Patents by Inventor Brian T. Gleeson

Brian T. Gleeson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240103643
    Abstract: A computer system can include an input device having a housing defining an internal volume. The housing can include a grip portion and a base portion defining an aperture. The computer system can also include a tilt sensor disposed in the internal volume, a position sensor disposed at the aperture, and a processor. The processor can be electrically coupled to the position sensor, the tilt sensor, and a memory component storing electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a first input from the tilt sensor, receive a second input from the position sensor, determine, based on the first and second inputs, if the base is in contact with a support surface and an angle of the base relative to the support surface. The processor can also output a signal based on the angle if the base is in contact with the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Megan M. Sapp, Brian T. Gleeson, Steven J. Taylor, David H. Bloom, Maio He, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Kristi E. Bauerly, Geng Luo, Bart K. Andre
  • Publication number: 20240103642
    Abstract: A three-dimensional control system includes an input device, a computing device, and a tracking assembly. The input device can include an input sensor, an inertial measurement unit sensor, and an ultrasonic speaker. The tracking assembly can include a plurality of ultrasonic microphones and an inertial measurement unit disposed on or with the computing device. The plurality of ultrasonic microphones can include three microphones in a first plane and at least one other ultrasonic microphone disposed out of the first plane. The ultrasonic microphones can be configured to detect ultrasonic waves output by the speaker of the input device and the computing device can triangulate the position of the input device relative to the computing device in space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, John B. Morrell
  • Publication number: 20240103645
    Abstract: A computer input system includes a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an internal volume and a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume. A processor is electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to a hand based on a touch input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly. The mouse can also have a circular array of touch sensors or lights that detect hand position and provide orientation information to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, David H. Bloom, Steven J. Taylor, John B. Morrell, Maio He, Hamza Kashif
  • Publication number: 20240103656
    Abstract: An input device, such as a mouse, can include a housing defining an exterior grip portion and an internal volume, a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume, and an emitter electrically coupled to the sensor assembly. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a first touch input on the housing, the emitter sends a first signal including information regarding an angular position of the grip portion. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a second touch input on the housing, the emitter sends a second signal including information regarding a direction of a force exerted on the housing from the second touch input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, David H. Bloom, Steven J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20240094832
    Abstract: An input device can include a housing defining an internal volume and a lower portion, the lower portion defining an aperture, an input sensor disposed in the internal volume, and a haptic assembly disposed in the internal volume. The haptic assembly can include an actuator and a foot coupled to the actuator and aligned with the aperture. The actuator can be configured to selectively extend the foot through the aperture to vary a sliding resistance of the input device on a support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, John B. Morrell, John S. Camp
  • Patent number: 11921926
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to content-based tactile outputs. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with content-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with end-of-content tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with moving a user interface in response to different types of input are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with adjustable item-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with input velocity-based tactile outputs are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, David H. Bloom, Gary Ian Butcher, Alan C. Dye, Dylan Ross Edwards, Jules K. Fennis, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Matthew J. Sundstrom
  • Publication number: 20230300234
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Publication number: 20230216946
    Abstract: A method includes, at a computer system with a display, a housing, and an attachment mechanism, detecting attachment of an accessory to the computer system, where the accessory, while attached, has a predetermined orientation relative to the attachment mechanism, and in response to detecting the attachment of the accessory to the computer system in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a first accessory with first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display, a first visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the first visual indication indicates at least one property of the first physical dimensions, and in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a second accessory with second physical dimensions that are different from the first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display a second visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the second visual indication indicates at least one property o
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Brian T. Gleeson, Christopher P. Foss, David C. Graham, Deena Khattab, Gemma A. Roper, Lee S. Broughton, Arian Behzadi, Alan C. Dye
  • Patent number: 11695864
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11670962
    Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing, a display positioned at least partially within the housing, a transparent cover coupled to the housing and at least partially covering the display, a battery, and a coil coupled to the battery and configured to, during a battery charging operation, supply a first current to the battery and, during a haptic output operation, receive a second current from the battery to produce a haptic output. The electronic watch may further include a ferromagnetic element positioned at least partially within the housing and movable relative to the housing. The second current may cause the coil to produce a magnetic field, and the haptic output may be produced as a result of an interaction between the magnetic field and the ferromagnetic element that causes the ferromagnetic element to move relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Steven J. Taylor, Thayne M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20230012223
    Abstract: An electronic device with a first off-display input region detects a first portion of an input on the input region. In response to the first portion of the input: when the first portion of the input meets first criteria without a characteristic intensity of the first input increasing above a first intensity threshold, the electronic device provides a first output that indicates a current state of a first attribute of the electronic device without altering the first attribute. The electronic device detects a second portion of the input. In response to the second portion of the input: if the second portion of the first input meets second criteria that require the characteristic intensity of the input increases above the first intensity threshold, the electronic device performs a first operation that alters the first attribute of the electronic device; and otherwise, the electronic device forgoes performing the first operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, David H. Bloom, Miao He, Peter C. Tsoi
  • Patent number: 11553070
    Abstract: A method includes, at a computer system with a display, a housing, and an attachment mechanism, detecting attachment of an accessory to the computer system, where the accessory, while attached, has a predetermined orientation relative to the attachment mechanism, and in response to detecting the attachment of the accessory to the computer system in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a first accessory with first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display, a first visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the first visual indication indicates at least one property of the first physical dimensions, and in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a second accessory with second physical dimensions that are different from the first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display a second visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the second visual indication indicates at least one property o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Brian T. Gleeson, Christopher P. Foss, David C. Graham, Deena Khattab, Gemma A. Roper, Lee S. Broughton, Arian Behzadi, Alan C. Dye
  • Publication number: 20230004227
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to content-based tactile outputs. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with content-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with end-of-content tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with moving a user interface in response to different types of input are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with adjustable item-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with input velocity-based tactile outputs are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Camille MOUSSETTE, David H. BLOOM, Gary Ian BUTCHER, Alan C. DYE, Dylan Ross EDWARDS, Jules K. FENNIS, Brian T. GLEESON, Miao HE, Matthew J. SUNDSTROM
  • Patent number: 11507215
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at an electronic device with a display, an input region that is distinct from the display, and one or more tactile output generators for generating tactile outputs. The method includes: detecting a press input on the input region with a finger; and in response to detecting the press input on the input region: in accordance with a determination that the input region is not separated from the finger by an interstitial material, generating a first tactile output; and in accordance with a determination that the input region is separated from the finger by a first interstitial material, generating a second tactile output that is different from the first tactile output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Brigit E. Lamberson, Camille Moussette, Madeleine S. Cordier, Megan A. McClain, Michael J. Beyhs, Thayne M. Miller, Jacob L. Matlick, Jean-Pierre M. Mouilleseaux, David H. Bloom, Miao He
  • Patent number: 11435888
    Abstract: Systems are provided that include electronic equipment and electronic devices. A system may include electronic equipment such as a thermostat or other equipment in a vehicle or home, vehicle navigation equipment, networking equipment, computer equipment, equipment with speakers for playing audio, and other electronic equipment. An electronic device such as a portable electronic device may be placed in the vicinity of electronic equipment by a user. In response to detecting that the electronic device is adjacent to the electronic equipment, control circuitry in the electronic device can automatically display content of the electric device such as a user control interface for the electronic device or information related to operation of the electronic equipment. The system may monitor the position of the electronic device relative to the electronic equipment and can dynamically update the displayed content based on the current device position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Gleeson, Adam S. Meyer, David H. Bloom, Peter M. Arnold
  • Patent number: 11435830
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to content-based tactile outputs. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with content-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with end-of-content tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with moving a user interface in response to different types of input are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with adjustable item-based tactile outputs are described. In some embodiments, user interfaces associated with input velocity-based tactile outputs are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, David H. Bloom, Gary Ian Butcher, Dylan Ross Edwards, Jules K. Fennis, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Alan C. Dye
  • Publication number: 20220150347
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11307663
    Abstract: An input device includes an input structure, a magnet attached to the input structure, and an electromagnet. The magnet rotates when the electromagnet is activated, thereby rotating the input structure. The magnet and input structure rotate about a pivot in order to provide haptic and/or visual feedback to a user. The pivot may attach the magnet and input structure to a body, which in turn may be affixed to, or part of, an electronic device. The electromagnet can encircle the body and/or magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Beyhs, Mark A. Salada, Megan A. McClain, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Thayne M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20220103675
    Abstract: A method includes, at a computer system with a display, a housing, and an attachment mechanism, detecting attachment of an accessory to the computer system, where the accessory, while attached, has a predetermined orientation relative to the attachment mechanism, and in response to detecting the attachment of the accessory to the computer system in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a first accessory with first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display, a first visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the first visual indication indicates at least one property of the first physical dimensions, and in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a second accessory with second physical dimensions that are different from the first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display a second visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the second visual indication indicates at least one property o
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Brian T. Gleeson, Christopher P. Foss, David C. Graham, Deena Khattab, Gemma A. Roper, Lee S. Broughton, Arian Behzadi, Alan C. Dye
  • Patent number: 11240365
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns