Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Torgerson

Jeffrey Torgerson 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: 11962815
    Abstract: A first networked device may perform operations including receiving, from a media source device, a first media stream and a first media stream identifier. The first networked device may receive the first media stream via a wireless network connection. Operations may further include receiving, from a second networked device, a second media stream identifier that corresponds to a second media stream the second networked device is receiving from the media source device. Operations may further include determining a common stream characteristic between the first media stream and the second media stream and, in response to determining the common stream characteristic, grouping the second networked device with the first networked device. Operations may further include transmitting, to a controller device, an indication that the first networked device and second networked device are grouped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson
  • Patent number: 11956480
    Abstract: While a first playback device is a member of a synchronous media playback group with a second playback device using a first media playback protocol, and after a particular playback setting is enabled using the first media playback protocol, the first playback device receives, from a media source device, a first media stream using a second media playback protocol. The first and second media playback protocols are incompatible. The first playback device determines that the particular playback setting is enabled and that the synchronous media playback group includes the first playback device and the second playback device. Subsequently, the first playback device (i) generates a second media stream based on the received first media stream, the second media stream including information for synchronous playback with the first playback device, and (ii) transmits, to the second playback device, the second media stream using the second media playback protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Publication number: 20240036810
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include one or more playback devices, server systems, and/or computing devices, individually or in combination determining that an item is present within an area comprising a playback device, wherein the item has corresponding media content associated therewith, and in response to determining that the item is present within the area comprising the playback device, causing the playback device to play the media content corresponding to the item, wherein the media content comprises one or both of audio content or video content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey Torgerson, Paul Bates, Matt Welch, Sanford Spivey, Ryan Taylor
  • Publication number: 20230326458
    Abstract: Example techniques involve a control hierarchy for a “smart” home having smart appliances and related devices, such as wireless illumination devices, home-automation devices (e.g., thermostats, door locks, etc.), and audio playback devices, among others. An example home includes various rooms in which smart devices might be located. Under the example control hierarchy described herein and referred to as “home graph,” a name of a room (e.g., “Kitchen”) may represent a smart device (or smart devices) within that room. In other words, from the perspective of a user, the smart devices within a room are that room. This hierarchy permits a user to refer to a smart device within a given room by way of the name of the room when controlling smart devices within the home using a voice user interface (VUI) or graphical user interface (GUI).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Lambourne, Dayn Wilberding, Jeffrey Torgerson
  • Patent number: 11740854
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include one or more playback devices, server systems, and/or computing devices, individually or in combination determining that an item is present within an area comprising a playback device, wherein the item has corresponding media content associated therewith, and in response to determining that the item is present within the area comprising the playback device, causing the playback device to play the media content corresponding to the item, wherein the media content comprises one or both of audio content or video content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Torgerson, Paul Bates, Matt Welch, Sanford Spivey, Ryan Taylor
  • Publication number: 20230209100
    Abstract: While a first playback device is a member of a synchronous media playback group with a second playback device using a first media playback protocol, and after a particular playback setting is enabled using the first media playback protocol, the first playback device receives, from a media source device, a first media stream using a second media playback protocol. The first and second media playback protocols are incompatible. The first playback device determines that the particular playback setting is enabled and that the synchronous media playback group includes the first playback device and the second playback device. Subsequently, the first playback device (i) generates a second media stream based on the received first media stream, the second media stream including information for synchronous playback with the first playback device, and (ii) transmits, to the second playback device, the second media stream using the second media playback protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Patent number: 11676590
    Abstract: Example techniques involve a control hierarchy for a “smart” home having smart appliances and related devices, such as wireless illumination devices, home-automation devices (e.g., thermostats, door locks, etc.), and audio playback devices, among others. An example home includes various rooms in which smart devices might be located. Under the example control hierarchy described herein and referred to as “home graph,” a name of a room (e.g., “Kitchen”) may represent a smart device (or smart devices) within that room. In other words, from the perspective of a user, the smart devices within a room are that room. This hierarchy permits a user to refer to a smart device within a given room by way of the name of the room when controlling smart devices within the home using a voice user interface (VUI) or graphical user interface (GUI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lambourne, Dayn Wilberding, Jeffrey Torgerson
  • Patent number: 11539984
    Abstract: While a first playback device is a member of a synchronous media playback group with a second playback device using a first media playback protocol, and after a particular playback setting is enabled using the first media playback protocol, the first playback device receives, from a media source device, a first media stream using a second media playback protocol. The first and second media playback protocols are incompatible. The first playback device determines that the particular playback setting is enabled and that the synchronous media playback group includes the first playback device and the second playback device. Subsequently, the first playback device (i) generates a second media stream based on the received first media stream, the second media stream including information for synchronous playback with the first playback device, and (ii) transmits, to the second playback device, the second media stream using the second media playback protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Publication number: 20210329309
    Abstract: While a first playback device is a member of a synchronous media playback group with a second playback device using a first media playback protocol, and after a particular playback setting is enabled using the first media playback protocol, the first playback device receives, from a media source device, a first media stream using a second media playback protocol. The first and second media playback protocols are incompatible. The first playback device determines that the particular playback setting is enabled and that the synchronous media playback group includes the first playback device and the second playback device. Subsequently, the first playback device (i) generates a second media stream based on the received first media stream, the second media stream including information for synchronous playback with the first playback device, and (ii) transmits, to the second playback device, the second media stream using the second media playback protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Publication number: 20210314633
    Abstract: A first networked device may perform operations including receiving, from a media source device, a first media stream and a first media stream identifier. The first networked device may receive the first media stream via a wireless network connection. Operations may further include receiving, from a second networked device, a second media stream identifier that corresponds to a second media stream the second networked device is receiving from the media source device. Operations may further include determining a common stream characteristic between the first media stream and the second media stream and, in response to determining the common stream characteristic, grouping the second networked device with the first networked device. Operations may further include transmitting, to a controller device, an indication that the first networked device and second networked device are grouped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson
  • Patent number: 11051048
    Abstract: A network media system forms a group comprising a first networked device and a second networked device using a first media playback protocol. The network media system includes the first networked device and the second networked device. The network media system determines a group coordinator for the group using the first media playback protocol. The network media system transmits, to a media source device, a group network identity using a second media playback protocol. The media source device and one of the first networked device and the second networked device are configured to use the first media playback protocol and the second media playback protocol. The first media playback protocol and the second media playback protocol are incompatible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Patent number: 10986376
    Abstract: A first networked device may perform operations including receiving, from a media source device, a first media stream and a first media stream identifier. The first networked device may receive the first media stream via a wireless network connection. Operations may further include receiving, from a second networked device, a second media stream identifier that corresponds to a second media stream the second networked device is receiving from the media source device. Operations may further include determining a common stream characteristic between the first media stream and the second media stream and, in response to determining the common stream characteristic, grouping the second networked device with the first networked device. Operations may further include transmitting, to a controller device, an indication that the first networked device and second networked device are grouped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson
  • Publication number: 20210110826
    Abstract: Example techniques involve a control hierarchy for a “smart” home having smart appliances and related devices, such as wireless illumination devices, home-automation devices (e.g., thermostats, door locks, etc.), and audio playback devices, among others. An example home includes various rooms in which smart devices might be located. Under the example control hierarchy described herein and referred to as “home graph,” a name of a room (e.g., “Kitchen”) may represent a smart device (or smart devices) within that room. In other words, from the perspective of a user, the smart devices within a room are that room. This hierarchy permits a user to refer to a smart device within a given room by way of the name of the room when controlling smart devices within the home using a voice user interface (VUI) or graphical user interface (GUI).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Lambourne, Dayn Wilberding, Jeffrey Torgerson
  • Patent number: 10818290
