One-way Audio Signal Program Distribution Patents (Class 381/77)
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Patent number: 10958324Abstract: A wireless audio system including a transmitter using multiple antenna diversity techniques for different signal types is provided. Multipath performance may be optimized, along with improved spectral efficiency of the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Michael Rodriguez, Robert Mamola
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Patent number: 10959316Abstract: A wireless wiring apparatus includes a ceiling-embedded casing and a power-receiving casing. The ceiling-embedded casing includes screws connected to a surface of the ceiling-embedded casing and configured to be connected to a ceiling, a bracket inside the ceiling-embedded casing and connected to the screws, a coil, and a power wire connected to an external alternating current electrical power source. The power-receiving casing includes neodymium magnets on another surface of the power-receiving case, L-shaped notches formed adjacent to the neodymium magnets, and a coil of wire formed inside the power-receiving casing.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Inventor: Ryan Park
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Patent number: 10951967Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for voice-controlled multimedia devices and universal remotes. In one embodiment, an example device may include a housing, a first circuit board, a second circuit board, a first infrared light emitting diode (LED) positioned on the first circuit board and configured to emit infrared light in a first direction, a second infrared LED positioned on the first circuit board and configured to emit infrared light in a second direction opposite the first direction, a microphone disposed on the second circuit board, and an HDMI port.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Lemons, Giovanni Mata Magana, Miguel Virgen, Thompson Quang-Tue Nguyen, Chia Hung Kuo, Yao Xue
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Patent number: 10877722Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Joni R. Hoadley, Diane Roberts, Robert A. Lambourne
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Patent number: 10847165Abstract: Detecting a replay attack on a voice biometrics system comprises: receiving a speech signal from a voice source; generating and transmitting an ultrasound signal through a transducer of the device; detecting a reflection of the transmitted ultrasound signal; detecting Doppler shifts in the reflection of the generated ultrasound signal; and identifying whether the received speech signal is indicative of liveness of a speaker based on the detected Doppler shifts. The method further comprises: obtaining information about a position of the device; and adapting the generating and transmitting of the ultrasound signal based on the information about the position of the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventor: John Paul Lesso
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Patent number: 10824387Abstract: A playback device for automatically switching between audio content received from a plurality of media devices may include at least one speaker configured to emit first audio content corresponding to video content received from a first media device. The playback device may also include a wireless transceiver configured to receive data from a second media device and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive an indication of an event at the second media device based on the data, the event indicative of second audio content to be played from the second media device, and instruct the at least one speaker to mute playback of the first audio content and to initiate playback of the second audio content without discontinuing playback of the video content at the first media device.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Sean F. Barton, Robert J. Mason
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Patent number: 10769203Abstract: A method includes obtaining acoustic event information from at least one device, the acoustic event information associated with a first activity, at least a portion of the acoustic event information associated with sounds originating from a plurality of individuals in an identified group during a time period of the first activity. The method also includes categorizing the acoustic event information into a plurality of sound classes. The method also includes performing collaborative filtering on the plurality of sound classes. The method also includes determining one or more interests of the plurality of individuals in the identified group based on results of the collaborative filtering. The method also includes recommending a common activity for the identified group, based in part on the one or more interests of the plurality of individuals in the identified group.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Moiz Kaizar Sonasath, Vinod Cherian Joseph
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Patent number: 10720153Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing audio enhancement to a user of a listening device. The technique includes reproducing a first audio stream, such as an audio stream associated with a media player. The technique further includes detecting a voice trigger. The voice trigger may be associated with a name of a user of the listening device. The technique further includes pausing or attenuating the first audio stream and reproducing a second audio stream associated with ambient sound in response to detecting the voice trigger.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATEDInventors: Davide Di Censo, Stefan Marti, Ajay Juneja
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Patent number: 10664225Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for controlling and playing audio data captured from multiple vantage points within a venue for a particular performance event. More particularly, the present disclosure describes a multi-vantage point player device, wherein a user may select vantage points and control the play of the audio data captured from the selected vantage points.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: LiveStage Inc.Inventors: Jeff Prosserman, Kristopher King
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Patent number: 10531653Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a trap monitor. The trap monitor can detect when a trap is triggered using a magnetic interlock attached to the trap and a magnetic flux sensor. The trap monitors may forward trap events and other information to a central hub for communication to a server. The trap monitors and hub can be configured using infrared transmissions from a mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: IOT SENSE, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Pinzone, Collin Jackson
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Patent number: 10506451Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating placement of a small cell in a network are provided. A small cell may be positioned such that it is communicatively coupled to a macro cell to provide a relay backhaul to a wireless network. The small cell may be configured to provide feedback of some form when the small cell is moved from a suitable location, to facilitate desired placement and use of the small cell. The feedback may be in the form of reduced or changed operation of a speaker.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Kyle C. Allen, Jay Dean Bluhm, Bernard Robert Kingsley, Lance Paul Lukens
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Patent number: 10448146Abstract: Techniques described herein generally relate to generating an audio signal with a speaker. In some examples, a speaker device is described that includes a membrane and a shutter. The membrane can be configured to oscillate along a first directional path and at a first frequency effective to generate an ultrasonic acoustic signal. The shutter can be positioned about the membrane and configured to modulate the ultrasonic acoustic signal such that an audio signal can be generated.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Mordehai Margalit
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Patent number: 10448153Abstract: In one embodiment, a circuit includes an audio jack that receives a connector of an external transducer. The circuit also includes an amplifier coupled to the audio jack and configured to amplify a signal associated with the external transducer. The circuit further includes a plurality of connection lines coupled to the amplifier and configured to relay the signal between the amplifier and a plurality of audio jacks of independent computing devices. The circuit additionally includes one or more resistors that provide resistance to each of the connection lines. A resistance of a particular one of the connection lines is sufficient to cause the computing device coupled to the particular connection line to recognize the particular connection line as an external transducer.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventor: Henry Clay Ver Valen, IV
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Patent number: 10430152Abstract: A method and apparatus for intelligently routing and managing audio signals within an electronic device is disclosed. The routing is responsive to a set of logical and physical policies which are stored in data tables which can be updated as needed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: James D. Batson, Meriko L. Borogove, Gregory R. Chapman, Patrick L. Coffman, Anthony J. Guetta, Aram Lindahl, Andrew Rostaing
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Patent number: 10433047Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium are provided for managing connections of user devices. For example, two source devices may be configured to maintain a data stream with one another. The data stream may enable the two source devices to identify one or more connections between each other and at least a third device. In response to receiving an event that indicates content to be provided to the third device, the data stream may be used by the source devices to configure their network connections with the third device.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2018Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Andreas E. Schobel, Nathan de Vries, Gregory B. Novick, Anthony J. Guetta, Jason C. Conn, Augustin Prats
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Patent number: 10402156Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Joni R. Hoadley, Diane Roberts, Robert A. Lambourne
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Patent number: 10388301Abstract: An electronic device for processing an audio signal is provided. The electronic device includes a communication circuit, a microphone, a connector and a processor. The processor identifies whether the external cable connected with a first external electronic device and including a resistor having a resistance value equal to or greater than a designated resistance value is connected to the connector, and in response to identifying that the external cable is connected to the connector, transmit a first audio signal to the first external electronic device through the external cable, and receive a second audio signal including an echo signal and a voice signal through the microphone, and cancel the echo signal corresponding to the first audio signal, based at least partly on a delay time corresponding to the external cable and a parameter related with a filter corresponding to the external cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Choon-Ho Kim, Kyuhan Kang, Gangyoul Kim, Kiwon Kim, Minseok Kim, Jin-Woo Park, Gunhyuk Yoon, Sangphil Hong
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Patent number: 10366017Abstract: An example apparatus includes: a host controller offload capability detector to determine that a media stream offload capability is available in the peripheral interface host controller; a media stream offload arbiter to send a media stream offload request to a media processor manager based on the media stream offload capability and based on a peripheral device being connected to the peripheral interface host controller; and an endpoint mapper to generate an endpoint table entry corresponding to the peripheral device, the endpoint table entry to assign a first communication interface of the peripheral interface host controller to transfer a media stream corresponding to the peripheral device between the media processor and the peripheral interface host controller without the media stream being routed to an application processor that is in circuit with the peripheral interface host controller and in circuit with the media processor.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Darren Abramson, David Hines, Alberto Martinez, Adeel Aslam, John Howard, Shanthanand R. Kutuva, Karthi R. Vadivelu, Kar Leong Wong, Satheesh Chellappan
