Patents by Inventor Tomer Shekel
Tomer Shekel 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).
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Patent number: 11871067Abstract: In a general aspect, a system for media playback can include a first media playback device configured to receive a media stream from a media casting device over a data network, the first media playback device being a member of the media playback group and a second media playback device configured to receive the media stream, the second media playback device being a member of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be collectively configured to designate one of the first media playback device and the second media playback device as a leader playback device of the media playback group. The playback device not designated as the leader playback device can be designated as a follower playback device of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be further collectively configured to determine a clock offset between the leader playback device and the follower playback device.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Kenneth J. Mackay, Byungchul Kim, Tavis A. Maclellan, Richard F. Lyon, Chet N. Gnegy, Pascal T. Getreuer, Chien-Jung Kung, Tomer Shekel, Ryan M. Rifkin
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Publication number: 20230246872Abstract: A smart home device (e.g., a voice assistant device) includes an audio control system that determines a set of one or more audio devices to include nearby devices that are capable of providing audio streams that are audibly detected by a microphone of the smart home device. The audio control system initiates a voice-interaction mode for operating the smart home device to receive voice commands from a user and provide audio output in response to the voice commands. The audio control system transmits an audio control signal to nearby devices that configures each nearby device to implement one or more of: reducing a volume level associated with the audio streams generated by the nearby devices while the smart home device is operating in the voice-interaction mode; and transmitting, to the smart home device, audio stream data associated with a current audio stream generated for audible output by the nearby device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2022Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: Kenneth John Mackay, Nikita Gupta, Tomer Shekel
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Patent number: 11671662Abstract: A method is implemented on a casting device to enable a follow-me mode in which the casting device controls display of media content on an output device coupled to the casting device. The casting device detects a client device associated with the casting device, and determines a proximity of the client device. In accordance with a determination that the client device is within a proximity threshold of the casting device, the casting device receives content information associated with content recently accessed by the client device, obtains the content from a content source in accordance with the content information, and outputs the obtained content to an output device in accordance with the content information.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Adam Glazier, Tomer Shekel
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Publication number: 20230046924Abstract: A first electronic device of a local group of connected electronic devices receives a first voice command including a request for a first operation assigns a first target device from among a local group of connected electronic devices as an in-focus device for performing the first operation, causes the first operation to be performed by the first target device via operation of a server-implemented common network service, receives a second voice command including a request for a second operation and based on a determination that the second voice command does not include an explicit designation of a second target device and a determination that the second operation can be performed by the first target device, assigning the first target device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Kenneth Mixter, Tomer Shekel, Tuan Anh Nguyen
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Publication number: 20220408141Abstract: In a general aspect, a system for media playback can include a first media playback device configured to receive a media stream from a media casting device over a data network, the first media playback device being a member of the media playback group and a second media playback device configured to receive the media stream, the second media playback device being a member of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be collectively configured to designate one of the first media playback device and the second media playback device as a leader playback device of the media playback group. The playback device not designated as the leader playback device can be designated as a follower playback device of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be further collectively configured to determine a clock offset between the leader playback device and the follower playback device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Kenneth J. MacKay, Byungchul Kim, Tavis A. Maclellan, Richard F. Lyon, Chet N. Gnegy, Pascal T. Getreuer, Chien-Jung Kung, Tomer Shekel, Ryan M. Rifkin
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Patent number: 11527246Abstract: A first electronic device of a local group of connected electronic devices receives a first voice command including a request for a first operation, assigns a first target device from among a local group of connected electronic devices as an in-focus device for performing the first operation, causes the first operation to be performed by the first target device via operation of a server-implemented common network service, receives a second voice command including a request for a second operation, and based on a determination that the second voice command does not include an explicit designation of a second target device and a determination that the second operation can be performed by the first target device, assigning the first target device as the in-focus device for performing the second operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Kenneth Mixter, Tomer Shekel, Tuan Anh Nguyen
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Patent number: 11463762Abstract: In a general aspect, a system for media playback can include a first media playback device configured to receive a media stream from a media casting device over a data network, the first media playback device being a member of the media playback group and a second media playback device configured to receive the media stream, the second media playback device being a member of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be collectively configured to designate one of the first media playback device and the second media playback device as a leader playback device of the media playback group. The playback device not designated as the leader playback device can be designated as a follower playback device of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be further collectively configured to determine a clock offset between the leader playback device and the follower playback device.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Kenneth J. MacKay, Byungchul Kim, Tavis A. Maclellan, Richard F. Lyon, Chet N. Gnegy, Pascal T. Getreuer, Chien-Jung Kung, Tomer Shekel, Ryan M. Rifkin
