Patents by Inventor Kurt Thomas

Kurt Thomas 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: 20210272586
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device detect sound. The sound data is captured in a first buffer and analyzed to detect a trigger event. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a second buffer and provided to at least one network device to determine at least one characteristic of the detected sound based on the metadata. The network device provides a response that includes an instruction, based on the determined characteristic, to modify at least one performance parameter of the NMD. The NMD then modifies the at least one performance parameter based on the instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20210216278
    Abstract: In one aspect, a network microphone device includes a plurality of microphones and is configured to detect sound via the one or more microphones. The network microphone device may capture sound data based on the detected sound in a first buffer, and capture metadata associated with the detected sound in a second buffer. The network microphone device may classify one or more noises in the detected sound and cause the network microphone device to perform an action based on the classification of the respective one or more noises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Nick D'Amato, Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith
  • Publication number: 20210207493
    Abstract: An airfoil assembly for a turbine engine that includes a platform, a dovetail, an airfoil. The airfoil assembly can further include a cooling air circuit that fluidly connects to a platform cooling passage. The cooling air circuit and platform cooling passage can be contained within or housed at least in part by the platform, the dovetail, or the airfoil. The cooling air circuit can also include a deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Kelli Marie Fishback, Jonathan Russell Ratslaff, Steven Robert Brassfield, Kurt Thomas Whittington
  • Publication number: 20210204082
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining and adapting to changes in microphone performance of playback devices are disclosed herein. In one example, an audio input is received at an array of individual microphones of a network microphone device. Output microphone signals are generated from each of the individual microphones based on the audio input. The output microphone signals are analyzed to detect a trigger event. After detecting the trigger event, the output microphone signals are compared to detect aberrant behavior of one or more of the microphones. Optionally, corrective actions can be taken or suggested based on the detection of aberrant behavior of one or more microphones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith, Roberto Maria Dizon, Patrick Kevin McPherson, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20210193145
    Abstract: In one aspect, a playback deice is configured to identify in an audio stream, via a second wake-word engine, a false wake word for a first wake-word engine that is configured to receive as input sound data based on sound detected by a microphone. The first and second wake-word engines are configured according to different sensitivity levels for false positives of a particular wake word. Based on identifying the false wake word, the playback device is configured to (i) deactivate the first wake-word engine and (ii) cause at least one network microphone device to deactivate a wake-word engine for a particular amount of time. While the first wake-word engine is deactivated, the playback device is configured to cause at least one speaker to output audio based on the audio stream. After a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the playback device is configured to reactivate the first wake-word engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Charles Conor Sleith, Kurt Thomas Soto
  • Patent number: 11031014
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device (NMD) based on a selected voice-assistant service (VAS) are disclosed herein. In one example, the NMD detects sound via individual microphones and selects a first VAS to communicate with the NMD. The NMD produces a first sound-data stream based on the detected sound using a spatial processor in a first configuration. Once the NMD determines that a second VAS is to be selected over the first VAS, the spatial processor assumes a second configuration for producing a second sound-data stream based on the detected sound. The second sound-data stream is then transmitted to one or more remote computing devices associated with the second VAS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Patent number: 11024331
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device detect sound. The sound data is captured in a first buffer and analyzed to detect a trigger event. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a second buffer and provided to at least one network device to determine at least one characteristic of the detected sound based on the metadata. The network device provides a response that includes an instruction, based on the determined characteristic, to modify at least one performance parameter of the NMD. The NMD then modifies the at least one performance parameter based on the instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20210106181
    Abstract: An example portable washing station may include a reservoir, a lid removably attached to the reservoir, an opening for receiving an extendable nozzle, a submersible pump positioned within the reservoir, a hose connecting the extendable nozzle and the submersible pump, and a battery electrically coupled to the submersible pump via a detachable power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventor: Kurt Thomas
  • Publication number: 20210099829
    Abstract: Systems and methods for localizing portable devices are illustrated. One embodiment includes method for locating a portable device in a network that includes several reference devices. The method measures characteristics of signals transmitted via signal paths between reference devices and a portable device, normalizes the measurements to estimate characteristics of the signal paths, and estimates the likelihood that the portable device is in a particular location. Systems and methods for training prediction models include a method that includes steps for receiving context data for a portable device in a system, wherein the context data includes localization data that describes a location of the portable device, identifying a predicted stationary device based on the context data using a prediction model, identifying a target stationary device from the several stationary devices, training the prediction model based on based on the predicted stationary device and the received input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20210099736
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing playback devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for modifying a system that includes several devices. The method includes steps for measuring a first signal pattern for wireless signals between the several devices, measuring a second signal pattern for the wireless signals after measuring the first signal pattern between the several devices, determining an updated state of the system based on a difference between the second signal pattern and the first signal pattern, and modifying state variables of one or more devices of the playback system based on the determined updated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventor: Kurt Thomas Soto
