Patents by Inventor Mark Ely

Mark Ely 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: 20230261692
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for identifying electronic devices in a room using a spread code. In some embodiments, a first electronic device receives a spread spectrum signal from a second electronic device over an audio data channel. The first electronic device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal based on despreading. The first electronic device calculates a distance between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The first electronic device determines the second electronic device is not in the room with the first electronic device based on the calculated distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston CURTIS, Mark Ely, Brian Thoft Moth Møller
  • Publication number: 20230262290
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments for a media device upgrading system with a native user interface. An embodiment operates by displaying a native user interface of a media device configured to operate in both a normal mode without an upgrader device and an upgrader mode when an upgrader device is connected to an input port of the media device. It is determined that the upgrader device is connected a command is received via the native user interface. It is determined that the command operates a software component, and the command is provided to the upgrader device. A response to executing the command is received from the upgrader device, and a response is displayed on the native user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: David MENDENHALL, David SHARP, Mark ELY, Jim FUNK, Charles SMITH, Andrew SCHULTZ, Anthony WOOD
  • Patent number: 11671139
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for identifying electronic devices in a room using a spread code. In some embodiments, a first electronic device receives a spread spectrum signal from a second electronic device over an audio data channel. The first electronic device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal based on despreading. The first electronic device calculates a distance between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The first electronic device determines the second electronic device is not in the room with the first electronic device based on the calculated distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston Curtis, Mark Ely, Brian Thoft Moth Møller
  • Patent number: 11665401
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments for a media device upgrading system with a native user interface. An embodiment operates by displaying a native user interface of a media device configured to operate in both a normal mode without an upgrader device and an upgrader mode when an upgrader device is connected to an input port of the media device. It is determined that the upgrader device is connected a command is received via the native user interface. It is determined that the command operates a software component, and the command is provided to the upgrader device. A response to executing the command is received from the upgrader device, and a response is displayed on the native user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: David Mendenhall, David Sharp, Mark Ely, Jim Funk, Charles Smith, Andrew Schultz, Anthony Wood
  • Patent number: 11558579
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content among multiple speakers. In some embodiments, a first smart speaker receives a spread spectrum signal from a second smart speaker over an audio data channel. The first smart speaker despreads the spread spectrum signal based on a spreading code. The first smart speaker determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal based on the despreading. The first smart speaker receives a time of transmission of the spread spectrum signal. The first smart speaker then calculates a playback delay based on the time of receipt and the time of transmission. Then the first smart speaker controls the playback of the audiovisual content based on the playback delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston Curtis, Mark Ely, Brian Thoft Moth Møller
  • Publication number: 20220377418
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments for a media device upgrading system with a native user interface. An embodiment operates by displaying a native user interface of a media device configured to operate in both a normal mode without an upgrader device and an upgrader mode when an upgrader device is connected to an input port of the media device. It is determined that the upgrader device is connected a command is received via the native user interface. it is determined that the command operates a software component, and the command is provided to the upgrader device. A response to executing the command is received from the upgrader device, and a response is displayed on the native user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: DAVID MENDENHALL, DAVID SHARP, MARK ELY, JIM FUNK, CHARLES SMITH, ANDREW SCHULTZ, ANTHONY WOOD
  • Patent number: 11438025
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content with a dumb speaker. In some embodiments, a display device transmits a spread spectrum signal to a dumb speaker over a data channel using a spread spectrum code. The display device then receives the spread spectrum signal from the dumb speaker over an audio data channel. The display device despreads the spread spectrum signal based on the spreading code. The display device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal. The display device calculates an audiovisual output path delay for the dumb speaker based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The display device then synchronizes the playback of the audiovisual content at the dumb speaker and a smart speaker based on the audiovisual output path delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: ROKU, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Caston Curtis, Mark Ely, Brian Thoft Moth Møller
  • Patent number: 11399213
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for a media device upgrading system. An embodiment operates by receiving a command at a media device that includes an upgrader device connected via or plugged into an input port of the media device. It is determined that the command is associated with modifying a software component of the media device, wherein both the media device and the upgrader device include operating systems configured to process the command and modify the software component. The command is provided to the upgrader device based on a determination that the media device is in an upgrader mode of operation. A visual indication corresponding to the modification is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: ROKU, INC.
    Inventors: David Mendenhall, David Sharp, Mark Ely, Jim Funk, Charles Smith, Andrew Schultz, Anthony Wood
  • Patent number: 11313414
    Abstract: A system for mounting an annular component on a shaft, comprising (a) a hydraulic nut having an annular coaxial cavity and a ring-like piston, displaceable within the cavity; (b) a displacement sensor for providing a displacement signal indicating the axial displacement of the piston within the cavity; (c) a wireless displacement transmitter for transmitting the displacement signal; (d) a pressure sensor for providing a pressure signal indicating a pressure within the cavity; (e) a wireless pressure transmitter for transmitting the pressure signal; (f) a pump arranged to pump fluid into the cavity; and (g) a remote control device having a communications device arranged to receive transmitted pressure and displacement signals, wherein the remote control device is arranged to output control information for controlling the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Sebastien David, Mark Ely
  • Publication number: 20220045715
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content with a dumb speaker. In some embodiments, a display device transmits a spread spectrum signal to a dumb speaker over a data channel using a spread spectrum code. The display device then receives the spread spectrum signal from the dumb speaker over an audio data channel. The display device despreads the spread spectrum signal based on the spreading code. The display device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal. The display device calculates an audiovisual output path delay for the dumb speaker based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The display device then synchronizes the playback of the audiovisual content at the dumb speaker and a smart speaker based on the audiovisual output path delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Roku Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston CURTIS, Mark ELY, Brain Thoft Moth MØLLER
  • Patent number: 11177851
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content with a dumb speaker. In some embodiments, an electronic device transmits a spread spectrum signal to a dumb speaker over a data channel using a spread spectrum code. The electronic device then receives the spread spectrum signal played back auditorily by the dumb speaker. The electronic device despreads the spread spectrum signal based on the spreading code. The electronic device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal. The electronic device calculates an audiovisual output path delay for the dumb speaker based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The electronic device then synchronizes the playback of the audiovisual content at the dumb speaker and another electronic device based on the audiovisual output path delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston Curtis, Mark Ely, Brian Thoft Moth Møller
  • Publication number: 20210250060
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content with a dumb speaker. In some embodiments, an electronic device transmits a spread spectrum signal to a dumb speaker over a data channel using a spread spectrum code. The electronic device then receives the spread spectrum signal played back auditorily by the dumb speaker. The electronic device despreads the spread spectrum signal based on the spreading code. The electronic device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal. The electronic device calculates an audiovisual output path delay for the dumb speaker based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The electronic device then synchronizes the playback of the audiovisual content at the dumb speaker and another electronic device based on the audiovisual output path delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston CURTIS, Mark Ely, Brian Thoft Moth Møller
  • Publication number: 20210211154
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for identifying electronic devices in a room using a spread code. In some embodiments, a first electronic device receives a spread spectrum signal from a second electronic device over an audio data channel. The first electronic device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal based on despreading. The first electronic device calculates a distance between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The first electronic device determines the second electronic device is not in the room with the first electronic device based on the calculated distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston CURTIS, Mark ELY, Brian Thoft Moth MØLLER
  • Publication number: 20210152773
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content among multiple speakers. In some embodiments, a first smart speaker receives a spread spectrum signal from a second smart speaker over an audio data channel. The first smart speaker despreads the spread spectrum signal based on a spreading code. The first smart speaker determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal based on the despreading. The first smart speaker receives a time of transmission of the spread spectrum signal. The first smart speaker then calculates a playback delay based on the time of receipt and the time of transmission. Then the first smart speaker controls the playback of the audiovisual content based on the playback delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston CURTIS, Mark ELY, Brian Thoft Moth MØLLER
  • Patent number: 10992336
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for identifying audio characteristics of a room using a spread code. In some embodiments, a first electronic device receives a spread spectrum signal from a second electronic device over an audio data channel. The first electronic device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal based on despreading. The first electronic device calculates an airtime delay based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission of the spread spectrum signal. The first electronic device determines a direction of the second electronic device based on the spread spectrum signal and beam forming techniques. The first electronic device adjusts playback of audiovisual content at the second electronic device and a third electronic device for a location based on the airtime delay and the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston Curtis, Mark Ely, Brian Thoft Moth Møller
  • Patent number: 10958301
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content with a dumb speaker. In some embodiments, a display device transmits a spread spectrum signal to a dumb speaker over a data channel using a spread spectrum code. The display device then receives the spread spectrum signal from the dumb speaker over an audio data channel. The display device despreads the spread spectrum signal based on the spreading code. The display device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal. The display device calculates an audiovisual output path delay for the dumb speaker based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The display device then synchronizes the playback of the audiovisual content at the dumb speaker and a smart speaker based on the audiovisual output path delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston Curtis, Mark Ely, Brian Thoft Moth Møller
  • Patent number: 10931909
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content among multiple speakers. In some embodiments, a first smart speaker receives a spread spectrum signal from a second smart speaker over an audio data channel. The first smart speaker despreads the spread spectrum signal based on a spreading code. The first smart speaker determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal based on the despreading. The first smart speaker receives a time of transmission of the spread spectrum signal. The first smart speaker then calculates a playback delay based on the time of receipt and the time of transmission. Then the first smart speaker controls the playback of the audiovisual content based on the playback delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston Curtis, Mark Ely, Brian Thoft Moth Møller
  • Publication number: 20200240472
    Abstract: A system for mounting an annular component on a shaft, comprising (a) a hydraulic nut having an annular coaxial cavity and a ring-like piston, displaceable within the cavity; (b) a displacement sensor for providing a displacement signal indicating the axial displacement of the piston within the cavity; (c) a wireless displacement transmitter for transmitting the displacement signal; (d) a pressure sensor for providing a pressure signal indicating a pressure within the cavity; (e) a wireless pressure transmitter for transmitting the pressure signal; (f) a pump arranged to pump fluid into the cavity; and (g) a remote control device having a communications device arranged to receive transmitted pressure and displacement signals, wherein the remote control device is arranged to output control information for controlling the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Sebastien DAVID, Mark ELY
  • Publication number: 20200091959
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content among multiple speakers. In some embodiments, a first smart speaker receives a spread spectrum signal from a second smart speaker over an audio data channel. The first smart speaker despreads the spread spectrum signal based on a spreading code. The first smart speaker determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal based on the despreading. The first smart speaker receives a time of transmission of the spread spectrum signal. The first smart speaker then calculates a playback delay based on the time of receipt and the time of transmission. Then the first smart speaker controls the playback of the audiovisual content based on the playback delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston CURTIS, Mark ELY, Brian Thoft Moth MØLLER
  • Publication number: 20200091958
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for synchronizing playback of audiovisual content with a dumb speaker. In some embodiments, a display device transmits a spread spectrum signal to a dumb speaker over a data channel using a spread spectrum code. The display device then receives the spread spectrum signal from the dumb speaker over an audio data channel. The display device despreads the spread spectrum signal based on the spreading code. The display device determines a time of receipt of the spread spectrum signal. The display device calculates an audiovisual output path delay for the dumb speaker based on the time of receipt and a time of transmission. The display device then synchronizes the playback of the audiovisual content at the dumb speaker and a smart speaker based on the audiovisual output path delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Caston CURTIS, Mark ELY, Brian Thoft Moth MØLLER