Patents by Inventor Steven Stupp

Steven Stupp 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: 11194542
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between transmit times of frames from the electronic devices and receive times when the frames were received. For example, the current time offsets may be calculated using wireless ranging by ignoring distances between the A/V hub and the electronic devices. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets. Furthermore, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: B&W Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Patent number: 10956114
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that selectively determines one or more acoustic characteristics of an environment that includes the A/V hub is described. In particular, the A/V hub may detect, using wireless communication, an electronic device (such as a speaker) in the environment. Then, the A/V hub may determine a change condition, such as when the electronic device was not previously detected in the environment and/or a change in a location of the electronic device. In response to determining the change condition, the A/V hub may transition into a characterization mode. During the characterization mode, the A/V hub may: provide instructions to the electronic device to playback audio content at a specified playback time; determine one or more acoustic characteristics of the environment based on acoustic measurements in the environment; and store the one or more acoustic characteristics and/or a location of the electronic device in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: B&W Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20200264838
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between transmit times of frames from the electronic devices and receive times when the frames were received. For example, the current time offsets may be calculated using wireless ranging by ignoring distances between the A/V hub and the electronic devices. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets. Furthermore, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Patent number: 10684817
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that aggregates electronic devices is described. In particular, the A/V hub may measure sound, corresponding to audio content, output by electronic devices (such as electronic devices that include speakers). Then, the A/V hub may aggregate the electronic devices into two or more subsets based on the measured sound. Moreover, the A/V hub may determine, for the subsets, playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices in a given subset are to playback the audio content. Next, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include the audio content and playback timing information, where the playback times of the electronic devices in at least the given subset have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices in the given subset is coordinated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Patent number: 10649722
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between receive times when frames are received from electronic devices and expected transmit times of the frames. For example, the expected transmit times may be based on coordination of clocks in the electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub at a previous time and a predefined transmit schedule of the frames. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Patent number: 10649716
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices (such as electronic devices that include speakers) and a clock in the A/V hub based on measured sound corresponding to one or more acoustic-characterization patterns, one or more times when the electronic devices output the sound and the one or more acoustic-characterization patterns. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets. Moreover, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Patent number: 10649721
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between transmit times of frames from the electronic devices and receive times when the frames were received. For example, the current time offsets may be calculated using wireless ranging by ignoring distances between the A/V hub and the electronic devices. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets. Furthermore, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Eva Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Patent number: 10552115
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that calculates an estimated location is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate an estimated location of a listener relative to electronic devices (such as electronic devices that include speakers) in an environment that includes the A/V hub and the electronic devices based on: communication with another electronic device; sound measurements in the environment; and/or time-of-flight measurements. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the estimated location. Moreover, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Eva Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20190220241
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between transmit times of frames from the electronic devices and receive times when the frames were received. For example, the current time offsets may be calculated using wireless ranging by ignoring distances between the A/V hub and the electronic devices. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets. Furthermore, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: EVA Automatin, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20190171411
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between receive times when frames are received from electronic devices and expected transmit times of the frames. For example, the expected transmit times may be based on coordination of clocks in the electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub at a previous time and a predefined transmit schedule of the frames. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Patent number: 10296287
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub may measure the sound, corresponding to audio content, output by electronic devices. Then, the A/V hub may compare the measured sound to a desired acoustic characteristic at a first location in the environment based on the first location, a second location of the A/V hub, and an acoustic transfer function of the environment in at least a band of frequencies. For example, the comparison may involve calculating the acoustic transfer function at the first location based on the acoustic transfer function at other locations in the environment and correcting the measured sound based on the calculated the acoustic transfer function at the first location. Moreover, the A/V hub may determine equalized audio content based on the comparison and the audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Eva Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Patent number: 10255032
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between transmit times of frames from the electronic devices and receive times when the frames were received. For example, the current time offsets may be calculated using wireless ranging by ignoring distances between the A/V hub and the electronic devices. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets. Furthermore, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Patent number: 10241748
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between receive times when frames are received from electronic devices and expected transmit times of the frames. For example, the expected transmit times may be based on coordination of clocks in the electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub at a previous time and a predefined transmit schedule of the frames. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Eva Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20180167645
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between transmit times of frames from the electronic devices and receive times when the frames were received. For example, the current time offsets may be calculated using wireless ranging by ignoring distances between the A/V hub and the electronic devices. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets. Furthermore, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20180167757
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices (such as electronic devices that include speakers) and a clock in the A/V hub based on measured sound corresponding to one or more acoustic-characterization patterns, one or more times when the electronic devices output the sound and the one or more acoustic-characterization patterns. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets. Moreover, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20180167758
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that aggregates electronic devices is described. In particular, the A/V hub may measure sound, corresponding to audio content, output by electronic devices (such as electronic devices that include speakers). Then, the A/V hub may aggregate the electronic devices into two or more subsets based on the measured sound. Moreover, the A/V hub may determine, for the subsets, playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices in a given subset are to playback the audio content. Next, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include the audio content and playback timing information, where the playback times of the electronic devices in at least the given subset have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices in the given subset is coordinated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20180165055
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that coordinates playback of audio content is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate current time offsets between clocks in electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub based on differences between receive times when frames are received from electronic devices and expected transmit times of the frames. For example, the expected transmit times may be based on coordination of clocks in the electronic devices and a clock in the A/V hub at a previous time and a predefined transmit schedule of the frames. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the current time offsets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20180167760
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub may measure the sound, corresponding to audio content, output by electronic devices. Then, the A/V hub may compare the measured sound to a desired acoustic characteristic at a first location in the environment based on the first location, a second location of the A/V hub, and an acoustic transfer function of the environment in at least a band of frequencies. For example, the comparison may involve calculating the acoustic transfer function at the first location based on the acoustic transfer function at other locations in the environment and correcting the measured sound based on the calculated the acoustic transfer function at the first location. Moreover, the A/V hub may determine equalized audio content based on the comparison and the audio content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20180166101
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that selectively determines one or more acoustic characteristics of an environment that includes the A/V hub is described. In particular, the A/V hub may detect, using wireless communication, an electronic device (such as a speaker) in the environment. Then, the A/V hub may determine a change condition, such as when the electronic device was not previously detected in the environment and/or a change in a location of the electronic device. In response to determining the change condition, the A/V hub may transition into a characterization mode. During the characterization mode, the A/V hub may: provide instructions to the electronic device to playback audio content at a specified playback time; determine one or more acoustic characteristics of the environment based on acoustic measurements in the environment; and store the one or more acoustic characteristics and/or a location of the electronic device in memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp
  • Publication number: 20180167759
    Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) hub that calculates an estimated location is described. In particular, the A/V hub may calculate an estimated location of a listener relative to electronic devices (such as electronic devices that include speakers) in an environment that includes the A/V hub and the electronic devices based on: communication with another electronic device; sound measurements in the environment; and/or time-of-flight measurements. Then, the A/V hub may transmit, to the electronic devices, one or more frames that include audio content and playback timing information, which may specify playback times when the electronic devices are to playback the audio content based on the estimated location. Moreover, the playback times of the electronic devices may have a temporal relationship so that the playback of the audio content by the electronic devices is coordinated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: EVA Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaylord Yu, Steven Stupp