Patents by Inventor Richard L. Baer

Richard L. Baer 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: 11962877
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an actuator module. The actuator module includes a plurality of magnets. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet. The apparatus further includes a coil rigidly disposed around a lens. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Douglas S. Brodie, Anthony J. Rossetti, Richard H. Tsai, Richard L. Baer
  • Patent number: 11953755
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Andrew David Fernandez, Santiago Alban
  • Publication number: 20230299564
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a camera and a light source module embedded in the mobile device. The light source module includes at least a laser-pumped phosphor light source that includes a photoluminescent phosphor and a laser diode to generate laser light within a first wavelength range to pump the photoluminescent phosphor. Exposure of the photoluminescent phosphor to the laser light results in emission of visible light within a second wavelength range according to a laser-pumped emission spectrum associated with the photoluminescent phosphor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo M. Alaimo, Richard L. Baer, Garam Young, Florian R. Fournier, Blake M. Coughenour, Bryan Dang
  • Publication number: 20230288664
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Andrew David Fernandez, Santiago Alban
  • Patent number: 11743981
    Abstract: An accessory strobe device for a mobile device may operate to provide illumination at the same time as an internal built-in strobe (flash) of the mobile device. The accessory strobe device may receive a single, unidirectional signal from the mobile device that provides signals related to the timing of the internal strobe. The accessory strobe device may process the received signal to control its illumination using the timing and relative intensity levels of the internal strobe during metering and main (normal) flash operations associated with a camera on the mobile device. With the accessory strobe device operating using timing and relative intensity levels in a predetermined relationship with the timing and relative intensity levels of the internal strobe, the accessory strobe device may be used to complement the internal strobe during the metering and main (normal) flash operations for the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Edwin W. Foo, Michael F. Jean, Mohamad H. Suleiman, Parin Patel
  • Patent number: 11693209
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Andrew David Fernandez, Santiago Alban
  • Patent number: 11658465
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a camera and a light source module embedded in the mobile device. The light source module includes at least a laser-pumped phosphor light source that includes a photoluminescent phosphor and a laser diode to generate laser light within a first wavelength range to pump the photoluminescent phosphor. Exposure of the photoluminescent phosphor to the laser light results in emission of visible light within a second wavelength range according to a laser-pumped emission spectrum associated with the photoluminescent phosphor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo M. Alaimo, Richard L. Baer, Garam Young, Florian R. Fournier, Blake M. Coughenour, Bryan Dang
  • Publication number: 20220368814
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an actuator module. The actuator module includes a plurality of magnets. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet. The apparatus further includes a coil rigidly disposed around a lens. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Douglas S. Brodie, Anthony J. Rossetti, Richard H. Tsai, Richard L. Baer
  • Publication number: 20220260806
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Andrew David Fernandez, Santiago Alban
  • Patent number: 11405532
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an actuator module. The actuator module includes a plurality of magnets. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet. The apparatus further includes a coil rigidly disposed around a lens. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Douglas S. Brodie, Anthony J. Rossetti, Richard H. Tsai, Richard L. Baer
  • Patent number: 11327273
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Andrew David Fernandez, Santiago Alban
  • Publication number: 20220015201
    Abstract: An accessory strobe device for a mobile device may operate to provide illumination at the same time as an internal built-in strobe (flash) of the mobile device. The accessory strobe device may receive a single, unidirectional signal from the mobile device that provides signals related to the timing of the internal strobe. The accessory strobe device may process the received signal to control its illumination using the timing and relative intensity levels of the internal strobe during metering and main (normal) flash operations associated with a camera on the mobile device. With the accessory strobe device operating using timing and relative intensity levels in a predetermined relationship with the timing and relative intensity levels of the internal strobe, the accessory strobe device may be used to complement the internal strobe during the metering and main (normal) flash operations for the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Edwin W. Foo, Michael F. Jean, Mohamad H. Suleiman, Parin Patel
  • Patent number: 11172553
    Abstract: An accessory strobe device for a mobile device may operate to provide illumination at the same time as an internal built-in strobe (flash) of the mobile device. The accessory strobe device may receive a single, unidirectional signal from the mobile device that provides signals related to the timing of the internal strobe. The accessory strobe device may process the received signal to control its illumination using the timing and relative intensity levels of the internal strobe during metering and main (normal) flash operations associated with a camera on the mobile device. With the accessory strobe device operating using timing and relative intensity levels in a predetermined relationship with the timing and relative intensity levels of the internal strobe, the accessory strobe device may be used to complement the internal strobe during the metering and main (normal) flash operations for the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Edwin W. Foo, Michael F. Jean, Mohamad H. Suleiman, Parin Patel
  • Publication number: 20210068217
    Abstract: An accessory strobe device for a mobile device may operate to provide illumination at the same time as an internal built-in strobe (flash) of the mobile device. The accessory strobe device may receive a single, unidirectional signal from the mobile device that provides signals related to the timing of the internal strobe. The accessory strobe device may process the received signal to control its illumination using the timing and relative intensity levels of the internal strobe during metering and main (normal) flash operations associated with a camera on the mobile device. With the accessory strobe device operating using timing and relative intensity levels in a predetermined relationship with the timing and relative intensity levels of the internal strobe, the accessory strobe device may be used to complement the internal strobe during the metering and main (normal) flash operations for the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Edwin W. Foo, Michael F. Jean, Mohamad H. Suleiman, Parin Patel
  • Publication number: 20210055506
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Andrew David Fernandez, Santiago Alban
  • Patent number: 10830990
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Andrew David Fernandez, Santiago Alban
  • Publication number: 20200236251
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an actuator module. The actuator module includes a plurality of magnets. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet. The apparatus further includes a coil rigidly disposed around a lens. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Douglas S. Brodie, Anthony J. Rossetti, Richard H. Tsai, Richard L. Baer
  • Patent number: 10616452
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an actuator module. The actuator module includes a plurality of magnets. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet. The apparatus further includes a coil rigidly disposed around a lens. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Douglas S. Brodie, Anthony J. Rossetti, Richard H. Tsai, Richard L. Baer
  • Publication number: 20200026030
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Andrew David Fernandez, Santiago Alban
  • Patent number: 10429608
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include techniques for maintaining multiple cameras in focus on same objects and/or at same distances. In some examples, a subordinate camera may be configured to focus based on the focus of a primary camera. For instance, a focus relationship between the primary camera and the subordinate camera may be determined. The focus relationship may characterize the trajectory of the lens position of the subordinate camera with respect to the lens position of the primary camera. In various examples, the focus relationship may be updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, Andrew David Fernandez, Santiago Alban