Patents by Inventor Christopher Brian Fleizach

Christopher Brian Fleizach 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).

  • Patent number: 9865248
    Abstract: Techniques for improved text-to-speech processing are disclosed. The improved text-to-speech processing can convert text from an electronic document into an audio output that includes speech associated with the text as well as audio contextual cues. One aspect provides audio contextual cues to the listener when outputting speech (spoken text) pertaining to a document. The audio contextual cues can be based on an analysis of a document prior to a text-to-speech conversion. Another aspect can produce an audio summary for a file. The audio summary for a document can thereafter be presented to a user so that the user can hear a summary of the document without having to process the document to produce its spoken text via text-to-speech conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Reginald Dean Hudson
  • Publication number: 20170357389
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at a device, coupled to a display, with one or more processors and non-transitory memory. The method includes displaying, on the display, a plurality of user interface objects. The method includes detecting a selection input while a first user interface object of the plurality of user interface objects has accessibility focus. In response to detecting the selection user input, the method includes displaying, on the display, an accessibility menu for the first user interface object including one or more selectable options for interacting with the first user interface object and a selectable option for displaying a virtual remote. The method includes detecting a virtual remote activation input while the selectable option for displaying the virtual remote has accessibility focus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Clare T. Kasemset, Darren Christopher Minifie
  • Publication number: 20170357401
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at a first device with one or more processors, non-transitory memory, and a display. The method includes displaying, on the display, a device control transfer affordance while operating the first device based on user input from an input device that is in communication with the first device. The method includes receiving a device control transfer user input from the input device selecting the device control transfer affordance that is displayed on the display of the first device. In response to receiving the device control transfer user input, the method includes configuring a second device to be operated based on user input from the input device and ceasing to operate the first device based on user input from the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Clare T. Kasemset, Darren Christopher Minifie, Gregory F. Hughes, Ibrahim G. Yusuf, James Nathan Cartwright, James Plowden Craig, Patti P. Hoa
  • Publication number: 20170280225
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display is paired with a set of wireless audio output devices, including a first wireless audio output device for outputting audio to a right ear of a user and a second wireless audio output device for outputting audio to a left ear of the user. In response to a request to display status information about the set of wireless audio output devices, the electronic device displays a status user interface, including concurrently displaying a first battery status indicator for the first wireless audio output device with an indication that battery status indicator relates to the device for outputting audio to the right ear of the user and a second battery status indicator for the second wireless audio output device with an indication that battery status indicator relates to the device for outputting audio to the left ear of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Edwin W. Foo, Ian M. Fisch, Eric Taylor Seymour
  • Publication number: 20170178620
    Abstract: Techniques for improved text-to-speech processing are disclosed. The improved text-to-speech processing can convert text from an electronic document into an audio output that includes speech associated with the text as well as audio contextual cues. One aspect provides audio contextual cues to the listener when outputting speech (spoken text) pertaining to a document. The audio contextual cues can be based on an analysis of a document prior to a text-to-speech conversion. Another aspect can produce an audio summary for a file. The audio summary for a document can thereafter be presented to a user so that the user can hear a summary of the document without having to process the document to produce its spoken text via text-to-speech conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Brian FLEIZACH, Reginald Dean HUDSON
  • Patent number: 9645699
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display bounded by a plurality of edges: displays a first portion of a first window on the display while not displaying a remaining portion of the first window on the display, wherein: the remaining portion of the first window extends in a virtual sense beyond at least one edge of the display; detects a first input that positions a cursor at a location on the display, the location being: over the displayed first portion of the first window, and within a predefined distance of an edge of the display; in response to detecting the first input that positions the cursor at the location on the display, activates a window adjustment mode; while the window adjustment mode is active, detects a second input; and, in response to detecting the second input, adjusts the first window in accordance with the second input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Brian Fleizach
  • Patent number: 9626955
    Abstract: Techniques for improved text-to-speech processing are disclosed. The improved text-to-speech processing can convert text from an electronic document into an audio output that includes speech associated with the text as well as audio contextual cues. One aspect provides audio contextual cues to the listener when outputting speech (spoken text) pertaining to a document. The audio contextual cues can be based on an analysis of a document prior to a text-to-speech conversion. Another aspect can produce an audio summary for a file. The audio summary for a document can thereafter be presented to a user so that the user can hear a summary of the document without having to process the document to produce its spoken text via text-to-speech conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Reginald Dean Hudson
  • Publication number: 20170068371
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at an electronic device with a display, a touch-sensitive surface, one or more sensors capable of detecting intensity of one or more contacts with the touch-sensitive surface, one or more processors, and a non-transitory memory. The method includes displaying, on the display, an interface object associated with a plurality of contact-intensity-dependent interface responses corresponding to a plurality of contact intensity level values and receiving a sequence of one or more inputs that includes detecting a contact on the touch-sensitive surface associated with a location of the interface object and detecting an intensity of the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Ryan A. Markle
  • Patent number: 9513799
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface displays, on the display, a first visual indicator that corresponds to a virtual touch. The device receives a first input from an adaptive input device. In response to receiving the first input from the adaptive input device, the device displays a first menu on the display. The first menu includes a virtual touches selection icon. In response to detecting selection of the virtual touches selection icon, a menu of virtual multitouch contacts is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Eric Taylor Seymour, James P. Craig
  • Publication number: 20160349970
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display showing a user interface (UI) automatically adjusts the zoom level of a magnification region. The electronic device receives a request to magnify at least a portion of the display showing the UI. The electronic device determines the context that the electronic device was operating in at the time of the magnification request. The context is comprised of display parameters, environmental parameters, or both. The electronic device displays the UI at a zoom level determined based on user preferences. Upon detecting a text input condition, the device resizes and optionally moves the magnification region so that the resized magnification region does not overlap with the newly displayed composition interface window. The device uses an auto-snap feature when the content within the magnification region displays a second boundary upon scrolling the content within the magnification region from a first boundary opposite the second one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Aaron M. Everitt, Christopher Brian Fleizach, Darren C. Minifie, Elizabeth Caroline Furches Cranfill, Eric T. Seymour, Gregory F. Hughes
  • Patent number: 9495129
    Abstract: The electronic device with one or more processors and memory receives a first document including a plurality of links. The electronic device outputs a voice reading of at least a portion of the first document, and outputs audible information identifying a link of the plurality of links. In response to outputting the audible information identifying the link, the electronic device receives from the user a voice command regarding the link, and, in response to receiving from the user the voice command, outputs a voice reading of at least a portion of a second document associated with the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Thomas Robert Gruber
  • Patent number: 9483461
    Abstract: Techniques that enable a user to select, from among multiple languages, a language to be used for performing text-to-speech conversion. In some embodiments, upon determining that multiple languages may be used to perform text-to-speech conversion for a portion of text, the multiple languages may be displayed to the user. The user may then select a particular language to be used from the multiple languages. The portion of text may then be converted to speech in the user-selected language.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Darren C. Minifie
  • Publication number: 20160240187
    Abstract: Techniques for improved text-to-speech processing are disclosed. The improved text-to-speech processing can convert text from an electronic document into an audio output that includes speech associated with the text as well as audio contextual cues. One aspect provides audio contextual cues to the listener when outputting speech (spoken text) pertaining to a document. The audio contextual cues can be based on an analysis of a document prior to a text-to-speech conversion. Another aspect can produce an audio summary for a file. The audio summary for a document can thereafter be presented to a user so that the user can hear a summary of the document without having to process the document to produce its spoken text via text-to-speech conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Brian FLEIZACH, Reginald Dean HUDSON
  • Publication number: 20160232336
    Abstract: A first electronic device is configured to operate in a restricted mode of operation, which restricted mode may be terminated or continued by one or more remotely located authorization devices, according to predetermined criteria. In a restricted mode, a first set of permitted applications stored on the first electronic device are executable, and a first set of data is accessible. While operating in the restricted mode, the first device detects a termination condition of the restricted mode and transmits an indication of the termination condition to one or more authorization devices. After transmitting the request, the first electronic device receives an indication that the restricted mode of operation has been continued according to predetermined criteria. Responsive to receiving the indication, the first electronic device continues to operate in the restricted mode according to the predetermined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Donald Walter Pitschel, Maria Dimitrova Ioveva, Christopher Brian Fleizach, Elizabeth Caroline Furches Cranfill
  • Patent number: 9305543
    Abstract: Techniques for improved text-to-speech processing are disclosed. The improved text-to-speech processing can convert text from an electronic document into an audio output that includes speech associated with the text as well as audio contextual cues. One aspect provides audio contextual cues to the listener when outputting speech (spoken text) pertaining to a document. The audio contextual cues can be based on an analysis of a document prior to a text-to-speech conversion. Another aspect can produce an audio summary for a file. The audio summary for a document can thereafter be presented to a user so that the user can hear a summary of the document without having to process the document to produce its spoken text via text-to-speech conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Reginald Dean Hudson
  • Publication number: 20160070433
    Abstract: An electronic device with a touch screen display is provided. Content in a user interface is displayed at a first magnification, and in response to detecting a first multi-finger gesture on the touch screen display (e.g., a three-finger tap gesture), a first portion of the content is magnified to a second magnification, greater than the first magnification. Further, while displaying the first portion of the content in the user interface at the second magnification, the device may detect a second multi-finger gesture on the touch screen display (e.g., movement of a three-finger contact on the display). In response to this movement, the device performs panning the user interface, so that a second portion of the content, different from the first portion, is displayed on the touch screen at the second magnification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Brian FLEIZACH, Eric Taylor SEYMOUR
  • Publication number: 20150355813
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and user interfaces enable users identify a user-selected location of a user interface with reduced movement and motor effort. A first selection indicator is overlaid on the user interface and moved in a first direction. Responsive to receiving a first user input to stop movement of the first selection indicator, movement of the first selection indicator is ceased over a first location of the user interface. A second selection indicator is overlaid on the user interface and the second selection indicator is moved in a second direction. Responsive to receiving a second user input to stop movement of the second selection indicator, movement of the second selection indicator is ceased over a second location of the user interface. The user-selected location of the user interface is selected based at least in part on the first and the second locations of the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory F. Hughes, Christopher Brian Fleizach, Eric T. Seymour, Darren C. Minifie, Patti Pei-Chin Hoa
  • Publication number: 20150245128
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided for remotely controlling a hearing device. A hearing device configured to communicate with a control device transmits status data, including settings, to the control device. The control device displays the status data in an interface configured to receive input specifying new settings, upon which a command is sent to the hearing device to change the current setting. The control device can automatically change the settings based on a determined current environment to be a stored program optimized to the current environment. The current environment can be determined based on the location of the hearing device or another device connected to the control device. Quick mode allows settings to be viewed and changed quickly by displaying multiple related settings as one and overriding interface buttons. Remote listen mode receives audio data from a microphone and transmit it to the hearing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Edwin W. Foo, Ian M. Fisch, Eric Taylor Seymour
  • Publication number: 20150170635
    Abstract: Techniques for improved text-to-speech processing are disclosed. The improved text-to-speech processing can convert text from an electronic document into an audio output that includes speech associated with the text as well as audio contextual cues. One aspect provides audio contextual cues to the listener when outputting speech (spoken text) pertaining to a document. The audio contextual cues can be based on an analysis of a document prior to a text-to-speech conversion. Another aspect can produce an audio summary for a file. The audio summary for a document can thereafter be presented to a user so that the user can hear a summary of the document without having to process the document to produce its spoken text via text-to-speech conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Brian FLEIZACH, Reginald Dean HUDSON
  • Patent number: 9009612
    Abstract: A method is performed by an accessible electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface. The method includes: displaying a plurality of user interface elements on the display, wherein a current focus is on a first user interface element; detecting a first finger gesture on the touch-sensitive surface, wherein the first finger gesture is independent of contacting a location on the touch-sensitive surface that corresponds to a second user interface element; and, in response to detecting the first finger gesture: changing the current focus from the first user interface element in the plurality of user interface elements to the second user interface element in the plurality of user interface elements; and outputting accessibility information associated with the second user interface element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Fleizach, Eric Taylor Seymour, Reginald Dean Hudson