Patents by Inventor Paul Andrew Bates

Paul Andrew Bates 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: 20250110690
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a unified content experience that allows users to browse, search for, and stream multiples types of content from multiple media content providers are disclosed. Using the disclosed systems and methods, the media playback system can identify content available from the multiple content providers, aggregate and/or filter lists of available content, and present the aggregated content to users in a single interface without downloading, installing, and launching separate applications for each provider. Moreover, the user can select content from any one of the multiple sources for playback via the media playback system, including multiple content types, without downloading and installing separate applications for each provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2024
    Publication date: April 3, 2025
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Publication number: 20250044923
    Abstract: Example techniques relate to lock screen media controls. While a mobile device is in the locked state, an example implementation involves selecting one or more playback devices from among the multiple playback devices connected to a local area network, displaying a lock screen control for the one or more selected playback devices, the lock screen control including: a playback status control displaying metadata of a particular audio track playing back on the one or more selected playback devices and one or more transport controls to control playback by the one or more selected playback devices. The example implementation also involves receiving input data representing a command to adjust playback volume on one or more selected playback devices and sending, via a wireless network interface of the mobile device, instructions to cause the one or more selected playback devices to adjust playback volume according to the command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Publication number: 20250024198
    Abstract: In one aspect, a first playback device is configured to: (i) play back first audio content in synchrony with a second playback device, (ii) receive, via a network interface, a message indicating second audio content to be output by the first playback device, and (iii) in response to receiving the message indicating the second audio content: (a) cease playing back the first audio content in synchrony with the second playback device; (b) play back the second audio content while the second playback device plays back the first audio content; and (c) after playing back the second audio content, resume playing back the first audio content in synchrony with the second playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2024
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventors: Simon Jarvis, Romi Kadri, Paul Andrew Bates, Luis Vega-Zayas
  • Patent number: 12192713
    Abstract: Multiple aspects of systems and methods for voice control and related features and functionality for various embodiments of media playback devices, networked microphone devices, microphone-equipped media playback devices, and speaker-equipped networked microphone devices are disclosed and described herein, including but not limited to designating and managing default networked devices, audio response playback, room-corrected voice detection, content mixing, music service selection, metadata exchange between networked playback systems and networked microphone systems, handling loss of pairing between networked devices, actions based on user identification, and other voice control of networked devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Lang, Mark Plagge, Simon Jarvis, Romi Kadri, Yean-Nian Willy Chen, Paul Andrew Bates, Luis Vega-Zayas, Christopher Butts, Nicholas A. J. Millington, Keith Corbin
  • Publication number: 20240296845
    Abstract: Playback devices comprising a network interface, an optional speaker(s), and one or more processors are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the playback device is configured to communicate with a computing system that stores configuration data corresponding to each of a plurality of users. The playback device detects one or more users near the playback device and retrieves user configuration data corresponding to each of the one or more detected users, and thereafter, uses the user configuration data of the one or more detected users to process voice commands, play media content, and/or perform other voice and/or media related functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Publication number: 20240259609
    Abstract: Example techniques may involve temporary configuration of a media playback system in a place of accommodation, such as a hotel. In particular, the media playback system in a guest's room is configured with one or more settings of the guest's home media playback system. Example settings include user accounts of a various services, such as streaming audio services and/or voice assistant services. Other example settings include artists, albums, audio tracks, audio books, stations, and other audio content that the guest previously designated as a favorite using their home media playback system. When the guest leaves (e.g., checks-out of) of the place of accommodation, these settings are removed from the media playback system in the guest's room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Patent number: 12045453
    Abstract: Example techniques relate to lock screen media controls. While a mobile device is in the locked state, an example implementation involves selecting one or more playback devices from among the multiple playback devices connected to a local area network, displaying a lock screen control for the one or more selected playback devices, the lock screen control including: a playback status control displaying metadata of a particular audio track playing back on the one or more selected playback devices and one or more transport controls to control playback by the one or more selected playback devices. The example implementation also involves receiving input data representing a command to adjust playback volume on one or more selected playback devices and sending, via a wireless network interface of the mobile device, instructions to cause the one or more selected playback devices to adjust playback volume according to the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Patent number: 12047752
    Abstract: In one aspect, a first playback device is configured to: (i) play back first audio content in synchrony with a second playback device, (ii) receive, via a network interface, a message indicating second audio content to be output by the first playback device, and (iii) in response to receiving the message indicating the second audio content: (a) cease playing back the first audio content in synchrony with the second playback device; (b) play back the second audio content while the second playback device plays back the first audio content; and (c) after playing back the second audio content, resume playing back the first audio content in synchrony with the second playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Jarvis, Romi Kadri, Paul Andrew Bates, Luis Vega-Zayas
  • Publication number: 20240244368
    Abstract: Multiple aspects of systems and methods for voice control and related features and functionality for various embodiments of media playback devices, networked microphone devices, microphone-equipped media playback devices, and speaker-equipped networked microphone devices are disclosed and described herein, including but not limited to designating and managing default networked devices, audio response playback, room-corrected voice detection, content mixing, music service selection, metadata exchange between networked playback systems and networked microphone systems, handling loss of pairing between networked devices, actions based on user identification, and other voice control of networked devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Lang, Mark Plagge, Simon Jarvis, Romi Kadri, Yean-Nian Willy Chen, Paul Andrew Bates, Luis Vega-Zayas, Christopher Butts, Nicholas A.J. Millington, Keith Corbin
  • Publication number: 20240045584
