Patents by Inventor Michael Stephen Hopkins

Michael Stephen Hopkins 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: 8875054
    Abstract: A control object including a knob element is displayed in a GUI. A first user input can be detected that indicates selection of the knob element. In response to the first user input, the knob element can be visually augmented. The visual augmentation can include displaying text labels of range limit values and a slider element with the knob element. The slider element can include a fill bar to indicate the current value of the knob element. A second input can be a linear motion on or near the slider control. In response to the second user input, both the fill bar of the slider element and a fill portion of the knob element can be visually augmented to indicate the change in the value. A cursor image of a pointing device providing the second input can be hidden at least during the receiving of the second input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Hopkins, Robert David Aron
  • Publication number: 20120030626
    Abstract: A control object including a knob element is displayed in a GUI. A first user input can be detected that indicates selection of the knob element. In response to the first user input, the knob element can be visually augmented. The visual augmentation can include displaying text labels of range limit values and a slider element with the knob element. The slider element can include a fill bar to indicate the current value of the knob element. A second input can be a linear motion on or near the slider control. In response to the second user input, both the fill bar of the slider element and a fill portion of the knob element can be visually augmented to indicate the change in the value. A cursor image of a pointing device providing the second input can be hidden at least during the receiving of the second input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Hopkins, Robert David Aron
  • Publication number: 20090222731
    Abstract: Techniques for mixing multiple input channel signals into multiple output channel signals are provided. A graphical user interface (GUI), which includes multiple indicators, is displayed. The input channel signals are mixed to produce multiple output channel signals. The mixing is performed based on the distance between the indicators' positions in the GUI. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing is also performed based on the angle formed between the indicators. Thus, the extent to which an input channel signal is carried by an output channel signal is, in one embodiment of the invention, a function of both the distance between the indicators and an angle formed by the indicators in the GUI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: William George Stewart, Michael Stephen Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7549123
    Abstract: Techniques for mixing multiple input channel signals into multiple output channel signals are provided. A graphical user interface (GUI), which includes multiple indicators, is displayed. The input channel signals are mixed to produce multiple output channel signals. The mixing is performed based on the distance between the indicators' positions in the GUI. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing is also performed based on the angle formed between the indicators. Thus, the extent to which an input channel signal is carried by an output channel signal is, in one embodiment of the invention, a function of both the distance between the indicators and an angle formed by the indicators in the GUI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: William George Stewart, Michael Stephen Hopkins