Patents by Inventor Michael BEYHS

Michael BEYHS 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: 20230359291
    Abstract: A ring input device, and more particularly to variable rotational resistance mechanisms within the ring input device that modulate the rotational friction of a rotating outer band to improve the user experience, is disclosed. Because finger rings are often small and routinely worn, electronic finger rings can be employed as unobtrusive communication devices that are readily available to communicate wirelessly with other devices capable of receiving those communications. Ring input devices according to examples of the disclosure can modulate the rotational friction of its rotating outer band in accordance with an item (e.g., user interface or parameter) being manipulated by the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Michael BEYHS, Richard G. HUIZAR, Filip ILIEVSKI, Jean Hsiang-Chun LU, Thayne M. MILLER
  • Patent number: 11733790
    Abstract: A ring input device, and more particularly to pressure-sensitive input mechanisms within the ring input device that detect pressure to initiate an operation, is disclosed. Because finger rings are often small and routinely worn, electronic finger rings can be employed as unobtrusive communication devices that are readily available to communicate wirelessly with other devices capable of receiving those communications. Ring input devices according to examples of the disclosure can detect press inputs on its band to generate inputs that can then be wirelessly communicated to companion devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Beyhs, Richard G. Huizar, Filip Ilievski, Jean Hsiang-Chun Lu, Thayne M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20220091683
    Abstract: A ring input device, and more particularly to pressure-sensitive input mechanisms within the ring input device that detect pressure to initiate an operation, is disclosed. Because finger rings are often small and routinely worn, electronic finger rings can be employed as unobtrusive communication devices that are readily available to communicate wirelessly with other devices capable of receiving those communications. Ring input devices according to examples of the disclosure can detect press inputs on its band to generate inputs that can then be wirelessly communicated to companion devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Michael BEYHS, Richard G. HUIZAR, Filip ILIEVSKI, Jean Hsiang-Chun LU, Thayne M. MILLER
  • Patent number: 11068059
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dynamically shapeable haptic interface, which can include a drive mechanism, a tactile mechanism, and a display. The display can emit light towards the drive mechanism in the form of image(s). The emitted light can activate a plurality of switches located between coil(s) included in the drive mechanism and the display. The plurality of switches, when activated, can allow current(s), supplied by a source, to pass through the coil(s). The current passing through the coils can create magnetic fields. The magnetic fields can collectively form a magnetic profile. The magnetic profile can cause the tactile mechanism to render shape(s) on the surface of the haptic interface. The tactile mechanism can include magnetic component(s), such as ferrous particles, magnets, and/or magnetic pins. The magnetic component(s) can move based on the magnetic profile and, along with one or more layers of material, can render the shape(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Salada, Michael Beyhs
  • Publication number: 20210018982
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dynamically shapeable haptic interface, which can include a drive mechanism, a tactile mechanism, and a display. The display can emit light towards the drive mechanism in the form of image(s). The emitted light can activate a plurality of switches located between coil(s) included in the drive mechanism and the display. The plurality of switches, when activated, can allow current(s), supplied by a source, to pass through the coil(s). The current passing through the coils can create magnetic fields. The magnetic fields can collectively form a magnetic profile. The magnetic profile can cause the tactile mechanism to render shape(s) on the surface of the haptic interface. The tactile mechanism can include magnetic component(s), such as ferrous particles, magnets, and/or magnetic pins. The magnetic component(s) can move based on the magnetic profile and, along with one or more layers of material, can render the shape(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Mark A. SALADA, Michael BEYHS