Patent 10966025

Prior art

Earlier patents, publications, and products that may anticipate or render the claims unpatentable.

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Prior art

Earlier patents, publications, and products that may anticipate or render the claims unpatentable.

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To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 10966025, I will access the patent information directly from Google Patents, as it provides a comprehensive list of citations, including both "Cited by applicant" and "Cited by examiner" references. The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool also provides access to prior art citations.

The following prior art references are cited in US Patent 10966025 (US10966025B2):

US Patent Documents (Cited by Examiner and Applicant):

  • US 6,032,159 A

    • Full Citation: US 6,032,159 A to Hoglund et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published February 29, 2000. (Filing date: July 2, 1997)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a multi-channel audio system with a central controller distributing audio signals to multiple loudspeakers. Each loudspeaker includes a digital signal processor (DSP) and a power amplifier, allowing for digital control of volume, equalization, and other audio parameters. The system enables flexible configuration of audio channels to various speakers.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 6,032,159 A potentially anticipates aspects of claims 1, 11, and 19 related to a network-connected playback device with a processor, amplifier, and speakers that processes audio and configures equalization. Specifically, its disclosure of individually controllable loudspeakers with DSPs that can be configured for different audio channels could anticipate the "first equalization... in accordance with a first type of pairing and configuring a second equalization... in accordance with a second type of pairing" (Claim 1, 11) and the different amplification levels in "non-paired" and "paired" modes (Claim 19). The concept of distributing audio channels to multiple speakers for flexible configurations aligns with the multi-channel listening environment described in US10966025.

  • US 6,295,361 B1

    • Full Citation: US 6,295,361 B1 to O'Rourke et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published September 25, 2001. (Filing date: December 28, 1998)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a digital audio system that provides multi-zone audio distribution and control. It focuses on transmitting synchronized digital audio to multiple zones and allows for independent control of audio in each zone, including volume and source selection.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 6,295,361 B1 could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1, 11, and 19 concerning network-based audio distribution and control of playback devices. While not explicitly detailing "pairing" and equalization changes based on pairing types as directly as US 10966025, the underlying system for multi-zone audio with synchronized playback and independent zone control provides a foundation that might render certain aspects of US10966025 obvious if combined with other prior art. Its focus on distributing and controlling audio streams to multiple playback devices is a foundational concept.

  • US 6,404,888 B1

    • Full Citation: US 6,404,888 B1 to O'Rourke et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published June 11, 2002. (Filing date: December 28, 1998)
    • Brief Description: This patent, similar to US 6,295,361, also describes a multi-zone audio system. It particularly emphasizes a method and apparatus for distributing synchronized digital audio data to multiple playback devices across a network, allowing users to control audio playback in different zones.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 6,404,888 B1, given its similar scope to US 6,295,361 B1, likely anticipates similar foundational elements related to network-based multi-zone audio distribution and synchronized playback. The core concepts of sending audio data over a network to multiple playback devices are present, which are parts of the broader system in which the pairing functionality of US10966025 operates.

  • US 6,522,817 B1

    • Full Citation: US 6,522,817 B1 to O'Rourke et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published February 18, 2003. (Filing date: July 31, 2000)
    • Brief Description: This patent also relates to a multi-zone audio system, focusing on managing and controlling audio content and playback within different zones of a networked environment. It addresses issues of source selection, volume control, and synchronization across multiple playback devices.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Like the other O'Rourke et al. patents, US 6,522,817 B1 reinforces the prior art landscape for multi-zone networked audio systems, potentially anticipating the fundamental aspects of receiving and processing audio data over a network for output through speaker drivers (Claims 1, 11, 19). The specific novelty of US10966025 resides in the dynamic equalization and gain changes based on pairing, which these patents may not directly teach but establish a context.

  • US 6,611,530 B1

    • Full Citation: US 6,611,530 B1 to O'Rourke et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published August 26, 2003. (Filing date: July 31, 2000)
    • Brief Description: This patent continues the theme of multi-zone audio systems, describing methods and apparatus for robust and synchronized playback of digital audio streams to multiple playback devices in different zones.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to the other O'Rourke et al. patents, US 6,611,530 B1 contributes to the prior art base regarding network audio distribution and synchronized playback. Its relevance to US10966025 would be in establishing the existence of systems capable of transmitting and playing audio across multiple devices, rather than directly anticipating the specific pairing and equalization/gain adjustment features.

  • US 7,236,547 B2

    • Full Citation: US 7,236,547 B2 to O'Rourke et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published June 26, 2007. (Filing date: October 21, 2004)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an audio system with multiple zones and methods for playing back audio in a synchronized manner across these zones. It focuses on improving the reliability and control of distributed audio systems.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): As another in the series by O'Rourke et al., US 7,236,547 B2 further details networked multi-zone audio playback and synchronization. It provides a robust foundation for systems that receive and process audio data over a network for output, which forms part of the environment in which the claims of US10966025 operate.

  • US 7,570,976 B2

    • Full Citation: US 7,570,976 B2 to O'Rourke et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published August 4, 2009. (Filing date: July 27, 2007)
    • Brief Description: This patent focuses on an audio playback system that allows for grouping and managing multiple playback devices in different zones to play synchronized audio.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 7,570,976 B2, by addressing grouping and management of playback devices for synchronized audio, touches upon the "grouped mode" mentioned in claim 19 of US10966025. While it doesn't explicitly detail dynamic equalization or gain changes based on pairing for multi-channel enhancement, it establishes the concept of configurable playback device relationships.

  • US 7,865,005 B2

    • Full Citation: US 7,865,005 B2 to Wietfeldt et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published January 4, 2011. (Filing date: September 12, 2006)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a multi-zone audio system with a centralized controller for managing audio sources and playback in different zones. It includes features for configuring zones and grouping players. This patent is part of the family that US10966025 claims priority from, specifically through US 11/853,790, which itself claims priority from US Provisional App. 60/825,407 filed on September 12, 2006.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): As a related patent in the same family, US 7,865,005 B2 is highly relevant as it describes the foundational multi-zone system with controllers and grouping features that form the context for "pairing" in US10966025. While it may not directly anticipate the specific equalization and gain changes for paired multi-channel output, its disclosure of configurable zones and player groupings could provide a basis for an obviousness challenge when combined with other prior art.

  • US 8,483,853 B1

    • Full Citation: US 8,483,853 B1 to Kallai et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published July 9, 2013. (Filing date: September 11, 2007)
    • Brief Description: This patent, titled "Controlling and manipulating groupings in a multi-zone media system," describes methods for dynamically grouping and controlling playback devices in a multi-zone audio system. It details how a user can create and manage zone groups through a controller, setting attributes for these groupings. This patent is also part of the family that US10966025 claims priority from. [cite: Google Patents]
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 8,483,853 B1 is very closely related to US10966025, as it describes the grouping functionality within a multi-zone system. The "grouped mode" mentioned in claim 19 of US10966025 is directly addressed here. While it might not fully anticipate the specific "pairing" modes with dynamic equalization and gain adjustments, it lays significant groundwork for how playback devices are managed and configured in a multi-zone environment, making it a strong candidate for an obviousness challenge when combined with prior art related to multi-channel audio processing.

  • US 8,788,080 B2

    • Full Citation: US 8,788,080 B2 to Kallai et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published July 22, 2014. (Filing date: April 8, 2011)
    • Brief Description: This patent, titled "Multi-channel pairing in a media system," describes methods for pairing two or more playback devices to create or enhance a multi-channel listening environment. It explicitly mentions reconfiguring playback devices to output different audio channels (e.g., left/right stereo) and adjusting equalization. US10966025 is a continuation of this patent. [cite: Google Patents]
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 8,788,080 B2 is a direct parent patent to US10966025 and is therefore highly relevant. It directly teaches the core concept of "multi-channel pairing" and the reconfiguration of playback devices to output different audio channels, along with adjusting equalization. This patent likely anticipates nearly all aspects of claims 1, 11, and 19 of US10966025, particularly the concepts of a first and second type of pairing, and corresponding equalization changes, and the non-paired vs. paired modes with different amplification levels. The differences, if any, between US8788080B2 and US10966025 would lie in refinements or specific implementations of the pairing and equalization/gain adjustment described in the later patent.

