Patents by Inventor Grant M. ERICKSON

Grant M. ERICKSON 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).

  • Patent number: 10826947
    Abstract: Method and systems for controlling data remotely that includes connecting to a remote device within a fabric of smart devices. The remote device stores data locally. Controlling the data includes remotely controlling the data stored in the remote device from another device connected to the fabric by transmitting a message to the remote device. Moreover, the transmitted message includes a profile identifier that causes a data management entity of the remote device to perform an indicated data management action. Furthermore, the profile identifier identifies a data management profile, and the message includes a command tag that indicates the data management action to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B. Smith, Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 10805200
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher A. Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 10761833
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan P. Solnit
  • Patent number: 10732651
    Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of an energy-storage device of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the energy-storage device (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the energy-storage device to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Andrea Mucignat, Oliver Steele, Senthilvasan Supramaniam, Osborne Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Daniel A. Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan A. Dutra, David Bell, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, Ian C. Smith, Grant M. Erickson, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Joseph E. Palmer
  • Patent number: 10693760
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to communication within a fabric network are presented. The fabric network includes one or more logical networks that enables devices connected to the fabric to communicate with each other using various profiles known to the devices. A device sending a message may follow a general message format to encode the message so that other devices in the fabric may understand the message regardless of which logical networks the devices are connected to. Within the message format, a payload of data may be included for the receiving device to forward, store, or process the message. The format and the contents of the payload may vary according to a header within the payload that indicates a profile and a message type within the profile. Using the profile and message type, the receiving devices may decode the message to process the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 10476918
    Abstract: Methods and systems for conveying locale information for an electronic device includes receiving, from a remote device and via a network interface of at least one network interfaces, a request for active or available locales for the electronic device. Conveying the locale information also includes sending, to the remote device and via the network interface, a message in a locale profile format including a list of available locales. The message includes a version field that indicates a version of schema used to transmit the list of available locales, an active local field that indicates a locale currently being used by the electronic device, and an available locales field that indicates which locales are available for use by the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue
  • Publication number: 20190324738
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan P. Solnit
  • Patent number: 10387136
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan Solnit
  • Publication number: 20190245836
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher A. Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 10320763
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher A. Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 10191727
    Abstract: A thermostat is described that includes a rechargeable battery, a graphical user interface and a wireless network communication capabilities. During installation, in cases where the rechargeable battery is below a first threshold, the installation procedure is limited so as to avoid energy intensive installation steps which may not be supported by the low battery level. An example of an installation step that is avoided due to low battery level is set up of wireless communication. According to some embodiments, if the battery level is very low during initial installation, the installation process is halted while the battery is charged. An indication such as a flashing LED may be displayed so as to indicate to the user that the battery is being charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan Alan Dutra, David Bell, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Ian C. Smith, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Jr., Joseph E. Palmer, Grant M. Erickson, Andrea Mucignat, David Sloo
  • Publication number: 20180375820
    Abstract: Method and systems for controlling data remotely that includes connecting to a remote device within a fabric of smart devices. The remote device stores data locally. Controlling the data includes remotely controlling the data stored in the remote device from another device connected to the fabric by transmitting a message to the remote device. Moreover, the transmitted message includes a profile identifier that causes a data management entity of the remote device to perform an indicated data management action. Furthermore, the profile identifier identifies a data management profile, and the message includes a command tag that indicates the data management action to be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B. Smith, Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 10084745
    Abstract: Method and systems for controlling data remotely that includes connecting to a remote device within a fabric of smart devices. The remote device stores data locally. Controlling the data includes remotely controlling the data stored in the remote device from another device connected to the fabric by transmitting a message to the remote device. Moreover, the transmitted message includes a profile identifier that causes a data management entity of the remote device to perform an indicated data management action. Furthermore, the profile identifier identifies a data management profile, and the message includes a command tag that indicates the data management action to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B. Smith, Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Publication number: 20180183751
    Abstract: Methods and systems for conveying locale information for an electronic device includes receiving, from a remote device and via a network interface of at least one network interfaces, a request for active or available locales for the electronic device. Conveying the locale information also includes sending, to the remote device and via the network interface, a message in a locale profile format including a list of available locales. The message includes a version field that indicates a version of schema used to transmit the list of available locales, an active local field that indicates a locale currently being used by the electronic device, and an available locales field that indicates which locales are available for use by the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue
  • Patent number: 9999090
    Abstract: In embodiments of mesh network commissioning, a commissioning device of a mesh network can determine steering data for the mesh network, where the steering data is an indication of a device identifier associated with a device that is allowed to join the mesh network. The commissioning device can then propagate the steering data from the commissioning device for the mesh network to one or more routers in the mesh network, and the steering data indicates that a commissioner is active on the mesh network. The commissioning device propagating the steering data enables the one or more routers to transmit the steering data in a beacon message, and the steering data is effective to enable the device associated with the device identifier to identify that the device is allowed to join the mesh network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Martin A. Turon, Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Jonathan Wing-Yan Hui, Christopher Anthony Boross
  • Publication number: 20180157280
    Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of an energy-storage device of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the energy-storage device (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the energy-storage device to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Andrea Mucignat, Oliver Steele, Senthilvasan Supramaniam, Osborne Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Daniel A. Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan A. Dutra, David Bell, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, Ian C. Smith, Grant M. Erickson, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Joseph E. Palmer
  • Patent number: 9992158
    Abstract: Methods and systems for conveying locale information for an electronic device includes receiving, from a remote device and via a network interface of at least one network interfaces, a request for active or available locales for the electronic device. Conveying the locale information also includes sending, to the remote device and via the network interface, a message in a locale profile format including a list of available locales. The message includes a version field that indicates a version of schema used to transmit the list of available locales, an active local field that indicates a locale currently being used by the electronic device, and an available locales field that indicates which locales are available for use by the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue
  • Publication number: 20180152373
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to communication within a fabric network are presented. The fabric network includes one or more logical networks that enables devices connected to the fabric to communicate with each other using various profiles known to the devices. A device sending a message may follow a general message format to encode the message so that other devices in the fabric may understand the message regardless of which logical networks the devices are connected to. Within the message format, a payload of data may be included for the receiving device to forward, store, or process the message. The format and the contents of the payload may vary according to a header within the payload that indicates a profile and a message type within the profile. Using the profile and message type, the receiving devices may decode the message to process the message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 9967228
    Abstract: Systems and methods for exchanging a data stream of information that varies over time using a message format. The message format includes a version field that indicates a version of a structure of the message format. The message format also includes one or more resources fields that each identifies a resource to be imported into the data stream exchanging the data stream. Moreover, the message format includes one or more records that represent time-variant data samples being exchanged in the message. Furthermore, the message format includes one or more descriptor fields, wherein each descriptor field corresponds to at least one respective record of the one or more records and contains metadata describing data contained within the at least one record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Sunny Vardhan Gujjaru, Michael Dixon, Jiakang Lu
  • Patent number: 9948516
    Abstract: In embodiments of mesh network commissioning, a joiner router receives a message from a joining device requesting to join a mesh network, and the joiner router forwards the received message to a commissioning device of the mesh network. The joiner router then receives an authorization for the joining device to join the mesh network from the commissioning device, and the joiner router transmits network information to the joining device, where the network information enables the joining device to join the mesh network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Martin A. Turon, Grant M. Erickson, Christopher A. Boross, Jay D. Logue