    Abstract: Example techniques involve a control hierarchy for a “smart” home having smart appliances and related devices, such as wireless illumination devices, home-automation devices (e.g., thermostats, door locks, etc.), and audio playback devices, among others. An example home includes various rooms in which smart devices might be located. Under the example control hierarchy described herein and referred to as “home graph,” a name of a room (e.g., “Kitchen”) may represent a smart device (or smart devices) within that room. In other words, from the perspective of a user, the smart devices within a room are that room. This hierarchy permits a user to refer to a smart device within a given room by way of the name of the room when controlling smart devices within the home using a voice user interface (VUI) or graphical user interface (GUI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lambourne, Dayn Wilberding, Jeffrey Torgerson
  • Publication number: 20200252660
    Abstract: A network media system forms a group comprising a first networked device and a second networked device using a first media playback protocol. The network media system includes the first networked device and the second networked device. The network media system determines a group coordinator for the group using the first media playback protocol. The network media system transmits, to a media source device, a group network identity using a second media playback protocol. The media source device and one of the first networked device and the second networked device are configured to use the first media playback protocol and the second media playback protocol. The first media playback protocol and the second media playback protocol are incompatible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Publication number: 20200233635
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include one or more playback devices, server systems, and/or computing devices, individually or in combination determining that an item is present within an area comprising a playback device, wherein the item has corresponding media content associated therewith, and in response to determining that the item is present within the area comprising the playback device, causing the playback device to play the media content corresponding to the item, wherein the media content comprises one or both of audio content or video content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey Torgerson, Paul Bates, Matt Welch, Sanford Spivey, Ryan Taylor
  • Patent number: 10631017
    Abstract: A network media system forms a group comprising a first networked device and a second networked device using a first media playback protocol. The network media system includes the first networked device and the second networked device. The network media system determines a group coordinator for the group using the first media playback protocol. The network media system transmits, to a media source device, a group network identity using a second media playback protocol. The media source device and one of the first networked device and the second networked device are configured to use the first media playback protocol and the second media playback protocol. The first media playback protocol and the second media playback protocol are incompatible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Publication number: 20200014960
    Abstract: A first networked device may perform operations including receiving, from a media source device, a first media stream and a first media stream identifier. The first networked device may receive the first media stream via a wireless network connection. Operations may further include receiving, from a second networked device, a second media stream identifier that corresponds to a second media stream the second networked device is receiving from the media source device. Operations may further include determining a common stream characteristic between the first media stream and the second media stream and, in response to determining the common stream characteristic, grouping the second networked device with the first networked device. Operations may further include transmitting, to a controller device, an indication that the first networked device and second networked device are grouped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson
  • Publication number: 20190287522
    Abstract: Example techniques involve a control hierarchy for a “smart” home having smart appliances and related devices, such as wireless illumination devices, home-automation devices (e.g., thermostats, door locks, etc.), and audio playback devices, among others. An example home includes various rooms in which smart devices might be located. Under the example control hierarchy described herein and referred to as “home graph,” a name of a room (e.g., “Kitchen”) may represent a smart device (or smart devices) within that room. In other words, from the perspective of a user, the smart devices within a room are that room. This hierarchy permits a user to refer to a smart device within a given room by way of the name of the room when controlling smart devices within the home using a voice user interface (VUI) or graphical user interface (GUI).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Lambourne, Dayn Wilberding, Jeffrey Torgerson
  • Patent number: 10362339
    Abstract: A first networked device may perform operations including receiving, from a media source device, a first media stream and a first media stream identifier. The first networked device may receive the first media stream via a wireless network connection. Operations may further include receiving, from a second networked device, a second media stream identifier that corresponds to a second media stream the second networked device is receiving from the media source device. Operations may further include determining a common stream characteristic between the first media stream and the second media stream and, in response to determining the common stream characteristic, grouping the second networked device with the first networked device. Operations may further include transmitting, to a controller device, an indication that the first networked device and second networked device are grouped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson