Patents by Inventor Rafael Ramos

Rafael Ramos 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: 20170064453
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided herein for balancing of outputs from playback devices playing audio content in synchrony. In one embodiment, the balancing of outputs may involve receiving a first audio signal to be played by a first playback device according to a first crossover frequency, determining a limiting result by applying a limiting function associated with a second playback device to a second audio signal to be played by the second playback device according to a second crossover frequency, and based on the first limiting result, configuring the first playback device to play the first audio signal according to a third crossover frequency. In some cases, the first and second playback devices may be configured to play the first and second audio signals, respectively, in synchrony.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Timothy W. Sheen
  • Publication number: 20170055091
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for balancing of outputs from playback devices playing audio content in synchrony. In one embodiment, the balancing of outputs may involve receiving a first audio signal to be played by a first playback device, determining a first limiting result by applying to a second audio signal a limiting function associated with a second playback device, determining a limiting function based on the first limiting result, and configuring the first playback device to apply the determined limiting function when playing the first audio signal. In some cases, the first and second playback devices may be configured to play the first and second audio signals, respectively, in synchrony.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Publication number: 20170041726
    Abstract: A multi-channel and multi-zone audio environment is provided. Various inventions are disclosed that allow playback devices on one or more networks to provide an effective multi-channel and a multi-zone audio environment using timing information. According to one example, timing information is used to coordinate playback devices connected over a low-latency network to provide audio along with a video display. In another example, timing information is used to coordinate playback devices connected over a mesh network to provide audio in one or more zones or zone groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Simon Jarvis, Hilmar Lehnert, Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Luis Vega
  • Patent number: 9547298
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to learn and share remote commands are disclosed. An example method to configure a playback device to be controlled by a remote control includes receiving by the playback device a first code for a first command from the remote control. The example method includes identifying by the playback device a second code for a second command based on the received first code. The example method includes receiving by the playback device the second code from the remote control. The example method includes executing the second command by the playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Griffiths, Simon Jarvis, Hilmar Lehnert, Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Patent number: 9549258
    Abstract: An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving audio content to be played back by the first playback device and a second playback device in synchrony. Such audio content may include a first and second stereo component. The first playback device determines a limiting result that indicates frequencies at which a playback volume of the second playback device is limited and determines a crossover frequency based on the indicated frequencies at which the playback volume of the second playback device is limited. The first playback device causes the second playback device to play a first portion of the second stereo component that is above the determined crossover frequency and plays (i) the first stereo component and (ii) a second portion of the second stereo component that is below the indicated frequency in synchrony with playback of the first portion by the second playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Timothy W. Sheen
  • Patent number: 9544707
    Abstract: An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving audio content to be played back by the first playback device and a second playback device in synchrony. The audio content includes a first stereo component to be played by the first playback device and a second stereo component to be played by the second playback device. The first playback device determines a first limiting result that represents playback of the second stereo component by a second playback device by applying, to the second stereo component, a pre-determined volume-limiting function that is associated with the second playback device. The first playback device determines another volume-limiting function based on the first limiting result and applies the determined volume-limiting function to the first stereo component when playing the first stereo component in synchrony with the playback of the second stereo component by the second playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Patent number: 9516440
    Abstract: A multi-channel and multi-zone audio environment is provided. Various inventions are disclosed that allow playback devices on one or more networks to provide an effective multi-channel and a multi-zone audio environment using timing information. According to one example, timing information is used to coordinate playback devices connected over a low-latency network to provide audio along with a video display. In another example, timing information is used to coordinate playback devices connected over a mesh network to provide audio in one or more zones or zone groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos
    Inventors: Simon Jarvis, Hilmar Lehnert, Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Luis Vega
  • Publication number: 20160299737
    Abstract: An example playback device includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the playback device to perform functions. The functions include receiving digital data representing audio content. The functions further include sending at least a portion of the digital data to an identification system configured to identify the audio content based on the at least a portion of the digital data. The functions further include receiving information associated with the audio content from the identification system. The functions further include, in response to receiving the information associated with the audio content from the identification system, sending the received information to a control device that is configured to control the playback device. The functions further include playing the audio content via one or more speakers electrically connected to the playback device via a wired connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Eric Clayton, Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Publication number: 20160234598
    Abstract: An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving audio content to be played back by the first playback device and a second playback device in synchrony. Such audio content may include a first and second stereo component. The first playback device determines a limiting result that indicates frequencies at which a playback volume of the second playback device is limited and determines a crossover frequency based on the indicated frequencies at which the playback volume of the second playback device is limited. The first playback device causes the second playback device to play a first portion of the second stereo component that is above the determined crossover frequency and plays (i) the first stereo component and (ii) a second portion of the second stereo component that is below the indicated frequency in synchrony with playback of the first portion by the second playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Timothy W. Sheen
  • Publication number: 20160234623
    Abstract: An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving audio content to be played back by the first playback device and a second playback device in synchrony. The audio content includes a first stereo component to be played by the first playback device and a second stereo component to be played by the second playback device. The first playback device determines a first limiting result that represents playback of the second stereo component by a second playback device by applying, to the second stereo component, a pre-determined volume-limiting function that is associated with the second playback device. The first playback device determines another volume-limiting function based on the first limiting result and applies the determined volume-limiting function to the first stereo component when playing the first stereo component in synchrony with the playback of the second stereo component by the second playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Patent number: 9369104
