Apple Patents
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Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, tablets and personal computers, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac. It also produces the iPod, Apple Watch and Apple TV, as well as the operating systems and applications that support these devices. The company also sells digital content and applications through its iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store, iBooks Store and Apple Music.
Apple Patents by Type
- Apple Patents Granted: Apple patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Apple Patent Applications: Apple patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Patent number: 9326195
Abstract: To perform an inter-technology handoff, an indicator in a service request message is received by a mobile switching center (MSC). The indicator is to indicate to the MSC that an inter-technology handoff from a packet-data wireless access network to a circuit wireless access network has been requested. The behavior of the MSC is modified in response to the indicator to reduce the communication silence during the inter-technology handoff.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 23, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Mark A. Stegall, Marvin Bienn, Jing Chen, Gary B. Stephens
Patent number: 9326391
Abstract: Enclosures for electronic devices are provided. These enclosures can be integrally formed with a full or partial receptacle connector shell for receiving electrical connectors such as audio connectors or plugs. For example, an enclosure made from a polymer can be integrally formed with an audio jack shell in an injection molding process. As another example, an enclosure can be integrally formed with one or more full or partial walls of an audio jack shell to form a single piece of polymer or metal and the remaining walls of the audio jack shell can be overmolded or assembled to the polymer or metal walls of the audio jack and proximate portions of the enclosure to form a full or complete audio jack shell.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 16, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Charles B. Woodhull, Jason S. Sloey
Patent number: 9326322
Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distributing electronic access client modules for use with electronic devices. In one embodiment, the access client modules are virtual subscriber identity modules (VSIMs) that can be downloaded from online services for use with cellular-equipped devices such as smartphones. The online services may include a point of sale (POS) system that sells electronic devices to users. A broker may be used to facilitate the selection of a virtual subscriber identity module. A provisioning service may also be used to provision the selected VSIM.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 27, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
David T. Haggerty, Jerrold Von Hauck, Stephan V. Schell, Arun G. Mathias
Patent number: 9322794
Abstract: A biometric finger sensor may include an array of biometric finger sensing pixels and an array shielding electrode outside the array of biometric finger sensing pixels. The biometric finger sensor may further include a finger drive electrode outside the array shielding electrode. Finger drive circuitry may generate a finger drive signal for the finger drive electrode and generate a compensating finger drive signal for the shielding electrode.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 18, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Dale R. Setlak, Giovanni Gozzini
Patent number: 9326173
Abstract: Methods and apparatus enabling a wireless network to provide differentiated services to a machine-to-machine (M2M) client. In one embodiment, the wireless network comprises a UMTS network, and the Home Location Register (HLR) entity identifies subscriptions as machine-to-machine (M2M) enabled devices based on flags or other descriptors associated with each M2M device, and imposes one or more rule sets (e.g., service restrictions) based on this identification. The classification of M2M devices within the HLR may optionally include additional capability or profile data for the M2M device (e.g. static, low mobility, low data activity, etc.). Various other network entities may use the M2M identification to modify the delivered data service, so as to optimize network resources. Furthermore, monitoring of M2M client behavior can be used to detect and notify the network operator of abnormal, fraudulent, or malicious activity. Business methods utilizing the aforementioned methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 27, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventor:
Achim Luft
Patent number: 9322131
Abstract: Cable structures of security systems may include multiple subassemblies having different cut-resistant characteristics. One system includes, inter alia, a portable article, a support, and a length of a cable assembly extending between a first cable end coupled to the portable article and a second cable end coupled to the support, where the cable assembly includes a first cable subassembly extending along at least a portion of the length of the cable assembly, and a second cable subassembly extending along at least the portion of the length of the cable assembly and adjacent to the first cable subassembly, and where the first cable subassembly includes a first cut resistant characteristic and the second cable subassembly includes a second cut resistant characteristic that is different than the first cut resistant characteristic.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 9, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Brian L. Chuang, Min Chul Kim, Andrew M. Weidner, Adrianne M. Ruggiero
Patent number: 9322665
Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for navigation with inertial characteristics are described. Embodiments may include a navigation component configured to generate a map display including at least a portion of a map and a position indicator representing a location of a user on the map. The position indicator may be positioned in a first position relative to the map display. The navigation component may be configured to detect that the user is turning in a direction of travel. The navigation component may also be configured to, responsive to the detection that the user is turning in the specific direction of travel, shift the position indicator within the map display in a direction opposite to the detected direction of travel. The shifting may cause additional map information to be displayed in the direction of travel. In various embodiments, the position indicator may be returned to the first position post-turn.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 11, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventor:
Christopher Blumenberg
Patent number: 9323405
Abstract: A touch surface device having improved sensitivity and dynamic range is disclosed. In one embodiment, the touch surface device includes a touch-sensitive panel having at least one sense node for providing an output signal indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the panel; a compensation circuit, coupled to the at least one sense node, for generating a compensation signal that when summed with the output signal removes an undesired portion of the output signal so as to generated a compensated output signal; and an amplifier having an inverting input coupled to the output of the compensation circuit and a non-inverting input coupled to a known reference voltage.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Steve Porter Hotelling, Brian Richards Land
Patent number: 9323398
Abstract: Improved capacitive touch and hover sensing with a sensor array is provided. An AC ground shield positioned behind the sensor array and stimulated with signals of the same waveform as the signals driving the sensor array may concentrate the electric field extending from the sensor array and enhance hover sensing capability. The hover position and/or height of an object that is nearby, but not directly above, a touch surface of the sensor array, e.g., in the border area at the end of a touch screen, may be determined using capacitive measurements of sensors near the end of the sensor array by fitting the measurements to a model. Other improvements relate to the joint operation of touch and hover sensing, such as determining when and how to perform touch sensing, hover sensing, both touch and hover sensing, or neither.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 10, 2009
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, David T. Amm, Omar Leung, Christopher Tenzin Mullens, Brian Michael King, Brian Richards Land, Reese T. Cutler
Patent number: 9323335
Abstract: An electronic device receives touch input signals associated with a respective region of a web page. The respective region of the web page is associated with a plurality of event handlers or event listeners including an event handler or listener for a touch event and an event handler or listener for a gesture event. In response to receiving the touch input signals, the device sends a gesture event to the web page. The gesture event corresponds to a combination of two or more touch events, and the two or more touch events correspond to the touch input signals. The device dynamically rotates an element associated with the respective region of the web page with the event handler or listener for the gesture event based on a rotation value associated with the gesture event, and sends the touch events to the web page for processing, distinct from the dynamically rotating.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 8, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Richard Williamson, Gregory Dennis Bolsinga, Timothy P. Omernick
Patent number: 9323438
Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a media-editing application for creating and editing a media presentation that displays the results of edits as the edits are made to the media presentation. The media-editing application displays the movement of media clips of the media presentation as the media clips are being moved within the media-editing application to change the media presentation. Also, the media editing application in some embodiments can dynamically display the results of edits in a preview display area. That is, the media editing application has a preview generator that can generate previews of the media presentation on the fly as media clips are being dragged into and within the timeline. This allows the user of the media-editing application to see and hear the results of the operation while performing them.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 1, 2011
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Itrat U. Khan, Ken Matsuda, Giovanni Agnoli, Dave Cerf, Brian Meaney, Colleen Pendergast, Kenneth M. Carson, Shaun M. Poole
Patent number: 9324067
Abstract: The present disclosure relates to making payments with a mobile device. In one example process, the mobile device receives and stores information for one or more payment accounts on the mobile device. The mobile device is used to make payments using the payment accounts. In some examples, authorization to proceed with a payment is performed before each purchase made by the user. The authorization process can include receiving a verification of the user, such as a fingerprint scan or passcode. In some examples, a payment account is selected from among available payment accounts. In some examples, an indication is displayed of a digital item associated with a purchased item. In some examples, a payment transaction is initiated with participants of an ongoing communication. In some examples, an application of a retailer is invoked based on the availability of the application. In some examples, a purchase recommendation is provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Marcel Van Os, Pablo F. Caro, George R. Dicker, Christopher D. Adams, Glen W. Steele
Patent number: 9323442
Abstract: User interface changes related to moving items in a user interface are disclosed. An operation (e.g., a drag operation) can be initiated on selected items by moving a cursor or pointing device in the user interface, and an animation can be presented illustrating representations of the selected items moving from their respective original locations toward a current location of the cursor or pointing device and forming a cluster in proximity to the current location of the cursor or pointing device. As the cluster of items is moved over a container object in the user interface, the representations of the items can adopt the appearance style defined by that container object. The representations of the items can also be shown to depart from the cluster and move toward anticipated locations of the items in the container object as a preview of a drop operation into the container object.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 2010
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Raleigh Joseph Ledet, Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, B. Michael Victor, Avi E. Cieplinksi, Kristin Forster, Craig Federighi
Patent number: 9323972
Abstract: A finger biometric sensor may include first and second integrated circuit (IC) dies arranged in a stacked relation. The first IC die may include a first semiconductor substrate and an array of finger biometric sensing pixels thereon, and the second IC die may include a second semiconductor substrate and processing circuitry thereon coupled to the array of finger biometric sensing pixels. The first and second IC dies may each have respective first and second non-rectangular shapes, such as circular shapes that are coextensive.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 16, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Jean-Marie Bussat, Gordon S. Franza, Giovanni Gozzini
Patent number: 9323996
Abstract: A method and system for controlling multiple image editing controls using one master control. The system identifies various characteristics of an image being edited. The system generates, for each of multiple image editing controls, a relationship between the master control and the image editing control. The relationship is based on at least one of the identified characteristics of the image being edited. The relationship is different for different images when the different images have different characteristics, such as different average color component values at a particular percentile of pixels in the images.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 1, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Garrett M. Johnson, Russell Y. Webb, Russell Reid
Patent number: 9324376
Abstract: Traditionally, time-lapse videos are constructed from images captured at given time intervals called “temporal points of interests” or “temporal POIs.” Disclosed herein are intelligent systems and methods of capturing and selecting better images around temporal points of interest for the construction of improved time-lapse videos. According to some embodiments, a small “burst” of images may be captured, centered around the aforementioned temporal points of interest. Then, each burst sequence of images may be analyzed, e.g., by performing a similarity comparison between each image in the burst sequence and the image selected at the previous temporal point of interest. Selecting the image from a given burst that is most similar to the previous selected image allows the intelligent systems and methods described herein to improve the quality of the resultant time-lapse video by discarding “outlier” or other undesirable images captured in the burst sequence around a particular temporal point of interest.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventor:
Frank Doepke
Patent number: 9324386
Abstract: A device for comparing voltage levels of a pair of input signals is presented. The device may include a pre-amp circuit and a differential amplifier. The pre-amp circuit may be configured to receive a first input signal and a second input signal, adjust a voltage level of each of the pair of input signals, and assert a control signal after a pre-determined period of time from the assertion of an enable signal. The differential amplifier may be configured to amplify a voltage difference between the first input signal and the second input signal dependent upon the adjusted voltage level of the pair of input signals in response to the assertion of the control signal.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 17, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Ajay Kumar Bhatia, Amrinder S Barn
Patent number: 9323354
Abstract: The suppression of errant motion regarding a mouse is disclosed. Mouse and touch information can be integrated to determine whether a gesture made on a surface of the mouse is errant, such as when a mouse is being moved and the fingers holding the mouse inadvertently move on the mouse surface. A gesture motion that is small relative to mouse motion can be considered errant and therefore at least partially suppressed, while a gesture motion that is large relative to mouse motion can be considered an intended gesture and therefore processed. Similarly, mouse and touch information can be integrated to determine whether a mouse motion is errant, such as when a robust gesture being made on the mouse surface inadvertently moves the mouse. A mouse motion that is small relative to gesture motion can be considered errant and therefore at least partially suppressed, while a mouse motion that is large relative to gesture motion can be considered an intended motion and therefore processed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 15, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Wayne Carl Westerman, Christopher Tenzin Mullens
Patent number: 9325941
Abstract: Conducting a real time application between a mobile device and a remote device. A first one or more messages may be transmitted to the remote device to establish a primary channel of communication for the real-time application. The primary channel may use a first radio access technology (RAT), such as WiFi or a cellular RAT. A second one or more messages may be transmitted to the remote device to establish a secondary channel of communication for the real-time application. The secondary channel may use a second RAT that is different from the first RAT. Data of the real-time application may be transmitted over both the primary channel and the secondary channel in a concurrent or redundant fashion.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 23, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Yan Yang, Hyeonkuk Jeong, Ming Jin, Joe S. Abuan
Patent number: 9325080
Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with shared antenna structures that can be used to form both a near-field-communications antenna such as a loop antenna and a non-near-field communications antenna such as an inverted-F antenna. The antenna structures may include conductive structures such as metal traces on printed circuits or other dielectric substrates, internal metal housing structures, or other conductive electronic device housing structures. A main resonating element arm may be separated from an antenna ground by an opening. A non-near-field communications antenna return path and antenna feed path may span the opening. A balun may have first and second electromagnetically coupled inductors. The second inductor may have terminals coupled across differential signal terminals in a near-field communications transceiver. The first inductor may form part of the near-field communications loop antenna.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 3, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Yuehui Ouyang, Dean F. Darnell, Enrique Ayala Vazquez, Erica J. Tong, Hongfei Hu, Matthew A. Mow, Mattia Pascolini, Ming-Ju Tsai, Nanbo Jin, Robert W. Schlub
Patent number: 9324183
Abstract: Dynamic window and cursor shadows are described. In some implementations, graphical user interface display objects can be configured with elevation offset information to give the display objects a three-dimensional surface that can have pixels of varying height. In some implementations, shadows that are rendered upon display objects configured with pixel elevation offset information can be adjusted to reflect the three-dimensional surface of the objects thereby better approximating real-life shadows. In some implementations, shadows can be dynamically rendered in real-time and adjusted according to the elevations of display objects onto which they are cast.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 29, 2011
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Nicholas V. King, Duncan Robert Kerr
Patent number: 9325097
Abstract: An improved electronic receptacle connector employs contacts that are partially encapsulated with a thermally conductive polymer. The thermally conductive polymer aids in the distribution of heat within the contact and may further form heat transfer features to conduct heat to other connector components such as the shell. The thermally conductive polymer may be used to encapsulate multiple contacts within a substantially unitary block.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 16, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventor:
Trent K. Do
Patent number: 9325253
Abstract: An AC-to-DC adapter may be provided in order to increase the sensitivity of a touch-sensitive surface. Such an AC-to-DC adapter may include a rectifying circuit to rectify incoming AC signals. The rectifying circuit may take the form of a diode bridge network that includes four diode branches. Stabilization circuits may be provided in parallel with each diode branch in order to decrease the impedance of the diode bridge network during particular periods of operation. The stabilization circuits may be configured such that the impedance of the diode bridge network is substantially constant during all periods of operation. As a result, the impedance of the AC-to-DC adapter may be relatively constant during all periods of operation. In turn, the sensitivity of a touch-sensitive surface of a device being powered by such an AC-to-DC adapter may increase.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 13, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Brian Land, Steve P. Hotelling, Gus Pabon, Benjamin B. Lyon
Patent number: 9325892
Abstract: A camera capable of capturing still images and video and included in a portable media device can be controlled remotely using an accessory. The accessory can register with the PMD to automatically receive notifications whenever there is a change in the camera state. The camera states can include mode, operation status, and configuration settings. The accessory can send instructions to a camera application that interfaces with the camera to control the camera. The accessory can remotely activate the camera, change camera mode, and send instructions to operate the camera. The accessory and the PMD can concurrently control the camera. The PMD can send the captured still images and recorded video to the accessory for preview and receive instructions from the accessory on disposition of the still images and the video.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 24, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Lawrence G. Bolton, Sylvain R. Y. Louboutin, Shailesh Rathi, David J. Rempel, Peter T. Langenfeld
Patent number: 9325538
Abstract: A high-order Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmitter implementing a covariance-based precoding scheme that exploits transmit channel correlation and a method of operation thereof are provided. In one embodiment, covariance-based precoding is performed at the high-order MIMO transmitter based on feedback from a remote high-order MIMO receiver regarding a covariance-based precoding matrix. The covariance-based precoding matrix is, or is derived from, a transmit channel correlation matrix determined by the high-order MIMO receiver for the high-order MIMO transmitter. The covariance-based precoding provides a beam-forming effect when there is a relatively high degree of transmit channel correlation, thereby improving performance of the high-order MIMO transmitter. Further, because changes in the transmit channel correlation occur relatively slowly over time, feedback overhead requirements are substantially reduced as compared to that required for traditional MIMO precoding schemes.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 19, 2008
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Ming Jia, Jianglei Ma, Peiying Zhu, Wen Tong
Patent number: 9325852
Abstract: In some embodiments, a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display performs a method that includes: displaying a phone call user interface on the touch screen display, wherein the phone call user interface includes: a first informational item associated with an active phone call between a user of the device and a first party, a second informational item associated with a suspended phone call between the user and a second party, and a merge call icon; upon detecting a user selection of the merge call icon, merging the active phone call and the suspended phone call into a conference call between the user, the first party, and the second party, and replacing the phone call user interface with a conference call user interface. The conference call user interface includes: a third informational item associated with the conference call, and a conference call management icon.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 26, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Scott Forstall, Imran Chaudhri, Michael Matas, Marcel Van Os, Stephen O. Lemay, Patrick Lee Coffman, Elizabeth Caroline Furches Cranfill, Greg Christie
Patent number: 9325249
Abstract: An AC/DC power converter utilizing a single stage boost-asymmetric LLC topology is disclosed. The converter uses a combined pulse width modulation (PWM) and frequency modulation (FM) to achieve dual control for a single main magnetic element (transformer). The transformer provides an output voltage regulation throughout the primary-secondary isolation operating in resonant mode (LLC) by means of frequency modulation, while at the same time its magnetizing inductance is conditioning the input current and providing a boosted high voltage for energy storage purpose by means of duty cycle control. A single pair of complementary primary switches is used to drive the primary winding of the transformer in order to achieve both voltage regulation and power conditioning. The secondary side capacitors and the resonant inductor, which may be either integrated into the transformer or external to the transformer, achieve the resonant function of the transformer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 13, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventor:
Bogdan T. Bucheru
Patent number: 9326060
Abstract: A method that uses a microphone array for spatially selective sound pickup during an audio-video recording session is described. An audio signal for the audio-video recording session is generated using a beamforming process from the microphone array in accordance with a sound pickup directivity pattern. Ambient sound pressure level of the audio-video recording session is monitored while generating the audio signal. The sound pickup directivity pattern of the beamforming process is automatically adjusted during the audio-video recording session as a function of the monitored ambient sound pressure level. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 4, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Guy C. Nicholson, Wei Li
Patent number: 9325985
Abstract: Devices and methods for determining image quality using full-reference and non-reference techniques. Full reference image quality may be determined prior to output of an image or video frame from an image sensor processor by temporarily retaining image data from the image sensor and comparing processed image data of the image to the retained, non-processed image data of the same image. Full reference image quality determination may be assisted by a heuristic-based fault indicator. Image quality may also be determined by a non-reference technique of matching the image to one of various scenarios that are associated with sets of heuristics and applying the heuristics of the particular scenario to the image. Instead of relying on a nominal frame rate, video timing quality may be determined by comparing the capture time interval between successive video frames to the presentation time interval of the same video frames.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 28, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Krasimir D. Kolarov, Steven E. Saunders
Publication number: 20160110843
Abstract: An input rescale module that performs cross-color correlated downscaling of sensor data in the horizontal and vertical dimensions. The module may perform a first-pass demosaic of sensor data, apply horizontal and vertical scalers to resample and downsize the data in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, and then remosaic the data to provide horizontally and vertically downscaled sensor data as output for additional image processing. The module may, for example, act as a front end scaler for an image signal processor (ISP). The demosaic performed by the module may be a relatively simple demosaic, for example a demosaic function that works on 3×3 blocks of pixels. The front end of module may receive and process sensor data at two pixels per clock (ppc); the horizontal filter component reduces the sensor data down to one ppc for downstream components of the input rescale module and for the ISP pipeline.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 21, 2015
