Patents by Inventor Robert A. Lambourne

Robert A. Lambourne 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).

  • Patent number: 12248732
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods include causing a graphical user interface to display an indication that a first and second playback device have been configured to play multi-channel audio content in at least one of a grouped mode or a stereo mode. Some embodiments include, (i) after receiving a command(s) to switch the first and second playback devices into the stereo mode while the first and second playback devices are in the grouped mode, configuring the first and second playback devices to play the multi-channel audio content in the stereo mode, and (ii) after receiving a command(s) to switch the first and second playback devices into the grouped mode while the first and second playback devices are in the stereo mode, configuring the first and second playback devices to play the multi-channel audio content in the grouped mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Patent number: 12219328
    Abstract: A computing device capable of controlling a networked media playback system receives data identifying a first zone player, a second zone player, and a zone scene including a predefined grouping of zone players including at least the first zone player and the second zone player. The computing device displays a representation of available zone players in the networked media playback system including a first selectable indication of the first zone player, a second selectable indication of the second zone player, and a third selectable indication of the zone scene that, when selected, causes the zone scene to be invoked such that the predefined grouping of zone players becomes configured for synchronous playback of media. While displaying the representation, the computing device receives a user input indicating that the zone scene has been selected to be invoked. Based on the user input, the computing device causes the zone scene to be invoked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Lambourne
  • Patent number: 12167216
    Abstract: Technology for grouping, consolidating, and pairing individual playback devices with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment is disclosed. An example method includes receiving an audio signal containing a range of audio frequencies; amplifying, according to a gain parameter, the audio signal to be reproduced by at least one speaker. The example method includes automatically increasing the gain parameter to a higher gain parameter responsive to a determination that no more than a subset of the range of audio frequencies is to be reproduced by the at least one speaker. The example method includes amplifying, according to the higher gain parameter, the audio signal containing no more than the subset of the range of audio frequencies to be reproduced by the at least one speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne, Robert Reimann, Mark Triplett
  • Publication number: 20240357031
    Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating a Do Not Disturb (DND) feature of a playback device that is configured to play back alert notifications from a plurality of network-enabled devices include (i) a mobile device receiving input data representing a selection of the playback device; (ii) the mobile device receiving input data representing a selection of a DND time period; and (iii) responsive to receiving the input data representing the selections of the playback device and the DND time period, sending an instruction to the selected playback device that causes the selected playback device to enter a DND mode for the duration of the selected DND time period, during which the selected playback device is instructed to not play back alert notifications when the alert notifications are received from at least one network-enabled device of the plurality of network-enabled devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Robert A. Lambourne, Nathan Fish
  • Publication number: 20240334128
    Abstract: The present application discloses playback devices and networks, software for operating playback devices and playback device networks, and methods of operating playback devices and networks, where an individual network device is configured to switch between operating various operating modes comprising a non-paired mode and a paired mode, where the playback device is configured to output various channels of audio content within various audio frequency ranges while operating in the various operating modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne, Robert Reimann, Mark Triplett
  • Publication number: 20240333982
    Abstract: While a first playback device is a member of a synchronous media playback group with a second playback device using a first media playback protocol, and after a particular playback setting is enabled using the first media playback protocol, the first playback device receives, from a media source device, a first media stream using a second media playback protocol. The first and second media playback protocols are incompatible. The first playback device determines that the particular playback setting is enabled and that the synchronous media playback group includes the first playback device and the second playback device. Subsequently, the first playback device (i) generates a second media stream based on the received first media stream, the second media stream including information for synchronous playback with the first playback device, and (ii) transmits, to the second playback device, the second media stream using the second media playback protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Publication number: 20240184512