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Patent number: 11411763Abstract: A smart home device (e.g., a voice assistant device) includes an audio control system that determines a set of one or more audio devices to include nearby devices that are capable of providing audio streams that are audibly detected by a microphone of the smart home device. The audio control system initiates a voice-interaction mode for operating the smart home device to receive voice commands from a user and provide audio output in response to the voice commands. The audio control system transmits an audio control signal to nearby devices that configures each nearby device to implement one or more of: reducing a volume level associated with the audio streams generated by the nearby devices while the smart home device is operating in the voice-interaction mode; and transmitting, to the smart home device, audio stream data associated with a current audio stream generated for audible output by the nearby device.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Kenneth John Mackay, Nikita Gupta, Tomer Shekel
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Publication number: 20210329332Abstract: In a general aspect, a system for media playback can include a first media playback device configured to receive a media stream from a media casting device over a data network, the first media playback device being a member of the media playback group and a second media playback device configured to receive the media stream, the second media playback device being a member of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be collectively configured to designate one of the first media playback device and the second media playback device as a leader playback device of the media playback group. The playback device not designated as the leader playback device can be designated as a follower playback device of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be further collectively configured to determine a clock offset between the leader playback device and the follower playback device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Kenneth J. MacKay, Byungchul Kim, Tavis A. Maclellan, Richard F. Lyon, Chet N. Gnegy, Pascal T. Getreuer, Chien-Jung Kung, Tomer Shekel, Ryan M. Rifkin
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Publication number: 20210211769Abstract: A method is implemented on a casting device to enable a follow-me mode in which the casting device controls display of media content on an output device coupled to the casting device. The casting device detects a client device associated with the casting device, and determines a proximity of the client device. In accordance with a determination that the client device is within a proximity threshold of the casting device, the casting device receives content information associated with content recently accessed by the client device, obtains the content from a content source in accordance with the content information, and outputs the obtained content to an output device in accordance with the content information.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Adam Glazier, Tomer Shekel
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Patent number: 11051066Abstract: In a general aspect, a system for media playback can include a first media playback device configured to receive a media stream from a media casting device over a data network, the first media playback device being a member of the media playback group and a second media playback device configured to receive the media stream, the second media playback device being a member of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be collectively configured to designate one of the first media playback device and the second media playback device as a leader playback device of the media playback group. The playback device not designated as the leader playback device can be designated as a follower playback device of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be further collectively configured to determine a clock offset between the leader playback device and the follower playback device.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Kenneth J. MacKay, Byungchul Kim, Tavis A. Maclellan, Richard F. Lyon, Chet N. Gnegy, Pascal T. Getreuer, Chien-Jung Kung, Tomer Shekel, Ryan M. Rifkin
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Publication number: 20210167985Abstract: A smart home device (e.g., a voice assistant device) includes an audio control system that determines a set of one or more audio devices to include nearby devices that are capable of providing audio streams that are audibly detected by a microphone of the smart home device. The audio control system initiates a voice-interaction mode for operating the smart home device to receive voice commands from a user and provide audio output in response to the voice commands. The audio control system transmits an audio control signal to nearby devices that configures each nearby device to implement one or more of: reducing a volume level associated with the audio streams generated by the nearby devices while the smart home device is operating in the voice-interaction mode; and transmitting, to the smart home device, audio stream data associated with a current audio stream generated for audible output by the nearby device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2021Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: Kenneth John Mackay, Nikita Gupta, Tomer Shekel
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Patent number: 10958467Abstract: A smart home device (e.g., a voice assistant device) includes an audio control system that determines a set of one or more audio devices to include nearby devices that are capable of providing audio streams that are audibly detected by a microphone of the smart home device. The audio control system initiates a voice-interaction mode for operating the smart home device to receive voice commands from a user and provide audio output in response to the voice commands. The audio control system transmits an audio control signal to nearby devices that configures each nearby device to implement one or more of: reducing a volume level associated with the audio streams generated by the nearby devices while the smart home device is operating in the voice-interaction mode; and transmitting, to the smart home device, audio stream data associated with a current audio stream generated for audible output by the nearby device.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Kenneth John Mackay, Nikita Gupta, Tomer Shekel
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Patent number: 10958974Abstract: A method is implemented on a casting device to enable a follow-me mode in which the casting device controls display of media content on an output device coupled to the casting device. The casting device detects a client device associated with the casting device, and determines a proximity of the client device. In accordance with a determination that the client device is within a proximity threshold of the casting device, the casting device receives content information associated with content recently accessed by the client device, obtains the content from a content source in accordance with the content information, and outputs the obtained content to an output device in accordance with the content information.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Adam Glazier, Tomer Shekel
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Publication number: 20210005202Abstract: A first electronic device of a local group of connected electronic devices receives a first voice command including a request for a first operation, assigns a first target device from among a local group of connected electronic devices as an in-focus device for performing the first operation, causes the first operation to be performed by the first target device via operation of a server-implemented common network service, receives a second voice command including a request for a second operation, and based on a determination that the second voice command does not include an explicit designation of a second target device and a determination that the second operation can be performed by the first target device, assigning the first target device as the in-focus device for performing the second operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: KENNETH MIXTER, TOMER SHEKEL, TUAN ANH NGUYEN
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Patent number: 10783883Abstract: A method at a first electronic device of a local group of connected electronic devices includes: receiving a first voice command including a request for a first operation; determining a first target device for the first operation from among the local group; establishing a focus session with respect to the first target device; causing the first operation to be performed by the first target device; receiving a second voice command including a request for a second operation; determining that the second voice command does not include an explicit designation of a second target device; determining that the second operation can be performed by the first target device; determining whether the second voice command satisfies one or more focus session maintenance criteria; and if the second voice command satisfies the focus session maintenance criteria, causing the second operation to be performed by the first target device.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Kenneth Mixter, Tomer Shekel, Tuan Anh Nguyen
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Publication number: 20200213658Abstract: In a general aspect, a system for media playback can include a first media playback device configured to receive a media stream from a media casting device over a data network, the first media playback device being a member of the media playback group and a second media playback device configured to receive the media stream, the second media playback device being a member of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be collectively configured to designate one of the first media playback device and the second media playback device as a leader playback device of the media playback group. The playback device not designated as the leader playback device can be designated as a follower playback device of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be further collectively configured to determine a clock offset between the leader playback device and the follower playback device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Kenneth J. MacKay, Byungchul Kim, Tavis A. Maclellan, Richard F. Lyon, Chet N. Gnegy, Pascal T. Getreuer, Chien-Jung Kung, Tomer Shekel, Ryan M. Rifkin
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Patent number: 10587908Abstract: In a general aspect, a system for media playback can include a first media playback device configured to receive a media stream from a media casting device over a data network, the first media playback device being a member of the media playback group and a second media playback device configured to receive the media stream, the second media playback device being a member of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be collectively configured to designate one of the first media playback device and the second media playback device as a leader playback device of the media playback group. The playback device not designated as the leader playback device can be designated as a follower playback device of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be further collectively configured to determine a clock offset between the leader playback device and the follower playback device.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Kenneth J. Mackay, Byungchul Kim, Tavis A. Maclellan, Richard F. Lyon, Chet N. Gnegy, Pascal T. Getreuer, Chien-Jung Kung, Tomer Shekel, Ryan M. Rifkin
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Publication number: 20190313143Abstract: In a general aspect, a system for media playback can include a first media playback device configured to receive a media stream from a media casting device over a data network, the first media playback device being a member of the media playback group and a second media playback device configured to receive the media stream, the second media playback device being a member of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be collectively configured to designate one of the first media playback device and the second media playback device as a leader playback device of the media playback group. The playback device not designated as the leader playback device can be designated as a follower playback device of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be further collectively configured to determine a clock offset between the leader playback device and the follower playback device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Kenneth J. Mackay, Byungchul Kim, Tavis A. Maclellan, Richard F. Lyon, Chet N. Gnegy, Pascal T. Getreuer, Chien-Jung Kung, Tomer Shekel, Ryan M. Rifkin
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Patent number: 10334306Abstract: In a general aspect, a system for media playback can include a first media playback device configured to receive a media stream from a media casting device over a data network, the first media playback device being a member of the media playback group and a second media playback device configured to receive the media stream, the second media playback device being a member of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be collectively configured to designate one of the first media playback device and the second media playback device as a leader playback device of the media playback group. The playback device not designated as the leader playback device can be designated as a follower playback device of the media playback group. The first media playback device and the second media playback device can be further collectively configured to determine a clock offset between the leader playback device and the follower playback device.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Kenneth J. Mackay, Byungchul Kim, Tavis A. Maclellan, Richard F. Lyon, Chet N. Gnegy, Pascal T. Getreuer, Chien-Jung Kung, Tomer Shekel, Ryan M. Rifkin