  • Publication number: 20210097435
    Abstract: Systems and methods for training prediction models are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for training a prediction model in a network. The method includes steps for receiving context data for a portable device in a system, wherein the context data includes localization data that describes a location of the portable device, identifying a predicted stationary device from several stationary devices that is predicted based on the context data using a prediction model, receiving input identifying a target stationary device from the several stationary devices, generating training data based on the predicted stationary device and the received input, updating the prediction model based on the generated training data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Patent number: 10959029
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining and adapting to changes in microphone performance of playback devices are disclosed herein. In one example, an audio input is received at an array of individual microphones of a network microphone device. Output microphone signals are generated from each of the individual microphones based on the audio input. The output microphone signals are analyzed to detect a trigger event. After detecting the trigger event, the output microphone signals are compared to detect aberrant behavior of one or more of the microphones. Optionally, corrective actions can be taken or suggested based on the detection of aberrant behavior of one or more microphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith, Roberto Maria Dizon, Patrick Kevin McPherson, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20210052131
    Abstract: A vessel rinsing apparatus including a mounting base, a fluid discharge member including a plurality of nozzles, a valve member operably coupled to the fluid discharge member and configured to control water flow through the nozzles, and an escutcheon supported by the mounting base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Mark Cipriani, Todd Huffington, Alfred Nelson, Michael Veros, Kyle Davidson, Kurt Thomas, Jeffrey Moore
  • Patent number: 10878811
    Abstract: In one aspect, a playback device is configured to identify in an audio stream, via a second wake-word engine, a false wake word for a first wake-word engine that is configured to receive as input sound data based on sound detected by a microphone. The first and second wake-word engines are configured according to different sensitivity levels for false positives of a particular wake word. Based on identifying the false wake word, the playback device is configured to (i) deactivate the first wake-word engine and (ii) cause at least one network microphone device to deactivate a wake-word engine for a particular amount of time. While the first wake-word engine is deactivated, the playback device is configured to cause at least one speaker to output audio based on the audio stream. After a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the playback device is configured to reactivate the first wake-word engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Charles Conor Sleith, Kurt Thomas Soto
  • Patent number: 10871943
    Abstract: In one aspect, a network microphone device includes a plurality of microphones and is configured to detect sound via the one or more microphones. The network microphone device may capture sound data based on the detected sound in a first buffer, and capture metadata associated with the detected sound in a second buffer. The network microphone device may classify one or more noises in the detected sound and cause the network microphone device to perform an action based on the classification of the respective one or more noises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick D'Amato, Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith
  • Patent number: 10811015
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device (NMD) based on a selected voice-assistant service (VAS) are disclosed herein. In one example, the NMD detects sound via individual microphones and selects a first VAS to communicate with the NMD. The NMD produces a first sound-data stream based on the detected sound using a spatial processor in a first configuration. Once the NMD determines that a second VAS is to be selected over the first VAS, the spatial processor assumes a second configuration for producing a second sound-data stream based on the detected sound. The second sound-data stream is then transmitted to one or more remote computing devices associated with the second VAS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20200213729
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing network microphone devices using noise classification are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device (NMD) detect sound. The sound data is analyzed to detect a trigger event such as a wake word. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a lookback buffer of the NMD. After detecting the trigger event, the metadata is analyzed to classify noise in the sound data. Based on the classified noise, at least one performance parameter of the NMD is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: Kurt Thomas Soto
  • Publication number: 20200194001
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device (NMD) based on a selected voice-assistant service (VAS) are disclosed herein. In one example, the NMD detects sound via individual microphones and selects a first VAS to communicate with the NMD. The NMD produces a first sound-data stream based on the detected sound using a spatial processor in a first configuration. Once the NMD determines that a second VAS is to be selected over the first VAS, the spatial processor assumes a second configuration for producing a second sound-data stream based on the detected sound. The second sound-data stream is then transmitted to one or more remote computing devices associated with the second VAS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20200098372
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device (NMD) based on a selected voice-assistant service (VAS) are disclosed herein. In one example, the NMD detects sound via individual microphones and selects a first VAS to communicate with the NMD. The NMD produces a first sound-data stream based on the detected sound using a spatial processor in a first configuration. Once the NMD determines that a second VAS is to be selected over the first VAS, the spatial processor assumes a second configuration for producing a second sound-data stream based on the detected sound. The second sound-data stream is then transmitted to one or more remote computing devices associated with the second VAS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
  • Publication number: 20200098386
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device detect sound. The sound data is captured in a first buffer and analyzed to detect a trigger event. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a second buffer and provided to at least one network device to determine at least one characteristic of the detected sound based on the metadata. The network device provides a response that includes an instruction, based on the determined characteristic, to modify at least one performance parameter of the NMD. The NMD then modifies the at least one performance parameter based on the instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith