Patents by Inventor Blake Francis
Blake Francis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230400918Abstract: Systems and methods for hands-free scrolling are disclosed herein. An example method includes detecting an eye movement or gaze of a user relative to content displayed on a display screen of the computing device, the content being arranged along a y axis of the display screen, determining that the user has viewed a portion of the content provided on the display screen and where along the y axis the eye movement or gaze is directed; and automatically scrolling the content on the display in response to the eye movement or gaze of the user in relation to the y axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Blake Francis, Stephen Mattison, David Chiu
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Patent number: 11775060Abstract: Systems and methods for hands-free scrolling are disclosed herein. An example method includes detecting an eye movement or gaze of a user relative to content displayed on a display screen of the computing device, the content being arranged along a y axis of the display screen, determining that the user has viewed a portion of the content provided on the display screen and where along the y axis the eye movement or gaze is directed; and automatically scrolling the content on the display in response to the eye movement or gaze of the user in relation to the y axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Athena Accessible Technology, Inc.Inventors: Blake Francis, Stephen Mattison, David Chiu
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Publication number: 20230259164Abstract: An extended reality headset is configured to position and stabilize the headset on a face when worn. For example, the headset can include an external frame with first and second side pieces coupled to a display structure and configured to provide lateral stabilization. In some examples, the headset can include a front head-engaging structure front head-engaging structure that is rotationally coupled to the external frame via a pivot point. The headset can also include a rear head-engaging structure coupled the external frame. In some examples, the rear head-engaging structure can include a tensioning mechanism to adjust the headset to fit various head shapes. Additionally, the headset can include a flexible strap coupled to the front head-engaging structure and the tensioning mechanism. In some examples, applying tension to the flexible strap by the tensioning mechanism can cause the front head-engaging structure to rotate along the pivot point, providing a secure fit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Quintin Morris
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Patent number: 11675422Abstract: A device includes a display and an internal strap coupled to the display, the internal strap being adjustable to secure the device to the user. The device also includes a deformable material coupled to a portion of the internal strap and configured to contact the user when the device is secured to the user and a backing layer disposed against the deformable material, the backing layer including an aperture therein. The device further includes a switch coupled to the backing layer and configured such that at least a portion of the switch is insertable in the aperture of the backing layer, wherein the deformable material is configured to deform when the device is secured to the user, thereby causing the switch to be positioned in a first position when the device is secured to the user and a second position when the device is removed from the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Coleman Skelton, Blake Francis Andersen
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Patent number: 11669127Abstract: An extended reality headset is configured to position and stabilize the headset on a face when worn. For example, the headset can include an external frame with first and second side pieces coupled to a display structure and configured to provide lateral stabilization. In some examples, the headset can include a front head-engaging structure front head-engaging structure that is rotationally coupled to the external frame via a pivot point. The headset can also include a rear head-engaging structure coupled the external frame. In some examples, the rear head-engaging structure can include a tensioning mechanism to adjust the headset to fit various head shapes. Additionally, the headset can include a flexible strap coupled to the front head-engaging structure and the tensioning mechanism. In some examples, applying tension to the flexible strap by the tensioning mechanism can cause the front head-engaging structure to rotate along the pivot point, providing a secure fit.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Quintin Morris
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Publication number: 20230004186Abstract: An extended reality headset is configured to position and stabilize the headset on a face when worn. For example, the headset can include an external frame with first and second side pieces coupled to a display structure and configured to provide lateral stabilization. In some examples, the headset can include a front head-engaging structure front head-engaging structure that is rotationally coupled to the external frame via a pivot point. The headset can also include a rear head-engaging structure coupled the external frame. In some examples, the rear head-engaging structure can include a tensioning mechanism to adjust the headset to fit various head shapes. Additionally, the headset can include a flexible strap coupled to the front head-engaging structure and the tensioning mechanism. In some examples, applying tension to the flexible strap by the tensioning mechanism can cause the front head-engaging structure to rotate along the pivot point, providing a secure fit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2021Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Quintin Morris
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Publication number: 20220382366Abstract: A device includes a display and an internal strap coupled to the display, the internal strap being adjustable to secure the device to the user. The device also includes a deformable material coupled to a portion of the internal strap and configured to contact the user when the device is secured to the user and a backing layer disposed against the deformable material, the backing layer including an aperture therein. The device further includes a switch coupled to the backing layer and configured such that at least a portion of the switch is insertable in the aperture of the backing layer, wherein the deformable material is configured to deform when the device is secured to the user, thereby causing the switch to be positioned in a first position when the device is secured to the user and a second position when the device is removed from the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2021Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: Robert Coleman Skelton, Blake Francis Andersen
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Publication number: 20220261073Abstract: Systems and methods for hands-free scrolling are disclosed herein. An example method includes detecting an eye movement or gaze of a user relative to content displayed on a display screen of the computing device, the content being arranged along a y axis of the display screen, determining that the user has viewed a portion of the content provided on the display screen and where along the y axis the eye movement or gaze is directed; and automatically scrolling the content on the display in response to the eye movement or gaze of the user in relation to the y axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventors: Blake Francis, Stephen Mattison, David Chiu
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Patent number: 10441880Abstract: A handheld controller with spring-biased third-finger button grip detection is disclosed. The handheld controller can include a third-finger button on the handle and having a lever arm pivotally connected to the controller's main body so the third-finger button is movable between depressed position and released positions. A button-biasing member is pivotally connected to another portion of the main body and has a second lever arm that presses against the first lever arm to bias the third-finger button toward the released, extended position.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Blake Francis Anderson, Daniel James Blasé, Benjamin Elliot Tunberg Rogoza, Yi-yaun Chen