Publication date:
April 21, 2016
Applicant:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Christopher L. Mills, Sheng Lin, David R. Pope, D. Amnon Silverstein, Suk Hwan Lim
Publication number: 20160110536
Abstract: Improved techniques to control utilization of accessory devices with electronic devices are disclosed. The improved techniques can use cryptographic approaches to authenticate electronic devices, namely, electronic devices that interconnect and communicate with one another. One aspect pertains to techniques for authenticating an electronic device, such as an accessory device. Another aspect pertains to provisioning software features (e.g., functions) by or for an electronic device (e.g., a host device). Different electronic devices can, for example, be provisioned differently depending on different degrees or levels of authentication, or depending on manufacturer or product basis. Still another aspect pertains to using an accessory (or adapter) to convert a peripheral device (e.g., USB device) into a host device (e.g., USB host). The improved techniques are particularly well suited for electronic devices, such as media devices, that can receive accessory devices.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 27, 2015
Publication date:
April 21, 2016
Applicant:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Jonathan J. Rubinstein, Anthony M. Fadell, Jesse Lee Dorogusker, Mitchell Adler, John Wesley Archibald
Publication number: 20160112837
Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring a mobile device en route to a destination. A user of a monitored device specifies geo-fence regions along a route to the destination. Entry and exit of regions triggers the sending of event notifications to a monitoring device. Event notifications may be sent if an estimated time of arrival changes due to delay. Event notifications may be sent if the monitored device deviates from a planned route by a threshold distance. Event notifications may be sent through a direct communication link between the monitored device and monitoring device or through a location-based service.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 26, 2015
Publication date:
April 21, 2016
Applicant:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Devrim Varoglu, Swapnil R. Dave
Patent number: 9314871
Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface so as to be visible from the outside of the housing. The markings may be precisely formed using a laser. Processing may be used to increase reflectivity of the markings.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 18, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Michael S. Nashner, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
Patent number: 9316535
Abstract: Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can output waveforms modulated in accordance with one or more signature modulation characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 24, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
APPLE INC.
Inventors:
Steven Porter Hotelling, Nicholas Vincent King, Duncan Robert Kerr, Wing Kong Low
Patent number: 9315004
Abstract: An accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a frame that extends about an opening of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the frame is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein. For example, the frame may define a multi-sided cross-section with an inner edge thereof configured to engage a chamfered edge of the consumer electronic device. The front flap may include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap hingedly couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 6, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Santhana Balaji, Kevin Kenney, Andrew Lauder, Robert Michael Merritt, Michael Nashner, Samuel Gilkison Smith, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Jared A. Sartee, Crenshaw Whitley, Kathryn P. Crews
Patent number: 9316863
Abstract: A display system with a distributed LED backlight includes: providing a plurality of tile LED light sources, each tile LED light source having a tile and a plurality of similar LED light sources on each tile connected for emitting light therefrom; orienting the plurality of tile LED light sources for illuminating a display from the back of the display; and integrating the plurality of tile LED light sources into a thermally and mechanically structurally integrated distributed LED tile matrix backlight light source.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 26, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Michael D. Hillman, Gregory L. Tice, William Sauway Law, Sean Bailey, Ann Torres, Efrain Alcorta, Perry Anderson
Patent number: 9316677
Abstract: Methods and devices for testing flex cable shielding of a consumer electronic device are provided. In one example, a method may include applying a signal across a first portion of the flex cable shielding and a second portion of the flex cable shielding. The method may also include detecting a parameter associated with the signal. The method may include determining a health of the flex cable shielding based at least partially on the detected parameter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 30, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Martin P. Grunthaner, Jean-Marie Bussat, Benjamin B. Lyon, Steven P. Hotelling, Albert Lin
Patent number: 9316810
Abstract: A folded telephoto lens system may include multiple lenses with refractive power and a light path folding element. Light entering the camera through lens(es) on a first path is refracted to the folding element, which changes direction of the light on to a second path with lens(es) that refract the light to form an image plane at a photosensor. At least one of the object side and image side surfaces of at least one of the lens elements may be aspheric. Total track length (TTL) of the lens system may be 14.0 mm or less. The lens system may be configured so that the telephoto ration (TTL/f) is less than or equal to 1.0. Materials, radii of curvature, shapes, sizes, spacing, and aspheric coefficients of the optical elements may be selected to achieve quality optical performance and high image resolution in a small form factor camera.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 30, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventor:
Romeo I. Mercado
Patent number: 9316860
Abstract: A display polarizer may have a polymer layer such as a polyvinyl alcohol layer coated with a dichroic dye such as iodine. A polymer layer such as a tri-acetyl cellulose layer may be formed on the polyvinyl alcohol layer so that the iodine is interposed between the polyvinyl alcohol layer and the tri-acetyl cellulose layer. To provide protection for the iodine layer, an additional polymer layer such as an additional tri-acetyl cellulose layer and a layer of adhesive may be formed on top of the polymer layer. A functional layer such as an antireflection layer may form an outermost layer in the polarizer. Compensation films may be formed beneath the polyvinyl alcohol layer. Additional display layers such as a lower polarizer layer and interposed layers such as a thin-film transistor layer, liquid crystal layer, and color filter layer may be formed below the compensation films.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 20, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Nicholas C. Buchanan, Brian H. Thornton, Cheng Chen, Craig S. Gilden, Jun Qi, Nicholas G. Roland, Victor H. Yin, Zhibing Ge
Patent number: 9314839
Abstract: Provided in an embodiment is a method for molding, including: providing a molten alloy in a space between a mold cavity and an etchable block shaped to form an undercut on a part formed in the space, cooling the molten alloy to form the part with the undercut, and etching the etchable block. An undercut is a beveled edge caused by an etchant attacking an etchable block laterally and optionally vertically. The formed part can be made of a bulk amorphous alloy. In some cases, the etchable block can also be used to form at least one threaded portion in the part.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 5, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Christopher D. Prest, Matthew S. Scott, Stephen P. Zadesky, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole
Patent number: 9317283
Abstract: A processor may generate a result vector when executing a RunningShiftForDivide1P or RunningShiftForDivide2P instruction. For example, upon executing a RunningShiftForDivide1P/2P instruction, the processor may receive a first input vector and a second input vector. The processor then may record a base value from an element at a key element position in the first input vector. Next, when generating the result vector, for each active element in the result vector to the right of the key element position, the processor may generate a shifted base value using shift values from the second input vector. The processor then may correct the shifted base value when a predetermined condition is met. Next, the processor may set the element of the result vector equal to the shifted base value.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 17, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventor:
Jeffry E. Gonion
Patent number: D753942
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 5, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Jody Akana, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Jeremy Bataillou, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Duncan Robert Kerr, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Mikael Silvanto, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer
Patent number: D754125
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 9, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Jody Akana, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Jeremy Bataillou, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Duncan Robert Kerr, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter Russell-Clarke, Mikael Silvanto, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer
Patent number: D754654
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 17, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Jody Akana, Bartley K. Andre, Jeremy Bataillou, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter Russell-Clarke, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer
Patent number: D754688
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 9, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Imran Chaudhri, Chanaka Karunamuni
Patent number: D754728
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 1, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Jody Akana, Dmitri Cavander, Imran Chaudhri, Christopher Foss, David C. Graham, Mini Ham, Jonathan P. Ive, Paul Nixon, Christopher Wilson
Patent number: D754734
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 8, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Aurelio Guzmán, Mini Ham, Jonathan P. Ive, Christopher Wilson, Eric Lance Wilson
Patent number: D754742
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 23, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Jonathan P. Ive, Eric Lance Wilson
Patent number: D754750
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 1, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Erola Boix Sagarra, Jae Woo Chang, Arem Duplessis, Megan Frost, Ian S. MacNider
Patent number: D754793
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 13, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Apple Inc.
Inventors:
Jody Akana, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Jeremy Bataillou, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Duncan Robert Kerr, Marc A. Newson, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Mikael Silvanto, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer