Playback device self-calibration

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is related to consumer goods and, more particularly, to methods, systems, products, features, services, and other elements directed to media playback or some aspect thereof.

BACKGROUND

Options for accessing and listening to digital audio in an out-loud setting were limited until in 2003, when SONOS, Inc. filed for one of its first patent applications, entitled “Method for Synchronizing Audio Playback between Multiple Networked Devices,” and began offering a media playback system for sale in 2005. The Sonos Wireless HiFi System enables people to experience music from many sources via one or more networked playback devices. Through a software control application installed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, one can play what he or she wants in any room that has a networked playback device. Additionally, using the controller, for example, different songs can be streamed to each room with a playback device, rooms can be grouped together for synchronous playback, or the same song can be heard in all rooms synchronously.

Given the ever growing interest in digital media, there continues to be a need to develop consumer-accessible technologies to further enhance the listening experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the presently disclosed technology may be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an example media playback system configuration in which certain embodiments may be practiced;

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an example playback device;

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of an example control device;

FIG. 4 shows an example controller interface;

FIG. 5 shows an example flow diagram for playback configuration based on barrier proximity;

FIG. 6 shows an example arrangement of a playback device;

FIG. 7 shows another example arrangement of a playback device;

FIG. 8 shows example frequency responses of a playback device; and

FIG. 9 shows an example controller interface including an indication of a barrier.

The drawings are for the purpose of illustrating example embodiments, but the inventions are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
I. Overview

Embodiments described herein involve dynamically configuring a playback device based on the detection, by the playback device, of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. In practice, playback devices are positioned in a variety of places throughout various locations, such as a home or business. In many cases, other objects are placed on or around the playback device, either intentionally or unintentionally. For example, various household items, such as picture frames and potted plants, may be placed near the playback device. In some circumstances, placing a particular object near the playback device is merely convenient, while in other circumstances, the particular object is used to hide the playback device. In other cases, the playback device is placed near a wall or inside an object, such as a cabinet. In any such case, the playback device's surroundings may act as a barrier to the audio output of the playback device.

In some circumstances, when a barrier, such as an object or wall, is in proximity to the playback device, the barrier can affect the audio output of the playback device. For example, an object placed in front of a speaker of the playback device may distort the audio output of the speaker. Such distortion may lead to certain disadvantageous results, including degraded user experience.

Thus, according to some embodiments described herein, a playback device is dynamically configured to help compensate for the presence of a barrier when the playback device detects that a barrier is within a close proximity of the playback device. To dynamically respond to barriers placed in proximity to the playback device, the playback device may repeat the steps described herein as appropriate. For instance, if a barrier is placed in proximity to a speaker of a playback device, the device may adjust the playback configuration based on that barrier. If the barrier is removed, the playback device may dynamically adjust the playback configuration back to the original playback configuration. Or, if a second barrier is placed in proximity to another speaker, then the playback device may dynamically adjust the playback configuration on the basis of both barriers. As barriers move in and out of proximity with the playback device, the playback device may change its playback configuration accordingly.

In some embodiments, dynamic configuration of the playback device involves deactivating a speaker of the playback device. For example, a particular speaker of the playback device may be deactivated when a barrier is detected within close proximity to the particular speaker. In other embodiments, configuration of the playback device involves modifying the sound output of a particular speaker to help compensate for the presence of a barrier detected within close proximity to the particular speaker. As one example, the playback device may adjust high range frequency components of the audio output to compensate for distortion of the perceived frequency response of the playback device within that high frequency range caused by the barrier. In other embodiments, configuration of the playback device involves deactivating a first speaker and modifying the sound output of a second speaker. In one example, the first and second speakers may be part of the same playback device. In another example, the first speaker is part of a first playback device, and the second speaker is part of a second playback device.

Other examples and aspects of compensating for the presence of the barrier are more fully described below.

As indicated above, the present application involves dynamically configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. In one aspect, a method is provided. The method involves a playback device receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device. The method further involves the playback device detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of a playback device based on the indication of the barrier proximate to the playback device. Based on the detecting, the method involves setting a playback configuration of the playback device. The method also involves causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration.

In another aspect, a playback device is provided. The playback device includes a first speaker, a second speaker, a processor, a data storage, and a program logic. The program logic is stored in the data storage and executable by the processor to (i) receive proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to the playback device; and (ii) detect that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to the first speaker based on the indication of the barrier proximate to the playback device, where the first speaker is configured to play a component of an audio content. Based on the detecting, the program logic is further executable to (i) cause the first speaker to be deactivated and (ii) cause the second speaker to play at least a portion of the component of the audio content.

In yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable memory is provided. The non-transitory computer readable memory has stored thereon instructions executable by a playback device to cause the playback device to perform functions. The functions include receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device, and detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of a playback device based on the indication of the barrier proximate to the playback device. Based on the detecting, the functions further include setting a playback configuration of the playback device; and causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that this disclosure includes numerous other embodiments.

II. Example Operating Environment

FIG. 1 shows an example configuration of a media playback system 100 in which one or more embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced or implemented. The media playback system 100 as shown is associated with an example home environment having several rooms and spaces, such as for example, a master bedroom, an office, a dining room, and a living room. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the media playback system 100 includes playback devices 102-124, control devices 126 and 128, and a wired or wireless network router 130.

Further discussions relating to the different components of the example media playback system 100 and how the different components may interact to provide a user with a media experience may be found in the following sections. While discussions herein may generally refer to the example media playback system 100, technologies described herein are not limited to applications within, among other things, the home environment as shown in FIG. 1. For instance, the technologies described herein may be useful in environments where multi-zone audio may be desired, such as, for example, a commercial setting like a restaurant, mall or airport, a vehicle like a sports utility vehicle (SUV), bus or car, a ship or boat, an airplane, and so on.

a. Example Playback Devices

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an example playback device 200 that may be configured to be one or more of the playback devices 102-124 of the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1. The playback device 200 may include a processor 202, software components 204, memory 206, audio processing components 208, audio amplifier(s) 210, speaker(s) 212, a network interface 214 including wireless interface(s) 216 and wired interface(s) 218, and proximity sensor(s) 220. In one case, the playback device 200 may not include the speaker(s) 212, but rather a speaker interface for connecting the playback device 200 to external speakers. In another case, the playback device 200 may include neither the speaker(s) 212 nor the audio amplifier(s) 210, but rather an audio interface for connecting the playback device 200 to an external audio amplifier or audio-visual receiver.

In one example, the processor 202 may be a clock-driven computing component configured to process input data according to instructions stored in the memory 206. The memory 206 may be a tangible computer-readable medium configured to store instructions executable by the processor 202. For instance, the memory 206 may be data storage that can be loaded with one or more of the software components 204 executable by the processor 202 to achieve certain functions. In one example, the functions may involve the playback device 200 retrieving audio data from an audio source or another playback device. In another example, the functions may involve the playback device 200 sending audio data to another device or playback device on a network. In yet another example, the functions may involve pairing of the playback device 200 with one or more playback devices to create a multi-channel audio environment.

Certain functions may involve the playback device 200 synchronizing playback of audio content with one or more other playback devices. During synchronous playback, a listener will preferably not be able to perceive time-delay differences between playback of the audio content by the playback device 200 and the one or more other playback devices. U.S. Pat. No. 8,234,395 entitled, “System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices,” which is hereby incorporated by reference, provides in more detail some examples for audio playback synchronization among playback devices.

The memory 206 may further be configured to store data associated with the playback device 200, such as one or more zones and/or zone groups the playback device 200 is a part of, audio sources accessible by the playback device 200, or a playback queue that the playback device 200 (or some other playback device) may be associated with. The data may be stored as one or more state variables that are periodically updated and used to describe the state of the playback device 200. The memory 206 may also include the data associated with the state of the other devices of the media system, and shared from time to time among the devices so that one or more of the devices have the most recent data associated with the system. Other embodiments are also possible.

The audio processing components 208 may include one or more digital-to-analog converters (DAC), an audio preprocessing component, an audio enhancement component or a digital signal processor (DSP), and so on. In one embodiment, one or more of the audio processing components 208 may be a subcomponent of the processor 202. In one example, audio content may be processed and/or intentionally altered by the audio processing components 208 to produce audio signals. The produced audio signals may then be provided to the audio amplifier(s) 210 for amplification and playback through speaker(s) 212. Particularly, the audio amplifier(s) 210 may include devices configured to amplify audio signals to a level for driving one or more of the speakers 212. The speaker(s) 212 may include an individual transducer (e.g., a “driver”) or a complete speaker system involving an enclosure with one or more drivers. A particular driver of the speaker(s) 212 may include, for example, a subwoofer (e.g., for low frequencies), a mid-range driver (e.g., for middle frequencies), and/or a tweeter (e.g., for high frequencies). In some cases, each transducer in the one or more speakers 212 may be driven by an individual corresponding audio amplifier of the audio amplifier(s) 210. In addition to producing analog signals for playback by the playback device 200, the audio processing components 208 may be configured to process audio content to be sent to one or more other playback devices for playback.

Audio content to be processed and/or played back by the playback device 200 may be received from an external source, such as via an audio line-in input connection (e.g., an auto-detecting 3.5 mm audio line-in connection) or the network interface 214.

The network interface 214 may be configured to facilitate a data flow between the playback device 200 and one or more other devices on a data network. As such, the playback device 200 may be configured to receive audio content over the data network from one or more other playback devices in communication with the playback device 200, network devices within a local area network, or audio content sources over a wide area network such as the Internet. In one example, the audio content and other signals transmitted and received by the playback device 200 may be transmitted in the form of digital packet data containing an Internet Protocol (IP)-based source address and IP-based destination addresses. In such a case, the network interface 214 may be configured to parse the digital packet data such that the data destined for the playback device 200 is properly received and processed by the playback device 200.

As shown, the network interface 214 may include wireless interface(s) 216 and wired interface(s) 218. The wireless interface(s) 216 may provide network interface functions for the playback device 200 to wirelessly communicate with other devices (e.g., other playback device(s), speaker(s), receiver(s), network device(s), control device(s) within a data network the playback device 200 is associated with) in accordance with a communication protocol (e.g., any wireless standard including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G mobile communication standard, and so on). The wired interface(s) 218 may provide network interface functions for the playback device 200 to communicate over a wired connection with other devices in accordance with a communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.3). While the network interface 214 shown in FIG. 2 includes both wireless interface(s) 216 and wired interface(s) 218, the network interface 214 may in some embodiments include only wireless interface(s) or only wired interface(s).

In some embodiments, the playback device 200 includes one or more proximity sensor(s) 220. As a general matter, proximity sensor(s) 220 may be configured to generate signals indicating the presence of objects within the range of the proximity sensor(s) 220. In some embodiments, the signals indicating the presence of objects may be processed into digital proximity data. For example, where the signals indicating the presence of objects are analog signals, the signals may be converted using an analog-to-digital converter into digital proximity data. Proximity sensor(s) 220 may further be configured to generate data indicating absolute, relative, and/or approximate distances of objects from the proximity sensor. Proximity sensor(s) 220 may include one or more of (i) a microphone; (ii) a capacitive sensor; (iii) an infrared (IR) sensor; or (iv) a camera, among other examples. And the proximity sensors may be configured to perform functions in addition to those explicitly discussed herein.

In one example, the playback device 200 and one other playback device may be paired to play two separate audio components of audio content. For instance, playback device 200 may be configured to play a left channel audio component, while the other playback device may be configured to play a right channel audio component, thereby producing or enhancing a stereo effect of the audio content. The paired playback devices (also referred to as “bonded playback devices”) may further play audio content in synchrony with other playback devices.

In another example, the playback device 200 may be sonically consolidated with one or more other playback devices to form a single, consolidated playback device. A consolidated playback device may be configured to process and reproduce sound differently than an unconsolidated playback device or playback devices that are paired, because a consolidated playback device may have additional speaker drivers through which audio content may be rendered. For instance, if the playback device 200 is a playback device designed to render low frequency range audio content (i.e. a subwoofer), the playback device 200 may be consolidated with a playback device designed to render full frequency range audio content. In such a case, the full frequency range playback device, when consolidated with the low frequency playback device 200, may be configured to render only the mid and high frequency components of audio content, while the low frequency range playback device 200 renders the low frequency component of the audio content. The consolidated playback device may further be paired with a single playback device or yet another consolidated playback device.

By way of illustration, SONOS, Inc. presently offers (or has offered) for sale certain playback devices including a “PLAY:1,” “PLAY:3,” “PLAY:5,” “PLAYBAR,” “CONNECT:AMP,” “CONNECT,” and “SUB.” Any other past, present, and/or future playback devices may additionally or alternatively be used to implement the playback devices of example embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, it is understood that a playback device is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 2 or to the SONOS product offerings. For example, a playback device may include a wired or wireless headphone. In another example, a playback device may include or interact with a docking station for personal mobile media playback devices. In yet another example, a playback device may be integral to another device or component such as a television, a lighting fixture, or some other device for indoor or outdoor use.

b. Example Playback Zone Configurations

Referring back to the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, the environment may have one or more playback zones, each with one or more playback devices. The media playback system 100 may be established with one or more playback zones, after which one or more zones may be added, or removed to arrive at the example configuration shown in FIG. 1. Each zone may be given a name according to a different room or space such as an office, bathroom, master bedroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, and/or balcony. In one case, a single playback zone may include multiple rooms or spaces. In another case, a single room or space may include multiple playback zones.

As shown in FIG. 1, the balcony, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, office, and bedroom zones each have one playback device, while the living room and master bedroom zones each have multiple playback devices. In the living room zone, playback devices 104, 106, 108, and 110 may be configured to play audio content in synchrony as individual playback devices, as one or more bonded playback devices, as one or more consolidated playback devices, or any combination thereof. Similarly, in the case of the master bedroom, playback devices 122 and 124 may be configured to play audio content in synchrony as individual playback devices, as a bonded playback device, or as a consolidated playback device.