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods include causing a graphical user interface to display an indication that a first and second playback device have been configured to play multi-channel audio content in at least one of a grouped mode or a stereo mode. Some embodiments include, (i) after receiving a command(s) to switch the first and second playback devices into the stereo mode while the first and second playback devices are in the grouped mode, configuring the first and second playback devices to play the multi-channel audio content in the stereo mode, and (ii) after receiving a command(s) to switch the first and second playback devices into the grouped mode while the first and second playback devices are in the stereo mode, configuring the first and second playback devices to play the multi-channel audio content in the grouped mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Patent number: 11973893
    Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating a Do Not Disturb (DND) feature of a playback device that is configured to play back alert notifications from a plurality of network-enabled devices include (i) a mobile device receiving input data representing a selection of the playback device; (ii) the mobile device receiving input data representing a selection of a DND time period; and (iii) responsive to receiving the input data representing the selections of the playback device and the DND time period, sending an instruction to the selected playback device that causes the selected playback device to enter a DND mode for the duration of the selected DND time period, during which the selected playback device is instructed to not play back alert notifications when the alert notifications are received from at least one network-enabled device of the plurality of network-enabled devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Lambourne, Nathan Fish
  • Publication number: 20240118863
    Abstract: In general, user interfaces for controlling a plurality of multimedia players in groups are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a user interface is provided to allow a user to group some of the players according to a theme or scene, where each of the players is located in a zone. When the scene is activated, the players in the scene react in a synchronized manner. For example, the players in the scene are all caused to play a multimedia source or music in a playlist, wherein the multimedia source may be located anywhere on a network. The user interface is further configured to illustrate graphically a size of a group, the larger the group appears relatively, the more plays there are in the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Robert A. Lambourne, Nicholas A.J. Millington
  • Patent number: 11956480
    Abstract: While a first playback device is a member of a synchronous media playback group with a second playback device using a first media playback protocol, and after a particular playback setting is enabled using the first media playback protocol, the first playback device receives, from a media source device, a first media stream using a second media playback protocol. The first and second media playback protocols are incompatible. The first playback device determines that the particular playback setting is enabled and that the synchronous media playback group includes the first playback device and the second playback device. Subsequently, the first playback device (i) generates a second media stream based on the received first media stream, the second media stream including information for synchronous playback with the first playback device, and (ii) transmits, to the second playback device, the second media stream using the second media playback protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Publication number: 20240114289
    Abstract: The present application discloses playback devices and networks, software for operating playback devices and playback device networks, and methods of operating playback devices and networks, where an individual network device is configured to switch between operating various operating modes comprising a non-paired mode and a paired mode, where the playback device is configured to output various channels of audio content within various audio frequency ranges while operating in the various operating modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne, Robert Reimann, Mark Triplett
  • Publication number: 20240078080
    Abstract: In an example implementation, a method may involve sending a message that arranges a media playback system into a pre-defined state, wherein a first playback device is in a first zone having a first zone name, a second playback device is in a second zone having a second zone name, and a queue has a particular set of media items. The method may also involve detecting a trigger indicating a request to reset the media playback system. The method may further involve causing the media playback system to revert to the pre-defined state, wherein reverting may include assigning the first zone name to the first zone and joining the first playback device to the first zone, assigning the second zone name to the second zone and joining the second playback device to the second zone, and configuring the queue with the particular set of media items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Joni R. Hoadley, Diane Roberts, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Patent number: 11758327
    Abstract: The present application discloses playback devices and networks, software for operating playback devices and playback device networks, and methods of operating playback devices and networks, where an individual network device is configured to switch between operating various operating modes comprising a non-paired mode and a paired mode, where the playback device is configured to output various channels of audio content within various audio frequency ranges while operating in the various operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne, Robert Reimann, Mark Triplett
  • Publication number: 20230283953
    Abstract: Technology for grouping, consolidating, and pairing individual playback devices with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment is disclosed. An example method includes receiving an audio signal containing a range of audio frequencies; amplifying, according to a gain parameter, the audio signal to be reproduced by at least one speaker. The example method includes automatically increasing the gain parameter to a higher gain parameter responsive to a determination that no more than a subset of the range of audio frequencies is to be reproduced by the at least one speaker. The example method includes amplifying, according to the higher gain parameter, the audio signal containing no more than the subset of the range of audio frequencies to be reproduced by the at least one speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne, Robert Reimann, Mark Triplett
