Patents by Inventor Lee Keyser-Allen

Lee Keyser-Allen 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: 20210227485
    Abstract: A control device of media playback system receives a user command to initiate playback of video content and associated audio content and transmits a BLUETOOTH message based on the command to a video playback device. The video playback device receives the BLUETOOTH message, obtains the media content via a local area network (LAN), and determines an indication of when to begin playback of the media content. The video playback device transmits the indication to an audio playback device via the LAN and outputs the video content in lip-synchrony with playback of the corresponding audio content by the audio playback device. While outputting the video content in lip-synchrony with playback of the corresponding audio content by the audio playback device, the video playback device transmits timing information via the LAN to the audio playback device to maintain lip-synchrony with playback of the corresponding audio content by the audio playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
  • Patent number: 10983750
    Abstract: Example techniques may involve guest access to a media playback system. A guest may use a guest control device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to control aspects of a host's media playback system. In addition, the guest may temporarily register their user account of a streaming audio service with the host's media playback system, which enables playback of audio content from that service by one or more playback devices of the media playback system. When the guest control device de-registers from the host's media playback system, retrieval of audio content from the streaming audio service is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Jonathan P. Lang, Diane Roberts, Nicholas A. J. Millington
  • Patent number: 10969940
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for enabling a user to control multiple media playback systems with a single mobile device. The mobile device may connect with a first or second media playback system based on receiving a first or second household identifier (HHID), respectively. If the mobile device receives both the first and second HHIDs, the mobile device may connect with either the first or second media playback system based on a priority of the two systems. If neither the first nor second HHIDs are received by the mobile device, a user may be prompted to add a third media playback system if the mobile device receives a third HHID. The user interface of the mobile device may receive an input to connect the mobile device to the third media playback system, and a connection may be established between the mobile device and the third media playback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Joni Rafalski Hoadley, Lee Keyser-Allen
  • Patent number: 10880848
    Abstract: A control device of media playback system receives a user command to initiate playback of video content and associated audio content and transmits a BLUETOOTH message based on the command to a video playback device. The video playback device receives the BLUETOOTH message, obtains the media content via a local area network (LAN), and determines an indication of when to begin playback of the media content. The video playback device transmits the indication to an audio playback device via the LAN and outputs the video content in lip-synchrony with playback of the corresponding audio content by the audio playback device. While outputting the video content in lip-synchrony with playback of the corresponding audio content by the audio playback device, the video playback device transmits timing information via the LAN to the audio playback device to maintain lip-synchrony with playback of the corresponding audio content by the audio playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
  • Publication number: 20200260396
    Abstract: A control device of media playback system receives a user command to initiate playback of video content and associated audio content and transmits a BLUETOOTH message based on the command to a video playback device. The video playback device receives the BLUETOOTH message, obtains the media content via a local area network (LAN), and determines an indication of when to begin playback of the media content. The video playback device transmits the indication to an audio playback device via the LAN and outputs the video content in lip-synchrony with playback of the corresponding audio content by the audio playback device. While outputting the video content in lip-synchrony with playback of the corresponding audio content by the audio playback device, the video playback device transmits timing information via the LAN to the audio playback device to maintain lip-synchrony with playback of the corresponding audio content by the audio playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
  • Patent number: 10575270
    Abstract: Networked devices are arranged to play content such as audio and video content in synchronization. A synching device receives a packet from an initiating device over a network. The packet may include an identifier of content to play, such as a URI, and an indication of when to play the content. A local clock time to play the content is determined based on a time of a local clock of the first device and the indication of when to play the content. The synching device obtains from a server the content based on the received identifier, and plays the content in synchronization with the initiating device based on a time on the local clock and the local clock time to play the content. In some embodiments, the synching device also adjusts a clock speed of the local clock reference to control rate of playback of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
  • Publication number: 20190243603
    Abstract: The examples provided herein involve multiple groups in a playback system. An example method involves, based on receiving one or more inputs defining a zone scene of a media playback system that comprises a plurality of zone players, defining configuration data corresponding to the zone scene, wherein the configuration data comprises an identification of at least a first zone player and a second zone player. The method further involves causing a remote computing device to store the configuration data and presenting a user-interface element that, when selected via the user interface, causes the zone scene to be invoked. The method additionally involves, in response to receiving an input indicative of a selection of the user-interface element, causing the remote computing device to invoke the zone scene at the media playback system such that the first zone player and the second zone player playback audio content in synchrony.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Jillian Garber, Arthur L. Coburn, IV
  • Patent number: 10248376
    Abstract: The examples provided herein involve multiple groups in a playback system. An example method involves facilitating storage of a configuration of multiple zone groups as a multi-zone scene of a media playback system, the media playback system including at least a first zone group including at least two zone players and a second zone group, a user interface of a controller presenting at least an indication of (1) the first zone group, (2) the second zone group, and (3) a multi-zone group scene creation command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SONOS, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Jillian Garber, Arthur Coburn, IV
  • Publication number: 20190045471
    Abstract: Networked devices are arranged to play content such as audio and video content in synchronization. A synching device receives a packet from an initiating device over a network. The packet may include an identifier of content to play, such as a URI, and an indication of when to play the content. A local clock time to play the content is determined based on a time of a local clock of the first device and the indication of when to play the content. The synching device obtains from a server the content based on the received identifier, and plays the content in synchronization with the initiating device based on a time on the local clock and the local clock time to play the content. In some embodiments, the synching device also adjusts a clock speed of the local clock reference to control rate of playback of the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
  • Publication number: 20180356948
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for enabling a user to control multiple media playback systems with a single mobile device. The mobile device may connect with a first or second media playback system based on receiving a first or second household identifier (HHID), respectively. If the mobile device receives both the first and second HHIDs, the mobile device may connect with either the first or second media playback system based on a priority of the two systems. If neither the first nor second HHIDs are received by the mobile device, a user may be prompted to add a third media playback system if the mobile device receives a third HHID. The user interface of the mobile device may receive an input to connect the mobile device to the third media playback system, and a connection may be established between the mobile device and the third media playback system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Joni Rafalski Hoadley, Lee Keyser-Allen
  • Patent number: 10098082
    Abstract: Networked devices are arranged to play content such as audio and video content in synchronization. A synching device receives a packet from an initiating device over a network. The packet may include an identifier of content to play, such as a URI, and an indication of when to play the content. A local clock time to play the content is determined based on a time of a local clock of the first device and the indication of when to play the content. The synching device obtains from a server the content based on the received identifier, and plays the content in synchronization with the initiating device based on a time on the local clock and the local clock time to play the content. In some embodiments, the synching device also adjusts a clock speed of the local clock reference to control rate of playback of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SONOS, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
  • Publication number: 20180225012
    Abstract: Example techniques may involve guest access to a media playback system. A guest may use a guest control device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to control aspects of a host's media playback system. In addition, the guest may temporarily register their user account of a streaming audio service with the host's media playback system, which enables playback of audio content from that service by one or more playback devices of the media playback system. When the guest control device de-registers from the host's media playback system, retrieval of audio content from the streaming audio service is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Jonathan P. Lang, Diane Roberts, Nicholas A.J. Millington
  • Patent number: 9977561
    Abstract: An example method includes displaying a playback queue for a media playback system to a first and second controller via a first user interface associated with the first controller and a second user interface associated with the second controller, the first controller granted a first access to the system and the second controller granted a second access to the system, the first controller displaying a subset of information available to the second controller. The example method includes displaying a plurality of controls for the system via the second user interface of the second controller, the controls associated with the second access. The example method includes displaying a subset of the controls via the first user interface, the subset including at least one control available via the second controller and associated with the first access. The example method includes facilitating control via the first user interface according to the first access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Jonathan P. Lang, Diane Roberts, Nicholas A. J. Millington
  • Patent number: 9933920