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Patent number: 10365636Abstract: Computer (or computerized) numerical control (CNC) tools are employed globally. While these may be purchased with an initial set of configurations users must establish any other configurations themselves leading to potentially every CNC tool being configured slightly differently for the same process requirement even before considering new materials, tool elements etc. Accordingly, users and manufacturers would benefit from access to updated process parameters for machine tools that reflect scenarios encountered in manufacturing operations that are new or lead to improved tolerances, yields, reducing process time etc. However, users are not going to employ just any set of parameters given to them as these may damage their CNC tool or tool elements. Embodiments of the invention provide a subscription service providing access to verified settings where the verification is performed by the machine tool manufacturer or machine tool element manufacturer.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Inovatech Engineering CorporationInventors: Miguel Clement, Stephane Menard, Dominique Bruneau, David Gabriels
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Patent number: 10368169Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. Generally the described techniques provide for establishing, by a first speaker a control communication link with a second speaker over a first piconet, receiving a signal during an extended synchronous connection-oriented (eSCO) window between a wireless device and the second speaker (e.g., one of a null signal, an acknowledgement (ACK) signal, or a negative acknowledgement (NACK) signal) switching from the second piconet to the first piconet based on the received communication, communicating with the second speaker on the first piconet, and closing the eSCO window based at least in part on the communication.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Joel Linsky, Dishant Srivastava, Neil Stewart
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Patent number: 10356526Abstract: According to various embodiments, a computer may be provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.Inventors: Russell David Thompson, Joseph Mario Giannuzzi
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Patent number: 10303422Abstract: An example implementation may involve a media playback system detecting two or more playback devices of a given type. The implementation may further involve transmitting, to a particular playback device of the detected playback devices, an instruction that causes the particular playback device to emit a given sound. The implementation may also involve receiving an identification of the particular playback device and displaying, via a graphical interface, one or more prompts to join the particular playback device into the media playback system.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Sein Woo, Liesbeth van den Berg, Roy Pollock
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Patent number: 10299300Abstract: A system and method for tethering wireless audio devices. The method includes establishing a first wireless connection between an intermediary device and a primary audio device. A random resolvable address is received by the intermediary device from a secondary audio device. The random resolvable address is transmitted to the primary audio device via the first wireless connection. An instruction is transmitted to the primary audio device to analyze broadcasted data from nearby audio devices for a matching audio device having broadcasted data corresponding to the random resolvable address, and to initiate a second wireless connection with the matching audio device. Audio data is transmitted to the primary audio device via the first wireless connection for streaming the audio data from the primary audio device to the secondary audio device, identified to the primary audio device as the matching audio device, via the second wireless connection.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Bose CorporationInventor: Douglas Warren Young
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Patent number: 10290447Abstract: A plurality of nodes installed throughout a building each include a wall-mounted unit supported by an in-wall electrical box, a connection inside said in-wall electrical box between the wall-mounted unit and the building's mains-power wiring system, and a power line communications transceiver for communication with the other nodes through the mains-power wiring system. The nodes includes respective speakers, and are operable in a music playing mode in which music data is streamed over the mains-power wiring system to two or more nodes in different rooms of the building for simultaneous audio playback therein. The wall mounted unit includes a panel mounted over the in-wall electrical box and a plurality of light sources positioned to emit light from perimeter edges of the panel to provide a wall illumination effect on the wall surface surrounding the control panel and the electrical box.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Umbrela Smart Inc.Inventors: Salman Qureshi, Filipe Fernandes, Ryan Ramchandar
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Patent number: 10284994Abstract: A directional loudspeaker system has a loudspeaker arrangement configured to generate N audio signals. A time-of-flight sensor arrangement is configured to detect a location of a user. A controller is configured to use information from the time-of-flight sensor arrangement about the location of the user to control the delay such that the N audio signals constructively interfere at the location of the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT) LIMITEDInventor: Alexios Alexandropoulos
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Patent number: 10284934Abstract: A loudspeaker system can have first and second loudspeakers selectively operable in a single-channel mode or in a multi-channel mode. In the single-channel mode, the first and the second loudspeakers are configured to simultaneously reproduce a substantially identical signal. In the multi-channel mode, the first loudspeaker reproduces a first-channel signal and the second loudspeaker reproduces a second-channel signal. The first-channel signal and the second-channel signal can constitute respective portions of a multi-channel signal. Such loudspeaker systems can also have a mode selector configured to select one of the single-channel mode and the multi-channel mode. In some embodiments, such selection can occur in response to one or more detected proximities of another loudspeaker system. Multi-zone loudspeaker systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Vincenzo Giuliani, David Jeon, Gabriel Sanchez