  • US 9,202,509 B2

    • Full Citation: US 9,202,509 B2 to Kallai et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published December 1, 2015. (Filing date: January 25, 2011)
    • Brief Description: This patent, titled "Controlling and grouping in a multi-zone media system," is also a continuation-in-part of US 13/013,740, which US10966025 is also related to. It focuses on the control and grouping of playback devices in a multi-zone media system. [cite: Google Patents]
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US 8,483,853 B1, this patent focuses on the grouping and control aspects of a multi-zone system. It provides strong foundational prior art for the "grouped mode" and the general operation of playback devices within a networked audio environment. Its relevance to claims 1, 11, and 19 would primarily be in establishing the state of the art for managing playback devices prior to the specific pairing and equalization/gain features claimed in US10966025.

  • US 9,219,959 B2

    • Full Citation: US 9,219,959 B2 to Kallai et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published December 22, 2015. (Filing date: June 9, 2014)
    • Brief Description: This patent, titled "Multi-channel pairing in a media system," is a continuation of US 14/299,847, which itself is a continuation of US 13/083,499 (US 8,788,080 B2), making it a direct lineal descendant of one of the immediate parent patents of US10966025. It also describes multi-channel pairing with reconfigured audio channels and equalization. [cite: Google Patents]
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): As a direct continuation of patents specifically disclosing "Multi-channel pairing in a media system" (US 8,788,080 B2), US 9,219,959 B2 is highly relevant and likely anticipates most, if not all, of the independent claims 1, 11, and 19 of US10966025. The core concepts of configuring different equalizations based on pairing types and adjusting amplification levels for paired/non-paired modes would be explicitly present.

  • US 10,136,218 B2

    • Full Citation: US 10,136,218 B2 to Kallai et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published November 20, 2018. (Filing date: February 24, 2015)
    • Brief Description: This patent, titled "Gain Based on Play Responsibility," describes methods for automatically adjusting the gain of an audio signal based on a determination that only a subset of audio frequencies is to be reproduced by a speaker. This is highly similar to the abstract of US10966025. [cite: Google Patents] US10966025 is a continuation of this patent. [cite: Google Patents]
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 10,136,218 B2 is an immediate parent patent to US10966025 and is critically relevant. Its title and abstract directly describe the mechanism of adjusting gain based on "play responsibility" or reproducing a subset of frequencies, which is a core element of independent claim 19 ("a first amplification level when in the non-paired mode and a second amplification level when in the paired mode"). This patent almost certainly anticipates claim 19 and likely has significant overlap with aspects of claims 1 and 11 related to configuring equalization based on pairing, as gain adjustment is a form of equalization.

US Patent Application Publications (Cited by Examiner and Applicant):

  • US 2005/0286708 A1

    • Full Citation: US 2005/0286708 A1 to Lee et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published December 29, 2005. (Filing date: June 23, 2005)
    • Brief Description: This publication describes an audio system with multiple speakers and methods for processing audio signals for playback. It includes concepts of multi-channel audio distribution and digital signal processing for sound effects. This reference is cited as a ground for obviousness in IPR2026-00131.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 2005/0286708 A1 could potentially anticipate foundational aspects of claims 1, 11, and 19 related to receiving and processing audio data for output through speaker drivers. Its discussion of multi-channel audio processing and routing might provide elements that, in combination with other prior art, could render the pairing and dynamic equalization/gain features of US10966025 obvious.

  • US 2006/0013401 A1

    • Full Citation: US 2006/0013401 A1 to Kordyback
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published January 19, 2006. (Filing date: July 13, 2004)
    • Brief Description: This publication describes an audio distribution system with multiple playback devices and a controller for managing audio playback in different zones. It covers aspects of configuring playback devices and distributing audio content. This reference is cited as a ground for obviousness in IPR2026-00131.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 2006/0013401 A1 potentially anticipates the underlying system architecture of networked playback devices and controllers described in US10966025. Its discussion of configuring playback devices in different zones could provide a basis for an obviousness argument when considering the pairing functionality.