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for enabling a user to control multiple media playback systems with a single mobile device. The mobile device may connect with a first or second media playback system based on receiving a first or second household identifier (HHID), respectively. If the mobile device receives both the first and second HHIDs, the mobile device may connect with either the first or second media playback system based on a priority of the two systems. If neither the first nor second HHIDs are received by the mobile device, a user may be prompted to add a third media playback system if the mobile device receives a third HHID. The user interface of the mobile device may receive an input to connect the mobile device to the third media playback system, and a connection may be established between the mobile device and the third media playback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Joni Rafalski Hoadley, Lee Keyser-Allen
  • Publication number: 20170181113
    Abstract: Networked devices are arranged to play content such as audio and video content in synchronization. A synching device receives a packet from an initiating device over a network. The packet may include an identifier of content to play, such as a URI, and an indication of when to play the content. A local clock time to play the content is determined based on a time of a local clock of the first device and the indication of when to play the content. The synching device obtains from a server the content based on the received identifier, and plays the content in synchronization with the initiating device based on a time on the local clock and the local clock time to play the content. In some embodiments, the synching device also adjusts a clock speed of the local clock reference to control rate of playback of the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
  • Publication number: 20160364206
    Abstract: The examples provided herein involve multiple groups in a playback system. An example method involves facilitating storage of a configuration of multiple zone groups as a multi-zone scene of a media playback system, the media playback system including at least a first zone group including at least two zone players and a second zone group, a user interface of a controller presenting at least an indication of (1) the first zone group, (2) the second zone group, and (3) a multi-zone group scene creation command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Jillian Garber, Arthur Coburn, IV
  • Patent number: 9374607
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to offer a restricted playback mode playlist mode to allow one or more participating users to access a host's media playback system and interact with a reduced subset of functions in that system. An example method includes providing, via a local media playback system, a restricted playback mode open to a plurality of participating users, the restricted playback mode providing a subset of playback functions from the local media playback system to the participating users, the subset including addition of content to a playlist for playback via the local media playback system. The example method includes facilitating addition of content to the playlist by at least one participating user. The example method includes facilitating playback of content from the playlist in the restricted playback mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Diane Roberts, Jonathan P. Lang
  • Publication number: 20150095774
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for enabling a user to control multiple media playback systems with a single mobile device. The mobile device may connect with a first or second media playback system based on receiving a first or second household identifier (HHID), respectively. If the mobile device receives both the first and second HHIDs, the mobile device may connect with either the first or second media playback system based on a priority of the two systems. If neither the first nor second HHIDs are received by the mobile device, a user may be prompted to add a third media playback system if the mobile device receives a third HHID. The user interface of the mobile device may receive an input to connect the mobile device to the third media playback system, and a connection may be established between the mobile device and the third media playback system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul BATES, Joni Rafalski HOADLEY, Lee KEYSER-ALLEN
  • Publication number: 20130347022
    Abstract: An example method includes linking a guest controller to a media playback system including a zone player with a playback queue. The playback queue includes information identifying media items to be played by the zone player. The media playback system provides the guest controller with a second access more limited than a first access granted to a local controller associated with the media playback system. The example method includes receiving, by the media playback system, a message sent from the guest controller, the message including a media service credential and an identification of a media item to be played by the zone player. The example method includes placing, by the media playback system, information identifying the media item from the guest controller in the playback queue. The example method includes retrieving media for the media item, by the media playback system, using the media service credential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Jonathan P. Lang, Diane Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130346859
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to offer a restricted playback mode playlist mode to allow one or more participating users to access a host's media playback system and interact with a reduced subset of functions in that system. An example method includes providing, via a local media playback system, a restricted playback mode open to a plurality of participating users, the restricted playback mode providing a subset of playback functions from the local media playback system to the participating users, the subset including addition of content to a playlist for playback via the local media playback system. The example method includes facilitating addition of content to the playlist by at least one participating user. The example method includes facilitating playback of content from the playlist in the restricted playback mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Diane Roberts, Jonathan P. Lang