IP Library Granted Patent US 9,379,900
Granted Patent B2
US 9,379,900 · App. 13/529,228 · Granted Jun 28, 2016

Information mixer and system control for attention management

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,379,900
App. No.
13/529,228
Granted
Jun 28, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling various aspects of ensemble experiences and system control for attention management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for providing attention management for a specific participant in an online ensemble event, may comprise: receiving live stream signals, including audio signals, from each of a plurality of participants; displaying a plurality of objects on the corresponding user device of each specific participant, each of the plurality of objects corresponding to one specific participant; providing options for each specific participant to manipulate sizes of each of the plurality of objects and volume from each of the plurality of participants; providing a customized participation layer/interface to a specific participant to manage how other participants perceive the expression from the specific participant; and providing options for each specific participant to initiate an interaction with any of the plurality of participants.

Claims (53)

1. A computer-implemented method for generating a life-like ensemble experience for a specific participant of a large-scale online ensemble event, the method comprising:

receiving live stream signals, including audio signals, from each of a plurality of participants;

displaying a graph on the specific participant's device, the graph indicating the number of other participants involved in the event;

providing an audience representation layer or a swell interface appearing translucently over a base layer; and

providing the specific participant's feedback, including audio feedback, to at least one other participant;

wherein the audio feedback swells or diminishes as a function of factor, including an intensity of participation from the specific participant, and a number of active participants in the ensemble event.

2. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising providing multiple content layers and video chat layers for the specific participant to interact with other participants of the ensemble event.

3. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising providing options for the specific participant to select or invite other participants to join a sub-group of the ensemble event.

4. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 3 , wherein the sub-group is configured to allow existing participant(s) of the sub-group to invite other participants to join or allow other participants of the ensemble event to join by paying a fee.

5. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising providing a plurality of icons on the screen of the specific participant's device, wherein each icon represents an available online ensemble event.

6. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 5 , wherein the icons are configured to allow the specific participant to join a new online ensemble event by selecting the corresponding icon.

7. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6 , further comprising providing the specific participant a base video layer of primary content of the new online ensemble event.

8. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7 , further comprising providing multiple base video layers of primary content of multiple online ensemble events on multiple devices or screens of the specific participant.

9. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7 , further comprising providing the specific participant a chat layer, wherein the chat layer is configured to notify existing participants the arrival of the specific participant or the departure of an existing participant.

10. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 9 , wherein the chat layer is configured to allow the specific participant and other participants to exchange text messages.

11. A system for generating a life-like ensemble experience for a specific participant of a large-scale online ensemble event, comprising:

one or more processors; and

a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer programs which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a set of operations for generating the life-like ensemble experience for the specific participant, the one or more computer programs comprising:

instructions to receive live stream signals, including audio signals, from each of a plurality of participants;

instructions to display a graph on the specific participant's device, the graph indicating the number of other participants involved in the event; and

instructions to provide an audience representation layer or a swell interface appearing translucently over a base layer;

wherein audio feedback of the specific participant swells or diminishes as a function of factor, including an intensity of participation from the specific participant, and a number of active participants in the ensemble event.

12. The system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises providing multiple content layers and video chat layers for the specific participant to interact with other participants of the ensemble event.

13. The system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises providing options for the specific participant to select or invite other participants to join a sub-group of the ensemble event.

14. The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the sub-group is configured to allow existing participant(s) of the sub-group to invite other participants to join or allow other participants of the ensemble event to join by paying a fee.

15. The system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises providing a plurality of icons on the screen of the specific participant's device, wherein each icon represents an available online ensemble event.

16. The system as recited in claim 15 , wherein the icons are configured to allow the specific participant to join a new online ensemble event by selecting the corresponding icon.

17. The system as recited in claim 16 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises providing the specific participant a base video layer of primary content of the new online ensemble event.

18. The system as recited in claim 17 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises providing multiple base video layers of primary content of multiple online ensemble events on multiple devices or screens of the specific participant.

19. The system as recited in claim 17 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises providing the specific participant a chat layer, wherein the chat layer is configured to notify I existing participants the arrival of the specific participant or the departure of an existing participant.

20. The system as recited in claim 19 , wherein the chat layer is configured to allow the specific participant and other participants to exchange text messages.

21. A computer-implemented method for generating a life-like ensemble experience for a specific participant of an online ensemble event, the method comprising:

receiving live stream signals, including audio signals, from each of a plurality of participants;

displaying a plurality of objects on a local device of the specific participant, each of the plurality of objects corresponding to one of the plurality of participants;

displaying an announcer object on the local device of the specific participant, the announcer object corresponding to an announcer of the ensemble event; and

providing options for the specific participant to manage the position of its corresponding object relative to other objects

wherein audio from the announcer is a part of a base layer, wherein when the specific participant starts to talk, the volume of base layer goes down, and when the specific participant stops talking, the volume of base layer goes up.

22. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the announcer is a particular participant, a celebrity, a sportscaster, an analyst, or a host of the ensemble event.

23. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 21 , further comprising providing options for the specific participant to adjust or mute the volume from the announcer.

24. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 21 , further comprising providing options for the specific participant to mute the volume from the announcer by paying a fee.

25. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the settings of the base layer are configured to allow the specific participant to add friends and/or celebrities in the setting of the base layer; when the friends and/or the celebrities start to talk, the volume of base layer goes down; and when the friends and/or the celebrities stop talking, the volume of base layer goes up again.

26. A system for generating a life-like ensemble experience for a specific participant of a large-scale online ensemble event, comprising:

one or more processors; and

a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer programs which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a set of operations for generating the life-like ensemble experience for the specific participant, the one or more computer programs comprising:

instructions to receive live stream signals, including audio signals, from each of a plurality of participants;

instructions to display a plurality of objects on a local device of the specific participant, each of the plurality of objects corresponding to one of the plurality of participants;

instructions to display an announcer object on the local device of the specific participant, the announcer object corresponding to an announcer of the ensemble event; and

instructions to provide options for the specific participant to manage the position of its corresponding object relative to other objects

wherein audio from the announcer is a part of a base layer, wherein when the specific participant starts to talk, the volume of base layer goes down, and when the specific participant stops talking, the volume of base layer goes up.

27. The system as recited in claim 26 , wherein the announcer is a particular participant, a celebrity, a sportscaster, an analyst, or a host of the ensemble event.

28. The system as recited in claim 26 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises providing options for the specific participant to adjust or mute the volume from the announcer.

29. The system as recited in claim 26 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises providing options for the specific participant to mute the volume from the announcer by paying a fee.

30. The system as recited in claim 26 , wherein the settings of the base layer are configured to allow the specific participant to add friends and/or celebrities in the setting of the base layer; when the friends and/or the celebrities start to talk, the volume of base layer goes down; and when the friends and/or the celebrities stop talking, the volume of base layer goes up again.

Assignments (22)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 31, 2021
From: WICKR LLC
To: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 057366/0573 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 25, 2021
From: SILICON VALLEY BANK
To: WICKR INC.
Reel/Frame 056684/0366 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 12, 2017
From: WICKR INC.
To: SILICON VALLEY BANK
Reel/Frame 044872/0729 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ADDRESS FROM 71 S. WACKER DR. SUITE 2385 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606 TO 459 18TH ST., #313, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94107 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 039810 FRAME 0277. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE MERGER. Recorded Oct 24, 2016
From: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
To: WICKR INC.
Reel/Frame 040267/0459 →
MERGER Recorded Aug 25, 2016
From: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
To: WICKR INC.
Reel/Frame 039810/0277 →
MERGER Recorded Aug 24, 2016
From: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
To: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 039809/0346 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE INVENTOR LEMMEY'S EXECUTION DATE OF 4/18/2002 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 038333 FRAME 0949. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE EXECUTION DATE OF 04/18/2012. Recorded Jun 3, 2016
From: LEMMEY, TARA; SURIN, NIKOLAY; VONOG, STANISLAV
To: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 038877/0062 →
NOTE AND WARRANT CONVERSION AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 28, 2016
From: PENINSULA TECHNOLOGY VENTURES, L.P.; PENINSULA VENTURE PRINCIPALS, L.P.; ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL 1, L.P.; SINGTEL INNOV8 PTE. LTD.; TWB INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP II, LP; THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY (DAPER I); LOW, LAWRENCE B.; BROWN, JOHN SEELY; SHIN, JEANNIE; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2010, LLC; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2011, LLC; WANG, TA-HUI TY
To: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 038543/0966 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 28, 2016
From: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
To: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 038398/0946 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 28, 2016
From: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
To: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 038398/0958 →
NOTE AND WARRANT CONVERSION AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 28, 2016
From: PENINSULA TECHNOLOGY VENTURES, L.P.; PENINSULA VENTURE PRINCIPALS, L.P.; ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL 1, L.P.; SINGTEL INNOV8 PTE. LTD.; TWB INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP II, LP; THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY (DAPER I); LOW, LAWRENCE B.; BROWN, JOHN SEELY; SHIN, JEANNIE; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2010, LLC; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2011, LLC; WANG, TA-HUI TY
To: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 038543/0942 →
NOTE AND WARRANT CONVERSION AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 27, 2016
From: PENINSULA TECHNOLOGY VENTURES, L.P.; PENINSULA VENTURE PRINCIPALS, L.P.; ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL 1, L.P.
To: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 038543/0839 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 27, 2016
From: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
To: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 038543/0831 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 20, 2016
From: LEMMEY, TARA; SURIN, NIKOLAY; VONOG, STANISLAV
To: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 038333/0949 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 22, 2016
From: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
To: PENINSULA TECHNOLOGY VENTURES, L.P.; PENINSULA VENTURE PRINCIPALS, L.P.; ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL 1, L.P.; SINGTEL INNOV8 PTE. LTD.; TWB INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP II, LP; THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY (DAPER I); LOW, LAWRENCE B.; BROWN, JOHN SEELY; SHINE, JEANNIE; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2010, LLC; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2011, LLC; WANG, TA-HUI TY
Reel/Frame 037786/0090 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE'S NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037333 FRAME: 0680. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Dec 28, 2015
From: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
To: PENINSULA TECHNOLOGY VENTURES, L.P.; PENINSULA VENTURE PRINCIPALS, L.P.; ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL 1, L.P.; SINGTEL INNOV8 PTE. LTD.; TWB INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP II, LP; THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY (DAPER I); LOW, LAWRENCE B.; BROWN, JOHN SEELY; SHIN, JEANNIE; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2010, LLC; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2011, LLC; WANG, TA-HUITY
Reel/Frame 037394/0150 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 18, 2015
From: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
To: PENINSULA TECHNOLOGY VENTURES, L.P.; PENSULA VENTURE PRINCIPALS, L.P.; ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL 1, L.P.; SINGTEL INNOVS PTE. LTD.; TWB INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP II, LP; THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD UNIVERSITY (DAPER I); LOW, LAWRENCE B.; BROWN, JOHN SEELY; SHIN, JEANNIE; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2010, LLC; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2011, LLC; WANG, TA-HUITY
Reel/Frame 037333/0680 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 6, 2015
From: NET POWER & LIGHT, INC.
To: PENINSULA TECHNOLOGY VENTURES, L.P.; PENINSULA VENTURE PRINCIPALS, L.P.; ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL 1, L.P.; SINGTEL INNOV8 PTE. LTD.; TWB INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP II, LP; THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY (DAPER I); LOW, LAWRENCE B.; BROWN, JOHN SEELY; SHIN, JEANNIE; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2010, LLC; ORRICK INVESTMENTS 2011, LLC; WANG, TA-HUI TY
Reel/Frame 036740/0252 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 4, 2014
From: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
To: PENINSULA TECHNOLOGY VENTURES, L.P.; PENINSULA VENTURE PRINCIPALS, L.P.; ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL I, L.P.
Reel/Frame 033086/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 6, 2014
From: ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL, L.P.; SINGTEL INNOV8 PTE. LTD.
To: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 032158/0112 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 23, 2013
From: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
To: ALSOP LOUIE CAPITAL, L.P.; SINGTEL INNOV8 PTE. LTD.
Reel/Frame 031868/0927 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 6, 2012
From: LEMMEY, TARA; SURIN, NIKOLAY; VONOG, STANISLAV
To: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 028733/0429 →