IP Library Granted Patent US 8,994,779
Granted Patent B2
US 8,994,779 · App. 13/554,948 · Granted Mar 31, 2015

Information mixer and system control for attention management

Inventors: Tara Lemmey (San Francisco, CA); Nikolay Surin (San Francisco, CA); Stanislav Vonog (San Francisco, CA)
Assignee: Net Power and Light, Inc.
H04N21/47205H04M3/567H04M3/568H04N7/15H04N21/4788H04N21/485
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,994,779
App. No.
13/554,948
Granted
Mar 31, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling various aspects of ensemble experiences and system control for attention management are disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosure contemplates a variety of improved methods and systems for control of an ensemble experience such as a sports game, a large scale event, or a video conference. One or more interface(s) are provided that may present multiple layers and/or channels of communication, e.g., multiple video and audio. Options may be provided for participants to adjust the overall audio volume and assign different weights to audio signals from group layer(s), content layer, and system layer.

Claims (59)

1. 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;

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

providing one or more group layer(s) to the specific participant for interaction with other participants of the online ensemble; and

providing options for the specific participant to assign different weights to audio signals from the one or more group layer(s) and a content layer of the online ensemble.

2. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the one or more group layer(s) includes a drawing layer, a video layer, a text chat layer, a voice chat layer, and/or a video chat layer.

3. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 2 , further comprising: providing options for the specific participant to assign different weights to audio signals from the one or more group layer(s), a content layer of the online ensemble, and system feedbacks from the local device.

4. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 3 , wherein the weight assigned to the audio signals of system feedbacks is equal or larger than a non-zero threshold value.

5. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the closer a given object of the plurality of objects is to the specific object corresponding to the specific participant, the louder volume of the given object's audio signal is.

6. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 5 , wherein volume of any object disposed within a certain distance of the specific object is proportional to actual distance from the specific object.

7. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising enabling the specific participant to manipulate sizing of the plurality of objects, and wherein the ensemble audio signal is a function of the sizing of the plurality of objects.

8. A system for generating a life-like ensemble experience for a specific participant of an online ensemble event, comprising:

one or more processors; and

a non-transitory 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 user device of the specific participant, each of the plurality of objects corresponding to one of the plurality of participants;

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

instructions to provide one or more group layer(s) to the specific participant for interaction with other participants of the online ensemble; and

instructions provide options for the specific participant to assign different weights to audio signals from the one or more group layer(s) and a content layer of the online ensemble.

9. The system as recited in claim 8 , wherein the one or more group layer(s) includes a drawing layer, a video layer, a text chat layer, a voice chat layer, and/or a video chat layer.

10. The system as recited in claim 9 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises instructions to provide options for the specific participant to assign different weights to audio signals from the one or more group layer(s), a content layer of the online ensemble, and system feedbacks from the local device.

11. The system as recited in claim 10 , wherein the weight assigned to the audio signals of system feedbacks is equal or larger than a non-zero threshold value.

12. The system as recited in claim 8 , wherein the closer a given object of the plurality of objects is to the specific object corresponding to the specific participant, the louder volume of the given object's audio signal is.

13. The system as recited in claim 12 , wherein volume of any object disposed within a certain distance of the specific object is proportional to actual distance from the specific object.

14. The system as recited in claim 8 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises instructions to enable the specific participant to manipulate sizing of the plurality of objects, and wherein the ensemble audio signal is a function of the sizing of the plurality of objects.

15. A computer-implemented method for providing attention management for a specific participant in 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 the corresponding local device of the specific participant, each of the plurality of objects corresponding to one of the plurality of participants;

providing options for the specific participant to manipulate the size of each of the plurality of objects and volume from the plurality of participants; providing one or more group layer(s) to the specific participant for interaction with other participants of the online ensemble; and

providing options for the specific participant to assign different weights to audio signals from the one or more group layer(s) and a content layer of the online ensemble.

16. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 15 , wherein the one or more group layer(s) includes a drawing layer, a video layer, a text chat layer, a voice chat layer, and/or a video chat layer.

17. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 16 , further comprising: providing options for the specific participant to assign different weights to audio signals from the one or more group layer(s), a content layer of the online ensemble, and system feedbacks from the local device.

18. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 17 , wherein the weight assigned to the audio signals of system feedbacks is equal or larger than a non-zero threshold value.

19. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 18 , further comprising providing options for the specific participant to initiate an interaction with a selected participant of the plurality of participants.

20. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 19 , wherein the interaction includes throwing an animated object to the screen of the selected participant.

21. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 15 , further comprising providing options for the specific participant to make a specific object translucent over objects corresponding to other participants, the specific object corresponding to the specific participant.

22. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the options to make the object translucent includes changing the color, shape, and/or size of the object, or temporarily making the object swell and/or flash.

23. A system for generating a life-like ensemble experience for a specific participant of an online ensemble event, comprising:

one or more processors; and

a non-transitory 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 user device of the specific participant, each of the plurality of objects corresponding to one of the plurality of participants;

instructions to provide options for the specific participant to manipulate the size of each of the plurality of objects and volume of audio signals from the plurality of participants;

instructions to provide one or more group layer(s) to the specific participant for interaction with other participants of the online ensemble; and

instructions provide options for the specific participant to assign different weights to audio signals from the one or more group layer(s) and a content layer of the online ensemble.

24. The system as recited in claim 23 , wherein the one or more group layer(s) includes a drawing layer, a video layer, a text chat layer, a voice chat layer, and/or a video chat layer.

25. The system as recited in claim 24 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprises instructions to provide options for the specific participant to assign different weights to audio signals from the one or more group layer(s), a content layer of the online ensemble, and system feedbacks from the local device.

26. The system as recited in claim 25 , wherein the weight assigned to the audio signals of system feedbacks is equal or larger than a non-zero threshold value.

27. The system as recited in claim 26 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprise instructions to provide options for the specific participant to initiate an interaction with a selected participant of the plurality of participants.

28. The system as recited in claim 27 , wherein the interaction includes throwing an animated object to the screen of the selected participant.

29. The system as recited in claim 28 , wherein the one or more computer programs further comprise instructions to provide options for the specific participant to make a specific object translucent over objects corresponding to other participants, the specific object corresponding to the specific participant.

30. The system as recited in claim 29 , wherein the options to make the object translucent includes changing the color, shape, and/or size of the object, or temporarily making the object swell and/or flash.

31. An apparatus for providing attention management for a specific participant in an online ensemble event, the apparatus comprising:

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

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

means for providing options for the specific participant to manipulate the size of each of the plurality of objects and volume from the plurality of participants;

means for providing one or more group layer(s) to the specific participant for interaction with other participants of the online ensemble; and

means for providing options for the specific participant to assign different weights to audio signals from the one or more group layer(s) and a content layer of the online ensemble.

Assignments (20)
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 →
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 →
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 Sep 14, 2012
From: LEMMEY, TARA; SURIN, NIKOLAY; VONOG, STANISLAV
To: NET POWER AND LIGHT, INC.
Reel/Frame 028965/0237 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation In Part 13433199 · Mar 28, 2012
Provisional Application 61468567 · Mar 28, 2011
Related Publication 20130021431A1 · Jan 24, 2013