    Abstract: An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving a first audio signal comprising content in a first frequency range to be played by the first playback device. The first playback device determines a first limiting result that represents playback of a second audio signal by a second playback device by applying, to the second audio signal, a pre-determined volume-limiting function that is associated with the second playback device, the second audio signal comprising content in a second frequency range that is different from the first frequency range. The first playback device determines another volume-limiting function based on the first limiting result and applies the determined volume-limiting function to the first audio signal to scale a playback volume of the first audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Patent number: 9363601
    Abstract: An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving audio content to be played by the first playback device and a second playback device. The first playback device may be configured to play respective portions of the audio that are respectively below and above a first crossover frequency. The playback device determines a first limiting result that represents playback of the second portion of the audio content by applying, to the second portion of the audio content, a pre-determined volume-limiting function that is associated with the second playback device, where the first limiting result indicates frequencies at which a playback volume of the second playback device is limited. The playback device determines a second crossover frequency based on the indicated frequencies at which the playback volume of the second playback device is limited and plays a third portion of the audio content that is below the second crossover frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Timothy W. Sheen
  • Publication number: 20160157016
    Abstract: An example method is performed by a media playback system comprising a plurality of audio drivers having a first radiation pattern. The method includes receiving data representing audio content, where each datum of the data indicates (i) a frequency and (ii) an amplitude corresponding to the frequency. The method further includes, for each audio driver of the plurality of audio drivers, determining a transfer function; processing each datum of the data based on (i) the frequency indicated by the given datum and (ii) the determined transfer function; and providing, to the given audio driver, a respective signal representing the data processed for the given audio driver, thereby causing the plurality of audio drivers to play back the audio content according to a second radiation pattern that is different from the first radiation pattern. An example media playback system and an example non-transitory computer-readable medium related to the example method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Mike Chamness, Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Timothy Sheen, Hilmar Lehnert
  • Publication number: 20160072468
    Abstract: An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving a first audio signal comprising content in a first frequency range to be played by the first playback device. The first playback device determines a first limiting result that represents playback of a second audio signal by a second playback device by applying, to the second audio signal, a pre-determined volume-limiting function that is associated with the second playback device, the second audio signal comprising content in a second frequency range that is different from the first frequency range. The first playback device determines another volume-limiting function based on the first limiting result and applies the determined volume-limiting function to the first audio signal to scale a playback volume of the first audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Publication number: 20160066094
    Abstract: An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving audio content to be played by the first playback device and a second playback device. The first playback device may be configured to play respective portions of the audio that are respectively below and above a first crossover frequency. The playback device determines a first limiting result that represents playback of the second portion of the audio content by applying, to the second portion of the audio content, a pre-determined volume-limiting function that is associated with the second playback device, where the first limiting result indicates frequencies at which a playback volume of the second playback device is limited. The playback device determines a second crossover frequency based on the indicated frequencies at which the playback volume of the second playback device is limited and plays a third portion of the audio content that is below the second crossover frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Timothy W. Sheen
  • Patent number: 9226073
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided herein for balancing of outputs from playback devices playing audio content in synchrony. In one embodiment, the balancing of outputs may involve receiving a first audio signal to be played by a first playback device according to a first crossover frequency, determining a limiting result by applying a limiting function associated with a second playback device to a second audio signal to be played by the second playback device according to a second crossover frequency, and based on the first limiting result, configuring the first playback device to play the first audio signal according to a third crossover frequency. In some cases, the first and second playback devices may be configured to play the first and second audio signals, respectively, in synchrony.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Timothy W. Sheen
  • Patent number: 9226087
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for balancing of outputs from playback devices playing audio content in synchrony. In one embodiment, the balancing of outputs may involve receiving a first audio signal to be played by a first playback device, determining a first limiting result by applying to a second audio signal a limiting function associated with a second playback device, determining a limiting function based on the first limiting result, and configuring the first playback device to apply the determined limiting function when playing the first audio signal. In some cases, the first and second playback devices may be configured to play the first and second audio signals, respectively, in synchrony.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Publication number: 20150222991
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for balancing of outputs from playback devices playing audio content in synchrony. In one embodiment, the balancing of outputs may involve receiving a first audio signal to be played by a first playback device, determining a first limiting result by applying to a second audio signal a limiting function associated with a second playback device, determining a limiting function based on the first limiting result, and configuring the first playback device to apply the determined limiting function when playing the first audio signal. In some cases, the first and second playback devices may be configured to play the first and second audio signals, respectively, in synchrony.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventor: Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Publication number: 20150222993
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided herein for balancing of outputs from playback devices playing audio content in synchrony. In one embodiment, the balancing of outputs may involve receiving a first audio signal to be played by a first playback device according to a first crossover frequency, determining a limiting result by applying a limiting function associated with a second playback device to a second audio signal to be played by the second playback device according to a second crossover frequency, and based on the first limiting result, configuring the first playback device to play the first audio signal according to a third crossover frequency. In some cases, the first and second playback devices may be configured to play the first and second audio signals, respectively, in synchrony.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Aurelio Rafael Ramos, Timothy W. Sheen
  • Publication number: 20140104033
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to learn and share remote commands are disclosed. An example method to configure a playback device to be controlled by a remote control includes receiving by the playback device a first code for a first command from the remote control. The example method includes identifying by the playback device a second code for a second command based on the received first code. The example method includes receiving by the playback device the second code from the remote control. The example method includes executing the second command by the playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Griffiths, Simon Jarvis, Hilmar Lehnert, Aurelio Rafael Ramos