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Patent number: 10284993Abstract: A local wave field synthesis apparatus, which includes a determination module for determining desired sound pressures and desired particle velocity vectors at a plurality of control points, a computation module for computing sound pressures and particle velocity vectors at the plurality of control points based on a set of filter parameters, an optimization module for computing an optimum set of filter parameters by jointly optimizing computed sound pressures towards the desired sound pressures and computed particle velocity vectors towards the desired particle velocity vectors, and a generator module for generating the drive signals based on the optimum set of filter parameters, wherein the plurality of control points are located on one or more contours around the one or more audio zones.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignees: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., FRIEDRICH-ALEXANDER-UNIVERSITAET ERLANGEN-NUERNBERGInventors: Michael Buerger, Heinrich Löllmann, Walter Kellermann, Karim Helwani, Peter Grosche, Yue Lang
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Patent number: 10257608Abstract: This disclosure relates to speakers and more specifically to an array speaker for distributing music uniformly across a room. A number of audio drivers can be radially distributed within a speaker housing so that an output of the drivers is distributed evenly throughout the room. In some embodiments, the exit geometry of the audio drivers can be configured to bounce off a surface supporting the array speaker to improve the distribution of music throughout the room. The array speaker can include a number of vibration isolation elements distributed within a housing of the array speaker. The vibration isolation elements can be configured to reduce the strength of forces generated by a subwoofer of the array speaker.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jason C. Della Rosa, Ethan L. Huwe, Glenn K. Trainer, Simon K. Porter
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Patent number: 10250520Abstract: A system for managing a customer engagement portal associated with a site includes a media manager associated with the site and at least one network device associated with the site. The network device and the media manager are in communication to wirelessly transfer streams of media. The network device is configured to output streams of media. The site also has a mobile device associated therewith that is configured to initiate a change in an operating condition of the at least one network device for a location remote from the site. The network device is configured to output the streams of media simultaneously with the operating condition of the network deceive being changed.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kevin R. Imes, James Hollister, Jarod Addison
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Patent number: 10206039Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an interface circuitry configured to couple with a first external electronic device through a wired communication link, a wireless communication circuitry, and a processor.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yong Sang Yun, Seung-Nyun Kim, Jae-Hyun Jo
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Patent number: 10194242Abstract: A content reproduction apparatus includes a content reproducer configured to reproduce content, a user identifier configured to identify a specific user, a determiner configured to determine a place to which the specific user belongs, based on information of a distance with respect to a terminal carried by the specific user, and a result of identification performed by the user identifier, and a controller configured to, based on the information of the distance with respect to the terminal, cause the content to be output in the place to which the specific user belongs, and inhibit the content from being output in another place.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Akihiko Suyama
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Patent number: 10148988Abstract: A system comprises television equipment and a number of portable electronic devices. The television equipment includes a large display and control circuitry. The control circuitry receives media content and media guidance data for display on the display. The control circuitry also includes communication components for communicating with the portable electronic devices. The portable electronic devices are operable for displaying video and communicating with the television equipment.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventors: Akitaka Nishimura, Akio Yoshimoto
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Patent number: 10149049Abstract: A system with a plurality of microphones positioned at different locations, and a modification system in communication with the microphones. The modification system is configured to derive a plurality of audio signals from the plurality of microphones, compute a confidence score for each derived audio signal, and based on the computed confidence scores, use one derived audio signal to modify another audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Amir Moghimi, David Crist, William Berardi
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Patent number: 10142732Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for receiving an indication that a first module is operatively connected to a main module, wherein the first module and the main module include hardware modules. A type of speaker operatively connected to the first module is identified. The type of speaker is matched to a speaker profile, wherein the speaker profile includes a predefined sound curve setting. The first module is tuned to the predefined sound curve setting based upon, at least in part, matching the type of speaker to the speaker profile.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: ROSWELL CANADA, INC.Inventor: Robert Oswell
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Patent number: 10127007Abstract: A content replacement system detects a start of a content replacement break in a content stream provided to a client device. The system selects one or more of a plurality of content replacement parts. The system computes a retargeting probability for each of the selected content replacement parts, the retargeting probability based on collected information stored in a profile database, the collected information including a number of times that requests for content replacement parts have been associated with a network address and device identifier of the client device. The system modifies a content score of each of the selected content replacement parts by the corresponding retargeting probability. The system ranks the selected content replacement parts based on the modified content scores, inserts one or more of the highest ranked selected content replacement parts into the content stream, and transmits the modified content stream to the client device.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: ADSWIZZ INC.Inventors: Bruno Niuwenhuys, Bogdan Bocşe, Mihai Ciurea, Caba Ciprian, Guzik Dumitru Florin
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Patent number: 10104474Abstract: A wireless speaker audio system configured to receive audio information wirelessly transmitted by an audio source including first and second wireless transceivers. The first wireless transceiver establishes a bidirectional secondary wireless link with the audio source for receiving and acknowledging receipt of the audio information. The first and second wireless transceivers communicate with each other via a primary wireless link. A wireless audio system including an audio source and first and second wireless transceivers. The first and second wireless transceivers communicate via a primary wireless link. The audio source communicates audio information to the first wireless transceiver via a secondary wireless link which is configured according to a standard wireless protocol. The first wireless transceiver is configured to acknowledge successful reception of audio information via the secondary wireless link. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Clarke S. Watson, Benjamin W. Cook, Axel D. Berny, Jason A. Trachewsky
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Patent number: 10091164Abstract: A motor network mapping device is provided. The motor network mapping device includes a processor coupled to a memory device. The motor network mapping device is configured to determine physical distances between a plurality of motors in a network using properties of electronic test signals transmitted through a power line coupled to the plurality of motors. The motor network mapping device is additionally configured to generate a map of physical locations of the motors using the determined physical distances between the plurality of motors and store the map in the memory device.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventor: Paul Steven Mullin
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Patent number: 10090932Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for transmitting a plurality of audio channels over frequency modulated infrared bands, the method comprising periodically transmitting a configuration message and associated audio channel messages, said configuration message comprising an indication of the number of said audio channels, wherein the number of audio channels is greater than 32 and the number of audio channels is coded in two non-adjacent fields. The invention also pertains to a system for receiving a plurality of audio channels over frequency modulated infrared bands as transmitted according to the method described above.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Televic Conference NVInventor: M. Tracy Alan Bathurst
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Patent number: 10042602Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Joni R. Hoadley, Diane Roberts, Robert A. Lambourne
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Patent number: 10031719Abstract: A playback device for automatically switching between audio content received from a plurality of media devices may include at least one speaker configured to emit first audio content corresponding to video content received from a first media device. The playback device may also include a wireless transceiver configured to receive data from a second media device and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive an indication of an event at the second media device based on the data, the event indicative of second audio content to be played from the second media device, and instruct the at least one speaker to mute playback of the first audio content and to initiate playback of the second audio content without discontinuing playback of the video content at the first media device.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Sean F. Barton, Robert J. Mason
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Patent number: 10015617Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for ultrasonic emitter based audio devices. An example audio device may comprise one or more ultrasonic emitters. The audio device may generate audio outputs that comprise ultrasonic signals, with the ultrasonic signals emitted using the one or more ultrasonic emitters. The directionality of emission of the ultrasonic signals may be based on a position of a listener and/or a location of the at least part of the listener's body relative to the audio device. The ultrasonic signals and/or the positioning of the one or more ultrasonic emitters may be adjusted based on the position of the listener and/or the location of the at least part of the listener's body to optimize the directionality of emission of the ultrasonic signals. The position of the listener and/or the location of the at least part of the listener's body may be determined in real-time, such as using sensory information.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: VOYETRA TURTLE BEACH, INC.Inventor: Juergen Stark
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Patent number: 9965972Abstract: Participatory activity carried out using electronic devices is enhanced by occupying the attention of participants who complete a task before a set completion time. For example, a request or question having an expected response time less than the remaining answer time may be provided to early-finishing participants.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGEInventors: Gary King, Brian Lukoff, Eric Mazur
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Patent number: 9936287Abstract: Described is a device for creating a sound source comprising integrated measuring means (50) for measuring a property representative of the strength of the sound source, the device comprising a sound generator (40a, 40b) for generating sound within an annular space defined around a central axis, the device comprising a pair of guiding surfaces (113, 123) for guiding sound away from the annular space in opposite directions along the central axis. With sound being guided as described, sound in addition being allowed to propagate outside the device in a radial direction with respect to the central axis, a high degree of omnidirectionality of the created sound source is attained.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: RSONANCE B.V.Inventor: Petrus Johannes Gerardus Van Der Linden
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Patent number: 9866986Abstract: In a multi-speaker audio system for, e.g., a home entertainment system or other entertainment system, each networked-speaker (wired or wireless) can be assigned a particular voice, instrument, group of voices and/or instruments, or a particular stage location of a performance to reproduce a more realistic and life-like audio experience.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: James R. Milne, Gregory Peter Carlsson, Steven Martin Richman, Frederick J. Zustak
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Patent number: 9838146Abstract: An apparatus for labeling inputs at an audio mixer is provided. The apparatus includes an audio mixer console including a processor and being configured to receive a test command from a mobile device. The audio mixer console is further configured to transmit, from a port, an audio signal to a playback device, the port being associated with a channel of the audio mixing console, and receive, from the mobile device, a label signal including a channel label to be assigned to the channel from the mobile device in response to a user input. The audio mixer console is further configured to assign the channel label to the channel in response to the label signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Paul Michael Chavez, Adam James Edward Holladay
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Patent number: 9838809Abstract: Embodiments relate to a system and a method for a redundant real-time wireless receiver network. A Remote Digital Antenna Digital Receiver (“RDADR”) is coupled to multiple Remote Digital Antenna (“RDAs”). The RDADR and the multiple RDAs are coupled via a digital bus. The multiple RDAs attempt to receive one or more digital signals from a transmitter. If the one or more digital signals are received without an error by one of the multiple RDAs, the RDA that received the one or more error-free digital signals sends the digital signals to the RDADR using the digital bus. The redundant real-time wireless receiver network provides a reliable and fault tolerant system to deliver digital audio signals in real-time.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Line 6, IncInventors: Marcus Ryle, Guy Coker, James Purcell
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Patent number: 9832568Abstract: An audio mixing console labeling system may include an audio mixing console having a processor and configured to receive an audio signal at a first input port from one of a microphone and a musical instrument, the first input port being associated with a first channel of the audio mixing console, receive a label signal including a channel label to be assigned to the first channel from a remote device, and assign the channel label to the first channel in response to receiving the audio signal at the first input port.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2014Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Paul Michael Chavez, Adam James Edward Holladay, Davide Dicenso
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Patent number: 9813806Abstract: This disclosure describes a beamforming microphone array integrated into a wall or ceiling tile as a single unit where the beamforming microphone array picks up audio input signals. The beamforming microphone array includes a plurality of microphones that picks up audio input signals. In addition, the wall or ceiling tile includes an outer surface on the front side of the tile where the outer surface is acoustically transparent. The beamforming microphone array is coupled to the tile as a single unit and is integrated into the back side of the tile. Additionally the beamforming microphone array picks up the audio input signals through the outer surface of the tile.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: ClearOne, Inc.Inventors: Derek Graham, David K. Lambert, Michael Braithwaite
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Patent number: 9807499Abstract: In one aspect, a first device includes a processor and storage accessible to the processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the processor to receive information pertaining to a location of a user and, based at least in part on the information, determine an apparatus to actuate from among plural apparatuses to participate in communication concerning audio data. The instructions are also executable to, based at least in part on the determination, participate in communication with the apparatus concerning audio data.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Aaron Michael Stewart, Jeffrey E. Skinner, Jonathan Jen-Wei Yu, Lincoln Penn Hancock
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Patent number: 9798510Abstract: Embodiments provided herein involve connected states between a mobile device and one or more zones in a network media system and different interactions between the mobile device and the network media system involving the connected states. The connected states may be established between the mobile device and the one or more zones such that further actions taken on media items identified in the playlist on the mobile device may also be taken on corresponding media items in a playback queue associated with the one or more zones. The interface on the mobile device may display various graphical representations to indicate the different interactions involving the connected states, including when a connected state is established, when a connected state is lost, and when a reconnected state is reestablished. The interface may further provide selectable icons to allow a user to navigate among the different media playback options involving the connected states.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Robert Andrew Lambourne