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).

  • Publication number: 20150127735
    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: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 9026254
    Abstract: In a multi-sensing, wirelessly communicating learning thermostat that uses power-harvesting to charge an internal battery, methods are disclosed for ensuring that the battery does not become depleted or damaged while at the same time ensuring selected levels of thermostat functionality. Battery charge status is monitored to determine whether the present rate of power usage needs to be stemmed. If the present rate of power usage needs to be stemmed, then a progression of performance levels and/or functionalities are scaled back according to a predetermined progressive power conservation algorithm. In a less preferred embodiment, there is a simple progressive shutdown of functionalities turned off in sequence until the desired amount of discharge stemming is reached. Battery charge preservation measures are also described for cases when an interruption of external supply power used to recharge the battery is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Grant M. Erickson, Andrea Mucignat, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Jr., Joseph Adam Ruff, Joseph E. Palmer, Shigefumi Honjo
  • Patent number: 9021133
    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: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 9015266
    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: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 9002967
    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: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 9002968
    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: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Patent number: 9002525
    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: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan Solnit
  • Publication number: 20150074658
    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: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: ALASTAIR R. GOURLAY, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan Solnit
  • Publication number: 20150046584
    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: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Publication number: 20150046509
    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: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Publication number: 20150039670
    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: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Publication number: 20150023339
    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: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    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
  • Publication number: 20150023294
    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: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    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
  • Publication number: 20150023293
    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: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    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
  • Publication number: 20150026791
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a network interface that may enable the electronic device to wirelessly couple the electronic device to other electronic devices. The electronic device may also include a processor that may determine at least one data path to the other electronic devices using a Routing Information Protocol—Next Generation (RIPng) routing mechanism. After identifying at least one data path to the other electronic devices, the processor may determine whether the identified data path(s) is secure using a Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) protocol. If the identified data path(s) is determined to be secure, the processor may send Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) data packets to the other electronic devices via the secure data path(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Christopher A. Boross
  • Publication number: 20150019669
    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: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Publication number: 20150019650
    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: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
  • Publication number: 20150016443
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a network interface that may enable the electronic device to wirelessly couple the electronic device to other electronic devices. The electronic device may also include a processor that may determine at least one data path to the other electronic devices using a Routing Information Protocol—Next Generation (RIPng) routing mechanism. After identifying at least one data path to the other electronic devices, the processor may determine whether the identified data path(s) is secure using a Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) protocol. If the identified data path(s) is determined to be secure, the processor may send Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) data packets to the other electronic devices via the secure data path(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Christopher A. Boross
  • Publication number: 20150016407
    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: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    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
  • Publication number: 20140376405
    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: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    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