Patents by Inventor Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner

Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner 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: 9542016
    Abstract: A computer or other electronic device including a processor and an input device, such as a track pad. The track pad being in communication with the processor and including a movable surface, a light source in communication with the processor, and an optical sensor in selective optical communication with the light source and in communication with the processor. The optical sensor detects movement of the movable surface by receiving light from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner
  • Patent number: 8976250
    Abstract: A lens testing system may have a test pattern source that generates a test pattern of light. A lens may have a lens surface that reflects the test pattern of light. A digital camera system may capture an image of the reflected test pattern of light. Computing equipment may perform image processing operations to evaluate the captured image of the reflected test pattern. The test pattern may contain a known pattern of test elements such as a rectangular array of spots or test elements of other configurations. During image processing operations, the computing equipment may analyze the reflected version of the spots or other test elements to measure characteristics of the lens such as radius of curvature, whether the lens contains flat regions, pits, or bumps, lens placement in a support structure, and other lens performance data. The computing equipment may compare the measured lens data to predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner, James J. Dudley, Richard Ruh, Anant Rai
  • Publication number: 20140173746
    Abstract: Methods of providing an application repository based on an age level of a user to create an age-appropriate experience for younger users of an electronic device are disclosed. Certain applications can be associated with the application repository. The content of any application associated with the repository can then be based on the associated age level. For example, if an educational application is associated with an application repository, then the educational elements of the application can be targeted to the specific age level associated with the repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joel S. ARMSTRONG-MUNTNER, James J. DUDLEY
  • Publication number: 20140085269
    Abstract: Electronic equipment such as a computer tablet stylus, computing equipment, or other electronic devices may be provided with status indicators. A status indicator may be formed from a layer of liquid crystal material interposed between a pair of polarizers. Electrode structures may be used to apply electric fields to the liquid crystal material to place the status indicator in an opaque state or a transparent state. A colored structure or other structure may be placed under the liquid crystal material to allow the status indicator to change between a dark or diffuse to colored appearance. The status indicator may be provided in the shape of a ring that extends around the perimeter of a cylindrical stylus. Multiple status indicators may be grouped in a cluster to serve as an analog gauge. Light guide structures and light sources may provide illumination for the status indicators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner
  • Publication number: 20140078070
    Abstract: An input device for computing devices that include touch screens. The input device includes an outer housing having an inner surface and an inner shaft. The inner shaft is at least partially received within the outer housing. A nib is operatively coupled to the inner shaft. Providing a first force to the nib causes the inner shaft to contact the inner surface of the outer housing at a first contact point along the outer housing, and providing a second force to the nib causes the inner shaft to contact the inner surface of the outer housing at a second contact point along the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner
  • Publication number: 20140078109
    Abstract: An input device for computing devices that include touch screens. The input device includes a body, a nib or tip movably coupled to the body, and an actuator operably connected to the body and the nib. The actuator moves the nib from a first position to a second position, and in the first position the input device provides a first input to the computing device and in the second position the input device provides a second input to the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner
  • Publication number: 20140071050
    Abstract: A computer or other electronic device including a processor and an input device, such as a track pad. The track pad being in communication with the processor and including a movable surface, a light source in communication with the processor, and an optical sensor in selective optical communication with the light source and in communication with the processor. The optical sensor detects movement of the movable surface by receiving light from the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner
  • Publication number: 20140063049
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for using electronic diffusers to implement message indicators are described. A segment of a diffuser attached to an electronic device is configured to indicate an informational message in response to signals that result in a change to an optical property. A set of information to be displayed using the segment is determined, and a signal is transmitted to the segment to display the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner
  • Publication number: 20130293726
    Abstract: A lens testing system may have a test pattern source that generates a test pattern of light. A lens may have a lens surface that reflects the test pattern of light. A digital camera system may capture an image of the reflected test pattern of light. Computing equipment may perform image processing operations to evaluate the captured image of the reflected test pattern. The test pattern may contain a known pattern of test elements such as a rectangular array of spots or test elements of other configurations. During image processing operations, the computing equipment may analyze the reflected version of the spots or other test elements to measure characteristics of the lens such as radius of curvature, whether the lens contains flat regions, pits, or bumps, lens placement in a support structure, and other lens performance data. The computing equipment may compare the measured lens data to predetermined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner, James J. Dudley, Richard Ruh, Anant Rai