  • US 2007/0217590 A1

    • Full Citation: US 2007/0217590 A1 to Robbin et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published September 20, 2007. (Filing date: March 15, 2007)
    • Brief Description: This publication describes an audio system with multiple zones and methods for synchronizing audio playback across devices. It may cover aspects of configuring audio output for individual speakers or groups of speakers. This reference is cited as a ground for obviousness in IPR2026-00131.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 2007/0217590 A1 (Robbin) could anticipate elements related to the synchronized playback of audio across multiple devices and the ability to configure zones or groups of players. These elements form a part of the broader system within which the pairing of US10966025 operates.

  • US 2008/0162590 A1

    • Full Citation: US 2008/0162590 A1 to Scheel
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published July 3, 2008. (Filing date: December 21, 2007)
    • Brief Description: This publication describes a method and apparatus for managing audio output from multiple sound reproduction devices. It may involve adjusting audio parameters for individual devices or groups. This reference is cited as a ground for obviousness in IPR2026-00131.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 2008/0162590 A1 (Scheel) potentially anticipates the management of audio output from multiple devices, including possible adjustments to audio parameters. Depending on the specifics of its disclosure, it could contribute to an obviousness argument regarding the configurable equalization or gain aspects of US10966025, especially when considered in combination with other prior art teaching multi-channel audio.

  • US 2009/0122998 A1

    • Full Citation: US 2009/0122998 A1 to Robbin et al.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published May 14, 2009. (Filing date: March 2, 2009)
    • Brief Description: This publication describes methods and systems for multi-room audio playback, including features for grouping and controlling audio devices. It is related to the synchronized distribution and control of audio content. This reference is cited as a ground for obviousness in IPR2026-00131.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US 2009/0122998 A1 (Robbin II) further solidifies the prior art surrounding multi-room audio systems with grouping and control functionalities. Similar to other references by Robbin et al., it establishes the broad context of networked audio playback and control that underlies the innovations claimed in US10966025.

Non-Patent Literature (Cited by Examiner):

  • "Sonos ZonePlayer ZP100 (Black) Review" by CNET, March 9, 2006.

    • Full Citation: "Sonos ZonePlayer ZP100 (Black) Review" by CNET, published March 9, 2006.
    • Publication/Filing Date: March 9, 2006.
    • Brief Description: This is a review of an existing Sonos product. Such reviews often describe the functionality and features of a product at the time of its release, including how it handles multi-room audio, grouping, and potentially basic stereo setups.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This CNET review, being a publication predating the priority date of US10966025, could serve as strong evidence of "public use" or "on sale" prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102 if it describes features claimed in the patent. If the review details any form of multi-channel pairing with configurable equalization or gain control, it could directly anticipate elements of claims 1, 11, and 19. Even if it describes a rudimentary form, it could contribute to an obviousness argument.

  • "Sonos Digital Music System Review" by Pocket-lint.com, October 24, 2005.

    • Full Citation: "Sonos Digital Music System Review" by Pocket-lint.com, published October 24, 2005.
    • Publication/Filing Date: October 24, 2005.
    • Brief Description: Similar to the CNET review, this is a review of the Sonos Digital Music System. It would likely discuss the system's capabilities for multi-room audio, zone grouping, and any audio configuration options available to users at that time.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This review, published before the priority date of US10966025, also holds significant potential as prior art. If it describes features like two playback devices being paired to output different audio channels (e.g., left/right stereo) and any associated changes in how the audio is processed (equalization, gain), it could anticipate or render obvious aspects of claims 1, 11, and 19.

  • "Sonos Wireless Music System Review" by TrustedReviews.com, July 19, 2006.

    • Full Citation: "Sonos Wireless Music System Review" by TrustedReviews.com, published July 19, 2006.
    • Publication/Filing Date: July 19, 2006.
    • Brief Description: Another review of the Sonos Wireless Music System, likely detailing its features, performance, and user interface for managing audio playback across multiple devices.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This review from TrustedReviews.com, like the others, could anticipate or contribute to an obviousness argument against US10966025 if it describes the pairing of playback devices for multi-channel audio and the dynamic adjustment of audio characteristics (equalization, gain) in response to such pairing. It represents evidence of what was publicly known or available regarding Sonos products at the time.

Generated 5/27/2026, 12:54:32 AM