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).
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Publication number: 20210227485Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2020Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
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Patent number: 10983750Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Jonathan P. Lang, Diane Roberts, Nicholas A. J. Millington
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Patent number: 10969940Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bates, Joni Rafalski Hoadley, Lee Keyser-Allen
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Patent number: 10880848Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
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Publication number: 20200260396Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
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Patent number: 10575270Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
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Publication number: 20190243603Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Jillian Garber, Arthur L. Coburn, IV
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Patent number: 10248376Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: SONOS, INC.Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Jillian Garber, Arthur Coburn, IV
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Publication number: 20190045471Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
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Publication number: 20180356948Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Paul Bates, Joni Rafalski Hoadley, Lee Keyser-Allen
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Patent number: 10098082Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: SONOS, INC.Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
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Publication number: 20180225012Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Jonathan P. Lang, Diane Roberts, Nicholas A.J. Millington
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Patent number: 9977561Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Jonathan P. Lang, Diane Roberts, Nicholas A. J. Millington
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Patent number: 9933920Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bates, Joni Rafalski Hoadley, Lee Keyser-Allen
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Publication number: 20170181113Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Thomas Higdon, Luis Vega-Zayas, Ted Lin, Andrej Sarkic
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Publication number: 20160364206Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2015Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Lee Keyser-Allen, Jillian Garber, Arthur Coburn, IV
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Patent number: 9374607Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Diane Roberts, Jonathan P. Lang
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Publication number: 20150095774Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Paul BATES, Joni Rafalski HOADLEY, Lee KEYSER-ALLEN
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Publication number: 20130347022Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Jonathan P. Lang, Diane Roberts
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Publication number: 20130346859Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: Paul Bates, Lee Keyser-Allen, Diane Roberts, Jonathan P. Lang