    Abstract: Example implementations may involve using a prompt to prevent inadvertent control or playback of audio content. When a mobile device receives input data indicating a command to play back audio content on a first playback device, the mobile device determines whether the mobile device is in proximity to the first playback device. If the mobile device determines that the mobile device within a given proximity to the first playback device, the mobile device transmits, via the network interface, one or more commands to instruct the first playback device to play back the audio content. However, if the mobile device determines that the mobile device outside the proximity, the mobile device displays a prompt indicating that the mobile device is the outside the given proximity to the first playback device and a selectable control that, when selected, transmits the one or more commands to play back the audio content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Patent number: 11877015
    Abstract: Example techniques may involve temporary configuration of a media playback system in a place of accommodation, such as a hotel. In particular, the media playback system in a guest's room is configured with one or more settings of the guest's home media playback system. Example settings include user accounts of a various services, such as streaming audio services and/or voice assistant services. Other example settings include artists, albums, audio tracks, audio books, stations, and other audio content that the guest previously designated as a favorite using their home media playback system. When the guest leaves (e.g., checks-out of) of the place of accommodation, these settings are removed from the media playback system in the guest's room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Publication number: 20230403084
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for replacing media items in a queue of a playback device. An example implementation involves receiving, at the playback device, first data indicating an addition of a first media item to a queue. The playback device determines that the first media item is no longer accessible to the playback device at a later second time. The playback device initiates a query for a media item similar to the first media item and receives second data indicating that a second media item has replaced the first media item in the queue, the second media item being similar to the first media item. In response, the playback device initiates playback of the second media item on the playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Bates, Steven Beckhardt, Jonathon Reilly
  • Patent number: 11790920
    Abstract: Playback devices comprising a network interface, an optional speaker(s), and one or more processors are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the playback device is configured to communicate with a computing system that stores configuration data corresponding to each of a plurality of users. The playback device detects one or more users near the playback device and retrieves user configuration data corresponding to each of the one or more detected users, and thereafter, uses the user configuration data of the one or more detected users to process voice commands, play media content, and/or perform other voice and/or media related functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Patent number: 11775160
    Abstract: Example implementations may involve using a prompt to prevent inadvertent control or playback of audio content. When a mobile device receives input data indicating a command to play back audio content on a first playback device, the mobile device determines whether the mobile device is in proximity to the first playback device. If the mobile device determines that the mobile device within a given proximity to the first playback device, the mobile device transmits, via the network interface, one or more commands to instruct the first playback device to play back the audio content. However, if the mobile device determines that the mobile device outside the proximity, the mobile device displays a prompt indicating that the mobile device is the outside the given proximity to the first playback device and a selectable control that, when selected, transmits the one or more commands to play back the audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Publication number: 20230273955
    Abstract: Embodiments are described herein that provide searches, including a multi-dimensional search, a cross-source search, or both in a media playback system. The search can be initiated by way of a selection of a location on user interface of a controller. The location corresponds to one or more metadata that is used in the search. Results are sorted and displayed. In some embodiments, metadata is used to filter and/or sort the results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates
  • Patent number: 11736860
    Abstract: Multiple aspects of systems and methods for voice control and related features and functionality for various embodiments of media playback devices, networked microphone devices, microphone-equipped media playback devices, and speaker-equipped networked microphone devices are disclosed and described herein, including but not limited to designating and managing default networked devices, audio response playback, room-corrected voice detection, content mixing, music service selection, metadata exchange between networked playback systems and networked microphone systems, handling loss of pairing between networked devices, actions based on user identification, and other voice control of networked devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Lang, Mark Plagge, Simon Jarvis, Romi Kadri, Yean-Nian Willy Chen, Paul Andrew Bates, Luis Vega-Zayas, Christopher Butts, Nicholas A. J. Millington, Keith Corbin
  • Patent number: 11728907
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for replacing media items in a queue of a playback device. An example implementation involves receiving, at the playback device, first data indicating an addition of a first media item to a queue. The playback device determines that the first media item is no longer accessible to the playback device at a later second time. The playback device initiates a query for a media item similar to the first media item and receives second data indicating that a second media item has replaced the first media item in the queue, the second media item being similar to the first media item. In response, the playback device initiates playback of the second media item on the playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Bates, Steven Beckhardt, Jonathon Reilly
  • Publication number: 20230054164
    Abstract: Multiple aspects of systems and methods for voice control and related features and functionality for various embodiments of media playback devices, networked microphone devices, microphone-equipped media playback devices, and speaker-equipped networked microphone devices are disclosed and described herein, including but not limited to designating and managing default networked devices, audio response playback, room-corrected voice detection, content mixing, music service selection, metadata exchange between networked playback systems and networked microphone systems, handling loss of pairing between networked devices, actions based on user identification, and other voice control of networked devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Lang, Mark Plagge, Simon Jarvis, Romi Kadri, Yean-Nian Willy Chen, Paul Andrew Bates, Luis Vega-Zayas, Christopher Butts, Nicholas A.J. Millington, Keith Corbin
  • Publication number: 20220377123
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for replacing media items in a queue of a playback device. An example implementation involves receiving, at the playback device, first data indicating an addition of a first media item to a queue. The playback device determines that the first media item is no longer accessible to the playback device at a later second time. The playback device initiates a query for a media item similar to the first media item and receives second data indicating that a second media item has replaced the first media item in the queue, the second media item being similar to the first media item. In response, the playback device initiates playback of the second media item on the playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Bates, Steven Beckhardt, Jonathon Reilly
  • Publication number: 20220351733
    Abstract: Playback devices comprising a network interface, an optional speaker(s), and one or more processors are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the playback device is configured to communicate with a computing system that stores configuration data corresponding to each of a plurality of users. The playback device detects one or more users near the playback device and retrieves user configuration data corresponding to each of the one or more detected users, and thereafter, uses the user configuration data of the one or more detected users to process voice commands, play media content, and/or perform other voice and/or media related functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Bates