The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) grants hundreds of new patents every week, showcasing developments in technology and innovation. In our Interesting Patents series, we highlight exciting US patent applications and patents recently issued by the USPTO. The patent system enables the protection of innovative ideas, and newly published patent applications provide a glimpse into the future of technology and innovation.
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Geolocation Based Playlists
ASSIGNEE: Snap, INC.
US PAT. Appl. NO. 17/014762
Invention Overview:
A new invention has emerged in digital music and content sharing that can revolutionize how we experience music and audio content. This groundbreaking invention, detailed in US 11675831 issued to Snap Inc., introduces a system that generates geolocation-based playlists using audio data captured by client devices.
The patent describes a system that identifies an audio content item based on audio content captured by a client device. The captured audio data is included in a data package transmitted to the audio content identification system, which identifies the corresponding audio content item and returns data to the client device. The invention also introduces a collection management system using audio data packages to generate geolocation-based playlists. These playlists are audio content items recorded by client devices while within a predetermined geographic location. The collection management system provides the generated geolocation-based playlist to other users, enabling them to experience the audio content items playing at the predetermined geographic location.
Each audio data package includes location data describing the geographic location where the audio content was captured. The collection management system uses this data to identify a subset of the audio data packages that include audio content captured within a predetermined geographic area. The collection management system then generates a playlist of audio content for the predetermined geographic area based on the subset of audio data packages. The patent also outlines a brief timer system that removes a particular ephemeral message from the temporary message story after it has exceeded an associated story participation parameter. Additionally, the patent describes a method for selecting audio content items based on the number of occurrences.
In conclusion, this new invention has the potential to transform the way we experience music and other audio content, making it a more interactive and personalized experience. It allows users to discover new music based on their location and the events they attend and share their musical experiences with others. This patent represents the continuous evolution of digital music and content sharing, and it will be exciting to see how it shapes the future of this industry.
Source: USPTO
PATENT ABSTRACT & ART:
A messaging server system receives audio data packages from a plurality of client devices. Each audio data package includes audio content captured by a respective client device from the plurality of client devices, and location data describing a location of the respective client device when the audio content was captured. The messaging server system identifies, based on the location data included in the audio data packages, a subset of the audio data packages that include audio content captured within a predetermined geographic area. The messaging server system generates, based on the subset of the audio data packages, a playlist of audio content items for the predetermined geographic area, and provides the playlist of audio content items to at least a first client device.
Synthetic Reed With Cane Particles
ASSIGNEE: D’Addario & Company, Inc.
US PAT. Appl. NO. 17/148675
Invention Overview:
The pursuit of the perfect sound in music is an endless journey. A group of inventors has created a unique synthetic reed for woodwind instruments that blends natural cane particles with synthetic materials. This invention, titled “Synthetic Reed with Cane Particles,” is a remarkable solution to a long-standing challenge in the world of woodwind instruments. D’Addario & Company, Inc., a renowned manufacturer of musical instrument accessories, holds the patent for this invention under US 11676562 B1, published on June 13, 2023.
Historically, reeds for woodwind instruments were crafted from natural cane. While these reeds produced pleasing sound profiles, they lacked durability. Conversely, synthetic reeds made from polymer materials offer greater durability but often compromise sound quality. The Synthetic Reed with Cane Particles bridges this gap by providing a synthetic reed that exhibits the durability of synthetic materials while mimicking the warm sound properties of natural cane reeds. The synthetic reed comprises a synthetic resin matrix with dispersed suspended cane particles. The resin composition includes moderately fine, randomly distributed cane particles. The matrix substrate can be any known synthetic curable material with workability, durability, flexibility, and elastic properties appropriate for use with synthetic reeds for woodwind instruments, including various thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers. The reed may also be reinforced with one or more polymeric fibers.
The concentration of cane particles in the reed can range from approximately 0.5-10% by volume, with most particles being less than 100 micrometers in size. The matrix can be formed from two components, including an epoxy resin component and a hardener component. The manufacturing process involves combining synthetic fibers with a resin bath, pulling the fibers through a die under heated conditions, and then cutting the solid fiber-impregnated form into blanks. The blanks then undergo mechanical processes, such as machining and sanding, to form the synthetic reeds. The Synthetic Reed with Cane Particles is a testament to the power of innovation in enhancing the quality of music. With synthetic materials’ durability and natural cane’s warm sound quality, this invention offers musicians a superior alternative to traditional reeds. It is not only a step forward in the world of woodwind instruments but a leap towards the perfect sound.
Source: USPTO
PATENT ABSTRACT & ART:
A synthetic reed for use with a woodwind instrument includes a synthetic resin matrix with randomly distributed suspended cane particles. Synthetic fibers, which may comprise one or more different material filaments, may also be impregnated within resin matrix. The cane particles can be present in a concentration of approximately 0.5-10% by volume and at least a majority of the cane particles in the resin matrix can be less than 100 micrometers. The matrix may be formed from two components including an epoxy resin component and a hardener component. The reed exhibits improved strength properties usually provided by synthetics with the warmer sonic properties associated with natural cane reeds and preferred by musicians.
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