Proximity-based control of media devices

• US 10,210,739 B2
• Filed: 03/05/2015
• Issued: 02/19/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jawbone Innovations, LLC
• Original Assignee: JAWB Acquisition LLC
• Inventors: Luna, Michael Edward Smith
• Primary Examiner(s): Mullen, Thomas
• Application Number:
  US14/640,013
• Publication Number:
  US 20160035210A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,447 Days
• Field of Search: 3406914-6916, 340692, 3404071, 34053911, 34053913, 3406866, 4554141, 4554561, 4554563, 4554566
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/18 Status alarms G08B21/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/22 Illumination; Arrangements for improving the visibility of characters on dials
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion telephones including GPS signal receivers H04M2250/10

Abstract

Embodiments relate generally to electrical/electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, portable, wearable, and stationary media devices. Media devices may include a plurality of RF transceivers, an audio system, and a proximity detection system. The RF transceivers and/or audio system may be used to wirelessly communicate between media devices and allow configuration and other data to be wirelessly transmitted from one media device to another media device. The proximity detection system may be configured to detect a presence of a user or multiple users and upon detecting presence, take some action defined by a user preference and/or environmental conditions around the media device. One or more user devices in proximity of the media device post detection may wirelessly communicate with the media device and the media device may orchestrate handling of content from those devices or from a wirelessly accessible location such as the Cloud or Internet.

Claims

1. A method for proximity-based control, comprising:

detecting an approach of a user using a proximity detection island positioned on a media device;

notifying the user, using one or more of light, sound, or vibration, that a presence of the user has been detected by the proximity detection island;

indicating that the media device is ready to receive input from the user;

waiting for input from the user; and

taking an action based on a type of input received from the user.

2. The method of claim 1 and further comprising:

determining, using an ambient light sensor, if ambient light indicates the approach.

3. The method of claim 2 and further comprising:

modifying the notifying when the ambient light indicates the approach.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the ambient light comprises light in an environment in which the media device is positioned.

5. The method of claim 1 and further comprising:

determining, using a radio frequency system, if a radio frequency transmission detected by the radio frequency system indicates the approach.

6. The method of claim 5 and further comprising:

modifying the notifying when the radio frequency transmission detected by the radio frequency system indicates the approach.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the action taken is based on a type of radio frequency transmission detected by the radio frequency system.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the radio frequency transmission is transmitted by a user device.

9. A device, comprising:

a controller in electrical communication with

a data storage system including non-volatile memory,

an input/output system,

a radio frequency system including at least one radio frequency antenna electrically coupled with a first transceiver being configured to wirelessly communicate using a first protocol,

a second transceiver being configured to wirelessly communicate using a second protocol that is different than the first protocol, and

an ad hoc transceiver being configured to wirelessly communicate only with other devices having the ad hoc transceiver using a third protocol that is different than the first and second protocols,

an audio/video system including a loudspeaker electrically coupled with a power amplifier and a microphone electrically coupled with a preamplifier, and

a proximity detection island including an infrared light-emitting diode electrically coupled with first driver circuitry, a photosensitive diode electrically coupled with a first analog-to-digital-converter, a red-green-blue light-emitting diode electrically coupled with second driver circuitry, and an optically transmissive structure being configured to bi-directionally pass light.

10. The device of claim 9 and further comprising:

capacitive touch circuitry included in the proximity detection island and electrically coupled with the optically transmissive structure, the capacitive touch circuitry being configured to generate a signal indicative of a change in capacitance caused by the optically transmissive structure being touched.

11. The device of claim 9 and further comprising:

an ambient light sensor included in the proximity detection island and electrically coupled with circuitry that is in electrical communication with a second analog-to-digital-converter.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein the proximity detection island is configured to detect a user presence within a detection range of the proximity detection island.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein detection of the user presence includes using the radio frequency system to detect a radio frequency transmission from a user device.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the second driver circuitry is configured to activate the red-green-blue light-emitting diode to emit a color of light upon detection of a user presence by the proximity detection island.

15. The device of claim 9 and further comprising:

a plurality of control elements electrically coupled with the input/output system, each control element being configured to generate a signal indicative of actuation of the control element.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein one or more of the plurality of control elements comprise capacitive touch switches.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein one or more of the plurality of control elements are backlit.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the one or more of the plurality of control elements that are backlit, emit light when a user presence is detected by the proximity detection island.

19. The device of claim 9, wherein the proximity detection island is associated with a specific function, the specific function being enabled when the proximity detection island detects a user presence.

20. The device of claim 9 and further comprising:

a plurality of the proximity detection islands, each proximity detection island being configured to operate independently of other proximity detection islands in the plurality of the proximity detection islands.