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Patent number: 10386922Abstract: Handheld controllers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the controller includes a main body and a sensor assembly at least partially disposed in the main body. The sensor assembly can include a control surface (e.g., a button) configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger. A sensor portion can be disposed between the control surface and a rear member. The sensor portion can comprise a foam layer, a backing layer and a sensor layer between the foam layer and the backing layer. The foam layer can be compressed toward the control surface to minimize an air gap between the sensor layer and the control surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Julian James Hammerstein, Jason Andrew Higgins
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Patent number: 10343059Abstract: Handheld controllers having flexible thumbstick guards are disclosed herein for use with a handheld controller having a thumbstick or other pivotal control member. A representative guard has a tubular neck that sealably connects to a shaft portion of the thumbstick, and a skirt that sealably connects to an interior portion of the handheld controller around the control opening. The guard has a flexible joint portion interconnecting the neck and the skirt to allow the neck to move relative to the skirt upon pivoting the control member relative to the body.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Benjamin Elliot Tunberg Rogoza, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Yi-yaun Chen, Jason Andrew Higgins, Peter Wesley Bristol, Mark Shintaro Ando, Blake Francis Andersen
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Patent number: 10149039Abstract: An audio headphone to couple to a strap for a head-mounted display is disclosed. The audio headphone includes a headphone speaker, a strap connector, and a four-bar linkage coupled to the strap connector to provide movement of the headphone speaker with respect to a user's ear. The four-bar linkage comprises a first member coupled to the strap connector via a first joint, a second member coupled to the first member via a second joint, a third member coupled to the second member via a third joint, and a fourth member coupled to the third member. The fourth member has first and second sides that are coupled to the first member via a fourth joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Jared I. Drinkwater, Blake Francis Andersen
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Patent number: 9857596Abstract: Head mounted displays are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a head mounted display includes a front display module and a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes first and second connector arms coupling the strap assembly to the front display module. The head mounted display further includes a flex circuit for providing power and control to an electronic component coupled to the strap assembly. The flex circuit can deflect to allow the strap assembly to move relative to the front display module without damaging the flex circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Oculus VR, LLCInventors: Jared I. Drinkwater, Robin Michael Miller, Lesley Ribble Magrath, Blake Francis Andersen
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Patent number: 9801295Abstract: Remote control units with lanyard attachment mechanisms are disclosed. A handheld remote control assembly can include an anchor member, a lanyard coupled to the anchor member, and a device to be carried by the lanyard. The device includes a body and a receptacle formed in the body, the receptacle configured to receive the anchor member therein. A housing can removably cover the receptacle to secure the anchor member in place, and a notch in the housing receives a portion of the lanyard therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Oculus VR, LLCInventors: Glen Jason Tompkins, Peter Wesley Bristol, Blake Francis Andersen
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Publication number: 20170230740Abstract: An audio headphone to couple to a strap for a head-mounted display is disclosed. The audio headphone includes a headphone speaker, a strap connector, and a four-bar linkage coupled to the strap connector to provide movement of the headphone speaker with respect to a user's ear. The four-bar linkage comprises a first member coupled to the strap connector via a first joint, a second member coupled to the first member via a second joint, a third member coupled to the second member via a third joint, and a fourth member coupled to the third member. The fourth member has first and second sides that are coupled to the first member via a fourth joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Jared I. Drinkwater, Blake Francis Andersen
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Publication number: 20170189802Abstract: Handheld controllers having flexible thumbstick guards are disclosed herein for use with a handheld controller having a thumbstick or other pivotal control member. A representative guard has a tubular neck that sealably connects to a shaft portion of the thumbstick, and a skirt that sealably connects to an interior portion of the handheld controller around the control opening. The guard has a flexible joint portion interconnecting the neck and the skirt to allow the neck to move relative to the skirt upon pivoting the control member relative to the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Benjamin Elliot Tunberg Rogoza, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Yi-yaun Chen, Jason Andrew Higgins, Peter Wesley Bristol, Mark Shinataro Ando, Blake Francis Andersen
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Publication number: 20170189799Abstract: A handheld controller with spring-biased third-finger button grip detection is disclosed. The handheld controller can include a third-finger button on the handle and having a lever arm pivotally connected to the controller's main body so the third-finger button is movable between depressed position and released positions. A button-biasing member is pivotally connected to another portion of the main body and has a second lever arm that presses against the first lever arm to bias the third-finger button toward the released, extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Blake Francis Anderson, Daniel James Blasé, Benjamin Elliot Tunberg Rogoza, Yi-yaun Chen
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Publication number: 20170192506Abstract: Handheld controllers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the controller includes a main body and a sensor assembly at least partially disposed in the main body. The sensor assembly can include a control surface (e.g., a button) configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger. A sensor portion can be disposed between the control surface and a rear member. The sensor portion can comprise a foam layer, a backing layer and a sensor layer between the foam layer and the backing layer. The foam layer can be compressed toward the control surface to minimize an air gap between the sensor layer and the control surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Blake Francis Andersen, Julian James Hammerstein, Jason Andrew Higgins
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Publication number: 20170131555Abstract: Head mounted displays are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a head mounted display includes a front display module and a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes first and second connector arms coupling the strap assembly to the front display module. The head mounted display further includes a flex circuit for providing power and control to an electronic component coupled to the strap assembly. The flex circuit can deflect to allow the strap assembly to move relative to the front display module without damaging the flex circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2015Publication date: May 11, 2017Applicant: OCULUS VR, LLCInventors: Jared I. Drinkwater, Robin Michael Miller, Lesley Ribble Magrath, Blake Francis Andersen
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Patent number: D829263Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Oculus VR, LLCInventor: Blake Francis Andersen