Patents by Inventor John B. Filson
John B. Filson 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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Patent number: 8271705Abstract: A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 8239595Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emily C. Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 8195313Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.Inventors: Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, David Sloo, Michael J. Matas, Fred Bould, Shigefumi Honjo, Brian Huppi, John B. Filson
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Publication number: 20120137028Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily C. Schubert, Jesse Dorogusker, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Publication number: 20120130547Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: NEST LABS, INC.Inventors: Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, David Sloo, Michael J. Matas, Fred Bould, Shigefumi Honjo, Brian Huppi, John B. Filson
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Publication number: 20120102236Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emily C. Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Publication number: 20120096189Abstract: A method and system for allowing a media player to determine if it supports the capabilities of an accessory are disclosed. The method and system comprise requesting information about the capabilities of the accessory by the media player and providing information about the capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the media player. The method and system further include utilizing the information to determine if the capabilities of the accessory are supported by the media player. Accordingly, a method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a media player to obtain information from an accessory about the accessory's capability. A media player can then utilize this information to allow for the maximum functionality of the accessory when connected to the media player.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul Holden, Greg Marriott, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Method and system for transferring button status information between a media player and an accessory
Patent number: 8135891Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Lydon, Lawrence G. Bolton, Emily C. Schubert, Jesse Lee Dorogusker, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman -
Patent number: 8117651Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for authenticating an accessory. The method includes performing a first authentication operation on the accessory by the media player, where an authentication certificate is validated; and performing a second authentication operation on the accessory by the media player, where an authentication signature is validated. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to control access to the media player.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman, Gregory T. Lydon
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Patent number: 8112567Abstract: A method for a portable media player to control power provided an accessory is disclosed. The method includes requesting information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the portable media player. The method further includes providing information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the portable media player, and utilizing the information to set the power of the accessory. A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a portable media player to obtain information from an accessory concerning its power requirements. A portable media player can then utilize the power requirements information to allow for the powering of the accessory when connected to the portable media player.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Apple, Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 8095716Abstract: A method and system for allowing a media player to determine if it supports the capabilities of an accessory are disclosed. The method and system comprise requesting information about the capabilities of the accessory by the media player and providing information about the capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the media player. The method and system further include utilizing the information to determine if the capabilities of the accessory are supported by the media player. Accordingly, a method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a media player to obtain information from an accessory about the accessory's capability. A media player can then utilize this information to allow for the maximum functionality of the accessory when connected to the media player.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul Holden, Greg Marriott, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 8078776Abstract: A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 7949810Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for controlling an accessory. The method includes obtaining, by a portable media player, tuning information from the accessory; and controlling, by the portable media player, the accessory based on the tuning information. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the portable media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands utilized in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to control access to the portable media player.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Gregory T. Lydon, Terry Tikalsky, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Publication number: 20110066775Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emily C. Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Publication number: 20110066776Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emily C. Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 7895378Abstract: A method and system for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory is disclosed. The method and system comprises sending a play command to the media player; returning information about the media player; and providing digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player. In a system and method in accordance with the present invention a plurality of commands allow a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory. These commands are used by the media player to gather a list of supported sample rates from the accessory and to inform the accessory of the media player's information.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul Holden, Daniel R. Fletcher, Barry Twycross, John Archibald, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 7853746Abstract: A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Publication number: 20100312931Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emily C. Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Publication number: 20100312932Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emily C. Schubert, Wang Chun Leung, Gregory T. Lydon, Scott Krueger, Paul Holden, John Archibald, Lawrence G. Bolton, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman
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Patent number: 7826318Abstract: Digital audio can be transferred between a portable media player and an accessory. In one embodiment, an interface protocol is used to determine the sample rate capabilities of an accessory, allowing digital audio data for a track to be transmitted to the accessory at a sample rate supported by the accessory. When the sample rate of an audio track is not supported by the accessory, the media player can convert the sample rate of the track to a rate supported by the accessory and transmit the track after conversion. The media player also can use the interface protocol to inform the accessory if the sampling rate should be changed, e.g., due to tracks having different sample rates. The accessory then can send a request to the media player to change the sample rate. The media player then can transmit the digital audio data using the new sample rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul Holden, Daniel R. Fletcher, Barry Twycross, John Archibald, Donald J. Novotney, John B. Filson, David Tupman