In one example, one or more playback zones in the environment of FIG. 1 may each be playing different audio content. For instance, the user may be grilling in the balcony zone and listening to hip hop music being played by the playback device 102 while another user may be preparing food in the kitchen zone and listening to classical music being played by the playback device 114. In another example, a playback zone may play the same audio content in synchrony with another playback zone. For instance, the user may be in the office zone where the playback device 118 is playing the same rock music that is being playing by playback device 102 in the balcony zone. In such a case, playback devices 102 and 118 may be playing the rock music in synchrony such that the user may seamlessly (or at least substantially seamlessly) enjoy the audio content that is being played out-loud while moving between different playback zones. Synchronization among playback zones may be achieved in a manner similar to that of synchronization among playback devices, as described in previously referenced U.S. Pat. No. 8,234,395.

As suggested above, the zone configurations of the media playback system 100 may be dynamically modified, and in some embodiments, the media playback system 100 supports numerous configurations. For instance, if a user physically moves one or more playback devices to or from a zone, the media playback system 100 may be reconfigured to accommodate the change(s). For instance, if the user physically moves the playback device 102 from the balcony zone to the office zone, the office zone may now include both the playback device 118 and the playback device 102. The playback device 102 may be paired or grouped with the office zone and/or renamed if so desired via a control device such as the control devices 126 and 128. On the other hand, if the one or more playback devices are moved to a particular area in the home environment that is not already a playback zone, a new playback zone may be created for the particular area.

Further, different playback zones of the media playback system 100 may be dynamically combined into zone groups or split up into individual playback zones. For instance, the dining room zone and the kitchen zone 114 may be combined into a zone group for a dinner party such that playback devices 112 and 114 may render audio content in synchrony. On the other hand, the living room zone may be split into a television zone including playback device 104, and a listening zone including playback devices 106, 108, and 110, if the user wishes to listen to music in the living room space while another user wishes to watch television.

c. Example Control Devices

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of an example control device 300 that may be configured to be one or both of the control devices 126 and 128 of the media playback system 100. As shown, the control device 300 may include a processor 302, memory 304, a network interface 306, and a user interface 308. In one example, the control device 300 may be a dedicated controller for the media playback system 100. In another example, the control device 300 may be a network device on which media playback system controller application software may be installed, such as for example, an iPhone™ iPad™ or any other smart phone, tablet or network device (e.g., a networked computer such as a PC or Mac™).

The processor 302 may be configured to perform functions relevant to facilitating user access, control, and configuration of the media playback system 100. The memory 304 may be configured to store instructions executable by the processor 302 to perform those functions. The memory 304 may also be configured to store the media playback system controller application software and other data associated with the media playback system 100 and the user.

In one example, the network interface 306 may be based on an industry standard (e.g., infrared, radio, wired standards including IEEE 802.3, wireless standards including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G mobile communication standard, and so on). The network interface 306 may provide a means for the control device 300 to communicate with other devices in the media playback system 100. In one example, data and information (e.g., such as a state variable) may be communicated between control device 300 and other devices via the network interface 306. For instance, playback zone and zone group configurations in the media playback system 100 may be received by the control device 300 from a playback device or another network device, or transmitted by the control device 300 to another playback device or network device via the network interface 306. In some cases, the other network device may be another control device.

Playback device control commands such as volume control and audio playback control may also be communicated from the control device 300 to a playback device via the network interface 306. As suggested above, changes to configurations of the media playback system 100 may also be performed by a user using the control device 300. The configuration changes may include adding/removing one or more playback devices to/from a zone, adding/removing one or more zones to/from a zone group, forming a bonded or consolidated player, separating one or more playback devices from a bonded or consolidated player, among others. Accordingly, the control device 300 may sometimes be referred to as a controller, whether the control device 300 is a dedicated controller or a network device on which media playback system controller application software is installed.

The user interface 308 of the control device 300 may be configured to facilitate user access and control of the media playback system 100, by providing a controller interface such as the controller interface 400 shown in FIG. 4. The controller interface 400 includes a playback control region 410, a playback zone region 420, a playback status region 430, a playback queue region 440, and an audio content sources region 450. The user interface 400 as shown is just one example of a user interface that may be provided on a network device such as the control device 300 of FIG. 3 (and/or the control devices 126 and 128 of FIG. 1) and accessed by users to control a media playback system such as the media playback system 100. Other user interfaces of varying formats, styles, and interactive sequences may alternatively be implemented on one or more network devices to provide comparable control access to a media playback system.

The playback control region 410 may include selectable (e.g., by way of touch or by using a cursor) icons to cause playback devices in a selected playback zone or zone group to play or pause, fast forward, rewind, skip to next, skip to previous, enter/exit shuffle mode, enter/exit repeat mode, enter/exit cross fade mode. The playback control region 410 may also include selectable icons to modify equalization settings, and playback volume, among other possibilities.

The playback zone region 420 may include representations of playback zones within the media playback system 100. In some embodiments, the graphical representations of playback zones may be selectable to bring up additional selectable icons to manage or configure the playback zones in the media playback system, such as a creation of bonded zones, creation of zone groups, separation of zone groups, and renaming of zone groups, among other possibilities.

For example, as shown, a “group” icon may be provided within each of the graphical representations of playback zones. The “group” icon provided within a graphical representation of a particular zone may be selectable to bring up options to select one or more other zones in the media playback system to be grouped with the particular zone. Once grouped, playback devices in the zones that have been grouped with the particular zone will be configured to play audio content in synchrony with the playback device(s) in the particular zone. Analogously, a “group” icon may be provided within a graphical representation of a zone group. In this case, the “group” icon may be selectable to bring up options to deselect one or more zones in the zone group to be removed from the zone group. Other interactions and implementations for grouping and ungrouping zones via a user interface such as the user interface 400 are also possible. The representations of playback zones in the playback zone region 420 may be dynamically updated as playback zone or zone group configurations are modified.

The playback status region 430 may include graphical representations of audio content that is presently being played, previously played, or scheduled to play next in the selected playback zone or zone group. The selected playback zone or zone group may be visually distinguished on the user interface, such as within the playback zone region 420 and/or the playback status region 430. The graphical representations may include track title, artist name, album name, album year, track length, and other relevant information that may be useful for the user to know when controlling the media playback system via the user interface 400.

The playback queue region 440 may include graphical representations of audio content in a playback queue associated with the selected playback zone or zone group. In some embodiments, each playback zone or zone group may be associated with a playback queue containing information corresponding to zero or more audio items for playback by the playback zone or zone group. For instance, each audio item in the playback queue may comprise a uniform resource identifier (URI), a uniform resource locator (URL) or some other identifier that may be used by a playback device in the playback zone or zone group to find and/or retrieve the audio item from a local audio content source or a networked audio content source, possibly for playback by the playback device.

In one example, a playlist may be added to a playback queue, in which case information corresponding to each audio item in the playlist may be added to the playback queue. In another example, audio items in a playback queue may be saved as a playlist. In a further example, a playback queue may be empty, or populated but “not in use” when the playback zone or zone group is playing continuously streaming audio content, such as Internet radio that may continue to play until otherwise stopped, rather than discrete audio items that have playback durations. In an alternative embodiment, a playback queue can include Internet radio and/or other streaming audio content items and be “in use” when the playback zone or zone group is playing those items. Other examples are also possible.

When playback zones or zone groups are “grouped” or “ungrouped,” playback queues associated with the affected playback zones or zone groups may be cleared or re-associated. For example, if a first playback zone including a first playback queue is grouped with a second playback zone including a second playback queue, the established zone group may have an associated playback queue that is initially empty, that contains audio items from the first playback queue (such as if the second playback zone was added to the first playback zone), that contains audio items from the second playback queue (such as if the first playback zone was added to the second playback zone), or a combination of audio items from both the first and second playback queues. Subsequently, if the established zone group is ungrouped, the resulting first playback zone may be re-associated with the previous first playback queue, or be associated with a new playback queue that is empty or contains audio items from the playback queue associated with the established zone group before the established zone group was ungrouped. Similarly, the resulting second playback zone may be re-associated with the previous second playback queue, or be associated with a new playback queue that is empty, or contains audio items from the playback queue associated with the established zone group before the established zone group was ungrouped. Other examples are also possible.

Referring back to the user interface 400 of FIG. 4, the graphical representations of audio content in the playback queue region 440 may include track titles, artist names, track lengths, and other relevant information associated with the audio content in the playback queue. In one example, graphical representations of audio content may be selectable to bring up additional selectable icons to manage and/or manipulate the playback queue and/or audio content represented in the playback queue. For instance, a represented audio content may be removed from the playback queue, moved to a different position within the playback queue, or selected to be played immediately, or after any currently playing audio content, among other possibilities. A playback queue associated with a playback zone or zone group may be stored in a memory on one or more playback devices in the playback zone or zone group, on a playback device that is not in the playback zone or zone group, and/or some other designated device.

The audio content sources region 450 may include graphical representations of selectable audio content sources from which audio content may be retrieved and played by the selected playback zone or zone group. Discussions pertaining to audio content sources may be found in the following section.

d. Example Audio Content Sources

As indicated previously, one or more playback devices in a zone or zone group may be configured to retrieve for playback audio content (e.g. according to a corresponding URI or URL for the audio content) from a variety of available audio content sources. In one example, audio content may be retrieved by a playback device directly from a corresponding audio content source (e.g., a line-in connection). In another example, audio content may be provided to a playback device over a network via one or more other playback devices or network devices.

Example audio content sources may include a memory of one or more playback devices in a media playback system such as the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, local music libraries on one or more network devices (such as a control device, a network-enabled personal computer, or a networked-attached storage (NAS), for example), streaming audio services providing audio content via the Internet (e.g., the cloud), or audio sources connected to the media playback system via a line-in input connection on a playback device or network devise, among other possibilities.

In some embodiments, audio content sources may be regularly added or removed from a media playback system such as the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1. In one example, an indexing of audio items may be performed whenever one or more audio content sources are added, removed or updated. Indexing of audio items may involve scanning for identifiable audio items in all folders/directory shared over a network accessible by playback devices in the media playback system, and generating or updating an audio content database containing metadata (e.g., title, artist, album, track length, among others) and other associated information, such as a URI or URL for each identifiable audio item found. Other examples for managing and maintaining audio content sources may also be possible.

The above discussions relating to playback devices, controller devices, playback zone configurations, and media content sources provide only some examples of operating environments within which functions and methods described below may be implemented. Other operating environments and configurations of media playback systems, playback devices, and network devices not explicitly described herein may also be applicable and suitable for implementation of the functions and methods.

III. Example Method

As discussed above, embodiments described herein may involve dynamically configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device.

Method 500 shown in FIG. 5 presents an embodiment of a method that can be implemented within an operating environment involving, for example, the media playback system 100 of FIG. 1, one or more of the playback device(s) 200 of FIG. 2, and one or more of the control device(s) 300 of FIG. 3. Method 500 may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 502-510. Although the blocks are illustrated in sequential order, these blocks may also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desired implementation.

In addition, for the method 500 and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the flowchart shows functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present embodiments. In this regard, each block may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. The program code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium, for example, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. The computer readable medium may include non-transitory computer readable medium, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time like register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium may also include non-transitory media, such as secondary or persistent long term storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computer readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. The computer readable medium may be considered a computer readable storage medium, for example, or a tangible storage device. In addition, for the method 500 and other processes and methods disclosed herein, each block in FIG. 5 may represent circuitry that is wired to perform the specific logical functions in the process.

a. Receiving Proximity Data that Includes an Indication of a Barrier that is Proximate to a Playback Device

At block 502, the playback device receives proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device. In some embodiments, the proximity data is received from a sensor internal to the playback device. In other embodiments, the proximity data is received from one or more external sensors that are coupled to the playback device. Other arrangements are possible as well.

Any object that is in physical proximity to the playback device may act as a barrier. For instance, various household items, such as picture frames and potted plants, may act as barriers. Alternatively, when the playback device is placed next to a wall, the wall may act as a barrier. Similarly, when the playback device is placed inside a cabinet, one or more sides of the cabinet may act as a barrier.

FIG. 6 shows a top-down view of an example arrangement of a playback device 600 in a cabinet 620. As viewed from the above, the cabinet 620 is enclosed on the top, left, and right sides, and open on the bottom side, as shown. When viewed from the side, the bottom side of cabinet 620 may be considered the front of the cabinet, as indicated. Further, the front of playback device 620 is oriented towards the front of the cabinet, as shown.

Playback device 600 includes speakers 602, 604, 606, and 608. Speakers 604 and 606 are arranged to output sound towards the front of the cabinet 620. Speakers 602 and 608 are arranged to output sound towards the left and to the right of playback device, respectively. Such an arrangement of multi-directional speakers may have the potential benefits of widening the sound field of the playback device and/or increasing a stereo effect of the audio output of the playback device, in conventional implementations.

Further, the sides of the cabinet are in physical proximity to playback device 600, as shown. Specifically, the left wall 622 of cabinet 620 is in physical proximity to the left side of playback device 600 upon which speaker 602 is arranged. Similarly, the right wall 624 of cabinet 620 is in physical proximity to the right side of the playback device 600 upon which speaker 608 is arranged.

In the above arrangement, when playback device 600 is in operation, the left wall 622 and the right wall 624 may each act as a barrier to audio output from playback device 600. As a result, the walls of cabinet 620, including at least the left wall 622 and the right wall 624 of the cabinet 620, may affect audio output from speakers 602 and 608.

FIG. 7 shows a top-down view of another example arrangement of a playback device 700 on a shelf 710. As viewed from above, shelf 710 is closed on the back side, but is open on the left, right, and bottom sides, as shown. If viewed from the side, the bottom side of shelf 710 may be considered the front of the cabinet, as marked. The front of playback device 720 is oriented towards the front of the cabinet, as shown. The playback device includes speakers 702 and 704. Speakers 702 and 704 are arranged to output sound towards the front of the shelf 710.

In the example arrangement of FIG. 7, a barrier 720 is positioned in front of playback device 700, as shown. Barrier 720 may be considered to be in proximity to playback device 700. In this arrangement, barrier 720 may affect audio output from playback device 700. Particularly, audio output from speaker 704 may be affected by barrier 720.

As one having skill in the art will appreciate, the barrier is not required to physically and/or completely block and/or prevent audio output from the playback device. While in some circumstances, the barrier may absorb some of the audio output of the playback device, in other circumstances, the barrier may cause reflection of the audio output, among other examples. In either case, the barrier may cause some effect on the audio output of the playback device, such as muffling, distorting, or otherwise impacting the audio output.

The indication of a barrier in the proximity data may be any suitable data that indicates the presence of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. For example, the indication may be particular data or a particular change in data that indicates the presence of a barrier, depending on the type of proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity data directly indicates the presence of a barrier. For example, the proximity sensor may identify that a barrier is present and send data in the form of a message to the playback device indicating the barrier. In other embodiments, the presence of a barrier is inferred from the proximity data. For example, data from a capacitive sensor may indicate an increase in capacitance from which the presence of a barrier may be inferred. Or data from a microphone may indicate an increase in reflected audio picked up by the microphone.

In some embodiments, the proximity data is a portion of a data stream formed by a proximity sensor that regularly monitors its environment for the presence of objects. In such embodiments, the proximity sensor may continuously, periodically, or intermittently generate proximity data. In other embodiments, the proximity sensor may generate proximity data in response to an event, such as the addition of a new playback device to a media playback system. Such data collection may assist the playback device in responding dynamically to the presence of barriers.

For example, the one or more proximity sensors may include one or more of (i) a microphone; (ii) a capacitive sensor; (iii) an infrared (IR) sensor; or (iv) a camera. Other types of proximity sensors are possible as well.

As one example, an infrared sensor may include an LED and a photo detector. In operation, the LED emits an infrared beam. When the infrared beam encounters an object, a portion of the beam may be reflected back into the photo detector. From reflected beam, the infrared sensor may generate data indicative of the distance that the infrared proximity sensor is from the object from which the infrared beam reflected. To reduce noise caused by other sources of infrared light, the LED may be configured to emit the infrared beam at a particular frequency. In turn, the photo detector may be configured to detect infrared light at the particular frequency. Certain infrared sensors may be rated to a particular range. Beyond the rated range, the reflected IR beam may be too weak for the photo detector to capture with acceptable accuracy.

Returning to FIG. 6, playback device 600 includes infrared proximity sensors 610 and 612. Proximity sensors 610 and 612 are each configured to generate data indicating the physical distance of objects within range of the each respective sensor. In the arrangement of FIG. 6, playback device 600 may receive proximity data from each of proximity sensors 610 and 612. For example, playback device 600 may receive proximity data from proximity sensor 610 that includes an indication of left wall 622. Similarly, playback device 600 may receive proximity data from proximity sensor 612 that includes an indication of right wall 624.

In some embodiments, the one or more proximity sensors may include more than one type of proximity sensor. Arranging more than one type of sensor may help improve the accuracy of detecting objects and/or may assist with detecting objects of different materials. For example, an IR sensor may be more sensitive to certain materials, such as plastic or wood, while an inductive sensor may be more sensitive to other materials, such as metal.

In an embodiment, receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device may involve outputting an audio signal (such as a pulse) from one or more speakers of the playback device. The playback device may then receive data that is indicative of the reflected audio signal from one or more microphones, where the reflected audio signal corresponds to the outputted audio signal. The playback device may then use the received reflected audio signal to determine whether a barrier is proximate to the playback device.

For example, the playback device may output an audio pulse. When the playback device is in a room, the audio pulse reflects off of the walls of the room and objects within the room. If a barrier is in proximity to the playback device, the reflections of the audio pulse indicate the barrier. At least a portion of the reflected audio pulse may enter the one or more microphones which capture the portion of reflected audio pulse as data indicative of the reflected audio pulse. The data indicative of a reflected audio pulse from the one or more microphones may be the proximity data. Alternatively, the data indicative of a reflected audio pulse from the one or more microphones may undergo additional processing to become the proximity data. For instance, a Laplace transform may be performed on the data indicative of a reflected audio pulse from the one or more microphones to determine a frequency response. The frequency response of the audio playback device may be used to infer the presence of the barrier. For example, a frequency response that is distorted in high frequency range may indicate the presence of a barrier.

Returning to FIG. 7, playback device 700 includes a microphone 706. Speaker 704 may output an audio signal. Some of the audio signal may reflect off of barrier 720. Microphone 706 may capture at least some of the reflected audio signal and convert the reflected audio signal into proximity data. Playback device 700 may then receive the proximity data that indicative of a reflected audio signal from microphone 706.

b. Detecting that the Barrier is within a Threshold Proximity to a First Speaker of the Playback Device Based on the Indication of the Barrier Proximate to the Playback Device

At block 504, the playback device detects that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device based on the indication of the barrier proximate to the playback device.

The threshold proximity may be a condition that indicates that the barrier is close enough to the first speaker of the playback device that the barrier may affect the audio output of the first speaker. The threshold proximity may be established based on one or more various characteristics of the playback device such as the type of the speaker and/or the volume of playback. The threshold proximity may be pre-determined or, alternatively, the threshold proximity may be configurable. In an embodiment, the threshold proximity may indicate a physical distance from the playback device.

Returning to FIG. 6, playback device 600 may detect whether left wall 622 is within a threshold proximity to speaker 602. The detection may be based on an indication in the proximity data from proximity sensors 610 that left wall 622 is proximate. In an example, the threshold proximity may be predetermined as 10 cm. In the example, the playback device detects whether left wall 622 is within 10 cm from speaker 608. Playback device 600 may similarly detect whether right wall 624 is within the threshold proximity to speaker 608. It should be understood that proximity sensors typically measure distance from the proximity sensor to an object. Therefore, in another example arrangement, a proximity sensor may be arranged near to a speaker so that the distance from the proximity sensor to a barrier approximates the distance from the speaker to the barrier. In FIG. 6, speaker 608 and proximity sensor 612 are shown in this type of arrangement.

The playback device may include a data storage, such as memory 206 in FIG. 2, that has data indicating a frequency response of the playback device stored thereon. The playback device may be configured to retrieve the frequency response from the data storage as appropriate.

The frequency response may be an approximation of an ideal frequency response of the playback device. For instance, the frequency response may be the frequency response of the playback device in open space. Alternatively, the frequency response may be a typical frequency response of playback devices of a particular type produced by a manufacturer.

In another embodiment, the playback device is configured to determine the frequency response of the playback device. For example, as noted above, the playback device may output an audio signal and receive back data indicative of the audio signal. The playback device may determine the frequency response of the playback device based on the received data indicative of the audio signal. The determined frequency response may be stored in the data storage.

Determining the frequency response may be an aspect of a set-up procedure. For example, during the set-up procedure, a user of the playback device may be instructed to place the playback device in a particular arrangement so that the playback device may determine a frequency response. The particular arrangement may involve placing the playback device on a surface without any objects nearby that could significantly affect the audio output of the device. Such an arrangement may approximate a frequency response of the playback device in open space.

In some embodiments, each speaker of the playback device may have a respective frequency response. In an embodiment, the frequency response of each speaker may be stored in the data storage. In another embodiment, the frequency response of each speaker may be determined by the playback device. Other examples are possible as well.

FIG. 8 shows example frequency responses of playback device 700 of FIG. 7 depicted as plots. Frequency response 802 is an example frequency response of speaker 704 that has been determined when playback device 700 was positioned in open space without any barriers nearby. Frequency response 804 is an example frequency response of speaker 702 as arranged in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, frequency response 804 closely tracks frequency response 802.

As further shown in FIG. 8, frequency response 806 is an example frequency response of speaker 704 as arranged in FIG. 7. As shown in the plot, frequency response 806 is distorted at higher frequencies. This distortion is caused by barrier 720. Typically, if a barrier causes an effect on the audio output of the playback device, the higher frequency range is affected by the barrier more than the lower frequencies. Lower frequency sound may be less affected by the barrier because lower frequency sounds generally propagates better than high frequency sound through materials.

Detecting that a barrier is within a threshold proximity may involve the frequency response. The playback device may determine a frequency response of a system that includes the playback device and the barrier (and possibly other objects in the vicinity of the playback device). After determining the frequency response of the system, the playback device may determine whether a difference between the frequency response of the playback device and the frequency response of the system is greater than a first distortion threshold.

The difference between the frequency response of the playback device and the frequency response of the system may take different forms. For example, the difference may be a percentage difference from the frequency response of the system. In such an embodiment, the first distortion threshold may be a particular percentage, such as 5%. Alternatively, the difference between the frequency response of the playback device and the frequency response of the system may be an absolute difference. For instance, the difference may be an absolute difference the frequency response of the playback device and the frequency response of the system at any frequency (or frequency range). Alternatively, the difference may be the total distortion averaged across the frequency spectrum. Other examples are possible as well.

While in some instances, for the purpose of example and explanation, the barrier is described as affecting the frequency response of the playback device, one having skill in the art will appreciate that the barrier does not change the frequency response of the playback device itself. Instead, the introduction of the barrier causes an effect on the perceived frequency response from the perspective of a listener. In other words, when the playback device itself defines a system, the barrier does not change the frequency response of that system. However, if the barrier is considered part of the system, the frequency response of the system that includes the playback device and the barrier is different from the frequency response of the system that includes only the playback device itself.

In some embodiments, detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device may involve determining that the barrier satisfied a gating condition. For instance, the playback device may determine that the barrier has been within the threshold proximity to the first speaker of the playback device for an interval of time, such as 30 seconds, and has thereby satisfied the gating condition. Alternatively, the gating condition may be based on user input. The gating condition may prevent too frequent or undesirable adjustment of the playback configuration of the playback device due to temporary barriers. For instance, when a person moves in front of a speaker and thereby acts as a barrier, the gating condition may provide some delay before the playback configuration of the playback device is set. During the delay, the person may move away from in front of the speaker and therefore no longer act as a barrier.

c. Setting a Playback Configuration of the Playback Device

At block 506, based on the detection that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device, the playback device sets a playback configuration of the playback device. Setting the playback configuration may involve a variety of operations such as deactivating a speaker of the playback device or adjusting a component of audio content played by the playback device.

Setting a playback configuration of the playback device may involve causing the first speaker of the playback device to be deactivated. The playback device may deactivate the first speaker. Alternatively, the playback device may send a command to deactivate the first speaker. For example, referring to FIG. 7, speaker 704 may be considered the first speaker. Based on detecting that barrier 720 is within a threshold proximity to speaker 704, playback device 700 may deactivate speaker 704.

The first speaker of the playback device may be configured to play a component of the audio content. In one embodiment, the component of the audio content may be a specific frequency range. For instance, the first speaker may be a subwoofer and the component may be the low frequency range of the audio content. Alternatively, the first speaker may be a tweeter and the component may be the high frequency range of the audio content. In another embodiment, the audio content may be multi-channel audio, such as a stereo recording. For instance, with a stereo recording, the component of the audio content may be a right channel component of the stereo recording or a left channel component of the stereo recording.

After causing the first speaker to be deactivated, the playback device may cause a second speaker of the playback device to play the component of the audio content. For example, referring to FIG. 7, if the playback device deactivates speaker 704 where speaker 704 was configured to play a particular component of an audio content, the playback device may cause speaker 702 to play the particular component. It should be understood that causing a second speaker of the playback device to play the component after the condition of causing the first speaker to be deactivated may involve a brief overlap where the second speaker plays the component before the first speaker is deactivated.

In some embodiments, the first speaker has a first output direction and the second speaker has a second output direction that is different from the first output direction. For example, in FIG. 6, the output direction of speaker 602 is to the left of playback device 600 while the output direction of speaker 604 is to the front of playback device 600. In such an embodiment, causing a second speaker to play the component of the audio content may involve modifying the component of the audio content based on at least the second output direction. For instance, if the playback device causes speaker 604 to play the component of the audio content, the playback device may increase the volume of the component. Alternatively, the playback device may alter one or more frequency components of the component. In another alternative, the playback device may play a different component of the audio content. Modifications to the component may help to offset the change in the overall playback characteristics of the audio content on playback device 600 when speaker 602 is deactivated.

Setting the playback configuration of the playback device may involve adjusting the component of the audio content based on the received proximity data. For example, when the playback device is playing the audio content at one volume level, the playback device may adjust the particular volume of the component of the audio content. The playback device may vary the amount that the volume is adjusted based on the received proximity data. For instance, if proximity data indicates that a particular barrier is relatively near to the playback device (or a speaker thereof), the playback device may adjust the volume by a greater amount than if the proximity data indicated that barrier is relatively further from the playback device. Alternatively, the playback device may alter one or more frequency components of the component. For instance, if the proximity data indicates that a particular barrier is relatively near to the playback device (or a speaker thereof), the playback device may adjust the both the high range and the mid-range. In contrast, if the proximity data indicated that barrier is relatively further from the playback device, the playback device may adjust the high range. Other alternatives are possible as well.

Adjusting the component of the audio content based on the received proximity data may involve adjusting one or more frequency components of the component of the audio content. For example, referring to FIG. 8, frequency response 806 of speaker 704 is distorted at higher frequencies by barrier 720. The component of audio played by speaker 704 may be adjusted based on the distortion at higher frequencies. Adjusting one or more frequency components may involve filtering the one or more frequency components. For instance, a low pass filter may be applied to the component of audio played by speaker 704 to diminish the distortion caused by barrier 720.

In some embodiments, the playback device operates according to a second distortion threshold that is of a higher distortion than the first distortion threshold. In such embodiments, the playback device may adjust a component of the audio content to be played by the first speaker based on the received proximity data when the frequency response of the playback device is distorted above the first distortion threshold by the barrier. As noted above, adjusting a component of the audio content may involve adjusting volume or adjusting frequency components, among other possible examples.

Further, the playback device may cause the first speaker to be deactivated when the frequency response of the playback device is distorted above the second distortion threshold by the barrier. In this arrangement, the action taken by the playback device in the presence of distortion caused by a barrier is graduated. At or above the first distortion threshold, the playback device may adjust the audio content. As distortion increases to the second distortion threshold or above, the playback device may deactivate the first speaker. Other examples of graduated responses are possible as well.

In some embodiments, the playback device (and the first speaker) may be part of a playback system that includes a second playback device (which may include the second speaker). The playback device may set the playback configuration of the at least one additional playback device based on the detection that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device. For instance, after deactivating the first speaker, the playback device may send a message to the second playback device play at least a portion of the component of the audio content that was to be played by the first speaker.

The playback device may be a component of a media playback system, such as media playback system 100 of FIG. 1. The media playback system may include the playback device and a controller. The playback device may send an indication of the barrier that is proximate to the playback device to the controller of the media playback system. For example, the controller may be control device 300 of FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the playback device may send the indication in response to setting the playback configuration of the playback device. The playback device may send the indication of the barrier over a network interface, such as network interface 214 of FIG. 2.

The controller may display a representation of the indication of the barrier on an interface of the controller. FIG. 9 shows an example controller interface 900. Similar to the example controller interface 400 in FIG. 4, controller interface 900 includes a playback control region 910, a playback zone region 920, a playback status region 930, a playback queue region 940, and an audio content sources region 950. Controller interface 400 also includes a representation 960 of the indication of the barrier. In an embodiment, representation 960 is selectable. When selected, controller interface 900 may display information about the barrier. In one embodiment, the information may include at least an indication of the specific speaker that is affected by the barrier.

The controller may display a representation indicating the playback configuration. For instance, the representation may indicate that a particular speaker is deactivated. The controller may also display a control interface that allows a user to accept or reject the playback configuration. Further, the controller may also display an indication that allows a user to set the playback device to dynamically adjust the playback configuration.

The playback device may output an alert sound based on detecting that a barrier is within a threshold proximity. The alert sound may be configured such that a user of the playback device may realize that a barrier may be affecting audio output of the playback device upon hearing the alert sound. For example, the alert sound may be a beep or a sequence of beeps. Or, the alert sound may be a pre-recording voice stating an alert. Other examples are possible as well. When a barrier is affecting a particular speaker of the playback device, the playback device may output the alert sound from the particular speaker affected by the barrier.

d. Causing the Playback Device to Play an Audio Content According to the Playback Configuration

At block 508, the playback device causes the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration. For example, where setting the playback configuration of the playback device involves causing the first speaker of the playback device to be deactivated, the playback device plays the audio content while the first speaker of the playback device is deactivated. Or, as another example, where setting the playback configuration of the playback device involves adjusting a component of the audio content, the playback device plays the audio content with the component of the audio content adjusted.

The audio content may be any audio content such as the example audio content discussed above with respect to the example playback devices and/or the example audio content sources, among other alternatives. As noted above, the audio content may be a multi-channel audio recording, such as a stereo recording.

IV. Conclusion

The description above discloses, among other things, various example systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture including, among other components, firmware and/or software executed on hardware. It is understood that such examples are merely illustrative and should not be considered as limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any or all of the firmware, hardware, and/or software aspects or components can be embodied exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Accordingly, the examples provided are not the only way(s) to implement such systems, methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture.

As indicated above, the present application involves configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. In one aspect, a method is provided. The method involves a playback device receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device. The method further involves the playback device detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of a playback device based on the indication of the barrier proximate to the playback device. In response to the detecting, the method involves setting a playback configuration of the playback device. The method also involves causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration.

In another aspect, a playback device is provided. The playback includes a first speaker, a second speaker, a processor, a data storage, and a program logic. The program logic is stored in the data storage and executable by the processor to receive proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device and detect that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to the first speaker based on the indication of the barrier proximate to the playback device, where the first speaker is configured to play a component of an audio content. In response to the detecting, the program logic is further executable to (i) cause the first speaker to be deactivated and (ii) cause the second speaker to play the component of the audio content.

In yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable memory is provided. The non-transitory computer readable memory has stored thereon instructions executable by a playback device to cause the playback device to perform functions. The functions include receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device, and detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of a playback device based on the indication of the barrier proximate to the playback device. In response to the detecting, the functions further include setting a playback configuration of the playback device; and causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration.

Additionally, references herein to “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one example embodiment of an invention. The appearances of this phrase in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. As such, the embodiments described herein, explicitly and implicitly understood by one skilled in the art, can be combined with other embodiments.

The specification is presented largely in terms of illustrative environments, systems, procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations that directly or indirectly resemble the operations of data processing devices coupled to networks. These process descriptions and representations are typically used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is understood to those skilled in the art that certain embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without certain, specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the forgoing description of embodiments.

When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the elements in at least one example is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible, non-transitory medium such as a memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, and so on, storing the software and/or firmware.

Claims

1. A system comprising a playback device, wherein the playback device comprises one or more microphones, one or more speakers, a housing carrying the one or more microphones and the one or more speakers, at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: play back first audio content via the one or more speakers;detect a first event;based on detection of the first event, perform a first calibration of the playback device, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to perform the first calibration comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: (i) record, via the one or more microphones, first audio to capture playback of the first audio content by the playback device;(ii) determine, based on the recorded first audio, a first playback configuration that at least partially offsets acoustic characteristics of an environment surrounding the playback device; and(iii) apply the first playback configuration to the playback device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the first event comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect that a time period has elapsed since performing a previous calibration, wherein the playback device is configured to periodically record, via the one or more microphones, audio to capture playback of audio content by the playback device.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the playback device further comprises one or more sensors, and wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the first event comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect, via the one or more sensors, sensor data indicating the change in the environment surrounding the playback device.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a proximity sensor, and wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the sensor data indicating the change in the environment surrounding the playback device comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect one or more barriers in proximity to the playback device.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the first event comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect, via the one or more microphones, a change in acoustic response of the environment.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the change in the acoustic response of the environment comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: determine that audio output of the playback device is distorted by more than a distortion threshold.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the first event comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect that the playback device has been physically moved.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is further configured to: play back second audio content via the one or more speakers;detect a second event at a time later than detection of the first event;based on detection of the second event, perform a second calibration of the playback device, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to perform the second calibration comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: (i) record, via the one or more microphones, second audio to capture playback of the second audio content by the playback device;(ii) determine, based on the recorded second audio, a second playback configuration that at least partially offsets acoustic characteristics of an environment surrounding the playback device at the time later than detection of the first event; and(iii) apply the second playback configuration to the playback device.
9. A playback device comprising: one or more microphones;one or more speakers;at least one processor;a housing carrying the one or more microphones, the one or more speakers, and the at least one processor; andat least one non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: play back first audio content via the one or more speakers;detect a first event;based on detection of the first event, perform a first calibration of the playback device, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to perform the first calibration comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: (i) record, via the one or more microphones, first audio to capture playback of the first audio content by the playback device;(ii) determine, based on the recorded first audio, a first playback configuration that at least partially offsets acoustic characteristics of an environment surrounding the playback device; and(iii) apply the first playback configuration to the playback device.
10. The playback device of claim 9, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the first event comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect that a time period has elapsed since performing a previous calibration, wherein the playback device is configured to periodically record, via the one or more microphones, audio to capture playback of audio content by the playback device.
11. The playback device of claim 9, wherein the playback device further comprises one or more sensors, and wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the first event comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect, via the one or more sensors, sensor data indicating the change in the environment surrounding the playback device.
12. The playback device of claim 11, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a proximity sensor, and wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the sensor data indicating the change in the environment surrounding the playback device comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect one or more barriers in proximity to the playback device.
13. The playback device of claim 9, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the first event comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect, via the one or more microphones, a change in acoustic response of the environment.
14. The playback device of claim 13, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the change in the acoustic response of the environment comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: determine that audio output of the playback device is distorted by more than a distortion threshold.
15. The playback device of claim 9, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to detect the first event comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: detect that the playback device has been physically moved.
16. The playback device of claim 9, wherein the instructions are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is further configured to: play back second audio content via the one or more speakers;detect a second event;based on detection of the second event, perform a second calibration of the playback device, wherein the instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to perform the second calibration comprise instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the playback device is configured to: (i) record, via the one or more microphones, second audio to capture playback of the second audio content by the playback device;(ii) determine, based on the recorded second audio, a second playback configuration that at least partially offsets acoustic characteristics of an environment surrounding the playback device at the time later than detection of the first event; and(iii) apply the second playback configuration to the playback device.
17. A method to be performed by a playback device, the method comprising: playing back first audio content via one or more speakers, wherein the one or more speakers are carried in a housing of the playback device;detecting a first event;based on detecting the first event, performing a first calibration of the playback device, wherein performing the first calibration comprises: (i) recording, via one or more microphones, first audio to capture playback of the first audio content by the playback device, wherein the one or more microphones are carried in the housing of the playback device;(ii) determining, based on the recorded first audio, a first playback configuration that at least partially offsets acoustic characteristics of an environment surrounding the playback device; and(iii) applying the first playback configuration to the playback device.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein detecting the first event comprises detecting that a time period has elapsed since performing a previous calibration, wherein the playback device is configured to periodically record, via the one or more microphones, audio to capture playback of audio content by the playback device.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the playback device further comprises one or more sensors, and wherein detecting the first event comprises: detecting, via the one or more sensors, sensor data indicating the change in the environment surrounding the playback device.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein detecting the first event comprises: detecting, via the one or more microphones, a change in acoustic response of the environment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/713,858, filed on Dec. 13, 2019, entitled “Playback Device Configuration,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/713,858 is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/416,648, filed on May 20, 2019, entitled “Playback Device Configuration,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,511,924 on Dec. 17, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/416,648 is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/102,499, filed on Aug. 13, 2018, entitled “Restoration of Playback Device Configuration,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,299,055 on May 21, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/102,499 is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/681,640, filed on Aug. 21, 2017, entitled “Playback Device Configuration According to Distortion Threshold,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,051,399 on Aug. 14, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/681,640 is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/339,260, filed on Oct. 31, 2016, entitled “Playback Device Configuration Based on Proximity Detection,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,208 on Aug. 22, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/339,260 is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/066,049, filed on Mar. 10, 2016, entitled “Calibration Adjustment Based On Barrier,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,521,487 on Jun. 30, 2016, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/066,049 is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/921,781, filed on Oct. 23, 2015, entitled “Proximity Detection Using Audio Pulse,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,439,021 on Sep. 6, 2016, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/921,781 is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/216,325, filed on Mar. 17, 2014, entitled “Playback Device Configuration Based on Proximity Detection,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,264,839 on Feb. 16, 2016, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

US Referenced Citations (517)

Number	Name	Date	Kind
4306113	Morton	Dec 1981	A
4342104	Jack	Jul 1982	A
4504704	Ohyaba et al.	Mar 1985	A
4592088	Shimada	May 1986	A
4628530	Op De Beek et al.	Dec 1986	A
4631749	Rapaich	Dec 1986	A
4694484	Atkinson et al.	Sep 1987	A
4773094	Dolby	Sep 1988	A
4995778	Bruessel	Feb 1991	A
5218710	Yamaki et al.	Jun 1993	A
5255326	Stevenson	Oct 1993	A
5323257	Abe et al.	Jun 1994	A
5386478	Plunkett	Jan 1995	A
5440644	Farinelli et al.	Aug 1995	A
5553147	Pineau	Sep 1996	A
5581621	Koyama et al.	Dec 1996	A
5754774	Bittinger et al.	May 1998	A
5757927	Gerzon et al.	May 1998	A
5761320	Farinelli et al.	Jun 1998	A
5910991	Farrar	Jun 1999	A
5923902	Inagaki	Jul 1999	A
5939656	Suda	Aug 1999	A
6018376	Nakatani	Jan 2000	A
6032202	Lea et al.	Feb 2000	A
6072879	Ouchi et al.	Jun 2000	A
6111957	Thomasson	Aug 2000	A
6256554	DiLorenzo	Jul 2001	B1
6363155	Horbach	Mar 2002	B1
6404811	Cvetko et al.	Jun 2002	B1
6469633	Wachter et al.	Oct 2002	B1
6522886	Youngs et al.	Feb 2003	B1
6573067	Dib-Hajj et al.	Jun 2003	B1
6611537	Edens et al.	Aug 2003	B1
6631410	Kowalski et al.	Oct 2003	B1
6639989	Zacharov et al.	Oct 2003	B1
6643744	Cheng	Nov 2003	B1
6704421	Kitamura	Mar 2004	B1
6721428	Allred et al.	Apr 2004	B1
6731760	Pedersen	May 2004	B2
6757517	Chang	Jun 2004	B2
6760451	Craven et al.	Jul 2004	B1
6766025	Levy et al.	Jul 2004	B1
6778869	Champion	Aug 2004	B2
6798889	Dicker et al.	Sep 2004	B1
6862440	Sampath	Mar 2005	B2
6916980	Ishida et al.	Jul 2005	B2
6931134	Waller, Jr. et al.	Aug 2005	B1
6985694	De Bonet et al.	Jan 2006	B1
6990211	Parker	Jan 2006	B2
7031476	Chrisop et al.	Apr 2006	B1
7039212	Poling et al.	May 2006	B2
7058186	Tanaka	Jun 2006	B2
7072477	Kincaid	Jul 2006	B1
7092537	Allred et al.	Aug 2006	B1
7103187	Neuman	Sep 2006	B1
7130608	Hollstrom et al.	Oct 2006	B2
7130616	Janik	Oct 2006	B2
7143939	Henzerling	Dec 2006	B2
7187947	White et al.	Mar 2007	B1
7236773	Thomas	Jun 2007	B2
7289637	Montag et al.	Oct 2007	B2
7295548	Blank et al.	Nov 2007	B2
7312785	Tsuk et al.	Dec 2007	B2
7391791	Balassanian et al.	Jun 2008	B2
7477751	Lyon et al.	Jan 2009	B2
7483538	McCarty et al.	Jan 2009	B2
7483540	Rabinowitz et al.	Jan 2009	B2
7489784	Yoshino	Feb 2009	B2
7490044	Kulkarni	Feb 2009	B2
7492909	Carter et al.	Feb 2009	B2
7519188	Berardi et al.	Apr 2009	B2
7529377	Nackvi et al.	May 2009	B2
7571014	Lambourne et al.	Aug 2009	B1
7590772	Marriott et al.	Sep 2009	B2
7630500	Beckman et al.	Dec 2009	B1
7630501	Blank et al.	Dec 2009	B2
7643894	Braithwaite et al.	Jan 2010	B2
7657910	McAulay et al.	Feb 2010	B1
7664276	McKee Cooper	Feb 2010	B2
7676044	Sasaki et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7689305	Kreifeldt et al.	Mar 2010	B2
7720237	Bharitkar et al.	May 2010	B2
7742740	Goldberg et al.	Jun 2010	B2
7769183	Bharitkar et al.	Aug 2010	B2
7796068	Raz et al.	Sep 2010	B2
7835689	Goldberg et al.	Nov 2010	B2
7853341	McCarty et al.	Dec 2010	B2
7876903	Sauk	Jan 2011	B2
7925203	Lane et al.	Apr 2011	B2
7949140	Kino	May 2011	B2
7949707	McDowall et al.	May 2011	B2
7961893	Kino	Jun 2011	B2
7970922	Svendsen	Jun 2011	B2
7987294	Bryce et al.	Jul 2011	B2
8005228	Bharitkar et al.	Aug 2011	B2
8014423	Thaler et al.	Sep 2011	B2
8045721	Burgan et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8045952	Qureshey et al.	Oct 2011	B2
8050652	Qureshey et al.	Nov 2011	B2
8063698	Howard	Nov 2011	B2
8074253	Nathan	Dec 2011	B1
8103009	McCarty et al.	Jan 2012	B2
8116476	Inohara	Feb 2012	B2
8126156	Corbett et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8126172	Horbach et al.	Feb 2012	B2
8131390	Braithwaite et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8139774	Berardi et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8144883	Pdersen et al.	Mar 2012	B2
8160276	Liao et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8160281	Kim et al.	Apr 2012	B2
8170260	Reining et al.	May 2012	B2
8175292	Aylward et al.	May 2012	B2
8175297	Ho et al.	May 2012	B1
8194874	Starobin et al.	Jun 2012	B2
8229125	Short	Jul 2012	B2
8233632	MacDonald et al.	Jul 2012	B1
8234395	Millington	Jul 2012	B2
8238547	Ohki et al.	Aug 2012	B2
8238578	Aylward	Aug 2012	B2
8243961	Morrill	Aug 2012	B1
8264408	Kainulainen et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8265310	Berardi et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8270620	Christensen et al.	Sep 2012	B2
8279709	Choisel et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8281001	Busam et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8290185	Kim	Oct 2012	B2
8291349	Park et al.	Oct 2012	B1
8300845	Zurek et al.	Oct 2012	B2
8306235	Mahowald	Nov 2012	B2
8325931	Howard et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8325935	Rutschman	Dec 2012	B2
8325944	Duwenhorst et al.	Dec 2012	B1
8331585	Hagen et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8332414	Nguyen et al.	Dec 2012	B2
8379876	Zhang	Feb 2013	B2
8391501	Khawand et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8392505	Haughay et al.	Mar 2013	B2
8401202	Brooking	Mar 2013	B2
8433076	Zurek et al.	Apr 2013	B2
8452020	Gregg et al.	May 2013	B2
8463184	Dua	Jun 2013	B2
8483853	Lambourne	Jul 2013	B1
8488799	Goldstein et al.	Jul 2013	B2
8503669	Mao	Aug 2013	B2
8527876	Wood et al.	Sep 2013	B2
8577045	Gibbs	Nov 2013	B2
8577048	Chaikin et al.	Nov 2013	B2
8600075	Lim	Dec 2013	B2
8620006	Berardi et al.	Dec 2013	B2
8682002	Wihardja et al.	Mar 2014	B2
8731206	Park	May 2014	B1
8755538	Kwon	Jun 2014	B2
8798280	Goldberg et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8819554	Basso et al.	Aug 2014	B2
8831244	Apfel	Sep 2014	B2
8855319	Liu et al.	Oct 2014	B2
8862273	Karr	Oct 2014	B2
8879761	Johnson et al.	Nov 2014	B2
8903526	Beckhardt et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8914559	Kalayjian et al.	Dec 2014	B2
8930005	Reimann	Jan 2015	B2
8934647	Joyce et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8934655	Breen et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8942252	Balassanian et al.	Jan 2015	B2
8965033	Wiggins	Feb 2015	B2
8965546	Visser et al.	Feb 2015	B2
8977974	Kraut	Mar 2015	B2
8984442	Pirnack et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8989406	Wong et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8995687	Marino, Jr. et al.	Mar 2015	B2
8995688	Chemtob et al.	Mar 2015	B1
8996370	Ansell	Mar 2015	B2
9020153	Britt, Jr.	Apr 2015	B2
9021153	Lu	Apr 2015	B2
9065929	Chen et al.	Jun 2015	B2
9084058	Reilly et al.	Jul 2015	B2
9100766	Soulodre et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9106192	Sheen et al.	Aug 2015	B2
9179233	Kang	Nov 2015	B2
9215545	Dublin et al.	Dec 2015	B2
9219460	Bush	Dec 2015	B2
9231545	Agustin et al.	Jan 2016	B2
9264839	Oishi et al.	Feb 2016	B2
9286384	Kuper et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9288597	Carlsson et al.	Mar 2016	B2
9300266	Grokop	Mar 2016	B2
9307340	Seefeldt	Apr 2016	B2
9319816	Narayanan	Apr 2016	B1
9398392	Ridihalgh et al.	Jul 2016	B2
9451377	Massey et al.	Sep 2016	B2
9462399	Bharitkar et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9467779	Iyengar et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9472201	Sleator	Oct 2016	B1
9473207	McCormack et al.	Oct 2016	B2
9489948	Chu et al.	Nov 2016	B1
9524098	Griffiths et al.	Dec 2016	B2
9538305	Lehnert et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9538308	Isaac et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9544701	Rappoport	Jan 2017	B1
9560449	Carlsson et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9560460	Chaikin et al.	Jan 2017	B2
9584915	Fullam et al.	Feb 2017	B2
9609383	Hirst	Mar 2017	B1
9615171	O'Neill et al.	Apr 2017	B1
9648422	Sheen et al.	May 2017	B2
9674625	Armstrong-Muntner et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9678708	Bierbower et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9686625	Patel	Jun 2017	B2
9689960	Barton et al.	Jun 2017	B1
9690271	Sheen et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9690539	Sheen et al.	Jun 2017	B2
9699582	Sheerin et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9706323	Sheen et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9715365	Kusano et al.	Jul 2017	B2
9723420	Family et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9729984	Tan et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9736584	Sheen et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9743207	Hartung	Aug 2017	B1
9743208	Oishi et al.	Aug 2017	B2
9749763	Sheen	Aug 2017	B2
9763018	McPherson et al.	Sep 2017	B1
9781532	Sheen	Oct 2017	B2
9788113	Wilberding et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9794722	Petrov	Oct 2017	B2
9807536	Liu et al.	Oct 2017	B2
9860662	Jarvis et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9864574	Hartung et al.	Jan 2018	B2
9910634	Sheen et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9913056	Master et al.	Mar 2018	B2
9916126	Lang	Mar 2018	B2
9952825	Sheen	Apr 2018	B2
9984703	Ur et al.	May 2018	B2
10045142	McPherson et al.	Aug 2018	B2
10125006	Jacobsen et al.	Nov 2018	B2
10127006	Sheen	Nov 2018	B2
10154359	Sheen	Dec 2018	B2
10206052	Perianu	Feb 2019	B2
10299061	Sheen	May 2019	B1
10402154	Hartung et al.	Sep 2019	B2
10791407	Oishi	Sep 2020	B2
20010038702	Lavoie et al.	Nov 2001	A1
20010042107	Palm	Nov 2001	A1
20010043592	Jimenez et al.	Nov 2001	A1
20010053228	Jones	Dec 2001	A1
20020022453	Balog et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020026442	Lipscomb et al.	Feb 2002	A1
20020078161	Cheng	Jun 2002	A1
20020089529	Robbin	Jul 2002	A1
20020124097	Isely et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020126852	Kashani et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020136414	Jordan et al.	Sep 2002	A1
20020146136	Carter, Jr.	Oct 2002	A1
20030002689	Folio	Jan 2003	A1
20030031334	Layton et al.	Feb 2003	A1
20030081115	Curry et al.	May 2003	A1
20030108212	Yun	Jun 2003	A1
20030157951	Hasty	Aug 2003	A1
20030159569	Ohta	Aug 2003	A1
20030161479	Yang et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030161492	Miller et al.	Aug 2003	A1
20030179891	Rabinowitz et al.	Sep 2003	A1
20030235311	Grancea et al.	Dec 2003	A1
20040024478	Hans et al.	Feb 2004	A1
20040114771	Vaughan et al.	Jun 2004	A1
20040131338	Asada et al.	Jul 2004	A1
20040237750	Smith et al.	Dec 2004	A1
20050031143	Devantier et al.	Feb 2005	A1
20050063554	Devantier et al.	Mar 2005	A1
20050147261	Yeh	Jul 2005	A1
20050157885	Olney et al.	Jul 2005	A1
20050276425	Forrester et al.	Dec 2005	A1
20060008256	Khedouri et al.	Jan 2006	A1
20060026521	Hotelling et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060032357	Roovers et al.	Feb 2006	A1
20060153391	Hooley et al.	Jul 2006	A1
20060195480	Spiegelman et al.	Aug 2006	A1
20060225097	Lawrence-Apfelbaum	Oct 2006	A1
20070003067	Gierl et al.	Jan 2007	A1
20070025559	Mihelich et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070032895	Nackvi et al.	Feb 2007	A1
20070038999	Millington	Feb 2007	A1
20070086597	Kino	Apr 2007	A1
20070116254	Looney et al.	May 2007	A1
20070121955	Johnston et al.	May 2007	A1
20070142944	Goldberg et al.	Jun 2007	A1
20080002839	Eng	Jan 2008	A1
20080014989	Sandegard et al.	Jan 2008	A1
20080065247	Igoe	Mar 2008	A1
20080069378	Rabinowitz et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080077261	Baudino et al.	Mar 2008	A1
20080098027	Aarts	Apr 2008	A1
20080136623	Calvarese	Jun 2008	A1
20080144864	Huon et al.	Jun 2008	A1
20080175411	Greve	Jul 2008	A1
20080214160	Jonsson	Sep 2008	A1
20080232603	Soulodre et al.	Sep 2008	A1
20080266385	Smith et al.	Oct 2008	A1
20080281523	Dahl et al.	Nov 2008	A1
20090003613	Christensen et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090024662	Park et al.	Jan 2009	A1
20090047993	Vasa	Feb 2009	A1
20090063274	Dublin, III et al.	Mar 2009	A1
20090110218	Swain	Apr 2009	A1
20090138507	Burckart et al.	May 2009	A1
20090147134	Iwamatsu	Jun 2009	A1
20090175476	Bottum	Jul 2009	A1
20090180632	Goldberg et al.	Jul 2009	A1
20090196428	Kim	Aug 2009	A1
20090202082	Bharitkar et al.	Aug 2009	A1
20090252481	Ekstrand	Oct 2009	A1
20090285404	Hsu et al.	Nov 2009	A1
20090304194	Eggleston et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090304205	Hardacker et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20090316923	Tashev et al.	Dec 2009	A1
20100013550	Tanaka	Jan 2010	A1
20100095332	Gran et al.	Apr 2010	A1
20100104114	Chapman	Apr 2010	A1
20100128902	Liu et al.	May 2010	A1
20100135501	Corbett et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100142735	Yoon et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100146445	Kraut	Jun 2010	A1
20100162117	Basso et al.	Jun 2010	A1
20100189203	Wilhelmsson et al.	Jul 2010	A1
20100195846	Yokoyama	Aug 2010	A1
20100272270	Chaikin et al.	Oct 2010	A1
20100296659	Tanaka	Nov 2010	A1
20100303248	Tawada	Dec 2010	A1
20100303250	Goldberg et al.	Dec 2010	A1
20100323793	Andall	Dec 2010	A1
20110007904	Tomoda et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110007905	Sato et al.	Jan 2011	A1
20110029111	Sabin et al.	Feb 2011	A1
20110087842	Lu et al.	Apr 2011	A1
20110091055	Leblanc	Apr 2011	A1
20110135103	Sun et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110150228	Yoon et al.	Jun 2011	A1
20110150230	Tanaka	Jun 2011	A1
20110150247	Oliveras	Jun 2011	A1
20110170710	Son	Jul 2011	A1
20110234480	Fino et al.	Sep 2011	A1
20110235808	Kon	Sep 2011	A1
20110268281	Florencio et al.	Nov 2011	A1
20110293123	Neumeyer et al.	Dec 2011	A1
20120032928	Alberth et al.	Feb 2012	A1
20120051558	Kim et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120057724	Rabinowitz et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120063615	Crockett et al.	Mar 2012	A1
20120093320	Flaks et al.	Apr 2012	A1
20120127831	Gicklhorn et al.	May 2012	A1
20120140936	Bonnick et al.	Jun 2012	A1
20120148075	Goh et al.	Jun 2012	A1
20120183156	Schlessinger et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120184335	Kim et al.	Jul 2012	A1
20120213391	Usami et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120215530	Harsch et al.	Aug 2012	A1
20120237037	Ninan et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120243697	Frye et al.	Sep 2012	A1
20120263325	Freeman et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120268145	Chandra et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120269356	Sheerin et al.	Oct 2012	A1
20120275613	Soulodre et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120283593	Searchfield et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20120288124	Fejzo et al.	Nov 2012	A1
20130003981	Lane	Jan 2013	A1
20130010970	Hegarty et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130019193	Rhee et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130028443	Pance et al.	Jan 2013	A1
20130051572	Goh et al.	Feb 2013	A1
20130066453	Seefeldt	Mar 2013	A1
20130108055	Hanna et al.	May 2013	A1
20130129102	Li et al.	May 2013	A1
20130129122	Johnson et al.	May 2013	A1
20130166227	Hermann et al.	Jun 2013	A1
20130170647	Reilly et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130179535	Baalu et al.	Jul 2013	A1
20130202131	Kemmochi et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130211843	Clarkson	Aug 2013	A1
20130216071	Maher et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130223642	Warren et al.	Aug 2013	A1
20130230175	Bech et al.	Sep 2013	A1
20130259254	Xiang et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130279706	Marti et al.	Oct 2013	A1
20130305152	Griffiths et al.	Nov 2013	A1
20130315405	Kanishima et al.	Nov 2013	A1
20130329896	Krishnaswamy et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130331970	Beckhardt et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20130346559	Van Erven et al.	Dec 2013	A1
20140003611	Mohammad et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140003622	Ikizyan et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140003623	Lang	Jan 2014	A1
20140003625	Sheen et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140003626	Holman et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140003635	Mohammad et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140006587	Kusano	Jan 2014	A1
20140016784	Sen et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140016786	Sen	Jan 2014	A1
20140016802	Sen	Jan 2014	A1
20140023196	Xiang et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140029201	Yang et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140032709	Saussy et al.	Jan 2014	A1
20140037097	Labosco	Feb 2014	A1
20140037107	Marino, Jr. et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140052770	Gran et al.	Feb 2014	A1
20140064501	Olsen et al.	Mar 2014	A1
20140079242	Nguyen et al.	Mar 2014	A1
20140084014	Sim et al.	Mar 2014	A1
20140086423	Domingo et al.	Mar 2014	A1
20140112481	Li et al.	Apr 2014	A1
20140119551	Bharitkar et al.	May 2014	A1
20140126730	Crawley et al.	May 2014	A1
20140161265	Chaikin et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140169569	Toivanen et al.	Jun 2014	A1
20140180684	Strub	Jun 2014	A1
20140192986	Lee et al.	Jul 2014	A1
20140219456	Morrell et al.	Aug 2014	A1
20140219483	Hong	Aug 2014	A1
20140226823	Sen et al.	Aug 2014	A1
20140242913	Pang	Aug 2014	A1
20140267148	Luna et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140270202	Ivanov et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140270282	Tammi et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140273859	Luna et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140274212	Zurek et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140279889	Luna et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140285313	Luna et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140286496	Luna et al.	Sep 2014	A1
20140294200	Baumgarte et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140294201	Johnson et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140310269	Zhang et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140321670	Nystrom et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140323036	Daley et al.	Oct 2014	A1
20140334644	Selig et al.	Nov 2014	A1
20140341399	Dusse et al.	Nov 2014	A1
20140344689	Scott et al.	Nov 2014	A1
20140355768	Sen et al.	Dec 2014	A1
20140355794	Morrell et al.	Dec 2014	A1
20140364056	Belk et al.	Dec 2014	A1
20150011195	Li	Jan 2015	A1
20150016642	Walsh et al.	Jan 2015	A1
20150023509	Devantier et al.	Jan 2015	A1
20150031287	Pang et al.	Jan 2015	A1
20150032844	Tarr et al.	Jan 2015	A1
20150036847	Donaldson	Feb 2015	A1
20150036848	Donaldson	Feb 2015	A1
20150043736	Olsen et al.	Feb 2015	A1
20150063610	Mossner	Mar 2015	A1
20150078586	Ang et al.	Mar 2015	A1
20150078596	Sprogis et al.	Mar 2015	A1
20150100991	Risberg et al.	Apr 2015	A1
20150146886	Baumgarte	May 2015	A1
20150149943	Nguyen et al.	May 2015	A1
20150161360	Paruchuri et al.	Jun 2015	A1
20150195666	Massey et al.	Jul 2015	A1
20150201274	Ellner et al.	Jul 2015	A1
20150208184	Tan et al.	Jul 2015	A1
20150220558	Snibbe et al.	Aug 2015	A1
20150223002	Mehta et al.	Aug 2015	A1
20150229699	Liu	Aug 2015	A1
20150260754	Perotti et al.	Sep 2015	A1
20150264023	Reno	Sep 2015	A1
20150271616	Kechichian et al.	Sep 2015	A1
20150271620	Lando et al.	Sep 2015	A1
20150281866	Williams et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150286360	Wachter	Oct 2015	A1
20150289064	Jensen et al.	Oct 2015	A1
20150358756	Harma et al.	Dec 2015	A1
20150382128	Ridihalgh et al.	Dec 2015	A1
20160007116	Holman	Jan 2016	A1
20160011846	Sheen	Jan 2016	A1
20160011850	Sheen et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160014509	Hansson et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160014510	Sheen	Jan 2016	A1
20160014511	Sheen et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160014534	Sheen	Jan 2016	A1
20160014536	Sheen	Jan 2016	A1
20160021458	Johnson et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160021473	Riggi et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160021481	Johnson et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160027467	Proud	Jan 2016	A1
20160029142	Isaac et al.	Jan 2016	A1
20160035337	Aggarwal et al.	Feb 2016	A1
20160036881	Tembey et al.	Feb 2016	A1
20160037277	Matsumoto et al.	Feb 2016	A1
20160061597	De Bruijn et al.	Mar 2016	A1
20160073210	Sheen	Mar 2016	A1
20160088438	O'Keeffe	Mar 2016	A1
20160119730	Virtanen	Apr 2016	A1
20160140969	Srinivasan et al.	May 2016	A1
20160165297	Jamal-Syed et al.	Jun 2016	A1
20160192098	Oishi et al.	Jun 2016	A1
20160192099	Oishi et al.	Jun 2016	A1
20160212535	Le Nerriec et al.	Jul 2016	A1
20160239255	Chavez et al.	Aug 2016	A1
20160254696	Plumb et al.	Sep 2016	A1
20160260140	Shirley et al.	Sep 2016	A1
20160309276	Ridihalgh et al.	Oct 2016	A1
20160330562	Crockett	Nov 2016	A1
20160353018	Anderson et al.	Dec 2016	A1
20160366517	Chandran et al.	Dec 2016	A1
20170026769	Patel	Jan 2017	A1
20170041724	Master et al.	Feb 2017	A1
20170069338	Elliot et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170083279	Sheen	Mar 2017	A1
20170086003	Rabinowitz et al.	Mar 2017	A1
20170105084	Holman	Apr 2017	A1
20170142532	Pan	May 2017	A1
20170207762	Porter et al.	Jul 2017	A1
20170223447	Johnson et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170230772	Johnson et al.	Aug 2017	A1
20170257722	Kerdranvat et al.	Sep 2017	A1
20170280265	Po	Sep 2017	A1
20170303039	Iyer et al.	Oct 2017	A1
20170311108	Patel	Oct 2017	A1
20170374482	McPherson et al.	Dec 2017	A1
20180122378	Mixter et al.	May 2018	A1
20180376268	Kerdranvat et al.	Dec 2018	A1
20190037328	McPherson et al.	Jan 2019	A1

Foreign Referenced Citations (94)

Number	Date	Country
1369188	Sep 2002	CN
1447624	Oct 2003	CN
1622694	Jun 2005	CN
1984507	Jun 2007	CN
101032187	Sep 2007	CN
101047777	Oct 2007	CN
101366177	Feb 2009	CN
101491116	Jul 2009	CN
101681219	Mar 2010	CN
101754087	Jun 2010	CN
101800051	Aug 2010	CN
102004823	Apr 2011	CN
102318325	Jan 2012	CN
102823277	Dec 2012	CN
102893633	Jan 2013	CN
103491397	Jan 2014	CN
103811010	May 2014	CN
103988523	Aug 2014	CN
104219604	Dec 2014	CN
104247461	Dec 2014	CN
104284291	Jan 2015	CN
104584061	Apr 2015	CN
105163221	Dec 2015	CN
0505949	Sep 1992	EP
0772374	May 1997	EP
1133896	Aug 2002	EP
1349427	Oct 2003	EP
1389853	Feb 2004	EP
2043381	Apr 2009	EP
1349427	Dec 2009	EP
2161950	Mar 2010	EP
2194471	Jun 2010	EP
2197220	Jun 2010	EP
2288178	Feb 2011	EP
2429155	Mar 2012	EP
1825713	Oct 2012	EP
2613573	Jul 2013	EP
2591617	Jun 2014	EP
2747081	Jun 2014	EP
2835989	Feb 2015	EP
2860992	Apr 2015	EP
2874413	May 2015	EP
3128767	Feb 2017	EP
2974382	Apr 2017	EP
2986034	May 2017	EP
3285502	Feb 2018	EP
H02280199	Nov 1990	JP
H05199593	Aug 1993	JP
H05211700	Aug 1993	JP
H06327089	Nov 1994	JP
H0723490	Jan 1995	JP
H1069280	Mar 1998	JP
H10307592	Nov 1998	JP
2002502193	Jan 2002	JP
2003143252	May 2003	JP
2003304590	Oct 2003	JP
2005086686	Mar 2005	JP
2005538633	Dec 2005	JP
2006017893	Jan 2006	JP
2006180039	Jul 2006	JP
2006340285	Dec 2006	JP
2007068125	Mar 2007	JP
2007271802	Oct 2007	JP
2008228133	Sep 2008	JP
2009188474	Aug 2009	JP
2010081124	Apr 2010	JP
2010141892	Jun 2010	JP
2011123376	Jun 2011	JP
2011130212	Jun 2011	JP
2011164166	Aug 2011	JP
2011217068	Oct 2011	JP
2013247456	Dec 2013	JP
2013253884	Dec 2013	JP
6356331	Jul 2018	JP
6567735	Aug 2019	JP
1020060116383	Nov 2006	KR
1020080011831	Feb 2008	KR
200153994	Jul 2001	WO
0182650	Nov 2001	WO
200182650	Nov 2001	WO
2003093950	Nov 2003	WO
2004066673	Aug 2004	WO
2007016465	Feb 2007	WO
2011139502	Nov 2011	WO
2013016500	Jan 2013	WO
2013126603	Aug 2013	WO
2014032709	Mar 2014	WO
2014032709	Mar 2014	WO
2014036121	Mar 2014	WO
2015024881	Feb 2015	WO
2015108794	Jul 2015	WO
2015178950	Nov 2015	WO
2016040324	Mar 2016	WO
2017049169	Mar 2017	WO

Non-Patent Literature Citations (400)

Entry
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 21, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/182,886, filed Nov. 7, 2018, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 22, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/644,136, filed Mar. 10, 2015, 12 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 23, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/909,529, filed Mar. 1, 2018, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 23, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/921,781, filed Oct. 23, 2015, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 23, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/542,418, filed Aug. 16, 2019, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 23, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/698,283, filed Sep. 7, 2017, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 23, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/403,077, filed May 3, 2019, 6 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 23, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,522, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 16 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 23, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/555,846, filed Aug. 29, 2019, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 23, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/070,160, filed Mar. 15, 2016, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 24, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/229,693, filed Aug. 5, 2016, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 24, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/665,415, filed Oct. 28, 2019, 12 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 24, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/997,868, filed Jan. 18, 2016, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 24, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/681,640, filed Aug. 21, 2017, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 25, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/696,014, filed Apr. 24, 2015, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 25, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/207,682, filed Jul. 12, 2016, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 25, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/806,126, filed Nov. 7, 2017, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jan. 25, 2021, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 17/129,670, filed Dec. 21, 2020, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 25, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/826,873, filed Aug. 14, 2015, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 26, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/921,762, filed Oct. 23, 2015, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 26, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,511, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 12 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 26, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/811,587, filed Jul. 28, 2015, 11 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 27, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/805,340, filed Jul. 21, 2015, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 27, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,853, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 27, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/344,069, filed Nov. 4, 2016, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 27, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/555,832, filed Aug. 29, 2019, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 28, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/089,004, filed Apr. 1, 2016, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 28, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,263, filed Apr. 3, 2015, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 28, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/211,822, filed Jul. 15, 2016, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 28, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/673,170, filed Aug. 9, 2017, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 29, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/357,520, filed Nov. 21, 2016, 11 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 29, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/718,556, filed Sep. 28, 2017, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 29, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/185,906, filed Nov. 9, 2018, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 29, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/793,205, filed Jul. 7, 2015, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 29, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,522, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 11 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 29, 2015, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/216,306, filed Mar. 17, 2014, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 3, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/217,399, filed Jul. 22, 2016, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 3, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/181,583, filed Nov. 6, 2018, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 30, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/088,994, filed Apr. 1, 2016, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 30, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/696,014, filed Apr. 24, 2015, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jan. 30, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/339,260, filed Oct. 31, 2016, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 31, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/872,979, filed Jan. 16, 2018, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 31, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/055,884, filed Aug. 6, 2018, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 31, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/538,629, filed Aug. 12, 2019, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 4, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/682,182, filed Apr. 9, 2015, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 4, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/166,241, filed Aug. 26, 2016, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 4, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/181,583, filed Nov. 6, 2018, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 4, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/416,619, filed May 20, 2019, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 4, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/166,241, filed May 26, 2016, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 5, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/681,640, filed Aug. 21, 2017, 8 pages.
Final Office Action dated Dec. 6, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/806,126, filed Nov. 7, 2017, 18 pages.
Final Office Action dated Apr. 9, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/229,693, filed Aug. 5, 2016, 33 pages.
First Action Interview Office Action dated Mar. 3, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/726,921, filed Jun. 1, 2015, 9 pages.
First Action Interview Office Action dated Jul. 12, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,514, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 10 pages.
First Action Interview Office Action dated Jun. 30, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,505, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 9 pages.
First Action Interview Pilot Program Pre-Interview Communication dated Apr. 5, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/793,190, filed Jul. 7, 2015, 4 pages.
First Action Interview Pilot Program Pre-Interview Communication dated Oct. 7, 2015, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/216,306, filed Mar. 17, 2014, 5 pages.
First Action Interview Pilot Program Pre-Interview Communication dated Feb. 16, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/681,465, filed Apr. 8, 2015, 5 pages.
Gonzalez et al., “Simultaneous Measurement of Multichannel Acoustic Systems,” J. Audio Eng. Soc., 2004, pp. 26-42, vol. 52, No. 1/2.
International Bureau, International Preliminary Report on Patentability, dated Sep. 24, 2015, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2014/030560, filed on Mar. 17, 2014, 7 pages.
International Bureau, International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Sep. 29, 2016, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2015/020993, filed on Mar. 17, 2015, 8 pages.
International Bureau, International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Sep. 29, 2016, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2015/021000, filed on Mar. 17, 2015, 9 pages.
International Bureau, International Preliminary Report on Patentability, dated Aug. 9, 2018, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2017/014596, filed on Jan. 23, 2017, 11 pages.
International Bureau, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Dec. 15, 2020, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2020/045746, filed on Aug. 11, 2020, 23 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Preliminary Reporton Patentability dated Mar. 23, 2017, issued in connection with International Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/048944, filed on Sep. 8, 2015, 8 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Preliminary Reporton Patentability dated Oct. 24, 2017, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2016/028994 filed on Apr. 22, 2016, 7 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jul. 4, 2016, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2016/028994, filed on Apr. 22, 2016, 12 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jul. 5, 2016, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2016/028997, filed on Apr. 22, 2016, 13 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jun. 5, 2015, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2015/021000, filed on Mar. 17, 2015, 12 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Oct. 12, 2016, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2016/041179 filed on Jul. 6, 2016, 9 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jun. 16, 2015, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2015/020993, filed on Mar. 17, 2015, 11 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Nov. 18, 2015, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2015/048954, filed on Sep. 8, 2015, 11 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Oct. 18, 2016, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2016/043116, filed on Jul. 20, 2016, 14 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Oct. 18, 2016, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2016/043840, filed on Jul. 25, 2016, 14 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Nov. 23, 2015, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2015/048942, filed on Sep. 8, 2015, 14 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Nov. 23, 2015, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2015/048944, filed on Sep. 8, 2015, 12 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Nov. 23, 2016, issued in connection with International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/052266, filed on Sep. 16, 2016, 11 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jan. 24, 2017, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2016/052264, filed on Sep. 16, 2016, 17 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Oct. 25, 2016, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2016/043109, filed on Jul. 20, 2016, 12 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Sep. 25, 2017, issued in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2017/042191, filed on Jul. 14, 2017, 16 pages.
International Searching Authority, International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Aug. 3, 2017, in connection with International Application No. PCT/US2017014596, 20 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, English Translation of Office Action dated May 8, 2018, issued in connection with Japanese Application No. 2017-513241, 4 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Japanese Office Action dated Oct. 3, 2017, issued in connection with Japanese Application No. 2017-501082, 7 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Non-Final Office Action and Translation dated Dec. 10, 2019, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-213477, 8 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Non-Final Office Action with Translation dated Apr. 25, 2017, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-568888, 7 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Non-Final Office Action with Translation dated Oct. 3, 2017, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-501082, 3 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action and Translation dated Jun. 12, 2020, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-056360, 6 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action and Translation dated Nov. 4, 2020, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-141349, 6 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action dated Jun. 12, 2018, issued in connection with Japanese Application No. 2018-502729, 4 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action dated May 14, 2019, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-500529, 8 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action dated Aug. 21, 2018, issued in connection with Japanese Application No. 2018 514418, 7 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action dated Jul. 24, 2018, issued in connection with Japanese Application No. 2018-514419, 5 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action dated Feb. 4, 2020, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-500529, 6 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action dated Jun. 4, 2019, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-112810, 4 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action dated May 8, 2018, issued in connection with Japanese Application No. 2017-513241, 8 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Office Action with English Summary dated Jul. 18, 2017, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-513171, 4 pages.
Japanese Patent Office, Translation of Office Action dated May 14, 2019, issued in connection with Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-500529, 5 pages.
Jo et al., “Synchronized One-to-many Media Streaming with Adaptive Playout Control,” Proceedings of SPIE, 2002, pp. 71-82, vol. 4861.
John Mark and Paul Hufnagel “What is 1451.4, what are its uses and how does it work?” IEEE Standards Association, The IEEE 1451.4 Standard for Smart Transducers, 14pages.
Jones, Stephen, “Dell Digital Audio Receiver: Digital upgrade for your analog stereo,” Analog Stereo, Jun. 24, 2000 http://www.reviewsonline.com/articles/961906864.htm retrieved Jun. 18, 2014, 2 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 5, 2021, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/827,143, filed Mar. 23, 2020, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 5, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/859,311, filed Dec. 29, 2017, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 5, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/865,221, filed Jan. 3, 2018, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 5, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/102,499, filed Aug. 13, 2018, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 5, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/826,873, filed Aug. 14, 2015, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 5, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/115,524, filed Aug. 28, 2018, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 6, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/564,684, filed Sep. 9, 2019, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 6, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/996,878, filed Jun. 4, 2018, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 8, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/011,402, filed Jun. 18, 2018, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 8, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/856,791, filed Dec. 28, 2017, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 8, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/658,896, filed Oct. 21, 2019, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 8, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/650,386, filed Jul. 14, 2017, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 9, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/416,593, filed May 20, 2019, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 9, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/966,534, filed Apr. 30, 2018, 16 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 9, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/996,878, filed Jun. 4, 2018, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 19, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,511, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 10 pages.
Palm, Inc., “Handbook for the Palm VII Handheld,” May 2000, 311 pages.
Papp Istvan et al. “Adaptive Microphone Array for Unknown Desired Speaker's Transfer Function”, The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, American Institute of Physics for the Acoustical Society of America, New York, NY vol. 122, No. 2, Jul. 19, 2007, pp. 44-49.
Pre-Brief Appeal Conference Decision mailed on Mar. 19, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/806,126, filed Nov. 7, 2017, 2 pages.
Preinterview First Office Action dated Oct. 6, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/726,921, filed Jun. 1, 2015, 6 pages.
Preinterview First Office Action dated Jul. 12, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/793,205, filed Jul. 7, 2015, 5 pages.
Preinterview First Office Action dated May 17, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,505, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 7 pages.
Preinterview First Office Action dated May 25, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,514, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 7 pages.
Presentations at WinHEC 2000, May 2000, 138 pages.
PRISMIQ, Inc., “PRISMIQ Media Player User Guide,” 2003, 44 pages.
Ross, Alex, “Wizards of Sound: Retouching acoustics, from the restaurant to the concert hall,” The New Yorker, Feb. 23, 2015. Web. Feb. 26, 2015, 9 pages.
Supplemental Notice of Allowability dated Oct. 27, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,511, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 6 pages.
U.S. Appl. No. 60/490,768, filed Jul. 28, 2003, entitled “Method for synchronizing audio playback between multiple networked devices,” 13 pages.
U.S. Appl. No. 60/825,407, filed Sep. 12, 2006, entitled “Controlling and manipulating groupings in a multi-zone music or media system,” 82 pages.
UPnP; “Universal Plug and Play Device Architecture,” Jun. 8, 2000; version 1.0; Microsoft Corporation; pp. 1-54.
Wikipedia, Server(Computing) https://web.archive.org/web/20160703173710/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_(computing), published Jul. 3, 2016, 7 pages.
Yamaha DME 64 Owner's Manual; copyright 2004, 80 pages.
Yamaha DME Designer 3.0 Owner's Manual; Copyright 2008, 501 pages.
Yamaha DME Designer 3.5 setup manual guide; copyright 2004, 16 pages.
Yamaha DME Designer 3.5 User Manual; Copyright 2004, 507 pages.
Advisory Action dated Jul. 1, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/229,693, filed Aug. 5, 2016, 2 pages.
Advisory Action dated Jul. 10, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/056,553, filed Feb. 29, 2016, 3 pages.
Advisory Action dated Dec. 11, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 3 pages.
Advisory Action dated Jul. 12, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/166,241, filed May 26, 2016, 3 pages.
Advisory Action dated Jul. 12, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/235,598, filed Aug. 12, 2016, 3 pages.
Advisory Action dated Aug. 16, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,505, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 3 pages.
Advisory Action dated Jun. 19, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/229,693, filed Aug. 5, 2016, 3 pages.
Advisory Action dated Sep. 19, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/726,921, filed Jun. 1, 2015, 3 pages.
Advisory Action dated Jun. 3, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/115,525, filed Aug. 28, 2018, 3 pages.
Advisory Action dated Apr. 30, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 3 pages.
Advisory Action dated Feb. 7, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/806,126, filed Nov. 7, 2017, 3 pages.
An Overview of IEEE 1451.4 Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS) National Instruments, 19 pages.
AudioTron Quick Start Guide, Version 1.0, Mar. 2001, 24 pages.
AudioTron Reference Manual, Version 3.0, May 2002, 70 pages.
AudioTron Setup Guide, Version 3.0, May 2002, 38 pages.
Bluetooth. “Specification of the Bluetooth System: The ad hoc Scatternet for affordable and highly functional wireless connectivity,” Core, Version 1.0 A, Jul. 26, 1999, 1068 pages.
Bluetooth. “Specification of the Bluetooth System: Wireless connections made easy,” Core, Version 1.0 B, Dec. 1, 1999, 1076 pages.
Burger, Dennis, “Automated Room Correction Explained,” hometheaterreview.com, Nov. 18, 2013, http://hometheaterreview.com/automated-room-correction-explained/ Retrieved Oct. 10, 2014, 3 pages.
Chen, Trista P. et al. VRAPS: Visual Rhythm-Based Audio Playback System. IEEE, Gracenote, Inc., 2010, pp. 721-722.
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action and Translation dated Jun. 19, 2019, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201680054189.X, 11 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action and Translation dated Jun. 29, 2020, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201780057093.3, 11 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action and Translation dated Feb. 3, 2021, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 202010095178.4, 15 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action and Translation dated Aug. 4, 2020, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201910395715.4, 22 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action dated Aug. 11, 2017, issued in connection with Chinese Patent Application No. 201580013837.2, 8 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action dated Nov. 20, 2018, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201580047998.3, 21 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action dated Sep. 25, 2017, issued in connection with Chinese Patent Application No. 201580013894.0, 9 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action dated Jan. 28, 2021, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201680054164.X, 9 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action dated Nov. 5, 2018, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201680044080.8, 5 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, Office Action dated Nov. 14, 2019, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201680040086.8, 9 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, Office Action dated Dec. 24, 2020, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201910978233.1, 8 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, Second Office Action and Translation dated Aug. 26, 2019, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201580047998.3, 25 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, Second Office Action dated Jan. 11, 2019, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201680044080.8, 4 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, Second Office Action dated Feb. 3, 2019, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201580048594.6, 11 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, Second Office Action dated May 6, 2020, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201680040086.8, 3 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, Second Office Action with Translation dated Jan. 9, 2018, issued in connection with Chinese Patent Application No. 201580013837.2, 10 pages.
Chinese Patent Office, Third Office Action dated Apr. 11, 2019, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 201580048594.6, 4 pages.
“Constellation Acoustic System: a revolutionary breakthrough in acoustical design,” Meyer Sound Laboratories, Inc. 2012, 32 pages.
“Constellation Microphones,” Meyer Sound Laboratories, Inc. 2013, 2 pages.
Corrected Notice of Allowability dated Jan. 19, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/826,873, filed Aug. 14, 2015, 11 pages.
Daddy, B., “Calibrating Your Audio with a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Meter,” Blue-ray.com, Feb. 22, 2008 Retrieved Oct. 10, 2014, 15 pages.
Dell, Inc. “Dell Digital Audio Receiver: Reference Guide,” Jun. 2000, 70 pages.
Dell, Inc. “Start Here,” Jun. 2000, 2 pages.
“Denon 2003-2004 Product Catalog,” Denon, 2003-2004, 44 pages.
European Patent Office, European Examination Report dated May 11, 2018, issued in connection with European Application No. 16748186.0, 6 pages.
European Patent Office, European Extended Search Report dated Dec. 11, 2020, issued in connection with European Application No. 20196286.7, 6 pages.
European Patent Office, European Extended Search Report dated Mar. 16, 2020, issued in connection with European Application No. 19209551.1, 7 pages.
European Patent Office, European Extended Search Report dated Oct. 16, 2018, issued in connection with European Application No. 17185193.4, 6 pages.
European Patent Office, European Extended Search Report dated Jul. 17, 2019, issued in connection with European Application No. 19167365.6, 7 pages.
European Patent Office, European Extended Search Report dated Mar. 25, 2020, issued in connection with European Application No. 19215348.4, 10 pages.
European Patent Office, European Extended Search Report dated Jun. 26, 2018, issued in connection with European Application No. 18171206.8, 9 pages.
European Patent Office, European Extended Search Report dated Sep. 8, 2017, issued in connection with European Application No. 17000460.0, 8 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Nov. 10, 2020, issued in connection with European Application No. 19168800.1, 5 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Dec. 11, 2018, issued in connection with European Application No. 15778787.0, 6 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Jul. 11, 2019, issued in connection with European Application No. 15778787.0, 10 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Sep. 16, 2020, issued in connection with European Application No. 15778787.0, 7 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Aug. 19, 2020, issued in connection with European Application No. 17754501.9, 6 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Nov. 2, 2018, issued in connection with European Application No. 18171206.8, 6 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Jan. 3, 2020, issued in connection with European Application No. 17703876.7, 8 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Feb. 4, 2019, issued in connection with European Application No. 17703876.7, 9 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Sep. 7, 2020, issued in connection with European Application No. 19161826.3, 6 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated Jul. 9, 2020, issued in connection with European Application No. 19167365.6, 4 pages.
European Patent Office, European Office Action dated May 9, 2019, issued in connection with European Application No. 18171206.8, 7 pages.
European Patent Office, European Partial Search Report dated Jun. 7, 2019, issued in connection with European Application No. 19161826.3, 17 pages.
European Patent Office, European Search Report dated Jun. 13, 2019, issued in connection with European Application No. 18204450.3, 11 pages.
European Patent Office, European Search Report dated Sep. 13, 2019, issued in connection with European Application No. 19161826.3, 13 pages.
European Patent Office, European Search Report dated Jan. 18, 2018, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 17185193.4, 9 pages.
European Patent Office, European Search Report dated Jul. 9, 2019, issued in connection with European Application No. 19168800.1, 12 pages.
European Patent Office, Extended European Search Report dated Jan. 5, 2017, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 15765555.6, 8 pages.
European Patent Office, Extended Search Report dated Jan. 25, 2017, issued in connection with European Application No. 15765548.1, 7 pages.
European Patent Office, Extended Search Report dated Apr. 26, 2017, issued in connection with European Application No. 15765548.1, 10 pages.
European Patent Office, Office Action dated Nov. 12, 2018, issued in connection with European Application No. 17000460.0, 6 pages.
European Patent Office, Office Action dated Jun. 13, 2017, issued in connection with European patent application No. 17000484.0, 10 pages.
European Patent Office, Office Action dated Dec. 15, 2016, issued in connection with European Application No. 15766998.7, 7 pages.
European Patent Office, Summons to Attend Oral Proceedings mailed on Nov. 15, 2018, issued in connection with European Application No. 16748186.0, 57 pages.
European Patent Office, Summons to Attend Oral Proceedings mailed on Sep. 24, 2019, issued in connection with European Application No. 17000460.0, 5 pages.
Ex Parte Quayle Office Action dated Apr. 15, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/235,598, filed Aug. 12, 2016, 7 pages.
Ex Parte Quayle Office Action dated Dec. 26, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/542,418, filed Aug. 16, 2019, 7 pages.
Final Office Action dated Dec. 2, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 19 pages.
Final Office Action dated Apr. 3, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,248, filed Apr. 3, 2015, 22 pages.
Final Office Action dated Jul. 13, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/726,921, filed Jun. 1, 2015, 10 pages.
Final Office Action dated Jun. 13, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,505, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 22 pages.
Final Office Action dated Dec. 14, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/812,618, filed Mar. 9, 2020, 17 pages.
Final Office Action dated Feb. 14, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 16 pages.
Final Office Action dated Feb. 14, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/217,399, filed Jul. 22, 2016, 37 pages.
Final Office Action dated Oct. 14, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/682,182, filed Apr. 9, 2015, 16 pages.
Final Office Action dated Oct. 17, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,248, filed Apr. 3, 2015, 22 pages.
Final Office Action dated Apr. 18, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,263, filed Apr. 3, 2015, 16 pages.
Final Office Action dated Apr. 18, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/056,553, filed Feb. 29, 2016, 8 pages.
Final Office Action dated Dec. 18, 2014, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 13/340,126, filed Dec. 29, 2011, 12 pages.
Final Office Action dated Jan. 19, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/940,779, filed on Nov. 13, 2015, 15 pages.
Final Office Action dated Apr. 2, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/166,241, filed May 26, 2016, 14 pages.
Final Office Action dated Oct. 21, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/696,014, filed Apr. 24, 2015, 13 pages.
Final Office Action dated Sep. 22, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 17 pages.
Final Office Action dated Jan. 25, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 17 pages.
Final Office Action dated Mar. 25, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/856,791, filed Dec. 28, 2017, 11 pages.
Final Office Action dated Oct. 28, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/181,865, filed Nov. 6, 2018, 17 pages.
Final Office Action dated Apr. 3, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/235,598, filed Aug. 12, 2016, 12 pages.
Final Office Action dated Mar. 3, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/115,525, filed Aug. 28, 2018, 13 pages.
Final Office Action dated Feb. 5, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/229,693, filed Aug. 5, 2016, 21 pages.
Final Office Action dated Mar. 5, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/056,553, filed Feb. 29, 2016, 9 pages.
“AuEQ for the iPhone,” Mar. 25, 2015, retrieved from the internet: URL:https://web.archive.org/web20150325152629/http://www.hotto.de/mobileapps/iphoneaueq.html [retrieved on Jun. 24, 2016], 6 pages.
Lei et al. An Audio Frequency Acquision and Release System Based on TMS320VC5509, Instrumentation Technology, Editorial Department Email, Issue 02, 2007, 4 pages.
Louderback, Jim, “Affordable Audio Receiver Furnishes Homes With MP3,” TechTV Vault. Jun. 28, 2000 retrieved Jul. 10, 2014, 2 pages.
Microsoft Corporation, “Using Microsoft Outlook 2003,” Cambridge College, 2003.
Motorola, “Simplefi, Wireless Digital Audio Receiver, Installation and User Guide,” Dec. 31, 2001, 111 pages.
Mulcahy, John, “Room EQ Wizard: Room Acoustics Software,” REW, 2014, retrieved Oct. 10, 2014, 4 pages.
Non-Final Action dated Jan. 29, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,511, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 1, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/344,069, filed Nov. 4, 2016, 20 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 1, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/235,598, filed Aug. 12, 2016, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 2, 2014, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 13/340,126, filed Dec. 29, 2011, 14 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 2, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/229,693, filed Aug. 5, 2016, 18 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 2, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/166,241, filed May 26, 2016, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Oct. 2, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,853, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 3, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,522, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 3, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/909,327, filed Mar. 1, 2018, 30 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jan. 4, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/207,682, filed Jul. 12, 2016, 6 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 4, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/826,856, filed Aug. 14, 2015, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 4, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/213,552, filed Dec. 7, 2018, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 5, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,522, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 6, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/070,160, filed Mar. 15, 2016, 6 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Oct. 6, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,263, filed Apr. 3, 2015, 30 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 6, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 7, 2015, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/921,762, filed Oct. 23, 2015, 5 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 7, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/066,049, filed Mar. 10, 2016, 6 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 7, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,514, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 24 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 7, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/826,873, filed Aug. 14, 2015, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 8, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/066,072, filed Mar. 10, 2016, 6 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 9, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,248, filed Apr. 3, 2015, 22 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Apr. 10, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/909,529, filed Mar. 1, 2018, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 10, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/997,868, filed Jan. 18, 2016, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 10, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/056,553, filed Feb. 29, 2016, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Apr. 11, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/088,994, filed Apr. 1, 2016, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Apr. 11, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/089,004, filed Apr. 1, 2016, 9 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 11, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/556,297, filed Aug. 30, 2019, 9 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 11, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/658,896, filed Oct. 21, 2019, 14 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 11, 2021, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 17/104,466, filed Nov. 25, 2020, 39 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Oct. 11, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/480,265, filed Apr. 5, 2017, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Oct. 11, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/856,791, filed Dec. 28, 2017, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 12, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/796,496, filed Feb. 20, 2020, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 12, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/811,587, filed Jul. 28, 2015, 24 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 13, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/940,779, filed Nov. 13, 2015, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 13, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 20 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 14, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,505, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 19 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 14, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/096,827, filed Apr. 12, 2016, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated May 14, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/955,545, filed Apr. 17, 2018, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Oct. 14, 2015, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/216,325, filed Mar. 17, 2014, 7 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated May 15, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/806,126, filed Nov. 7, 2017, 17 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 16, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 16, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/996,878, filed Jun. 4, 2018, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 16, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/115,525, filed Aug. 28, 2018, 11 pages.
BeoLab5 User Manual. Bang & Olufsen. Version 1.0, 20 pages [produced by Google in WDTX Case No. 6:20-cv-00881 Answer on Jan. 8, 2021].
Chinese Patent Office, First Office Action and Translation dated Feb. 22, 2021, issued in connection with Chinese Application No. 202010187024.8, 11 pages.
Excerpts from Andrew Tanenbaum, Computer Networks. 4th Edition. Copyright 2003, 87 pages [produced by Google in IPR of U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,460, IPR2021-00475 on Feb. 5, 2021].
Excerpts from Morfey, Christopher L., Dictionary of Acoustics. Copyright 2001, 4 pages [produced by Google in IPR of U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,460, IPR2021-00475 on Feb. 5, 2021].
Google LLC v. Sonos, Inc., Declaration of Jeffery S. Vipperman, PhD. In Support of Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,460, IPR2021-00475, Feb. 2, 2021, 92 pages.
Google LLC v. Sonos, Inc., Petition for IPR of U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,460, IPR2021-00475, Feb. 5, 2021, 88 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 22, 2021, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/944,884, filed Jul. 31, 2020, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 23, 2021, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/115,525, filed Aug. 28, 2018, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 3, 2021, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/403,077, filed May 3, 2019, 6 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 3, 2021, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 17/078,382, filed Oct. 23, 2020, 9 pages.
Sonos, Inc. v. Google LLC, WDTX Case No. 6:20-cv-00881, Google's Answer and Counterclaims; dated Jan. 8, 2021, 39 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Aug. 18, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/827,143, filed Mar. 23, 2020, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 18, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/011,402, filed Jun. 18, 2018, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 18, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/644,136, filed Mar. 10, 2015, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 18, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,496, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 5 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 19, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/665,415, filed Oct. 28, 2019, 53 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 19, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/403,077, filed May 3, 2019, 6 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 19, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/056,553, filed Feb. 29, 2016, 7 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Apr. 2, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/872,979, filed Jan. 16, 2018, 6 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Aug. 2, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/298,115, filed Oct. 19, 2016, 22 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Apr. 20, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,853, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 20, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/682,182, filed Apr. 9, 2015, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 20, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/207,682, filed Jul. 12, 2016, 17 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 21, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/181,213, filed Nov. 5, 2018, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 21, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,248, filed Apr. 3, 2015, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 21, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/181,865, filed Nov. 6, 2018, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 21, 2014, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 13/536,493, filed Jun. 28, 2012, 20 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 22, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/217,399, filed Jul. 22, 2016, 33 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jun. 22, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/555,832, filed Aug. 29, 2019, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Oct. 22, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/416,619, filed May 20, 2019, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jan. 23, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/113,032, filed Aug. 27, 2018, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated May 24, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/401,981, filed May 2, 2019, 14 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Oct. 25, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/864,506, filed Sep. 24, 2015, 9 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 26, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/229,693, filed Aug. 5, 2016, 25 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Dec. 27, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/357,520, filed Nov. 21, 2016, 28 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 27, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/864,393, filed Sep. 24, 2015, 19 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 27, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/718,556, filed Sep. 28, 2017, 19 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 27, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/696,014, filed Apr. 24, 2015, 11 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 27, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/211,835, filed Jul. 15, 2016, 30 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 27, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/785,088, filed Oct. 16, 2017, 11 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 28, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/884,001, filed Oct. 15, 2015, 8 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 28, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/673,170, filed Aug. 9, 2017, 7 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 28, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/588,186, filed May 5, 2017, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 28, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/595,519, filed May 15, 2017, 12 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 29, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/716,313, filed Sep. 26, 2017, 16 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Aug. 30, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/115,525, filed Aug. 28, 2018, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated May 30, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/478,770, filed Apr. 4, 2017, 9 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated May 31, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/185,906, filed Nov. 9, 2018, 7 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Mar. 4, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/966,534, filed Apr. 30, 2018, 11 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jan. 5, 2021, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 17/078,382, filed Oct. 23, 2020, 11 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 6, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/812,618, filed Mar. 9, 2020, 15 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 6, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/235,598, filed Aug. 12, 2016, 13 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 7, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/859,311, filed Dec. 29, 2017, 9 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 7, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/865,221, filed Jan. 8, 2018, 10 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jan. 9, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/698,283, filed Sep. 7, 2017, 18 pages.
Non-Final Office Action dated Jan. 9, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/727,913, filed Oct. 9, 2017, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 1, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/805,140, filed Jul. 21, 2015, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 2, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/884,001, filed Oct. 15, 2015, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 3, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/921,799, filed Oct. 23, 2015, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 4, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,514, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 6, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/727,913, filed Oct. 9, 2017, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 7, 2015, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/216,325, filed Mar. 17, 2014, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 9, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/805,340, filed Jul. 21, 2015, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 1, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/480,265, filed Apr. 5, 2017, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 10, 2015, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 13/536,493, filed Jun. 28, 2012, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 10, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/785,088, filed Oct. 16, 2017, 6 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 10, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/673,170, filed Aug. 9, 2017, 2 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 10, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/713,858, filed Dec. 13, 2019, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 11, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/909,327, filed Mar. 1, 2018, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 11, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/588,186, filed May 5, 2017, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 11, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,248, filed Apr. 3, 2015, 11 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 11, 2015, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 13/340,126, filed Dec. 29, 2011, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 12, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/681,465, filed Apr. 8, 2015, 13 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 12, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/416,648, filed May 20, 2019, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 12, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/805,140, filed Jul. 21, 2015, 24 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 12, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,505, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 12, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/955,545, filed Apr. 17, 2018, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 12, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/066,072, filed Mar. 10, 2016, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 12, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/207,682, filed Jul. 12, 2016, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 13, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/181,865, filed Nov. 3, 2018, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 13, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/864,506, filed Sep. 24, 2015, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 13, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/726,921, filed Jun. 1, 2015, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 14, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/556,297, filed Aug. 30, 2019, 11 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 14, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/343,996, filed Nov. 4, 2016, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jan. 15, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/115,524, filed Aug. 28, 2018, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 15, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/096,827, filed Apr. 12, 2016, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 15, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/826,856, filed Aug. 14, 2015, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 15, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/113,032, filed Aug. 27, 2018, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 15, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/716,313, filed Sep. 26, 2017, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 16, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/530,324, filed Aug. 2, 2019, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 16, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/884,001, filed Oct. 15, 2015, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 16, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/181,213, filed Nov. 5, 2018, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 16, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/478,770, filed Apr. 4, 2017, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 16, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/401,981, filed May 2, 2019, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 16, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/066,049, filed Mar. 10, 2016, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 17, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/055,884, filed Aug. 6, 2018, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated May 17, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/339,260, filed Oct. 31, 2016, 7 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 17, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/542,433, filed Aug. 16, 2019, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 18, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/056,862, filed Aug. 7, 2018, 12 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 19, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/644,136, filed Mar. 10, 2015, 12 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 19, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/793,190, filed Jul. 7, 2015, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 19, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/793,205, filed Jul. 7, 2015, 16 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 19, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/864,393, filed Sep. 24, 2015, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 2, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 16/213,552, filed Dec. 7, 2018, 9 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 20, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/940,779, filed Nov. 13, 2015, 11 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 20, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/298,115, filed Oct. 19, 2016, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 20, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/481,514, filed Sep. 9, 2014, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 21, 2016, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 14/682,182, filed Apr. 9, 2015, 8 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 21, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/005,853, filed Jan. 25, 2016, 5 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 21, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/211,835, filed Jul. 15, 2016, 10 pages.
Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 21, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/235,598, filed Aug. 12, 2016, 11 pages.
Google LLC v. Sonos, Inc., Declaration of Michael T. Johnson, Ph.D. Exhibit 2016 in Patent Owner Response to Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,460, IPR2021-00475, Jun. 13, 2022, 117 pages.
Google LLC v. Sonos, Inc., Deposition of Jeffrey S. Vipperman, Ph.D. Exhibit 2017 in Patent Owner Response to Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,460, IPR2021-00475, Jun. 13, 2022, 183 pages.
Google LLC v. Sonos, Inc., File History of U.S. Appl. No. 61/601,529 Maher. Exhibit 2018 in Patent Owner Response to Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,460, IPR2021-00475, Jun. 13, 2022, 14 pages.
Google LLC v. Sonos, Inc., Patent Owner Response to Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,460, IPR2021-00475, Jun. 13, 2022, 49 pages.

Related Publications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	20210099821 A1	Apr 2021	US

Continuations (8)

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	16713858	Dec 2019	US
Child	17033818		US
Parent	16416648	May 2019	US
Child	16713858		US
Parent	16102499	Aug 2018	US
Child	16416648		US
Parent	15681640	Aug 2017	US
Child	16102499		US
Parent	15339260	Oct 2016	US
Child	15681640		US
Parent	15066049	Mar 2016	US
Child	15339260		US
Parent	14921781	Oct 2015	US
Child	15066049		US
Parent	14216325	Mar 2014	US
Child	14921781		US

Playback device self-calibration

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

Agents

CPC

Field of Search

US

International Classifications

Disclaimer

Term Extension

Abstract