such as guests at a lodging facility) to use portable personal electronic devices (such as laptop computers, digital audio players, and digital audio/video players) in conjunction with a television. The connection interface device includes inputs to receive signals from various portable devices, and includes selection keys by which a guest can select a particular type of input to the television. The connection interface senses presence of video and audio signals on its inputs, and the state of the selection keys, and provides data over an in-room network with a television interface terminal. The connection interface device also routes the signals received at its inputs to corresponding inputs of the television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lodgenet Interactive Corporation
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, Jacob M. Buckstead, Leon P. Stoel, David M. Bankers
  • Publication number: 20120322384
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: LODGENET INTERACTIVE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Publication number: 20120324076
    Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: LODGENET INTERACTIVE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Derin M. Zerr, John S. Prince, III, James L. Fenno, John B. Baker
  • Patent number: 7984114
    Abstract: A method and system for providing direct access to content available on an entertainment system. The entertainment system includes a head end and a plurality of user terminals connected by a distribution system. In operation of the entertainment system, a display promoting content available for direct access by a user is provided at a user terminal. A selection input made by the user on an input device is received at the user terminal. The content being promoted when the selection input was made by the user is then provided from the head end to the user terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: LodgeNet Interactive Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Bankers, Benjamin M. Arnold, James L. Fenno, Leon P. Stoel, Derin M. Zerr