  • Publication number: 20230209100
    Abstract: While a first playback device is a member of a synchronous media playback group with a second playback device using a first media playback protocol, and after a particular playback setting is enabled using the first media playback protocol, the first playback device receives, from a media source device, a first media stream using a second media playback protocol. The first and second media playback protocols are incompatible. The first playback device determines that the particular playback setting is enabled and that the synchronous media playback group includes the first playback device and the second playback device. Subsequently, the first playback device (i) generates a second media stream based on the received first media stream, the second media stream including information for synchronous playback with the first playback device, and (ii) transmits, to the second playback device, the second media stream using the second media playback protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Arthur L. Coburn, IV, Jeffrey Torgerson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Publication number: 20230205482
    Abstract: An example method includes, based on an adjustment to a first displayed volume control, instructing the first playback device to adjust playback volume level; based on an adjustment to a second displayed volume control, instructing the second playback device to adjust playback volume level; after sending the commands, instructing the first and/or second playback device to process an audio stream into a first and/or second channel and to reproduce a respective one of the first and second channel, wherein the grouped first and second playback devices provide multi-channel sound; and based on an adjustment to a third displayed volume control, instructing the first and/or second playback device to adjust a group volume level for both the first and second playback devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Patent number: 11675564
    Abstract: In an example implementation, a method may involve sending a message that arranges a media playback system into a pre-defined state, wherein a first playback device is in a first zone having a first zone name, a second playback device is in a second zone having a second zone name, and a queue has a particular set of media items. The method may also involve detecting a trigger indicating a request to reset the media playback system. The method may further involve causing the media playback system to revert to the pre-defined state, wherein reverting may include assigning the first zone name to the first zone and joining the first playback device to the first zone, assigning the second zone name to the second zone and joining the second playback device to the second zone, and configuring the queue with the particular set of media items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Joni R. Hoadley, Diane Roberts, Robert A. Lambourne
  • Publication number: 20230179699
    Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating a Do Not Disturb (DND) feature of a playback device that is configured to play back alert notifications from a plurality of network-enabled devices include (i) a mobile device receiving input data representing a selection of the playback device; (ii) the mobile device receiving input data representing a selection of a DND time period; and (iii) responsive to receiving the input data representing the selections of the playback device and the DND time period, sending an instruction to the selected playback device that causes the selected playback device to enter a DND mode for the duration of the selected DND time period, during which the selected playback device is instructed to not play back alert notifications when the alert notifications are received from at least one network-enabled device of the plurality of network-enabled devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Robert A. Lambourne, Nathan Fish
  • Patent number: 11650784
    Abstract: In general, user interfaces for controlling a plurality of multimedia players in groups are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a user interface is provided to allow a user to group some of the players according to a theme or scene, where each of the players is located in a zone. When the scene is activated, the players in the scene react in a synchronized manner. For example, the players in the scene are all caused to play a multimedia source or music in a playlist, wherein the multimedia source may be located anywhere on a network. The user interface is further configured to illustrate graphically a size of a group, the larger the group appears relatively, the more plays there are in the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Lambourne, Nicholas A. J. Millington
  • Patent number: 11635935
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling zone group and zone group characteristics such as audio volume in a multi-zone system are disclosed. The multi-zone system includes a number of multimedia players, each preferably located in a zone. A controller may control the operations of all of the zone players remotely from any one of the zones. Two or more zone players may be dynamically grouped as a zone group for synchronized operations. According to one aspect of the techniques, a zone group configuration can be managed, updated, modified via an interactive user interface provided in a controlling device. The zone group configuration may be saved in one of zone players. According to another aspect of the techniques, the audio volume control of a zone group can be performed individually or synchronously as a group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Lambourne, Nicholas A. J. Millington